Fros, Fades, and Braids: A Brief History of Black Hair in America

From Coretta Scott King Honor illustrator Sean Qualls, artist for Questlove’s The Idea In You, comes a hip, brief history of the most well-known Black hairstyles and the famous innovators behind them, reminding us of the strength and stature of Black hair and its prominence in hair history.

"Qualls has crafted a visually stunning book about the histories and cultural meanings of Black hairstyles in the United States... A beautiful and inspirational book that blends art and informational text to create a visually stunning, accessible history of Black hair." — School Library Journal (starred review)

Hair—that wavy, wooly, curly, and knotty stuff.

Ever since Madam CJ Walker created some of the first Black hair care products, styles like the juicy jheri curl, buzzing beehive, and the fresh fades and braids we know and love today have cemented their coily, curly, and rightful place in hair history. However, Black hair has a rich and detailed past that not many may be aware of, that is, until now.

From Coretta Scott King Honor illustrator Sean Qualls comes a vibrant, captivating, and hip, brief history of the most well-known Black hairstyles, the people who made those one-of-a-kind styles look and feel so good, and the revolutionary hair care products and movements that would influence each generation, reminding us that Black hair may change, but it will never cease to leave its mark on the world.

Embark on an informative tour through the history of African American dos... As conversational as a stylist chatting with a client, this work of nonfiction has narrative flair and pizzazz. ..Vivid, empowering, and culturally rich. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Qualls highlights prominent Black hairstyles as well as Black figures who boosted cultural pride and influenced social change in this stylish authorial debut. - Publishers Weekly

Swinging between observant cultural historian and thoughtful interpretive poet, an upbeat voice
traces the history of Black hair in America as both fashion and freedom... Blending history, style, and celebration into both primer and anthem, an important, powerful affirmation of the many ways Black hair declares beauty, freedom, and pride. - Booklist

Qualls has crafted a visually stunning book about the histories and cultural meanings of Black hairstyles in the United States... A beautiful and inspirational book that blends art and informational text to create a visually stunning, accessible history of Black hair. - School Library Journal (starred review)

Qualls's lyrical nonfiction demonstrates the many ways Black hair care, styles, and people have transformed the United States... Big, bold letters, a newspaper font, short blocks of text, a casual tone, and illustrations of various hairstyles make Fros, Fades, and Braids highly approachable for young readers. - Shelf Awareness