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. 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.