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Fros, Fades, and Braids by Sean Qualls

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Fros, Fades, and Braids

A Brief History of Black Hair in America

Sean Qualls

HarperCollins · Print & ebook · January 20, 2026

Reading lane: African American Life (U.S.)

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.

At a Glance

Who It's For

Good for readers interested in Black hairstyles and their cultural meaningsReaders drawn to accessible histories combining art and informational text

Book Details

Authors
Sean Qualls
Publisher
HarperCollins
Published
January 20, 2026
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
African American Life (U.S.) · African American U.S. History for Teens
Reading lane
African American Life (U.S.)

Affinity

Publisher Categories

  • Kids Fashion

  • Books for Boys

  • African American Life (U.S.)

  • Family Life

Show all 8 publisher categories
  • Girls & Young Women

  • Personal Hygiene

  • Customs & Traditions

  • Emotions

About This Book

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...

Read full description

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.

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