Synopses & Reviews
Two world wars, the Civil Rights movement, and a Jheri curl later, Blacks in America continue to have a complex and convoluted relationship with their hair. From the antebellum practice of shaving the head in an attempt to pass as a "free" person to the 1998 uproar over a White third-grade teacher's reading of the book
Nappy Hair, the issues surrounding Black hair linger as we enter the twenty-first century.
Tying the personal to the political and the popular, Hair Story takes a chronological look at the culture behind the ever-changing state of Black hair-from fifteenth century Africa to the present-day United States. Hair Story is the book that Black Americans can use as a benchmark for tracing a unique aspect of their history and that people of all races will celebrate as the reference guide for understanding Black hair.
Ayan D. Byrd holds a bachelors degree in political science from Barnard College. Her work has appeared in Vibe, Rolling Stone, Honey, and InStyle magazine.
Lori L. Tharps attended Smith College and received a Masters Degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. She is currently a correspondent for Entertainment Weekly magazine.
Hair Story takes a chronological look at the social history behind the ever-changing state of Black hairfrom fifteenth-century Africa to the present-day United States. Explicating the links between Black hairstyles and the personal, political, and popular facets of Black culture, Hair Story affords all students and scholars a unique and fascinating view of African and African American history. From the antebellum practice of shaving the head in attempt to pass as "free" to the "sacred space" of the barber shop or beauty parlor, from the afro to the fade to the Jheri curl, this is "an impressive work of cultural history [that offers] an engaging look at what has become a major status symbol among African Americans" (BookPage).
"[An] entertaining and concise survey . . . A book that successfully balances popular appeal with historical accuracy."Publishers Weekly
"Taps into the art and history of how Black hair is perceived in America in a way that will no doubt be relevant for generations to come."The Source
"Hair Story presents an absorbing rendition of American history told through Black hair. In prose that is both humorous and haunting, the authors manage to bring vividly to life a subject most would consider inconsequential. After reading this comprehensive tale, people will walk away with a whole new appreciation for Black hair and all of its wonder and power."Lloyd Boston, author of Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals
"From antiquity to the present day, Black hair has been both ornamentation and a medium of artistic expression. At the same time, its changing political and cultural values have often mirrored the current social climate. Hair Story, in documenting our natural hair's beauty and capacity for communication, brings to life and infuses with historical relevance this unique slice of Americana."Harriette Cole, author of Jumping the Broom and How to Be
"[This book combines] keen historical insight with pop-cultural anecdotes."Entertainment Weekly
"A comprehensive and colorful look at a very touchy subject."Essence
Review
"[An] entertaining and concise survey . . . A book that successfully balances popular appeal with historical accuracy."—
Publishers Weekly"Taps into the art and history of how Black hair is perceived in America in a way that will no doubt be relevant for generations to come."—The Source
"Hair Story presents an absorbing rendition of American history told through Black hair. In prose that is both humorous and haunting, the authors manage to bring vividly to life a subject most would consider inconsequential. After reading this comprehensive tale, people will walk away with a whole new appreciation for Black hair and all of its wonder and power."—Lloyd Boston, author of Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals
"From antiquity to the present day, Black hair has been both ornamentation and a medium of artistic expression. At the same time, its changing political and cultural values have often mirrored the current social climate. Hair Story, in documenting our natural hair's beauty and capacity for communication, brings to life and infuses with historical relevance this unique slice of Americana."—Harriette Cole, author of Jumping the Broom and How to Be
"[This book combines] keen historical insight with pop-cultural anecdotes."—Entertainment Weekly
"A comprehensive and colorful look at a very touchy subject."—Essence
Review
"[An] entertaining and concise survey . . . A book that successfully balances popular appeal with historical accuracy."—
Publishers Weekly"Taps into the art and history of how Black hair is perceived in America in a way that will no doubt be relevant for generations to come."—The Source
"Hair Story presents an absorbing rendition of American history told through Black hair. In prose that is both humorous and haunting, the authors manage to bring vividly to life a subject most would consider inconsequential. After reading this comprehensive tale, people will walk away with a whole new appreciation for Black hair and all of its wonder and power."—Lloyd Boston, author of Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals
"From antiquity to the present day, Black hair has been both ornamentation and a medium of artistic expression. At the same time, its changing political and cultural values have often mirrored the current social climate. Hair Story, in documenting our natural hair's beauty and capacity for communication, brings to life and infuses with historical relevance this unique slice of Americana."—Harriette Cole, author of Jumping the Broom and How to Be
"[This book combines] keen historical insight with pop-cultural anecdotes."—Entertainment Weekly
"A comprehensive and colorful look at a very touchy subject."—Essence
Synopsis
Two world wars, the Civil Rights movement, and a Jheri curl later, Blacks in America continue to have a complex and convoluted relationship with their hair. From the antebellum practice of shaving the head in an attempt to pass as a "free" person to the 1998 uproar over a White third-grade teacher's reading of the book
Nappy Hair, the issues surrounding Black hair linger as we enter the twenty-first century.
Tying the personal to the political and the popular, Hair Story takes a chronological look at the culture behind the ever-changing state of Black hair-from fifteenth century Africa to the present-day United States. Hair Story is the book that Black Americans can use as a benchmark for tracing a unique aspect of their history and that people of all races will celebrate as the reference guide for understanding Black hair.
Synopsis
Two world wars, the Civil Rights movement, and a Jheri curl later, Blacks in America continue to have a complex and convoluted relationship with their hair. From the antebellum practice of shaving the head in an attempt to pass as a "free" person to the 1998 uproar over a White third-grade teacher's reading of the book
Nappy Hair, the issues surrounding Black hair linger as we enter the twenty-first century.
Tying the personal to the political and the popular, Hair Story takes a chronological look at the culture behind the ever-changing state of Black hair-from fifteenth century Africa to the present-day United States. Hair Story is the book that Black Americans can use as a benchmark for tracing a unique aspect of their history and that people of all races will celebrate as the reference guide for understanding Black hair.
About the Author
Ayan D. Byrd holds a bachelors degree in political science from Barnard College. Her work has appeared in
Vibe,
Rolling Stone,
Honey, and
InStyle magazine. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Lori L. Tharps attended Smith College and received a Masters Degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. She is currently a correspondent for Entertainment Weekly magazine. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.