My Beautiful Black Hair

Absolutely beautiful photography. A celebration of black women and their hair. The photos alone are a reason to read the book but the interviews are lovely. One that sticks with me is self-love is an action. And this book showed, often, that phrase in action. That loving yourself is a decision. And one you need to continue to make.

It's a book about black women and their hair for black women. But I think anyone can read it and be inspired to love themselves, as they are. To be less judgemental and to accept everyone for their differences. Our differences are what makes us all beautiful.

After finishing it I feel better about myself and the world. I want everyone to read it and to see that they are beautiful and to be able to see beauty in others.

Thank you. Gracias. Merci.


This book is needed and necessary. It is time that girls, teens and women embrace and love their crowns. Natural state connects you to the source. Natural is healing. Natural is divine. This book is full of stories, essays and letters informing the reader of the journeys to self acceptance, love and peace. This is a gift to Khloe that will free and help others. I will gift this to the young ladies and women in my world. Brava!

Words can’t explain how much I love this book. I picked this book because I wanted to read stories from Black women about their relationship with their hair, and I got that and more. The book is split into eight chapters. Within each one is a collection of beautiful portraits and insights from women of all ages. As an African-American young woman, each story hit home from experiences at prep schools to the pushback some receive from their mothers when one decides to go natural. There were stories about how natural hair influences our relationship with ourselves, our families, and our communities. This book is one that I wish I had when I was a child or even when I first went natural. Nothing is more comforting than seeing people who look like me celebrating the qualities that aren't often celebrated by mainstream Western culture. This book is a celebration of blackness that, for me, is much needed after the horror of 2020. I will definitely be picking up a print copy when it is released.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy!

St. Cair Detrick-Jules connected an amazing group of interviews, personal stories, and photos to create a moving book. It was comforting reading from women who went through the same feelings that I did. I always had natural hair because my mom did not want to put straightener or relaxer in it. My view of my hair changed as I went to predominantly-white schools. I used braids, weave, and wigs to get the desired straight look. She never let me dye or cut my hair. But, it was all for the best. Now, I still have an iffy relationship with it, like many of the women or girls from all backgrounds, nationalities, and ages, but the book helped me. In this book, every woman reading it was/is Khloe. But, this self-acceptance of ourselves should resonate and travel to acceptance of our natural hair. My Beautiful Black Hair. I recommend this for all of my type 4 sisters who struggled watching YouTube videos to try, and fail, to achieve that hairstyle. This is for us.

This is a wonderful book with thoughtful commentary and beautiful photography. A clear exprssion of joy around natural hair. A must-have for all the branches of my South Atlanta library system.

What great stories for me to read and share with my niece and Sister-in-Law! So honest, raw and refreshing.
I received a copy o this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and h9best review.

I feel like I need to get a hard copy of this book and just keep it for my daughter. When she is old enough, I hope she will know that her hair is beautiful as it is. Should she decide to straighten it, let it be because its want SHE wants but not because society has taught her that black hair is unacceptable.

This is such a powerful, affirming read. Filled with beautiful pictures and stories of natural hair, it is quite a powerful read. I could resonate with these women. I grew up straightening my hair with heat and at some point, with chemicals. With me it wasn’t about identity but more because I thought my natural hair was unpresentable and unmanageable. A decade ago, I went natural and almost lost my job because someone thought natural, black hair was unprofessional. I stood strong and began a silent revolt that led to the change of policies and now I can smile when I see more women with their natural afros and dreadlocks.

This was quite a thought-provoking read that challenged me on my thoughts about black hair and identity. I enjoyed the celebration of natural hairstyles and liked reading about different journeys that the women took towards acceptance and self-love. What a beautiful, powerful read.

This book is absolutely beautiful. It was the inspiration that I needed as I did the big chop and embraced my natural hair after 38 years of chemical straightening. I think that anyone who is struggling with their natural hair roots, especially younger queens, will enjoy the photos and testimonials of all the contributors. Just like I did!

Thanks to Net Galley for the advance copy.

A beautiful and meaningful book, excellent to share with young Black people who are developing their racial identities in an often-hostile world.