Picture Books that Share Love for Black Hair

Discover beautiful children’s picture books that celebrate natural Black hair in all its diverse, unique, and vibrant forms.

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Natural Black hair is a story, a powerful form of self-expression, and our “crowning glory,” as our elders used to say. It’s essential for young readers to see themselves in books that honor the beauty, versatility, and uniqueness of their hair. From curls and coils to locs and braids, picture books about Black hair offer children a chance to explore their own identity, build confidence, and embrace their natural look with pride. This collection of picture books not only celebrates different hairstyles and textures but also fosters self-love, resilience, and cultural appreciation. Each book is a joyful reminder of the importance of representation, self-acceptance, and pride in one’s roots. Read these to your Black babies. And if you are not a Black person or don’t have Black children, read them to your children so that they’ll grow up knowing that Black hair is beautiful, too.

Picture Books About Black Hair Love

Recommended for Ages up to 5

Curls by Ruth Forman {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Cool Cuts by Mechal Renee Roe {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Happy to Be Nappy by bell hooks {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Princess Hair by Sharee Miller {Bookshop} {Amazon}
My Hair, My Crown by Tonya Abari {Bookshop} {Amazon}
My Hair is Like the Sun by St. Clair Derrick-Jules {Bookshop} {Amazon}

My Hair Is Like Yours by St. Clair Detrick-Jules {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Recommended Ages Up To 8

My Hair Can by Matt Forté {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Bedtime Bonnet by Nancy Redd {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Don’t Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Hair, Its A Family Affair by Mylo Freeman {Bookshop} {Amazon}
I Love My Hair! by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Black Boy Hair Joy by Tiffany Obeng {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Crown - An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Good Hair by Yvonne Sewankambo {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Wash Day by Tiffany Golden {Bookshop} {Amazon}
My Hair Is a Book by Maisha Oso {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Zara’s Wash Day by Zenda M. Walker {Bookshop} {Amazon}

My Hair is Magic by M. L. Marroquin {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Stella’s Stellar Hair by Yesenia Moises {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow by Ashley Franklin {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Wanda by Sihle Nontshokweni {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Locs, Not Dreads by Tonya Abari {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Boonoonoonous Hair by Olive Senior {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Kechi’s Hair Goes Every Which Way by Tọlá Okogwu {Amazon}
Daddy Do My Hair: Beth’s Twists by Tọlá Okogwu {Amazon}
Daddy Do My Hair: Deji’s Haircut by Tọlá Okogwu {Amazon}

Fros, Braids, Fades, & Waves: A Celebration of Black Boy Hairstyles by Thomishia Booker {Bookshop} {Amazon}
If My Hair Had A Voice by Dana Marie Miroballi {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Cornrows by Camille Yarbrough {Bookshop} {Amazon}

My Hair is a Garden by Cozbi A. Cabrera {Bookshop} {Amazon}
When I Wrap My Hair by Shauntay Grant {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Freedom Braids by Monique Duncan {Bookshop} {Amazon}

My Hair is My Friend by Myrce’tez Gowan-Perkins {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Recommended for Ages up to 12

Me and My Hair by Kimberley Kinloch {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Hair Story by NoNieqa Ramos {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Crowning Glory: A Celebration of Black Hair by Carole Boston Weatherford {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty by Kahran and Regis Bethencourt {Bookshop} {Amazon}
My Beautiful Black Hair by St. Clair Detrick-Jules {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Crowning Glory: A history of African Hair Tradition (Africa Is Not a Country) by Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Cornrows, Box Braids, and Little Afro Puffs by Kai-Ama Mootoo-Hamer {Bookshop} {Amazon}
Crowns: My Hair, My Soul, My Freedom {Bookshop} {Amazon}

Books that honor natural Black hair encourage self-confidence and cultural pride, allowing young readers to see the beauty in themselves. By sharing these stories, we help create a world where every child feels seen and celebrated. Dive into these picture books and join in the celebration of natural hair and identity!