Words have power, and those that Black women often use to describe their hair are derogatory: nappy, steel wool, out of control. Unchecked, these terms are inherited and passed along without them even realizing the crushing effects that they can have on their feelings about the person they see in the mirror.

While many books on the market address the practical methods of styling Afro-textured hair naturally, Hairlooms asks: Why is it so difficult for Black women to embrace their own hair? and How can Black women overcome the multi-layered challenge of embracing their natural beauty?

Author Michele Tapp Roseman helps readers answer these questions for themselves, to write a new story that they can pass along. Guided exercises throughout help readers “comb through” their self-perceptions and form a plan for self-acceptance and personal empowerment.

Hairlooms includes 32 compelling personal stories about those who have embraced their God-given hair and beauty, including:

Major General Marcia Anderson—retired senior advisor to the chief of the U.S. Army Reserve on policies and programs, and the first African-American woman to earn the distinction of a two-star general in the U.S. Army Reserve.

The late Dr. Maya Angelou—World-renowned poet and author. The recipient of 30 honorary degrees and former Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.

Lisa Price—Founder of the Carol’s Daughter hair and beauty brand, a favorite of celebrities, and now sold in stores from coast-to-coast. Though currently owned by L’Oréal, Price is still at the helm of this growing business.

Jane Carter—A professional hair stylist/colorist and salon owner, she founded the Jane Carter Solution after an allergic reaction caused by prolonged exposure to chemicals in traditional hair care products. Today, Jane Carter Solution sells millions of dollars’ worth of products in Whole Foods Market, Sally Beauty Supply, Walmart, Target, CVS, and Walgreens stores.

A’Lelia Bundles—Great-great granddaughter of the first Black female millionaire and hair-care creator, Madam C. J. Walker. She has teamed with Sephora and Sundial Brands to launch the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture product line. A’Lelia is also a seasoned journalist, public speaker, and author of the New York Times bestseller, On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker.

Kim Coles—Hollywood actress, comedian, and featured guest on Dr. Drew’s Lifechangers “Good Hair Debate” episode.

Tomiko Fraser—The first African-American woman signed exclusively to Maybelline, and the longest-serving spokesperson for any cosmetics company.

About the Author

Michele Tapp Roseman is a seasoned writer and media specialist with contributions in print and electronic media. She was the senior producer for Wealthy Radio, a weekly broadcast show on Baltimore’s NPR affiliate WEAA. As a former Graduate School USA adjunct professor, Michele has also taught professional writing and grammar courses throughout the US and in Asia. She is conversationally fluent in Spanish and has provided editorial training for foreign nationals. A native of New York, Michele currently lives in Maryland.