The beauty of Black hair is so vast and nuanced that everyone can benefit from learning a bit more about it. A good starting point – in addition to our Rooted campaign from last year, that focused on the power of Black hair – is artist and author Arial Robinson’s new release: Black Hair Care in Colour. 

“I’m always very interested in exploring the different aspects of Black culture, at this particular time I was especially interested in black hair care,” Robinson explains. “I didn't originally plan on creating another book for a while but the idea to categorise Black hair care products by their colour came to me, and I ran with it.”

Following on from her debut book The Modern Day Black Alphabet, the new release features Robinson’s illustrations and also comes in the form of a colouring book for both children and adults. “I wanted this book to be very minimal and easily digestible for children but also for adults to dream and reminisce as well,” she says. 

As is the case for all Black people, Robinson’s personal connection to hair is something she wanted to celebrate, not only for herself but for others to enjoy and understand too. “I wanted to focus on Black hair because it is a huge part of our culture. Black hair is so diverse. Black hair tells stories of strength, perseverance, and courage for us before we even open our mouths. It is so complex and I wanted to get to the foundation of such a dynamic concept. I wanted to dig a little deeper and explore a physical characteristic that incites so much emotion and feeling in me,” she explains. 

“Black hair is so diverse. Black hair tells stories of strength, perseverance, and courage for us before we even open our mouths” – Arial Robinson, author, Black Hair Care in Colour

She continues: “My hair defines a lot for me and with so much controversy I wanted to shine a positive light on black hair and the products that shape it. I believe that the power of Black hair is the story in every strand. Every curl, kink and coil stands on its own but comes together to create a beautiful masterpiece, and that in itself is powerful.” 

As well as celebrating her own connection to her hair, Robinson hopes that readers of her book will walk away with fresh memories around Black hair. “I hope that seeing these products on the page takes them back to specific moments in their lives and encourage them to make new ones,” she says. “I hope that it inspires them to start their own conversations around the beauty and power of Black hair.” 

Black Hair Care in Colour is available now.