13 Timeless Tales of Tresses: The Most Uplifting Hair-Themed Books Ever Written

Do you find hair as fascinating as we do? Then you will want to add these fantastic books about hair to your reading list – because they are guaranteed to captivate every hair enthusiast’s attention. From the history of hairstyles to the exploration of the modern-day trends and their deeper meanings, this collection of best books about hair will lead to late-night reading sessions – and possibly even finding inspiration for new hairstyles!

1. Hair by Guido

As you would expect from a book written by a leading trendsetter in the fashion industry, “Hair by Guido” is an inspiring read. You’ll find hundreds of Guido’s avant-garde hair creations that never fail to create a buzz in the fashion world – and often turn into the season’s look!

2. Hairʼem Scareʼem by Robert Klanten

Hairstyles aren’t just about hair – they are about creative expression! “Hair ʼem Scare ʼem” explores fascinating beauty and inventive possibilities of hair as a mode of contemporary art, artistic expression – and even graphic design!

3. Black Hair: Art, Style and Culture by Ima Ebong

Through poetry, stories and non-fiction anecdotes, this book tells a beautiful tale about the creativity and diversity of black women’s hairstyles. You’ll find it all – traditional hairstyles and the results of a more quirky and urban, modern-day styling. The book invites you to celebrate natural black hair – and recognize how culturally and politically charged it is.

4. A Century of Hairstyles by Pamela Church Gibson

Travel through the last century with this book – and explore the enchanting world of hairstyles. The last hundred years has been an incredibly exciting time for hair – and you’ll find the memoirs of the journey (from the 1920’s bangs to the 1960’s bouffants) in this book.

5. Hair: Fashion and Fantasy by Laurent Philippon

Over the years, hairstyles have expressed individuality and status – from Cleopatra’s goddess-like braids to Marie-Antoinette’s powerful pompadour. Through the exploration of traditional tribal fashions to today’s new creations, this book showcases the artistic expression of hair.

6. Fashions in Hair: The First Five Thousand Years by P. Owen

There probably isn’t a book that manages to document the timeline of hairstyles better than this one. From Egyptian times to the modern-day, this is a definitive text on men’s and women’s hair fashions – and it’ll definitely educate (and entertain!).

7. Vidal: The Autobiography by Vidal Sassoon

The autobiography of the most extraordinary hairdresser in the world – need we say more? Learn about his personal life journey from an impoverished childhood to global success and fame, and about his inspiring career, during which he cut the hair of the richest and the most famous.

8. Hairstyles: Ancient to Present by Charlotte Fiell

Celebrate the most beautiful hairstyle creations, from ancient Greek tresses to spiky Punk mohawks. Pages of beautiful, awe-inspiring illustrations of an incredible array of over 1000 of fantastic styles – once you open it, you’ll be enchanted.

9. Curly Girl The Handbook by Lorraine Massey and Michele Bender

A slightly more practical read, but still very much worth your attention. Fueled by empowering pro-curly hair attitude, this book is overflowing with unique hair care tips, inspiration, and even a step-by-step guide to trimming your own hair!

10. Trunk Volume One: Hair

Tales of myth and fantasy related to hair are explored in this slightly different book. If you’d like to learn more about Rapunzel and her enchanting locks, or Medusa and her venomous snake “hairdo” – then this book is the perfect one to read. You’ll be intrigued throughout!

11. Hair by Sam Mcknight

Featuring the most iconic popular culture images like Princess Diana’s slicked-back style and Tilda Swindon’s take on David Bowie’s hairstyle, this book is about the most inspiring work by hair stylist Sam Mcknight. His work has accomplished international praise and respect – and this book will show you why.

12. Manual of Ladies Hairdressing for Students: Over 35 Authentic Victorian Hairstyles With Instruction by A. Mallemont

Ever dreamed of traveling back in time to the Victorian era? This book gives you a chance to do just that. Originally published in 1899, it contains beautiful illustrations and detailed instructions on how to create romantically chic Victorian hairstyles.

13. Entanglement: The Secret Lives of Hair by Emma Tarlo

Ever thought about what places hair may end up in when it leaves the heads of Buddhist monks or is bought off long-haired women? The author, Emma Tarlo, has. Guided by curiosity and determination to discover the secret lives of hair, she traveled the globe following the movement of hair through India, Myanmar, Africa, China and many other countries. You’ll learn about the unexpected places hair travels to – and you might be taken by surprise.

Allow yourself to explore the intriguing life of hair from all angles when you sink your teeth into these inspiring books.

Whether it’s a gift for someone who’s curious about the deeper symbolic meaning of hair – or a read for yourself, because you find hair fascinating, these books are guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired.