Roots of my Hair

By Lou Lubie. Translated by Makedah Hughes. Published by Helvetiq

Hardcover, 220 pages, Colour, 2026

New York Public Library’s “Best New Comics for Adults” (2026) & Publishers Weekly graphic novel Summer Pick 2026

★ "The Roots of My Hair is an engrossing graphic novel about the history and marginalization of Black women’s hairstyles." – Foreword (STARRED review)

★ "With all of the wonderful children’s picture books being written about Black girls’ hair, this is a welcome addition for adults." – Booklist (STARRED review)

A bold, funny, and insightful graphic novel about hair, heritage, and identity.

The Roots of My Hair follows the coming-of-age journey of Rose, a mixed-race woman from Réunion Island who struggles to love her konyé (“kinky”) hair in a world that tells her to tame it. As she moves to mainland France to study and later to work—experimenting with different hair-straightening techniques, visiting beauty salons, and adopting social camouflage—Rose explores her Black identity by questioning the deeper issues behind her hair: race, beauty standards, colonialism, and belonging.

With humor, honesty, and expressive illustrations, Lou Lubie’s new graphic novel blends original research and fiction, not only to reveal what lies beneath the hair-care industry but also to speak to anyone who has ever felt pressure to fit in. It is a powerful reminder that identity starts at the roots.

Winner of multiple French awards, now available in English for the first time.