Keisha takes you along her natural hair journey, which became her self-love journey, through teachable memoirs. Offering her perspective on a black woman's experience with family, friendships, relationships and most importantly self-love, Keisha bares it all. The role hair plays in a black woman's life is major; it impacts her confidence, sense of beauty and self-esteem. Read how transitioning from chemically straightened hair to natural locs (commonly referred to as dreadlocks or dreads) can open a black woman's eyes to her true self. Get some of Keisha's tips on nurturing your self-love and learn all about cultivating and maintaining locs. You will find Keisha Charmaine's hair tutorials on www.youtube.com/KeishaCharmaine Follow Keisha Charmaine on Instagram and twitter, @killadoesthat

“As far as neatly and efficiently chronicling African Americans and the importance of their hair, Hair Story gets to the root of things.” —Philadelphiaweekly.com Hair Story is a historical and anecdotal exploration of Black Americans’ tangled hair roots. A chronological look at the culture and politics behind the ever-changing state of Black hair from fifteenth-century Africa to the present-day United States, it ties the personal to the political and the popular. Read about: Why Black American slaves used items like axle grease and eel skin to straighten their hair. How a Mexican chemist straightened Black hair using his formula for turning sheep’s wool into a minklike fur. How the Afro evolved from militant style to mainstream fashion trend. What prompted the creation of the Jheri curl and the popular style’s fall from grace. The story behind Bo Derek’s controversial cornrows and the range of reactions they garnered. Major figures in the history of Black hair are presented, from early hair-care entrepreneurs Annie Turnbo Malone and Madam C. J. Walker to unintended hair heroes like Angela Davis and Bob Marley. Celebrities, stylists, and cultural critics weigh in on the burgeoning sociopolitical issues surrounding Black hair, from the historically loaded terms “good” and “bad” hair, to Black hair in the workplace, to mainstream society’s misrepresentation and misunderstanding of kinky locks. Hair Story is the book that Black Americans can use as a benchmark for tracing a unique aspect of their history, and it’s a book that people of all races will celebrate as the reference guide for understanding Black hair. “A comprehensive and colorful look at a very touchy subject.” —Essence

From Marilyn, Twiggy & Farrah to Julia Roberts, Princess Di & Linda Evangelista, hair is a subject to be studied, coveted, & copied. In Big Hair,Ó the ultimate book about hair -- hair styles, hair color, hair stories & hair history, from beehives to bobs & beyond -- anthropologist McCracken spins a fun, hip cultural tale detailing how modern women use the power of hair to transform their lives. Hair, often dismissed as superficial girl stuff, is, in fact, loaded with a multitude of cultural signifiers. In the universe of hair, blondness is a resource & an opportunity for self-exploration. But brunettes & redheads won't be disappointed because they are also deconstructed. After reading this book, you won't look at hair the same way again. B&W photos.

In the process of just looking for points of light to help her through the nightmare of her illness, Susan Hyde has compiled a book of aphorisms that will provide hope, laughter and relief to any woman suffering the pangs and pains of cancer.

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year Stamped from the Beginning meets You Can't Touch My Hair in this timely and resonant essay collection from Guardian contributor and prominent BBC race correspondent Emma Dabiri, exploring the ways in which black hair has been appropriated and stigmatized throughout history, with ruminations on body politics, race, pop culture, and Dabiri’s own journey to loving her hair. Emma Dabiri can tell you the first time she chemically straightened her hair. She can describe the smell, the atmosphere of the salon, and her mix of emotions when she saw her normally kinky tresses fall down her shoulders. For as long as Emma can remember, her hair has been a source of insecurity, shame, and—from strangers and family alike—discrimination. And she is not alone. Despite increasingly liberal world views, black hair continues to be erased, appropriated, and stigmatized to the point of taboo. Through her personal and historical journey, Dabiri gleans insights into the way racism is coded in society’s perception of black hair—and how it is often used as an avenue for discrimination. Dabiri takes us from pre-colonial Africa, through the Harlem Renaissance, and into today's Natural Hair Movement, exploring everything from women's solidarity and friendship, to the criminalization of dreadlocks, to the dubious provenance of Kim Kardashian's braids. Through the lens of hair texture, Dabiri leads us on a historical and cultural investigation of the global history of racism—and her own personal journey of self-love and finally, acceptance. Deeply researched and powerfully resonant, Twisted proves that far from being only hair, black hairstyling culture can be understood as an allegory for black oppression and, ultimately, liberation.

The fresh new handbook on how to achieve and maintain stylish natural hair, from the savviest and most revered expert on coils and curls These days there's a revolution going on. Relaxers are out. Weaves are so yesterday. Tired of damage from expensive chemical treatments and artificial enhancers, women of color are going natural thanks to Nikki Walton of CurlyNikki.com, the natural hair blogger and online hair therapy expert. In Better Than Good Hair, this gifted "curl whisperer" educates women on how to transition from relaxed to completely natural hair, with advice and styles for every length—from Fierce Braid-and-Curls to Fancy Faux Buns. She also counsels those considering the "big chop"—cutting it all off at once to sport a bold and beautiful "teeny weeny afro." Here, too, is essential guidance for parents of mixed-race children dealing with new and unfamiliar hair textures and styles. Combining Walton's expansive knowledge with tips from other experts in the field, Better Than Good Hair includes: Product recommendations Home hair care recipes Advice for parents on how to manage their children's natural hair Tips for using henna on gray hair Guidance on dealing with detractors Step-by-step illustrated directions for nearly two dozen hairdos, from frohawks to twist-outs Full of indispensable information, as empowering as it is accessible, and with a foreword by actress and comedian Kim Wayans, Better Than Good Hair is a must-have natural hair care bible that will help women of all ages and styles achieve their natural beauty.

The Science of Black Hair is the ultimate consumer textbook on black hair care. Technically oriented and detailed throughout, this book was written with the serious hair care consumer in mind. Hair science, research and testimony combine in this carefully written text designed to examine black hair on a deeper level. With its light academic style it is truly the last hair book you'll ever need. Readers will learn how to: * Maintain chemically-treated or natural hair in optimal health. * Stop hair breakage with a novel, protein/moisture balancing method. * Regulate product pH balance for shinier, more manageable hair. * Grow their hair longer, stronger and healthier for life! Additional Features * Regimen Builder with extensive product listings * Ingredients glossary * Interviews * Real photos of hair at the microscopic level Are you ready to stop battling your hair? Win the war against breakage. Forever. The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care combines research with testimony in an authoritative reference text dedicated to the care of black hair- relaxed or natural. This powerful book introduces readers to a comprehensive healthy hair care strategy for achieving beautifully radiant hair regardless of hair type. Black hair structure, properties, and maintenance methods are carefully outlined throughout this go-to reference book to give you the tools you need to improve the health and look of your hair, TODAY. The Science of Black Hair Chapter 1: Scalp and Hair Structure, Function, and Characteristics Chapter 2: Textured Hair Properties & Principles Chapter 3: Understanding Hair Growth and Damage for Healthier Hair Care Chapter 4: What's Your Hair Care Regimen? Chapter 5: Hair Product Selection Basics Chapter 6: Protein & Moisture Balancing Strategies for Breakage Correction and Defense Chapter 7: Getting Started with a Healthy Hair Care Product Regimen Chapter 8: Low-Manipulation Hair Maintenance Strategies Chapter 9: Coloring Textured Hair Chapter 10: Chemically Relaxing Textured Hair Chapter 11: Transitioning from Relaxed to Natural Hair Chapter 12: Regimen-Building Considerations for Kids Chapter 13: How Our Health Affects Our Hair Chapter 14: Working Out on a Healthy Hair-Care Regimen Chapter 15: Final Thoughts

Words have power, and those that Black women often use to describe their hair are derogatory: nappy, steel wool, out of control. They often personally inherit these terms and pass them along without even realizing the crushing effects these words have on their feelings about the person they see in the mirror. While many books on the market address the practical ways of styling Afro-textured hair naturally, Hairlooms asks: Why is it so difficult for Black women to embrace their hair? and How can Black women overcome the multi-layered challenge of embracing their natural hair and beauty? Author Michele Tapp Roseman helps readers answer these questions for themselves, to write a new story that they can pass along. A recent Huffington Post article "Natural Hair Becoming Even More Popular Among Black Women" revealed a marked increase in the number of Black women who do not chemically treat their hair, yet also struggle to accept their natural hair and beauty. Through personal, revealing stories Hairlooms examines the issues behind these struggles. 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--Senior advisor to the Chief on policies and programs for the U.S. Army Reserve, and the first 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 Carol's Daughter hair and beauty brand, a favorite of celebrities, and now sold in stores from coast-to-coast. Now owned by L'Or al, 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.

The simple secrets to growing your curls healthy and long. Tightly curly hair isn't like any other type of hair, and it needs totally different care to make it happy. Do you spend countless hours--and untold dollars--on weaves, perms, salon visits, and products that promise to change, heal, or make your hair more manageable, only to end up even more frustrated? Do you wrestle daily with hair you can't get a brush through? Do you struggle to keep from hurting your child when you comb through her tight curls? Would you like to grow your tightly curly hair long and healthy? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book was written for you. It gives you the information and techniques you need to celebrate--not fight against--your very curly hair. You will learn how not only to care for your curls, but to cherish them, all the while saving time, effort, and money. Curly Like Me is the off-the-grid, do-it-yourself owner's manual for tightly curly hair: Learn how to wear your own curls in their natural curl patterns Over 250 photographs and illustrations Includes the best products, tools, ingredients, curl-enhancing hairstyle ideas, tips for growing out your perm, and more Shows you pain-free techniques on how to comb and style your curls or your child's curls Over thirty easy, curl-enhancing hairstyle ideas, tips for growing out your perm, and more Helps you save money by avoiding costly treatments, products, marketing misinformation, and frequent salon visits so you can enjoy your own curls without pain, chemicals, or the use of weaves or extensions The story (with lots of photos) of Teri's journey from hair broken by relaxers, texturizers, improper care, trying to force it to conform, and fighting her weave addiction to finally understanding her own curls. Now her natural hair reaches to her hips. End your struggles with misunderstood, damaged hair and begin your journey to thriving natural curls. Applying the ideas and information in this book will show you how to love your hair the way it really is. Curly Like Me empowers you to take back the care of your hair so you can let your own beautiful curls shine. Teri LaFlesh spent nearly thirty years working to find a way to make her curls happy. Not wanting anyone else to go through with their hair what she did with hers inspired Teri to create the popular Web site TightlyCurly.com and to write Curly Like Me.