Why Are Black Women Losing Their Hair? (Paperback)

~ Barry L. Fletcher (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From The Washington Post

"This book is at times provocative, at times contemplative, always instructive. Fletcher has long been one of the thinkers..."

Review

"Finally, a comprehensive hair guide for African American consumers that addresses medical and cosmetic issues concerning the hair and scalp." -- Cheryl Burgess, MD, Dermatologist

"Hair Zen master Barry Fletcher started treating my hair in a way tailored for my texture." -- Shirley Harper, Manager, FBI

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Unity Publishers (July 4, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615115454
• ISBN-13: 978-0615115450
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #689,573 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

129 of 130 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Interesting approach just not really addressing the issue., May 18, 2002

By	Minnesota Raven "Viking Vixen" (Minnesota) - See all my reviews

I wanted this book to be full of scientific, hair care industry and even home remedies regarding "how not to lose your hair". Especially since most black women have super curly hair which is rather fragile which most can attest to because it's hard for a lot of us to grow it past our shoulders without getting that broken off look. Unfortunately, you only get part of this in the book.

Barry opted to have different people contribute to the book and so you get different points of view regarding hair in each chapter. For instance he lets a reverend write one chapter who goes off on a tangent about his particular religious beliefs and hair care. You know, the whole thing about cutting or not cutting your hair, etc. Anyway it seemed woefully out of place given the title of the book. Barry then has a major chapter devoted to the selling of his own hair care line. But neglects to give full ingredients list for these products. I felt quite annoyed at the number of pages taken up for his marketing campaign since that's not what I thought I was paying for when getting this book.

There are some rather informative chapters regarding possible hair loss due to disease such as cancer. He also has about 5 good pages devoted to hair care in shampooing tips and styling options to avoid hair breakage. I had hoped that more of the 180 or so pages would be devoted to these topics. There aren't many pics but there is a beautiful color section that discusses of all things, why some women will only let a man style their hair. What has that got to do with anyting?

There is way too much "other stuff" in this book. I gave it at least two stars because Barry does discusses the various ways women can lose their hair. It's just so disappointing that not much was forthcoming on how to stop losing our hair.

60 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars ok, I guess..........., April 13, 2002

By	Niccole A. Hatcher (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've had this book for quite some time. I have mixed reviews about it. For the most part it is helpful, because other people have contributed this book. Some were people who have had good or bad hair experiences and are starting over. Barry Fletcher's book or input wasn't helpful and to make matters worse, he also tries to promote his own hair products. He tells you how to style hair, dispells the myths about hair coloring, etc., but doesn't tell you how to stop the hair loss. There are hair disorders but doesn't tell you what to do about it except Rogaine and to see a dermatologist. There is also a chapter where this minister writes that a woman should keep her hair long (doesn't like short hair), which makes her feminine but dying her hair blond makes her look cheap. Barry should've kept this chapter out and this minister should've kept that to himself because he sounded sexist.

Altogether, I wish I found a better book than this one to promote hair growth

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Don't waste your money, November 26, 2003

By A Customer

For this book to cost so much, I would have thought it would be more useful. The book had alot of fluff and fillers, but not enough substantial information on how to inprove the condition of breaking hair. I read Shamboosie's beautiful black hair. I would recommend that instead, it costs way less, plus it offers great suggestions on what to do and what products to use to improve breaking hair.