Customer Reviews

Kink Phobia: Journey Through a Black Woman's Hair

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you are considering purchasing of this book, I urge you to go ahead and buy it.

I am in my third year of wearing my hair in natural styles. It has at times been a difficult three years. I have often wanted to throw a relaxer in my hair to conform to the average standard of beauty and to be able to care for my hair with ease.

I have read and own several of the natural hair care books out there. I really like Lonnice Bonner's books but was unable to duplicate the natural curly styles that she wears until I read Kink Phobia. Ella Joyce's Kink Phobia provided me with inspiration, detailed styling instructions, a products list, and reassurance that my thick curly mass of hair is indeed beautiful. Ms. Joyce reminded me of the many reasons that I decided to go natural in the first place.

Any editorial failures should be overlooked in consideration of Ms Joyce's sincere, open-hearted, and sista-ly sharing of kinky information that she learned the hard way.

This has to be one of the most poorly structured and poorly written books I've ever had the experience to read. While I do think Ella is a beautiful woman and a fairly decent actress (or, to be politically correct, "actor"), she fails miserably as a writer. I tried my best to ignore the fact that every grammatical rule was casually tossed out the window, but that eventually proved to be too difficult.

I bought the book because I recently decided to "go natural" with my hair. I had all my relaxed hair cut off last month, which left me with short natural hair. I was hoping that Ms. Joyce's book would be a good supplement to "Good Hair" by Lonnice Brittenum Bonner in helping those of us who have been moved to go without chemically altering our hair. Unfortunately, that was very much not the case. Ms. Joyce shares her many hair trials, but I wasn't looking for her experience; I already know the trials that come with dealing with kinky and curly hair! I was looking for substantive information about natural-hair care. The book is touted somewhat as a how-to book. I was reminded "how to" return a book to Amazon. Even her critique of hair-care products left me empty.

Beyond the poor writing, worse grammar, and lack of any real information, I was also disappointed that Ms. Joyce neglected to show us more photos of her journey. Like Ms. Bonner did in her book, Ms. Joyce showed plenty of photos of her final result. (In Ms. Bonner's book, she has a photo of her short afro and then photos of her shoulder-length hair. What happened in the meantime?) There were no "in- between stage" photos or information that would be helpful to the many of us who are transitioning. It's as though POOF! One day you decide to go natural, and the next day you have a head full of long hair. While Ms. Joyce used braids to transition, more information and pictures of the in-between stage would have, I think, provided more inspiration.

I can say that if you are looking for a bit of information about braids (she really touts those for transitioning), then you may be able to glean something from this book. However, I have to caution you that even that information is presented in a somewhat disjointed fashion. I really think this is a "one star" book; but I'm giving the book two stars for the simple reason that there is a bit of information about braids as a transitioning device. Someone may find that information helpful.

A final note: Ms. Joyce, we editors are out here. Please use one of us before your next publication!

This book was every black woman's dream and answer to the daily struggle of
taking care of hair attempting to meet society's demand of what is
politically correct. This book helps to empower black woman into accepting what
our creator's design for the black woman.

Dear Ella Joyce,
I had to write and give you props because your book, Kink Phobia, saved my hair! It's said that "timing is everything" and I'm so grateful I read your book before I lost all my hair. After years of perms and touchups, I noticed that my dark brown hair was thinning and turning red!! When I mentioned this to my hairdresser at the time, her only comfort was to say that red hair would look good on me!! (I should have jumped up and ran out right then and there!) Well, blessings to you Ella Joyce for helping a Sista reclaim her hair. I have been perm free for 2 years and your California Twist style is working well for me. Who would have thought that I could get my "virgin" hair back! Ms. Joyce, you have an excellent down to earth writing style and your words seem to flow from your heart! You exhibited grace under fire as you dealt with your own hair adversities! By the way, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and now three members of my household are wearing your California Twists! Thank you again for your book. I look forward to Kink Phobia 2. Sincerely, Mrs. L.M. Brown
"I pray you, then receive my little book in all charity, forgiving mistake and foible for the sake of the faith and passion within.... W.E.B. DuBois"

This book is meant to be fun while we journey and discover new ways and attitudes about dealing with hair. Just a sister talking to another sister. Great and valuable research tool. Thanks to the sister for sharing her thoughts with us in a down to earth language easy to understand and fun to read.