Customer Reviews

Let's Talk Hair, Volume 1

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I found this book very very informative on the basics of natural hair care. This effort by Ms. Ferrell and the book entitled No Lye both gave me the confidence a year ago to stop the chemicals. I started my search for information on how to get from under the chemical umbrella and discovered this book here on Amazon.com.

I opted to use braids to grow out my chemical hair just because I knew I could not handle a teeney weeney afro, that's just not me. Well a year has gone by and I have a head full of natural hair and it's not scary at all. Trust me I had some bad moments the first time I had to take out my braids but have since come to see what Ms. Ferrell meant about the texture of your hair changing as it comes out from under the influence of the chemicals. My primary reason for going natural has nothing to do with Black pride, sorry to say. I had way more selfish reasons. I was worried about my health. Over the last few years I had undergone an intense learning period of understanding about the foods we eat or don't eat and the functions of the various organs of the body. When I realized the absorption capabilities of our skin I grew quite concerned. The skin is powerful and very good at one of it's jobs which is to absorb. I came to the conclusion that I should not have anything put on my scalp wherein my stylist had to wear gloves. If it was too dangerous for her hands it was too dangerous for me. Ms. Ferrell touches on this very topic and it was gratifying to see others express this concern.

After having said all of this I have to admit I was still nervous the other day as I sat in the chair to get my first set of twist. Hallelujah.... I have been set free. It is so hard to describe the feeling of wearing my hair a la natural. I do believe this is easy enough with straight twisting to do it on my own soon enough but..... I am lazy and just like other people's hands in my head.

So whatever your reasons for wanting to go natural this book is great. I have to agree with another reviewer and put in a request for more styles in the next book but this is excellent for those just starting out.

Every black woman who is either thinking of going natural or is already natural but doesn't know what to do with "it" should own this book. "Good Hair," "No Lye," and this book all take different approaches to the same topic -- how best to care for chemically unaltered tightly curled Afro-textured hair -- but this one is by far the most comprehensive, particularly in terms of the number of chemical-free styling options available.

I have been natural for the better part of 5.5 years and this is the book I always recommend first. My favorite sections involve descriptions of black hair and the various properties and characteristics it has. So many of us are so used to thinking of this hair type in "can't, doesn't, won't" mode...this is a book that will have you operating in "can, does, will" mode. The key to caring for this hair type involves abandoning everything you've been taught about your hair -- a methodology that simply isn't designed for this hair type! -- and learning from scratch. This book will help you get there.

The only reason I don't give this book five stars is that it's very poorly edited. But I was once an editor, so I pick up on bad editing right away. If you can get past the shoddy editing (and the average person usually can), this book is well worth the money.

If you need more information about caring for natural Afro-textured hair, there are a plethora of Web sites containing discussion forums in which you can participate. Do a search on "natural hair" on Google.com.

Finally, someone that knows what its like to have to really deal with OUR hair. I use this book as a reference guide when trying to deal with my hair. Girls, women, females... it's just not easy. I turned a new leaf at the age of 40 and began to really get into my health, eating and drinking habits. I tend to do my investigation through books and kept coming across books that talked about the skin's great absorption capabilities. That started to finally sink in when it came to my hair. That why would I put dangerous chemicals on my scalp for over 20 years and not think eventually it would catch up with me. I took the route of growing out my relaxer via braids for a little over a year. It worked but I got tired of them too. My problem which I don't know if it was explained in any book is that while my hair grew quite nicely while in braids it was also quite damaged. You just can't take care of your hair properly the way you need to with extensions in your hair. So I have now given up the extensions and have a head full of wonderful nappy hair and it's scary believe me. But while it has taken me some time to get used to shampooing it, combing it and just getting it tamed, each time I get better and better at it. Heed the tips in this book, I did and now I know how to shampoo my hair without getting a head full of tangles, I know how to blow dry it (if I want to and most times I don't) and I know how to condition it. If I have one complaint it's that there should be more step by step pics of what's going on. I have to admit I now have a wig, a false hair piece for buns to cover me for those days when I just have a tacky looking corn row. My hair isn't long enough (not yet anyway) to just throw a long braid down my back but I know now that it will only get better. Take the effort, don't listen to all those out there who encourage the chemicals and be true to yourself, if not for your own ethnic pride then for your health.

I was one of the many african american woman who had permed and relaxed their hair since I was able to crawl. After struggling with the question of "why" everytime I sat in the infamous 'chair' to be lathered with the cool and 'skunk' smelling aroma of the chemicals that would straighten my otherwise - thick and curly hair I decided enough was enough. I dropped all pretension and historical inculturation and cut my hair off. After 9 months of discovering what my hair truly is and is NOT (and loving and every minute of it!)I began researching black hair care and discovered this book. This revolutionized the way I manage my hair now - 8 years later. If you're looking for a way out of the 'hot seat' or tired of seeing the last of your strands fall to the barber shop floor I strongly urge you to check this book out. Even if you continue to straighten your hair (which is not always a bad thing), you'll learn the good, the bad and the ugly for caring for our various hair types and will no longer be at the whim of a hairstylist who thinks they know or should know or plain don't know what to do with our beautiful mane.

I bought this book based on the rave reviews listed here. I was disappointed. 1) too much pseudo-existentialist talk 2)too much negativity (I was brought up in Nigeria. We don't have the concept of "Nappy hair"; although she seems anti this attitude at the start of the book, the author continues to bandy its use elsewhere). 3) the author is a salon owner. She shows nice pictures, then instructs one to "go to the salon" 4)Minimal relevant practical information, eg on choosing shampoos. We all know that we have to try different things to find whats right for ourself (duh!) but how about info on pH, home-recipe conditioners, or types of hair care products to avoid (eg bobbypins)?

This book is useful for those who have had previously processed hair as far as what to do as it is growing out, and for those who really don't know how to do their hair, or know the basics of caring for truly natural hair. Personally, I prefer the attitude and depth of information in NO LYE,but the combination of the two is good for others: this one to start with, the other once they become more adventuresome.

I found this book to be the most comprehensive guide to natural hair that I have ever read. It blows books like, Good Hair and No Lye right of the water. The major thing that I ejoyed about this guide were the photograhed directions on how to do your hair. It even shows you how to cornroll your own hair! Thanks to this book I am no longer soley dependent on a hair stylist to do my hair. I finally know how to do my own hair without the help of others. Thank You Pamela Ferrell for writing such a hair affirming book!

Having read Ms. Ferrell's other books, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I was preparing for a trip to Italy when I realized this book was published. I called her shop in D.C. and had the book shipped overnight. I read the entire book on my 10-hour flight to Italy, and it was great. Pam gives details that you can only get from trial and error. This book takes natural hair care to a new level -- educationally and spiritually. The instructions are great and the pictures are beautiful.

I couldn't wait to get back to the States to do my hair. Since I've been back, I've tried a few of the styles, and I am grateful for the thorough instructions. This book is a MUST HAVE if you are a natural hair lover. I'm a truly "twisted sistah" with the help of this book!!!

I decided to grow out of my relaxer and wear my hair natural before I learned about "Let's Talk Hair." But, the reviews I read on this book convinced me to buy it anyway.

After reading Pamela Ferrell's comments on natural hair, her thought-provoking commentary on the psychological struggle that some of us have in accepting our naturally curly hair, and the professional references she gives on how hair chemicals can affect our bodies internally, I was fully convinced that I made the right choice to transition to my natural hair and leave it that way. The book has great tips on options for growing out of a relaxer, how to shampoo, comb, blow dry, and style naturally curly hair (many pictures included). It lists common chemicals in shampoo, hair color, conditioner, etc. that just aren't right for black hair. And, it tells us which natural ingredients are good for our hair.

"Let's Talk Hair" is a must-read for the black woman who has even slightly considered wearing her natural hair. And, it's a must-read for every black woman who is health-conscious, and cares about the effects that many chemical hair products have on her well being.

Bravo to Pamela Ferrell for giving us some desperately needed education and confidence in our natural beauty!

When I went through the 1st chapters of this book, I was apprehensive and said to myself, "Uh-oh". The author rambles too much and is repetitive with her points. But she eventually begins to give priceless advice on shampooing, conditioning, moisturizing, and thankfully, texturizing! I was very disappointed with No Lye because Tulani Kinard failed to explore how to wear modern, natural hairstyles that weren't locked or braided. But Ferrell really came through for black women on this one and I am eternally greatful. The pictures are great, the models are beautiful. The advice is very practical and hard to come by. Buy this book! Thanks Pamela Ferrell!

This book is paradise for anyone wanting to know how to care for natural African hair, especially for those living in areas where natural hair care is not readily available. In this book you'll find not only the "how-to" but also the "why" behind going natural. Beautiful photographs and clear, easy-to-follow instructions are included. I've used this book for 2 years now and I am constantly having people stop me on the street to ask me who did my hair or if I do this professionally. This book is both practical and intelligent and is the answer to anyone wanting to present the "crowning glory" that God gave us to its best advantage.