That Hair Thing: And the Sisterlocks Approach [Paperback]

Joanne Cornwell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1997

That Hair Thing...Explores the many, often unspoken questions we all have about black women's hair. It clarifies the complex connections between hair styling choices and identity, self-worth and personal empowerment. It challenges and delights as it explains why hair is such a compelling issue for African American women. Dr. Cornwell's wit and probing insight take a much discussed topic to a new level.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...this is an intriguing presentation." -- The Bookwatch

Black women's hair is the subject of a cultural critique which considers issues of hair control and display within the Afro-American female community. From the history of hair practices to a new 'sisterlocks' approach, this is an intriguing presentation. -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Dr. JoAnne Cornwell is an Associate Professor of Africana Studies and French at San Diego State University. She is also a third generation hair care specialist, a member of the American Hairbraiders & Natural Haircare Association, and originator of Sisterlocks, a fully trademarked natural hair care system.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: Sisterlocks Pub (September 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965742652
• ISBN-13: 978-0965742658
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,376,757 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sisterlocked and Loving It!, December 30, 2000

By 

Verdette Coltrane (Lorton, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: That Hair Thing: And the Sisterlocks Approach (Paperback)

First of all, peace and blessings to Dr. Cornwell and much continued success. I remember back in October or September of 1997, after being frustrated and so down, because my new perm only last a week or so. My hair was damaged and portions of my scalp. I searched on the net for natural hair care. Of course, I was not ready to lock, after being pursuaded about all the negative hype of people wearing locks -- lies, lies,lies. I came across the Sisterlocks page, I read a little about Dr. Cornwell. I called her during my lunch hour. She and I talked for about 2 hours on the phone. Just talking to her was such a blessing. I ordered her book, I read it and got the boldness to make a change. I got the name of the nearest consultant trained by the "Dr.". I got my permed hair Sisterlocked and I would not change it for anything in the world. Sisters be yourself and be natural! That Hair Thing is nothing but the truth!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth It, August 27, 2002

By 

Beverly Colar Credelle (Sauk Village, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: That Hair Thing: And the Sisterlocks Approach (Paperback)

I first read this book in the early part of 1998. It was after I cut off my seven month old traditional locs (due to a hereditary scalp condition) that I began to search for an alternative style for my natural hair. Being that I loved wearing locs and I truly missed my own I felt driven in my search. I was visiting a friend and I was told about this book. I ordered the book and I was very pleased with the information provided.

True enough the first section of the book covers the issues that black people, mainly women, have faced with their hair. The opening of the book is moreso from a political standpoint. Towards the middle of the book the reader begins to learn more about the author and her hair-story. It is closer to the end of the book that the reader is given more detail into the Sisterlock style. There are "NO" color photos and the number of photographs are limited.

What this book is offering is a look into the Sisterlock style as opposed to traditional locs. You will not find techniques on how to do this particular style because the author is mainly enlightening the reader on an alternative option. You also will not find the How To's on the technique because it takes a well trained consultant to correctly begin this style for those who are interested in wearing it. I must say that reading this book made me want to take a closer look at the option of wearing Sisterlocks. In fact I contacted the Sisterlocks Headquarters in San Diego (information provided within the book) and I was given the name and number of a consultant close to my home in Chicago, Illinois. I started my Sisterlocks in November of 1998 and I have been wearing them every since.

I recommend this book for those who are searching for an alternative to traditional locs or for the purpose of gathering more information. FYI...since the publication of this book the Sisterlocks technique has grown nationwide tremendously. Certified consultants can be found all over the U.S. therefore I feel this book started a trend for fulfilling a need!

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great History Lesson, August 29, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: That Hair Thing: And the Sisterlocks Approach (Paperback)

That Hair Thing is broken up into two parts. The first part of the book gives information on what many African American women have gone through regarding their hair. There is a lot of history here and an incredible awakening for many of us. Many people who read this book were disappointed because it was not a "how to" book on natural hair care. I don't think it was designed to be a "how to" book. No where in the title does it mention about caring for natural hair. That Hair Thing focuses more on what we go through as we struggle to do something with our hair.

The second part of the book focuses on her Sisterlocks approach. This section is also interesting. I am not disappointed that she does not share how to create Sisterlocks in her book. I see the importance of having trained consultants. Someone who simply looks at a diagram in a book may not do the Sisterlocks correctly which could give Sisterlocks a bad reputation. The book is a good one. You'll enjoy it as long as you know up front that it is not designed to inform you on how to care for different natural hair styles.