Customer Reviews

That Hair Thing: And the Sisterlocks Approach

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

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!

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!

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.

I loved what Dr. Cornwell had to say about the history of African American hair (I couldn't stop reading it!) and her approach with the sisterlocks method. Her book gave me courage and inspired me. There are other hair books that talk about styling methods and technique but I believe that many African American women (including myself) need to work on building our minds and understanding the signifigance of wearing our hair in its' natural state. If you are looking for a book to help you work out the psychological and social issues surrounding your hair as well as a comfortable, neat locking technique--you have found it! Sisterlocks is a great way to wear your hair and her book helps you deal with your personal, mental transformation. Also, there are Sisterlocks consultants all over the U.S. contact the home office for more info.

I purchased this book after buying No Lye, to find out additional information about Sisterlocks. I was curious, I was interested and I wanted more information. I was indecisive after starting the book because of issues like the availability of a trained consultant. But mid-way through the book, I was excited and motivated.... I immediately began stripping all of the braided extensions from my hair. I was ready to go natural!!! The Sisterlocks community was very helpful in identifying someone for me to work with. Yes, travel has been involved. But, it has been worth it. Buy the book if you want to know more about the background and history behind the Sisterlocks. Do not buy the book if you are seeking to learn how to lock your hair. I'm glad that I purchased the book because I wanted to know background and it helped me to appreciate a lot about the approach. I would recommend the book, not as an instructional manual, but as a step in a conscious process of growth. I was worth the investment...

I enjoyed this book, though not as much as "No Lye!" or "Where Beauty Touches Me". Sisterlocks is a fantastic alternative to regular dreadlocks. I was a little dissapointed that the book didn't have a FAQ section. I'm curious about how often they have to be redone , how to maintain the locks between tightening sessions,and how the locks look on 100% natural hair. Besides that, it is a good (not great) book. They also have a website if you want to check it out there before committing to the book.

I am very interested in getting Sisterlocks of my own so I was very happy to see this book come out. I've read a lot of books already about the "black hair thing" and I was hoping this would be more like Pam Ferrell's "Where Beauty Touches Me" instead of all the personal narrative. I still enjoyed it, however I'll probably have to settle for a similar lock style since I live in Canada. I would have like it more if the author showed some alternative styles. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed that I can't find a Sisterlock "technician" in my area to do my hair.

I was pleased with the historical accounts that were provided in the book it helps to understand the depth of the "hair thing" when you read how other people have similar struggles. The pictures were adequate and as far as showcasing her technique; that's ridiculous. This is a business and you can't just give your stuff away. I have sisterlocks and I travel 3 hours each month to have them retightened, but for me and my life it is well worth it. This hair style has been a God send. Those who were looking for a cheap at home version wouldn't commit to such a style anyway.

I was really excited about this book. I'd first read about sisterlocks in Essence magazine a few years back and was dying for more information on the technique. This book was a major disappointment. It is very text heavy as the author shares her experiences with her own hair and how society views black hair. Don't get me wrong, it is an interesting subject but you can read the same thing in many, many other books like "For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Weaves." Pictures are pretty scarce in the book and none of them are in color. The author only features her particular style of dreadlocks so if you're not in an area where there is a Certified Sisterlock-tian, you're out of luck. She doesn't include any info on how you can attain similar locks on your own or any care tips for wearing locks. After I finished the book I felt like I paid $19 for an ad with no real practical infomation! If you are interested in Sisterlocks DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!!!!! You can go instead to the ir website and call to see if there is someone in your area who can do it. The book doesn't even list consultants by state so it's not very useful and you have to call long-distance (no toll free number!) to find one. I really expected something more informative about natural hair like "Where Beauty Touches Me." YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!

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!