Chandra from More Modern Modesty (Momomod) asked me to do a book review on Better than Good Hair by Nikki Walton in exchange for something very special and exciting. She purchased the book and mailed it to me so that I could read it and give an in depth review. Keep reading for more details!
Chapter 1: The Big Chop
This chapter provides an in depth explanation of the big chop (cutting off all chemically altered hair). It also talks about transitioning with gradual cutting.
Pros:
- The transition guide shows style options (roller sets, braid outs, etc.), a good daily routine and overall maintenance.
- The step by step style guides are great because they give you ideas of styles you can do while transitioning. Often transitioners don't know what styles will work to blend their newly grown natural hair with their relaxed hair.
- The book talks about the reactions of different people in your life to the switch to natural hair (family, husband, friends, etc) and how to address it. This is very important to consider because people close to us can be very opinionated about our hair choices.
Cons:
- I do not believe in cutting or trimming hair whatsoever
- I know it to be true (from personal experience) that you can completely transition to natural hair. I find it interesting that this option is not discussed since there are lots of women who transition this way (long term transitioners)
- Cutting is not the only way to transition. It can be done by allowing relaxed hair to naturally break off on its own.
Chapter 2: TWA (teeny weeny afro)
This chapter addresses what a woman with very short hair (typically someone who just did the big chop) will go through emotionally, and self esteem wise including challenges with styles, and products.
Pros:
- If you started the transition with very short hair, this chapter will help with styling, overall care and product information.
- The step by step guide of how to shampoo and condition hair is a great idea
- I like the style guides that show styles you can do with short hair. Some of them are very creative.
- It talks about how to overcome self esteem and confidence barriers that can come with having short hair. This is a very real issue and I am glad she addresses this.
Cons:
- It's very contradictory in how it recommends boosting confidence with natural hair. Example, "I always wore earrings and jewelry when I was relaxed. That hasn't changed, but now I wear a bit more make up. Being natural has boosted my self confidence." (Pg 40). If natural hair boosts your confidence why would it cause you to wear more make up and cover your beautiful face?
- You don't have to wear large earrings and make up to be confident in your own skin with short natural hair. There is too much emphasis on this.
- What about a natural, make up free, jewelry free look? There are naturals who wear a simple, natural look. This option isn't discussed.
Chapter 3: The Terrible Twos
This chapter addresses the woes that present themselves after being natural for a few years such as products losing their effectiveness, go to styles changing, and hair rebelling to staple products/styles.
Pros:
- This point of the natural hair journey isn't always discussed but it can be a very frustrating time. This book does a great job at describing this period of time
- Addresses the pros and cons to using natural versus commercial products. Good discussion!
- Discusses staple products, how to get your hair to "hang" at that awkward length, detangling and style tips
Cons:
- I don't mind my "shag hair" (reference to when certain parts of hair grow longer than others because it hasn't been cut). I'll hold on to it-- of course that is a personal belief!
Chapter 4: The Golden Years
This chapter addresses the 5+ years of being natural. It talks about maintenance for your longer stresses, detangling tips and style options.
Pros:
- Detangling methods are clearly outlined and discussed. This is a great feature !
- Explains the necessity of exercise for hair, emotional and physical health
- Traveling while natural is a wonderful section. Sometimes this can be stressful. What products to bring and what styles are "vacation" friendly! I get a lot of questions about this from bloggers so this is a good topic.
- The style ideas and options are wonderful. Lots of versatile styles and how to's are included
- How to properly flat iron hair is a great addition as well
Cons:
- "In order for your natural hair to truly thrive, you must be vigilant about keeping it free of split ends" (pg 115). I don't think this is an entirely valid argument. I've had no issue with thriving hair that retains length. I haven't trimmed or cut for almost 4 years and its evident that my hair is healthy and thriving.
Chapter 5: Natural from the Start
This chapter addresses how to care for and manage your daughters natural hair with as little stress, time and frustration as possible.
Pros:
- The book talks about major time savers such as protective styling, styling while your child is sleep, while in the tub, etc.
- Kids are kids! Don't spend so much time on an elaborate style that will be ruined in a few hours after they play hard.
- Talk to your children about relaxers, educate them about their hair and by not getting frustrated by their hair, you will send good vibes about how you feel about their hair
Cons:
- None for this chapter
Chapter 6: All Grown Up
This chapter talks about the joys, and lows of having long hair. It provides styling and care tips from products to regimens.
Pros:
- Talks about how to manage long hair without breaking the bank - such as how to switch up product usage (use less to make it last longer)
Cons:
- None for this chapter
Appendix: Natural Hair Product Guide
Awesomeness!!! She breaks down a list of products from cleansers to stylers to categorizes them. Some categories include natural products, Nikkis favorites, inexpensive products, etc.
Overall Review
Product Knowledge: 5/5
If you are looking for a broad range of products from cleansers to deep conditioners, this book will give you lots of options to consider and try.
Reaching the intended audience: 3/5
I think this book only caters to a certain natural hair audience. It leaves out those who choose a more spiritual and holistic route. For example, lots of naturals choose to dread their hair. Of course, there are all of us Apostolic ladies jumping up and down, saying, "hey we don't cut or trim our hair but its still beautiful and healthy". Hence, I think it could have reached for a more versatile audience.
Style Options: 5/5
Great step by step style guides that are very easy to follow whether you have short, medium or long hair.
Confidence and Self Esteem Issues: 4/5
I am so glad these issues are addressed, because like I stated earlier, this is a real issue. I receive many emails from women who are in distress because those closet to them do not like their decision to wear natural hair. She has some good "come backs" to say and ways to cope. Now I don't think the correct approach is to wear more make up, jewelry, etc. Personally I think it's an oxymoron to say you went natural to love who you really are but then say you need more make up to accentuate your hair.
Product Knowledge: 5/5
If you are looking for a broad range of products from cleansers to deep conditioners, this book will give you lots of options to consider and try.
Reaching the intended audience: 3/5
I think this book only caters to a certain natural hair audience. It leaves out those who choose a more spiritual and holistic route. For example, lots of naturals choose to dread their hair. Of course, there are all of us Apostolic ladies jumping up and down, saying, "hey we don't cut or trim our hair but its still beautiful and healthy". Hence, I think it could have reached for a more versatile audience.
Style Options: 5/5
Great step by step style guides that are very easy to follow whether you have short, medium or long hair.
Confidence and Self Esteem Issues: 4/5
I am so glad these issues are addressed, because like I stated earlier, this is a real issue. I receive many emails from women who are in distress because those closet to them do not like their decision to wear natural hair. She has some good "come backs" to say and ways to cope. Now I don't think the correct approach is to wear more make up, jewelry, etc. Personally I think it's an oxymoron to say you went natural to love who you really are but then say you need more make up to accentuate your hair.
SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!
I am pleased to announce Chandra from More Modern Modesty is hosting a very special giveaway. One special winner will receive a copy of Better than Good Hair! How awesome is that?!
How do I enter?
Post a comment to this review stating why you would like to receive a copy of this book.
How will a winner be determined?
Chandra will read through the responses and pick a winner based on your answers.
What is the giveaway deadline?
All entries must be submitted by Friday, March 1, 11:59pm PST.
When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced in a blog post on Saturday, March 2.
So be sure to enter the giveaway and while you are at it, stop by Momomod and say hello!
About Momomod.com
"MoMoMod is committed to providing modest fashion and lifestyle content for ladies who live their lives with standards and personal convictions. MoMoMod challenges the ideas that less clothing is more attractive and that style must be compromised in order to be modest. Stylish, fabulous, and modest—it’s possible."
*Special disclosure statement: I was in no way compensated for completing this book review. They are all the personal and sole opinions of Kendra Thaler and the blog domain Natural with Kendra.
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