No Lye: The African American Woman's Guide to Natural Hair Care

Sadly, there are few books dedicated solely to the process of locking hair and its maintenance. It's really too bad since more and more women of color are viewing locked hair as a viable alternative to harsh chemicals, weaves and extensions. At the very least, you would think authors and experts would pick up on this trend and write a useful book just on the topic of lock maintenance alone. But I digress. Tulani Kinard may not have devoted her entire book to locks, but she comes quite close by focusing enough attention on the subject as to make this book both a highly useful primer and an inestimable ongoing reference guide. Anecdotally, I locked my hair over the course of two days after finally accepting the reality that my quest for straight, sleek styles had caused me to develop dire and incessant scalp irritation for which I had begun using prescription shampoo (yikes), and a head of hair that was more equine in nature than of the human variety. Read: It was a sad state of affairs. Needless to say, Kinard's book was invaluable in pointing me to products (and telling me which to avoid) that would help my puerile locks stay, well, locked. She recommended scalp treatments for the anything-but-enjoyable first few months when the committed self-stylist finds themselves abstaining from hair washing so as not to unravel their hard work (trust me, this is the hardest part). Kinard even goes so far as to cover the transitions locked hair goes through, how to keep hair looking and smelling fresh with homemade tea and herbal rinses, and by gosh if she didn't sprinkle the work with inspirational photos of men, women and children sporting natural styles (from braids to locks) that kept my dedication high as I soldiered through the early and mostly unflattering stages of locked hair. Three years later, I have a beautiful head of mature, small locks that have grown longer than my relaxed hair ever did. I continue to reference "No Lye" from time to time when I want to freshen up my hair care regimen. In addition to "No Lye," I also recommend "The Black Woman's Guide to Beautiful, Healthier Hair in 6 Weeks! The 2003 Edition." Although light on specifics for women with natural hair, it's still a good starting point for developing a hair care regimen that offers definitive results. In short, "No Lye" is an indispensable resource for the curious neophyte to the long-time wearer of mature locks looking for a new "twist" on hair care.

If you are trying to decide what natural style to wear? Should you loc? How much maintenance natural haircare will be, or just plain confused about natural haircare, this is the book to have. Tulani's African-American Womens Guide To Natural Hair Care is a wonderful tool.In this book I learnt what is the best PH balance for our hair, why my hair might be dry or flaky. Tulani explains how you can make herbal and fruit conditioners from your own kitchen.Sisterlocks, Flat Twist, two-strand twist, palm roll twist, Comb Coiling, and just about every thing on braid extension and hair wrappings can be found in "No Lye". And those of you looking for the "Root of it all" that's chapter 1, understanding our hair and the composition of it.Tulani mentions in the book and I quote" Eventually your status as an "educated consumer" will have an impact upon the product manufacturer's research and development process. You will move aeway from products that are popular or familiar, toward products that you know will satisfy your hair's biochemical needs"I only have one more thing to say this is not a book to be without.

I eagerly bought this book when it was first published and I still recommend it to everyone I know who is interested in natural hair. Although detailed, it does not provide extensive information on how to actually do the hairstyles. However, it gives wonderful insight and spiritual motivation to those who are considering natural hairstyles. If you want step by step instruction, I recommend Natural Hair Care and Braiding by Diane Carol Bailey. She actually has pictures and detailed instructions for her hairstyles. I bought Where Beauty Touches Me by Pam Ferrell and I was disappointed by the number of white women with weaves featured in the book. But Ms Bailey's book, which is written for natural hair care professionals (and is much more expensive than No Lye), is extremely well written and is a good follow up for Tulani Kinard's book, once you actually decide to go natural. By the way, I am a professional woman with an MBA and after I read No Lye, I locked my hair. That was 3 years ago, and my hair is past my shoulders and growing down my back.....

For three years I have worn my hair natural. I've read other natural hair care books by the likes of Nekehna and Lonnice Brittenaum Bonner, but "No Lye " is my hands down favorite. This sister breaks down the facts on the care and maintenence of African textured hair. The pictures of gorgeous men and women sporting stylish braids and fierce locs is inspiring. For those who are serious about cultivating a healthy beautiful head of hair, I cannot recommend a better resource than "No Lye".

I heard about this book in passing and was anxious to read it. I LOVED this book! As a college student who will graduate in a few years I am constantly searching for hairstyles that I can wear on a job interview or hangin' out with my girls. Ms. Kinard's book allowed me to explore some natural hair options for myself (I don't plan on putting a chemical back into my hair ever) and push my mom towards the natural hair experience (it really is healthier). This book is especially helpful if you're coming out of a chemical and want to strengthen your hair, or if you just want to know a little more about the whole natural hair movement. One thing I can guarantee, you won't want to go back to chemically-treated hair after turning the last page.