Why Are Black Women Losing Their Hair?: The First Complete Guide to Healthy Hair

I consider this book to be one of the most honest, straightforward and comprehensive books about Black Hair. I found it to be extremely informative, especially the chapters dealing with the technical aspects of hair maintenance, as well as the chapters addressing the scientific aspects of hair. In addition, the chapters on the psychological, political, historical perspective on attitudes about black hair, helped to put a lot of issues that Black women have about hair into perspective, and to diffuse a lot of the stereotypes and misinformation Black women have been exposed to - especially by the mainstream beauty industry. I greatly appreciated Mr. Fletcher's honesty about having realistic expectations of hairdressers, and candid discussion about the training that cosmetologists receive. This book may not live up to the expectations of those that are looking for "magic in a bottle." However, for those who are seeking candid discussion and verifiable information about Black hair, I would say this book is a must. Read it, recommend it, and most of all DO IT!

Finally, Barry has come to the rescue of hair care again. I was totally in the dark on how to care for my hair for so long, and until recently didn't have healthy hair. Barry's book teaches, justifies, and illustrates how we are damaging our hair. With the misconceptions that we have been plagued by for so long, it definitely provides a clear understanding of why we used the methods that we used, how it was ineffective, even when it appeared to be effective, and what we can do about it now. For example, I was the "over the counter" no-lye hair relaxer system queen for years, and still know people who use them. Most of you could agree that for so long we were taught to use no-lye...WHAT A MISTAKE!!!!! Until I read Barry's book, I didn't understand how a no-lye relaxer could actually be more damaging to the hair than one containing lye, I definitely understand now. I appreciate Barry's thoroughness in the support that he used when writing this book, he is supported with the opinions, and expert knowledge of other hair care professionals, and physicians. Without giving away the content of this book, I will definitely agree that it answers questions that we are sometimes afraid or embarrassed to ask our stylist; it provides information on all hair types,how our health & diet affect our hair, scalp disease ( and the options we have for remedy), at-home hair care methods & suggestive products to use, etc. I give great thanks for now having a guide to help me understand how I damaged my hair and what I need to do to maintain its healthy state. It's great to have someone to ask what can we do with our hair, it's even better to have it illustrated, and show proof positive. It's a great reference. Barry shows us, and educates us on how and why we should be exicited about our hair, regardless of it's type. It's a must have in the year of our health conscious, importance of appearance, and the overall exitement and energy that we display as African American women! Ladies Order Now!!!

"Why are Blak Women Loosing their Hair?" is informative, thorough, intelligent, intimate and most of all practical. Detailed instruction from credible medical professionals and hair specialists, provided me with an arsenal of information regarding my hair, it's needs and subsequent care. I especially enjoyed hearing testimonies from REAL pople in REAL hair crisis scenarios. Each testimony added sensitivity, familarity and sometimes humor to a serious and emotional subject matter. People of color are extremely diverse, and our hair--it's range in length,texture and thickness-- reflects this diversity. I appreicate Fletcher's sensitivity to our differences, and most of all his ability to synthesize and present them in a format everyone can relate to and benefit from. A final thanks to Flethcer for having the foresight to provide us with the first complete Black woman's hair-care reference book of its kind. Long overdue, much appreciated, worth the wait. A must read, Sincerely, An appreciaiative Sister.

After reading this comprehensive "how-to" guide, it is no surprise that Barry Fletcher is lauded as a master in the Black hair care industry. Extremely informative, "Why Are Black Women Losing Their Hair?" doesn't treat our mane as a homogenized item. This book respects and addresses the "various" textures of African-American hair and caters to our specific hair care needs. No bookshelf or styling salon should be without these words of wisdom from one of the best in the business.