No lye!: the African-American women's guide to natural hair care, Tulani Kinard, St. Martin's Griffin, 1997, 0312151802, 9780312151805, 191 pages. For years, African-American women have relied on harsh chemicals and relaxers to "manage" their hair-which more often than not did more damage than good. Improper braiding techniques have also contributed no small amount of harm, resulting in frail, damaged hair and even pattern baldness in women. No Lye! offers a safe and easy alternative. In this hair-care and styling guide Tulani Kinard reveals the secrets to obtaining and maintaining beautiful healthy hair-naturally. Discover... The art of making braids, terrific twists and lovely locks Easy recipes for products that clean, strengthen, and condition the hair Ways to heal damaged hair Painless methods of caring for your children's hair Fast, easy styles for all lengths and textures of hair The pros and cons of using hair extensions Ask me your hair-care questions...i'll tell you No Lye!. DOWNLOAD HERE Nappy Hair 101, Ayana Hardin, May 1, 2004, Health & Fitness, 56 pages. To many, hair care is finding the least expensive shampoo and a $10 haircut. To Ayana Cole-Hardin, it is finding herself amongst the twists and turns of her nappy hair.and she... Curl Talk Everything You Need to Know to Love and Care for Your Curly, Kinky, Wavy, Or Frizzy Hair, Ouidad, Jennifer Schonbrunn Hinkle, 2002, Health & Fitness, 127 pages. Wolf Haas' Detective Brenner series has become wildly popular around the world for a reason: They're timely, edgy stories told in a wry, quirky voice that's often hilarious... 9-1-1 Beauty Secrets An Emergency Guide to Looking Great at Every Age, Size and Budget, Diane Irons, 1999, Health & Fitness, 324 pages. Tells how to look one's best in difficult situations, including hangovers, losing weight after a pregnancy, suffering from a cold, and hair loss. How do I look? the complete guide to inner and outer beauty : from cosmetics to confidence, Gale Hayman, Oct 1, 1996, Health & Fitness, 253 pages. The co-founder of Giorgio, Beverly Hills, presents a definitive guide to beauty, fashion, style, and lifestyle, sharing advice on everything from clothing to cosmetics, diet... No such thing as a bad kid understanding and responding to the challenging behavior of troubled children and youth, Charles D. Appelstein, 1998, Family & Relationships, 280 pages. Written specifically for child- and youth-care professionals, teachers, and foster parents, No Such Thing As a Bad Kid is packed with information for anyone who lives or works... Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me A Unique Guide to Thousands of Skin-care and Cosmetic Products, Plus the Latest Research on Keeping Skin Beautiful at Every Age, Paula Begoun, Dec 28, 2007,, 1167 pages. A consumer advocate presents an updated new guide that rates and evaluates more than thirty thousand cosmetics and beauty products, explains the different types of ingredients...
Herbs for Natural Beauty, Rosemary Gladstar, 1999, Health & Fitness, 73 pages. Offers a holistic approach to beauty and body care with natural recipes for cleansers, astringents and creams, massage oils, and herbal shampoos and conditioners. Seven Steps to Healthy Natural Hair Written for Black Women, by a Black Woman, Michanna Talley, May 1, 2008, Health & Fitness, 52 pages. Seven Steps to Healthy Natural Hair is written on the subject of just what the title states, steps to healthy, natural, Black hair. This book was written after years of having... Heal thyself for health and longevity,, 1993, Health & Fitness, 187 pages.. Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out, Tyra Banks, Mar 24, 1998, Health & Fitness, 202 pages. In an inspirational guide for young women, the famed African-American supermodel shares her practical advice on how to make the most of one's natural beauty, arguing that self... The Leslie Uggams beauty book, Leslie Uggams, Marie Fenton, 1966, Health & Fitness, 178 pages.. Natural Beauty at Home, Revised Edition More Than 250 Easy-to-Use Recipes for Body, Bath, and Hair, Janice Cox, Aug 2, 2002, Health & Fitness, 316 pages. Completely revised and updated, an innovative and indispensible guide presents recipes for home-made beauty treatments for women and men, including massage oils, cleansers and... "No Lye is not an ordinary how-to book. Tulani Kinard's study on African American Natural hair care is based on her philasophical belief that beauty and self-love is also healthy and biologically sound. A must-read for every African-American women, man, girl, and boy--at least!" --Bernice John Reagon Tulani Kinard is the owner of Tulani's Regal Movement, a natrual hair-care salon in Brooklyn, New York. She has worked as a contributing editor to Blackstress and Black Hair Care magazines and her hair sculptures have been featured in everything from Essence to The New York TimesI. She is cofounder of the International Braider's Network and former president of the National Braider's Guild. NO LYE is a fantastic all-around reference book for natural hair but many of the styles would probably have to be done by a professional stylist if you aren't an expert braider yourself (I'm not). There is a brief segment on how to braid with extensions but it wasn't detailed enough for me to copy. Aside from twists and short naturals, there aren't many do-it-yourself styles for natural sisters in the book. Tulani has done an excellent job of putting together the much needed info for caring for natural, chemical free, hair. Why there are so few books on the subject is a mystery to me given the health ramifications involved with continuously using caustic chemicals on ones scalp. But, the need to "fit in" is greater than the need for a healthy life. Well I am finally brave enough and secure in my own heart to know that whatever God gave me is what I have and if it sticks straight up then it sticks straight up. I use this book as a reference guide along with Pamela Ferrell and Lonnice Bonner's books. It helps to re-read some of the sections when you are staring in the mirror with a head full of nappy hair and thinking why oh why don't I just get a perm. Whenever I feel the urge to take that road I read one of my reference guides. Not only for the how to info but the moral support as well. My hair is now 6 to 7 inches and growing like crazy. In other words it quit breaking off and I think that the longer it gets the easier it will be to manage. I look forward to the day I can easily wear buns and do single braids. This isn't far off but until this time I will deal with the twisting and braiding while I wait for a few more inches to grow. 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. 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 was very disappointed with this book. I do not care for the artificial look of extensions & braids, nor do I want to get locked into as drastic a hairstyle as dreads, so I really hoped that Ms. Kinard's book would offer some creative options. I was wrong. She's a hairdresser but the only styles this book presented were extensions, dread locks, and knots. As a Black woman with long, thick, kinky hair, I am still searching for alternate, creative hairstyles that don't involve chemicals, enormous amounts of heat, or styles that cost so much time and money that I'll be reluctant or unable to change them easily. But if you don't mind weaving somebody else's hair into your own, or even trying synthetic or Yak's hair, this book is definitely for you. This is a great book and there's so many other books just as great about maintaining good, healthy, natural hair. I love natural hair and I embrace my curls, I wish so many other women would as well. It's beautiful having your own individuality. Overall, hair doesn't define the woman, beauty is skin deep. The first step is learning to love who you are. The art of making braids, terrific twists and lovely locks Easy recipes for products that clean, strengthen, and condition the hair Ways to heal damaged hair Painless methods of caring for your children's hair Fast, easy styles for all lengths and textures of hair The pros and cons of using hair extensions After reading many good reviews for this book I decided to buy it. This is a informative book for someone who has questions about their natural hair. However this book was written 11 years ago so some of the information mention maybe outdated. For example she suggest using shampoos that have sodium laural sulfates, out of all the sulfates used in shampoos this seems to be the gentlest. Now many people suggest avoiding sulfates of all kinds because they can be drying. I think it would be great if she wrote an updated version of this book. I think that this book is informative and helpful for those who are reluctant to go natural. I have been natural for seven years and I pretty much had to figure what worked for ME. I did not agree with everything in this book because some things were specific to certain people. It's not a 'universal' hair guide. Considering her background in hair care, I was surprised that Mrs. Kinard suggested that you should wear a cotton scarf to protect your style. Cotton or acrylic fabric on the hairline can cause extensive damage! The use of a satin or silk scarf or pillow case is always best. I would suggest that readers use this book for haircare ideas and then consult several other professional natural stylists before starting a chemical-free hair care regimen. I WISH TULANI WOULD WRITE ANOTHER BOOK! SHE HAS OPENED MY EYES TO THE HISTORY OF OUR WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL,BLACK HAIR. THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY SHAME TO THE BEAUTY OF OUR HAIR THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! AFTER READING HER BOOK, I FINALLY UNDERSTOOD WHAT WAS GOING ON WITH MY HAIR. NOW I KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF NOT ONLY MY HAIR, BUT MY BODY AS WELL. This book was extrememly informative and useful in determining what I can and should do with my hair as I attempt to transition from bone straight to natural. Tulani shows us how many beautiful things we can do with our hair and how to take care of it. Although, I do wish that she talked more
about how to care for your hair during the 'growing-out' process. This was the first natural hair care book that I read. This book is so informative. I guess that I am just so excited about what I am learning from the natural hair care books that they are all outstanding to me. This book opened my eyes to why I am balding at my hairline in the front and on the sides. Please let's just get away from these relaxers and go back to our natural hair. I know once I go back kinky that my hair line will return. I highly recommend this book to open your eyes about chemically processed hair. Natural is the way. Tulani, what a beautiful name, has achieved what very few people have managed to achieve in regard to black hair care. She has managed to present a straight forward no nonsense book on the management and care of African natural, chemical free hair. The first half of the book is the most informative. Tulani gets down and dirty as she explains how to wash your hair, what types of products to buy for your hair type and how to maintain healthy hair. I am tired of reading reviews by some women who complain that product names were not given. Product names are outdated before a book even goes to print. What is even better and is displayed through out this book is what are the ingredients you need to have in your products. What are the ingredients you don't want in your products. Her warnings are clear and concise and she always tells you exactly what will happen if you use the ingredients anyway. I appreciate, what some people might call technical info. Tulani explains hair structure but in doing so she explains to the reader why they might be having a particular problem. The second half of the book is devoted to braids or locs and how to do them. I was not as impressed with this section of the book because there were not enough hands on instructions as to how to really achieve the styles. She has some beautiful photos though but I would have liked more step by step how to pictures for natural hair braiding without extensions. Regardless though, the first half of the book is more than worth the price. At the very least you do get great care and maintenance of your braids and locs that no one ever tells you about. This is an excellent reference guide and should be treated as such. When a black woman spends her entire life straightening and perming her hair, she can feel completely lost when and if she decides to go natural. I know because that is how I felt when I decided to chop off my perm and start anew. I began searching for easy and healthy ways to grow and manage my natural hair. I found that there are several ways to keep a beautiful head of hair naturally when I read No Lye by Tulani Kinard. This book is an African-American guide to natural hair care. I found great tips that I would love to share with others who are thinking about going natural or perking up their own natural styles. I am going to start with locking and twisting your hair. Kinard didn't start her book at this point, however, I would like to start here because I have found that this is one of the healthiest ways to grow African-American hair. Locks have the ability to be beautiful, unique, and regal. I cannot help but to notice that other races of people have adopted this hairstyle also. I find it intriguing that locking your hair can say much about your personality. People how grow locks are very patient and committed. Unlike most styles that can be achieved by a long day at the beauty shop, locks can take several years to reach a good length. I have personally been growing my locks for almost 2 years and they still haven't reached my goal length, however, my hair has grown dramatically during this time. So what exactly are locks? Everyone has probably seen them at some point in their life. Many people know of the famous reggae singer Bob Marley or actress Whoopi Goldberg. Kinard describes locks as the process of no longer combing or brushing your hair. Every strand that would otherwise come out from a normal grooming regimen, along with shedding and breakage, starts to become intertwined, meshing, spiraling, coiling, and locking together, drawing into a cylinder formation that becomes "locked." Locking is irreversible; it is a permanent hairstyle commitment. Let's say that a woman has been growing her locks for 4 years and she finally decides to give up the hairstyle. She will not be able to go to a beautician and have her hair changed into a different style. She will actually have to have
her entire head shaved and start the hair growing process all over again. That is why it is so important for people, especially women to really be at a point in their life where they are either willing to stay committed to their locks or they won't mind being bald when they are ready for a change. I personally haven't locked my hair completely yet. I am not ready for that commitment, however, my hair is twisted and I have the ability to take my hair down if I desire. I do not want to officially lock my hair until I know that I am ready. I found it fascinating that locks have been around for thousands of years. Our rich African history, as far back as 3500B.C.E. in Ancient Egypt, which was called Khemet at the time, is filled with artifacts that prove that Locks were "in." Priests, royalty, and common folks wore locks. Kinard adds in some Biblical references to her findings of historic locks. The Israelites who followed a specific spiritual path in which they dedicated themselves to God wore locks. One of their practices was described in Numbers, 6:5: "All the days of the vow of his separation shall no razor come upon his headâ and shall let the locks of his hair of his head grow." The best option to starting your locks would be to have a professional start and maintain them. However, there aren't any specific rules to starting your locks. If you feel comfortable starting them yourself than feel free to, however, hair that is done by a professional will have a better quality in the end. Palm Rolling: For this technique you will need at least three inches of natural hair for palm rolling. Your hair texture can be soft, medium, or coarse, and your curl pattern should be more springy, medium-to-tight curl for this technique to retain its shape and form. Start at the base of the neck and take a small section of hair. Part your hair into a horizontally slanted row. Make equal, small section parts on the row. They may be little on each section. Place the section of hair in the crevice that is at the base of your fingers, just above the palm of your left hand. Take your right hand, and place the base of your palm in the middle of the crevice of the left hand, where your fingers begin, and roll the right hand down the left hand palm until the fingertips of the right hand come down to the base of the left palm. Now twist the lock around with your fingertips in a clockwise direction, lay it down against the scalp, and place a clip on it to hold it in place. Proceed to the nest section. You can now work your way up through the back of your head up to the top. You will want to keep a spray bottle of water handy to keep your hair moist during this process. Braiding: African-American's commonly use this technique when they want to start the locking process. You can start your locks by determining their size. This is the size that you will start braiding each individual section of your hair. Make equal sections all over your entire head. Your sections can be diamond, squares, pyramids, or circles. Apply a small amount of gel to each section. Using an underhanded stitch, braid each section to the very end. Do not leave anything unbraided. Upon completion, you can set your hair in rollers. Styling it in this way will help keep your braids intact. It will take about six-months for the locking process to be on its way, as long as you properly groom, shampoo, and condition your hair. If your hair begins to fray, you can use the palm rolling technique to pull in any loose hairs and continue the locking process. Two-Stranded Twists: This is the style that I am currently wearing. This technique follows the same format as braiding, except that when you part off the hair in sections, instead of making three new sections from that, you only make two. Apply a small amount of gel, and begin crossing each strand section over the other until you've worked your way down to the end of the twist. Toward the end of the twist, approximately two inches from it separate the two sections into three and braid it out to finish it off. http://archbd.net/bfg.pdf