Book Review: The Science of Black Hair

 

When I started my hair mission to achieve strength, and length with my 4c textured hair, part of my preparation included reading A LOT of material on the more technical aspects of black hair and black hair growth.   One of the very best resources I discovered was 'The Science of Black Hair', by Health Scientist Audrey Davis-Sivasothy.  It is 250 pages of very simple, concise, and well organized information on the growth and maintenance of textured black hair - natural, and chemically relaxed.

The 1st unit covers the basics of hair and scalp structure,  growth stages and cycles, hair types, protein, pH, porosity and many other elements essential to understanding how your hair works.  It is absolutely paramount to have a functional understanding of all these things, if you want to build a healthy hair regimen from a place of knowledge.

The 2nd unit goes into the specifics of hair management, including information on regimen building, what tools to use, protein vs. moisture balance, the different oils and how they affect our hair, heat usage, breakage zones, and protective styling.   One of my very favorite sections in this unit, lists  a couple of hundred products that readers can work into their regimens.  These products include shampoos (moisturizing, chelating, and clarifying), conditioners (moisturizing, and protein rich), oils and butters, stylers, essential oils, carrier oils, and so on.  She has vetted, all of these brands and products, and provides a comprehensive list of items that are safe for our hair, and promote moisture, strength and growth.  Finding the right products can be a daunting task.  Although there are no product reviews, this is great place to start exploring your options.

Units 3-5 cover chemically treated hair, children's hair and the whole body-hair connection. 

Overall, a very easy read.  Simply written, to convey complex scientific principles in layman's terms.  No fluff, no politics, just information.   I would highly recommend this book.  Ms. Davis-Sivasothy has done us a great service. http://scienceofblackhair.com/  -YB