Note: Sandi Doughton, along with an expert panel, will be appearing at Powell's City of Books on Friday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m. When my editor at...
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wildsheepchase, March 20, 2007 (view all comments by wildsheepchase)
Recently I decided to conduct a little "experiment"–starting to embrace my curly hair rather than being indifferent about it. After getting a few suggestions from the web and a stylist about how to start treating my hair, I happened upon the existence of this book and got it from my local library.
Curly Girl taught me the different types of curls, showed me a radically new (and effective) way of taking care of my hair, let me know it would take about three weeks until the curls really looked great and what to expect in the meantime, and related personal stories of how people's relationship to their hair changed throughout their life as they came to learn how to properly care for their curls.
Additionally, the book provides homemade product recipes for curly hair, shows how curly hair should be cut properly, suggests a number of great ways to style curly hair, shows celebrities with each type of curl, and tries to have a little fun in the process. The book is richly illustrated, including before and after photos, shots to identify each type of curl, step-by-step photos of suggested hairstyles, and more.
I couldn't keep the library book forever, so this morning I called Powell's to buy it. I want to have it around for reference as I continue my curly hair "experiment," which I'm now willing to call a "lifestyle change." So far it has been about two months since I stopped shampooing my hair, and I'm very happy with the results!
Some parts of the book seem a bit fluffy in nature, such as the bits that talk about a curly hair "attitude," and the idea of calling yourself a "curly girl." There are also a number of curl-related puns sprinkled throughout the book. I think this approach is meant to appeal to teen readers, probably at the publisher's insistence. It also would have been nice to see more of a male presence in the book, and more ethnic hair, but again I think this was a deliberate choice based on who the publisher thought the primary market would be. Finally, there is also a photo of Sarah Jessica Parker at the front of the book that has been blown-up to an extremely grainy level, which is hard on the eyes.
Despite its weaknesses, Curly Girl has a ton of very useful information and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who wants to rethink their approach to their curly or wavy hair.
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kittystew, January 29, 2007 (view all comments by kittystew)
I have been struggling with curly hair since I was in high school. When I was a little girl my curls were beautiful but once I started using all of the products, blow dryers, curling irons, etc. my hair lost its luster. Reading this book and getting back to the basics made me love my curls again and embrace them! Thank you for all of your excellent tips!
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"Synopsis"
by Gardners,
This volume is an illustrated how-to manual for women with curly hair, as well as a support group and tongue-in-cheek manifesto for the curly haired. There are self-help tests, confessions from curly girls and advice to take to your stylist.
"Synopsis"
by Libri,
And for girls seeking their inner curl, compassion and encouragement to let their hair break free - and to put the fear of frizz behind them. Because from now on there's no such thing as a bad hair day.
"Synopsis"
by Workman Publishing,
Say no to shampoo, unplug the dryer, and find your inner curl
Celebrate the beauty of curls in a buoyant how-to, manifesto, and curly girl support group all in one.
Beginning with hair's true nature and underscored by Lorraine's Shampoo Epiphany - handle your hair as gently as you do your best cashmere sweater - it's all here: the care, the styling, the cuts, the dos, the tips, the products, the remedies, the attitude.
Tight coils and soft wavy tresses, African American curls and curly kids - this is what to do to look and feel your best.
Includes: Curly Cues and Quizzes, Dialy Routines for Corkscrew, Botticelli, and Wavy Curls, Homemade Lotions and Potions, QandA's for No More Bad Hair Days, Twelve-Step Recovery Program that will change your life, one shampoo at a time.
Plus: I Used to be Straight....And 22 Other Curly Girl Confessions
Powell's City of Books is an independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon, that fills a whole city block with more than a million new, used, and out of print books. Shop those shelves — plus literally millions more books, DVDs, and eBooks — here at Powells.com.
