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Better Than Good Hair: The Curly Girl Guide to Healthy, Gorgeous Natural Hair!
The fresh new handbook on how to achieve and maintain stylish natural hair, from the savviest and most revered expert on coils and curls These days there's a revolution going on. Relaxers are out. Weaves are so yesterday. Tired of damage from expensive chemical treatments and artificial enhancers, women of color are going natural thanks to Nikki Walton, the natural hair blogger and online hair therapy expert. In Better Than Good Hair , this gifted "curl whisperer" educates women on how to transition from relaxed to completely natural hair, with advice and styles for every length—from Fierce Braid-and-Curls to Fancy Faux Buns. She also counsels those considering the "big chop"—cutting it all off at once to sport a bold and beautiful "teeny weeny afro." Here, too, is essential guidance for parents of mixed-race children dealing with new and unfamiliar hair textures and styles. Combining Walton's expansive knowledge with tips from other experts in the field, Better Than Good Hair Full of indispensable information, as empowering as it is accessible, and with a foreword by actress and comedian Kim Wayans, Better Than Good Hair is a must-have natural hair care bible that will help women of all ages and styles achieve their natural beauty.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2013
79 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 7, 2013
Ah-mazing. As if the down-to-earth explanations and detailed-but-easy-to-follow instructions for routines and styles aren't enough, this book dedicates a whole section to white mommas of brown babies! : "No matter what your ethnicity, gender, or current skill level, if you practice, experiment, and seek out advice, your kid's hair is going to look fabulous." THANK YOU for being so inclusive!!
July 13, 2015
This was a re-read for me and I enjoyed it like I did the first time I read it.
This is a self help book on natural hair, I was once natural for 4 years but got bored and relaxed my hair. Now with my hair cut into a pixie cut Ive decided to transition back to my natural curls, but since Im so in love with short hair and how it looks on me I will keep my natural hair short twa fro. Ive had long hair my whole life and starting over with my natural hair journey is perfect for me.
For this re-read I read about the sections on big chopping and embracing your twa afro. Since my goal is to maintain my hair short I felt like these sections would be perfect to gain more information on.
I enjoyed this self help book it is filled with lots of great information on how to take care of afro textured hair and going natural. Its definitely a book that I will continue to pick up until I'm once again fully natural, which I plan to cut my relaxed ends of when I hit a year without a relaxer so for me that would be April 2016.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a new start to their hair, and wants to embrace their natural curls. Plus this book goes hand in hand with the curlynikki.com website so for a newbie or transitioner can gain twice as much more information.
Through out my transitioning back to natural hair journey I will be reading this book for tips and styles and product finds.
This is a self help book on natural hair, I was once natural for 4 years but got bored and relaxed my hair. Now with my hair cut into a pixie cut Ive decided to transition back to my natural curls, but since Im so in love with short hair and how it looks on me I will keep my natural hair short twa fro. Ive had long hair my whole life and starting over with my natural hair journey is perfect for me.
For this re-read I read about the sections on big chopping and embracing your twa afro. Since my goal is to maintain my hair short I felt like these sections would be perfect to gain more information on.
I enjoyed this self help book it is filled with lots of great information on how to take care of afro textured hair and going natural. Its definitely a book that I will continue to pick up until I'm once again fully natural, which I plan to cut my relaxed ends of when I hit a year without a relaxer so for me that would be April 2016.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a new start to their hair, and wants to embrace their natural curls. Plus this book goes hand in hand with the curlynikki.com website so for a newbie or transitioner can gain twice as much more information.
Through out my transitioning back to natural hair journey I will be reading this book for tips and styles and product finds.
February 10, 2017
This book is written for African hair. I have Scandinavian hair. It's dark and it's curly and yes, I get that from my Scandinavian side! It's also baby fine. There is a lot of it and I have volume because of curls but my hair's current texture is literally identical to the lock stuck in my baby book.
Obviously, you're going to get more out of this book if you have African hair. But if you have any sort of curly hair or even if you have straight hair and want to grow it long and healthy, you're going to find some advice here that you can apply to your own head. I recognize "search and destroy" from long hair forums not aimed at any particular hair type. It refers to snipping off splits without doing a full trim. The advice on using henna, I recognize from hair boards in general as well. Satin sleep caps, satin pillowcases, leave-in conditioner, etc. -- these are all going to be beneficial to anyone's hair.
I'm currently back at waist length after years of short hair. It was once at mid-thigh, and I was a seasoned pro at manic hair care. I'm a little rusty with that now, and I need to adapt my techniques to work with my current length. Better Than Good Hair is reminding me of what I need to be doing.
Obviously, you're going to get more out of this book if you have African hair. But if you have any sort of curly hair or even if you have straight hair and want to grow it long and healthy, you're going to find some advice here that you can apply to your own head. I recognize "search and destroy" from long hair forums not aimed at any particular hair type. It refers to snipping off splits without doing a full trim. The advice on using henna, I recognize from hair boards in general as well. Satin sleep caps, satin pillowcases, leave-in conditioner, etc. -- these are all going to be beneficial to anyone's hair.
I'm currently back at waist length after years of short hair. It was once at mid-thigh, and I was a seasoned pro at manic hair care. I'm a little rusty with that now, and I need to adapt my techniques to work with my current length. Better Than Good Hair is reminding me of what I need to be doing.
June 10, 2013
(FROM JACKET)These days there's a revolution going on. Relaxers are out. Weaves are so yesterday. Tired of damage from expensive chemical treatments and artificial enhancers, women of color are going natural thanks to Nikki Walton of curlynikki.com, the natural hair blogger and online hair therapy expert.
In "Better Than Good Hair", this gifted "curl whisperer" educates women on how to transistion from relaxed to completely natural hair, with advice and styles for every length-from Fierce Braid-and-Curls to Fancy Faux Buns. She also counsels those considering the "big chop"-cutting it all off at once to sport a bold and beautiful "teeny weeny afro". Here, too, is essential guidance for parents of mixed-race children dealing with new and unfamiliar hair textures and styles.
Combining Walton's expansive knowledge with tips from other experts in the field, "Bettr Than Good Hair" includes:
*Product recommendations
*Home hair care recipes
*Advice for parents on how to manage their children's natural hair
*Tips for using henna on gray hair
*Guidance on dealing with detractors
*Step-by-step illustrated directions for nearly two dozen hairdos, from frohawks to twist-outs
Full of indispensable information, as empowering as it is accessible, and with a foreword by actress and comedian Kim Wayans, "Better Than Good Hair" is a must-have natural hair care bible that will help women of all ages and styles achieve their natural beauty.
In "Better Than Good Hair", this gifted "curl whisperer" educates women on how to transistion from relaxed to completely natural hair, with advice and styles for every length-from Fierce Braid-and-Curls to Fancy Faux Buns. She also counsels those considering the "big chop"-cutting it all off at once to sport a bold and beautiful "teeny weeny afro". Here, too, is essential guidance for parents of mixed-race children dealing with new and unfamiliar hair textures and styles.
Combining Walton's expansive knowledge with tips from other experts in the field, "Bettr Than Good Hair" includes:
*Product recommendations
*Home hair care recipes
*Advice for parents on how to manage their children's natural hair
*Tips for using henna on gray hair
*Guidance on dealing with detractors
*Step-by-step illustrated directions for nearly two dozen hairdos, from frohawks to twist-outs
Full of indispensable information, as empowering as it is accessible, and with a foreword by actress and comedian Kim Wayans, "Better Than Good Hair" is a must-have natural hair care bible that will help women of all ages and styles achieve their natural beauty.
February 25, 2013
I follow the website and have been a fan for years. There is nothing earth shattering or life changing if you have been following curlynikki or the other ladies featured in the book. It would have been nice of the photographs were in color and it would have been nice if the drawings looked like someone other than a child had done them. I didn't understand any of the drawings or what ever they were trying to demonstrate. The back of the book with the list of products is awesome. I like lists and can use that to check off what I have used, loved or disliked.
April 6, 2013
Sooo this book is not really for white wavy girls like me. Still lots of helpful recommendations that I can apply to my 2a/b wavy hair, but there were many moments when I had no idea what she was talking about. I would have liked more detailed explanations of some of the techniques (ie. how exactly do you seal the hair with oil after conditioning?). Worthwhile for the discussions of what defines beauty, product listings, and personal hair stories.
February 26, 2013
Good guide for women going natural.
November 3, 2020
I’ve been using this method, so figured I ought to read the source material. Most of the specifics didn’t apply to my type of hair, but it was still an interesting read, and a good reminder that whatever beauty tax I’m paying (in money and societal BS), Black women are always paying exponentially more. I loved the interviews with all the different women. I found the structure of the book a bit confusing; most of the info I was looking for was crammed in at the end in an appendix. But some of this could have been ebook formatting. Giving it 5 stars because I’m not the intended audience, so what do I know!
May 1, 2023
Informative
I am trying to learn the curly girl method, and this is the first book I've read on the topic. It was very informative and has lists of products that are available both in brick and mortar stores and online. She also includes hairstyles, a few homemade recipes, a list of tools that you will need, and testimonials. Due to my level of curl, not all topics apply to me; nevertheless, I learned so much that does apply.
Her writing style is easy to follow and conversational. She teaches you the jargon of the curly girl method. I enjoyed reading and learning from this book.
I am trying to learn the curly girl method, and this is the first book I've read on the topic. It was very informative and has lists of products that are available both in brick and mortar stores and online. She also includes hairstyles, a few homemade recipes, a list of tools that you will need, and testimonials. Due to my level of curl, not all topics apply to me; nevertheless, I learned so much that does apply.
Her writing style is easy to follow and conversational. She teaches you the jargon of the curly girl method. I enjoyed reading and learning from this book.
August 16, 2017
Better Than Good hair speaks true to its name. It is a great guide for anyone who has to approach their hair care like a science project, like me. Not only is this book very useful, it is also funny. I found myself laughing at some of the people interviewed, and the testimonials provided in the book which were highly effective, and informative. Reading Kim Wayan's commentary literally made me laugh out loud.
January 21, 2019
Hoping for more
To be fair, I’ve been natural for a very long time and I was a little underwhelmed by this book. I did appreciate the illustrations and the step by step how-to’s, but I was hoping to read more about various textures and how to work with them especially if you have multiple textures and curl patterns in your hair. It is a great book for beginners and for those who need encouragement, but for us veterans who feel stuck I feel like it needed something more.
To be fair, I’ve been natural for a very long time and I was a little underwhelmed by this book. I did appreciate the illustrations and the step by step how-to’s, but I was hoping to read more about various textures and how to work with them especially if you have multiple textures and curl patterns in your hair. It is a great book for beginners and for those who need encouragement, but for us veterans who feel stuck I feel like it needed something more.
June 27, 2019
Great book for learning about different ways to maintain and style natural hair.
I also appreciated the concise, step by step drawings that accompanied the notes.
I also liked the chapter on children.
The only thing that sucked was the mention of husbands and boyfriends, as if a woman can’t have a wife or a happy, solitary existence. Also not sure why these same husbands and boyfriends have anything to say about a person’s hair.
I also appreciated the concise, step by step drawings that accompanied the notes.
I also liked the chapter on children.
The only thing that sucked was the mention of husbands and boyfriends, as if a woman can’t have a wife or a happy, solitary existence. Also not sure why these same husbands and boyfriends have anything to say about a person’s hair.
July 31, 2018
I borrowed my copy from the public library. This slender book generated multitudes of images for my hair. I want long hair that curls and softens as a result of self-love and self-respect. I see the women on the Internet who keep their hair looking wonderful but my patience will win out. I anticipate my gorgeous tresses will arrive in due season triumphantly!
August 11, 2017
Great book for people who are just starting their natural hair journey! Many great tips and endearing stories of actual people who have been through their journey. Thank you for this book :)
April 27, 2018
I wish it gave the information you need up front. You will have to search through the book to find the info about hair care.
July 19, 2019
I loved the story very well written.
April 6, 2020
Best book for people with natural hair.
August 19, 2022
I'll definitely refer back to this later on in my journey with natural hair.
July 8, 2014
I honestly expected more from this book. Simply because of the way it has been marketed, as a book for ALL naturals. This book is not for all naturals, especially those like me who have been natural for a long time. It's more so geared towards those considering "going natural" or those about to "big chop."
The thing that bothered me the most is EVERYTHING in this book is available on the internet for free. As someone who has been a part of the natural hair community for almost 6 years, none of the information is new. I was expecting there to be an entire section of new, hairstyles. Instead we got the same tired "twist and curl" the author has been blogging about on her website (curlynikki.com) for years.
As someone who has been natural or almost 5 years, I didn't gain anything from this book. But I will be buying a copy for my little sister who at 12, and "going natural" is not going to bother doing her own research on Youtube or Google.
The thing that bothered me the most is EVERYTHING in this book is available on the internet for free. As someone who has been a part of the natural hair community for almost 6 years, none of the information is new. I was expecting there to be an entire section of new, hairstyles. Instead we got the same tired "twist and curl" the author has been blogging about on her website (curlynikki.com) for years.
As someone who has been natural or almost 5 years, I didn't gain anything from this book. But I will be buying a copy for my little sister who at 12, and "going natural" is not going to bother doing her own research on Youtube or Google.
December 20, 2013
I've been natural for many years and I learned lots of new things from this book. My key take away was the concept of protective hairstyles like twists, afro puffs, and wraps. I gained a foundation for creating my own hair oils. I appreciated learning about co-washes and using conditioners as mild shampooing. It was great information given in an accessible and not judgmental format. Readers are given the choice to use all natural products or products with chemicals without criticism or glorification of whatever choice the reader chooses. The book is slightly geared towards people transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair but the book also has sections on hairstyles and hair care for children and kids from mixed racial backgrounds. All in all there is something in the book for everyone interested in natural hair.
April 15, 2013
My sister-in-law bought me this book on Kindle and I am eternally grateful to her for this gift. As a new natural (big chop in Feburary 2013), the book provides a wealth of information. Not only for the newly natural but for anyone thinking of going natural, the transitioner, or someone who has been natural for a while. What I like in particular, is that the information is condensed in one place. There are many, many websites, blogs, and YouTube videos out there with lots of information. However, it is nice to have one central place of reference along with the author's site curlynikki.com. There is information on products you can buy as well as DIY information.
Good job, Nikki and thank you for the education on everything related to natural hair.
Good job, Nikki and thank you for the education on everything related to natural hair.
August 26, 2013
A good back for any woman of African-American descent who is considering or has already started transitioning from chemically processed hair to natural. A lot of good information and really, I found more questions being raised by what I read. There is a wealth of hair care books, blogs and videos out there to help in that regard. So, I would look to Better Than Good Hair as a beginner's guide, but definitely reach out to the other resources online and in your community to get more direction about styling and overall care.
March 29, 2014
Good book for anyone thinking of taking the leap into natural hair. It points out their options and gives them a starting point. Its also somewhat informative for new naturals but it definitely needs color pictures for illustrations so that you can see what you are meant to see. Some areas of the book also need more clarity. For example, I read about 3 pages of a discussion about Henna before learning that the author was talking about hair coloring. Overall, it is a good starting point into the world of natural hair.
February 11, 2013
Don't get me wrong the book was Ok. I did enjoy reading stories from other naturals. All that I've read can be found on different blogs, step by step on Youtube, or FB pages from other naturals for free. I expected more from this read...I wish the illustration was done in color not b&w sketch......Congrats Nikki on your book! To readers by all means support a sister, but if you a money saver find your answer online.
April 24, 2013
This book was great! Really helpful. I don't have time to browse a million different blogs and watch a ton of YouTube videos. Nikki brought a good portion of the information I needed to know about my natural hair all together. And she did it in a way that kept me engaged. I loved the stories she mentioned...it made me feel less alone...in addition to all the practical info. I now have a hair regimen and my hair already feels softer and stronger.
August 21, 2013
This is a great book, that part I have read helped me to understand my past and resonated with the struggle and love hate relationship that we as african american women and curly headed women in general have had with our natural curls. It is just not fitting for the journey I find myself moving towards, so I have not stopped reading this book... I ready the first section and scanned through the rest of the book.
May 31, 2014
Great for for first time naturalists!!
I've been natural for about 4 years now, reading "Better than Good Hair" has confirmed all the many things that have done or used are on the right path to achieving healthy. Learning about the Henna process was an eye opener for me and can't wait to try. I would recommend this book to first time naturalists and those whose been natural for years.
I've been natural for about 4 years now, reading "Better than Good Hair" has confirmed all the many things that have done or used are on the right path to achieving healthy. Learning about the Henna process was an eye opener for me and can't wait to try. I would recommend this book to first time naturalists and those whose been natural for years.
March 5, 2013
Great handbook version of the website and perfect for those people *cough* me *cough* who want an alternative to searching through endless blog tags to find approaches to basic stuff. This is on my to own list simply for her henna method alone.
Bonus star for this book existing at all. I'm all for youtube, but we need more books about natural hair.
Bonus star for this book existing at all. I'm all for youtube, but we need more books about natural hair.
April 3, 2013
Well written with details on how to make the transition from creamy crack to natural. The personal stories and blogs talk to the readers heart. The long hair section was especially interesting to me and takes natural hair further for me. I've been natural for nearly 12 years and I'm still loving it. Step-by-step details on how to use henna, several hairstyles and conditioning.
April 11, 2013
This book was very insightful. I am currently on the journey to wearing my hair natural again, so it was very helpful regarding products to try, methods of transitioning and ways to style your hair during the transitioning phase. I will definitely add this one to the collection as a reference while on my journey.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews