Nice Dreads: Hair Care Basics and Inspiration for Colored Girls Who've Considered Locking Their Hair

by Lonnice Brittenum Bonner

Have you always admired women with flowing hair? Do you long for a wash-and-go style? In Nice Dreads , Lonnice Brittenum Bonner, the author of the classic Good Hair , shares her secrets and personal stories about dreadlocks—from cultivating buds to keeping those locks looking their best!

Perfect for women who want dreadlocks but aren’t sure how to start, or for those who’ve already started and want to know the best ways to keep hair healthy, Nice Dreads can help you grow your own lovely locks. From preparing for the haircut to everyday maintenance, Lonnice Brittenum Bonner tells you exactly what to expect, while photographs illustrate each stage of growth and showcase mature dreads in all their glory.

The author (who sports locks herself) knows firsthand the challenges of caring for this hairstyle; those intimidated by a drastic cut or shy about showing off the stages of early growth will find personal encouragement from someone who knows exactly how they feel—and how great they’ll look! Learn how to overcome your reservations and wear your style with pride.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2005

Reviews

[Dr. E · Rating 3 out of 5]

info was partially useful in regards to starting and maintaining locs. however, the author writes in the tone of a hair elitist, heterosexist, and classist that limits the journey of locing and locs to a superficial process that does not delve very deeply into the healing of locing natural hair other than the feeling of having loced hair that is "presentable" to mainstream society and "hair that grows long". for some women, this may be all they need, but for the larger diaspora of black womyn from diverse socioeconomic, gender identification, and geographic backgrounds you may not find your story here. also, it's problematic that the author includes "homeless", "lesbian" and "not feminine" in a list of attacking words such as "unclean" when presenting the negative terms or "bad" ideas some may have or direct towards locs. further evidence that the author may not understand that the sistahood of loced black womyn is a beautifully diverse spectrum and that all of us should be celebrated and affirmed by its accessibility and creativity instead of perpetuating division (perceptions of good locs vs. bad locs, nice vs. nasty, etc.)

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt more informed and prepared to speak to a natural hair professional after reading this book.

[AngiJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very basic, quick read about maintaining dreadlocks. A good introduction for someone cconsidering locking or who is just starting to lock.

[Laquita Bridges · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of information on how to do and keep up your dreads. Also she has lots of personal advice with her experiece with dreads.

[Akilah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straightforward and conversational book about the start, care, and maintenance of locks.

[Tip Mack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple go to book if you are considering locking your hair. I decided to read this to get more information on how to care for my hair since I have just started my loc journey. It left me feeling more confident in myself and to ask questions freely if I ever have any about my hair.

[Michelle Estella Usher-Grano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where was this book when I started my locs about a year and a half ago? I have been encouraged and renew my convictions of why I wear my hair in locs.
Ms. Lonnice is very down to earth in her writing style and also includes great pictures on the various stages locs go through.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have dreadlocks but she doesn't really go into detail regarding the latching technique. I wasn't sure whether they were different from palm locs, in terms of taking care of them. Lonnice does give good tips regarding keeping your hair healthy, shiny and tidy. There were a few things that I learned about locs that my own loctician didn't tell me. I read this book within 24 hours, a very easy read.

[Chanel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good basic information to care for your hair and keep it healthy.

[Cammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book that helped me when I started locking my hair in 2001, WAY before the blogs and other books and youtube videos.