The Best Hair Books That Everyone Needs to Read

Most people have a ton of questions when they first go natural.

It’s often very difficult to determine whether you’re getting good information when you’re newly natural. Plus, much of the free information on natural hair care isn’t accurate.

I always suggest purchasing one of the best hair books on the market to help you get started on your journey.

These books cover dreadlocks, going natural, protective styling, growing long hair and many other natural hair topics to help you during your natural hair journey.

The Best Hair Books

1. The Science of Black Hair: A Comprehensive Guide to Textured Hair Care

This is one of the few books that take a comprehensive look at the structure of black hair. While several scientific journals describe the challenges faced by those who have afro-textured hair, they do not offer solutions on how to deal with these difficulties.Fortunately, Audrey Davis-Sivasothy, an author, and a health scientist provides solutions to these challenges faced by women of color. Read Curl Centric’s exclusive interview with author and health scientist Audrey Davis-Sivasothy.

2. Chocolate Hair Vanilla Care: A Parent’s Guide to Beginning Natural Hair Styling

This book, written by Rory of Chocolate Hair Vanilla Care, targets parents who have little or no experience taking care of their children’s natural hair.This book is perfect for a visual learner because of its perfect close-up pictures showing different hairstyles. It also includes step-by-step instructions on how to style afro-textured hair.Together with Rory’s blog that teaches different hairstyles that include crochet braids, Ghana plaits, and yarn twists, this book is an amazing gift to those who need to take care of afro-textured hair.

3. Ultra Black Hair Growth II: 2000 Edition

This book by Cathy House, a renowned black hair care expert, gives deep insights into different factors that influence the growth of black hair.Among the key factors that are well covered is PH balance in relation to black hair. She published her first book on black hair in 1989.Cathy has spent the last several years researching how to take care of black hair.

4. Grow It: How to Grow Afro-Textured Hair to Maximum Lengths in the Shortest Time

Are you looking for ways to grow longer hair or retain the length of your hair? This book, written by Chicoro explains how to increase hair growth using a simple six-step process.

She shares a personal story of her struggles with growing black hair, a common struggle that many readers share. This book provides a realistic view on how to grow black hair to great lengths.

5. The Natural Hair Bible: The 10 Commandments of Black Hair Care

This book by Breanna Rutter, well known for her Havana Twists’ video tutorials, guides on how to take care of your natural hair using DIY recipes as well as explaining what to expect from various hair treatments.

Much of the advice contained in this book will help you maintain healthy natural hair.

Did you know that Curl Centric created the Curly Kids Coloring Book specifically for natural hair kids?

It has more than 60 coloring pages for girls and boys with curly hair. Click here to learn more about the Curly Kids Coloring Book.

6. Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair

If you are transitioning to natural hair or you have recently big chopped, this book is for you.

It is a great starter guide that will teach you about all hairstyling and ongoing hair maintenance. This book by Chris-Tia Donaldson is easy to read and understand.

It uses photography to serve as a visual guide and for clarity. Donaldson is a celebrity stylist who has worked with artists Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu. If you are transitioning to natural hair from relaxed hair, this is the book to read.

7. If You Love It, It Will Grow: A Guide To Healthy, Beautiful Natural Hair

This book by Dr. Phoenyx Austin offers a holistic approach on how to grow your hair. It explains an ancient technique called Ayurveda, which is a form of alternative medicine that women have used for thousands of years to grow long beautiful hair.

Dr. Austin has been featured in notable publications, among them Ebony.com and Essence.com. Read Curl Centric’s exclusive interview with Dr. Phoenyx Austin.

8. Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America

This was one of the first books that documented the history of African American hair in 2002. It takes a critical look at the history of black hair by untangling the roots.

It explains the culture and politics behind the ever-changing state of black hair from way back in the fifteenth-century to present-day America. It ties the personal hairstyle preferences to political and popular culture.

Hair Story’s co-author Ayana Byrd said that its recently revised and updated edition was prompted by the internet. Ayana says that there is a growing natural hair movement that did not exist years ago.

This movement is being fueled by the internet. This new version is available in hardcopy and it includes two additional chapters on hair preferences.

9. Better Than Good Hair: The Curly Girl Guide to Healthy, Gorgeous Natural Hair!

This is a good book for newbies looking for natural hairstyles. It provides encouragement and the know-how for ladies taking care of their natural hair.Its author, Nikki Walton of CurlyNikki.com has shared much of her knowledge about curl therapy in this book.In this book, she covers topics such as workplace hairstyles, dealing with discouragement, and the affirmations to help one get through the natural hair journey.

10. The Science of Transitioning: A Complete Guide to Hair Care for Transitioners and New Naturals

Audrey Davis-Sivasothy wrote this book to help those who are transitioning from relaxed hair to natural hair. This book is fully dedicated to helping women deal with the challenges of managing multiple hair textures, including relaxed ends and natural roots.It is a useful resource that will help you avoid or mitigate breakage issues and styling challenges. There you have it, the best hair books. Let us know your favorites in the comments.