Let's Talk Hair: Every Black Woman's Personal Consultation for Healthy Growing Hair, by Pamela Ferrell   [Paperback 1996]

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Rave Reviews (18)*

• 1) A Must Read for the Beginner Natural Hair Wearer

  by Minnesota Raven on March 16 2000
    80+ helpful votes

  I found this book very very informative on the basics of natural hair care. This effort by Ms. Ferrell and the book entitled No Lye both gave me the confidence a year ago to stop the chemicals. I started my search for information on how to get from under the chemical umbrella and discovered this book here on Amazon.com.

  I opted to use braids to grow out my chemical hair just because I knew I could not handle a teeney weeney afro, that's just not me. Well a year has gone by and I have a head full of natural hair and it's not scary at all. Trust me I had some bad moments the first time I had to take out my braids but have since come to see what Ms. Ferrell meant about the texture of your hair changing as it comes out from under the influence of the chemicals. My primary reason for going natural has nothing to do with Black pride, sorry to say. I had way more selfish reasons. I was worried about my health. Over the last few years I had undergone an intense learning period of understanding about the foods we eat or don't eat and the functions of the various organs of the body. When I realized the absorption capabilities of our skin I grew quite concerned. The skin is powerful and very good at one of it's jobs which is to absorb. I came to the conclusion that I should not have anything put on my scalp wherein my stylist had to wear gloves. If it was too dangerous for her hands it was too dangerous for me. Ms. Ferrell touches on this very topic and it was gratifying to see others express this concern.

  After having said all of this I have to admit I was still nervous the other day as I sat in the chair to get my first set of twist. Hallelujah.... I have been set free. It is so hard to describe the feeling of wearing my hair a la natural. I do believe this is easy enough with straight twisting to do it on my own soon enough but..... I am lazy and just like other people's hands in my head.

  So whatever your reasons for wanting to go natural this book is great. I have to agree with another reviewer and put in a request for more styles in the next book but this is excellent for those just starting out.

• 2) The "naptural" hair care bible

  by Anonymous on June 14 2001
    50+ helpful votes

  Every black woman who is either thinking of going natural or is already natural but doesn't know what to do with "it" should own this book. "Good Hair," "No Lye," and this book all take different approaches to the same topic -- how best to care for chemically unaltered tightly curled Afro-textured hair -- but this one is by far the most comprehensive, particularly in terms of the number of chemical-free styling options available.

  I have been natural for the better part of 5.5 years and this is the book I always recommend first. My favorite sections involve descriptions of black hair and the various properties and characteristics it has. So many of us are so used to thinking of this hair type in "can't, doesn't, won't" mode...this is a book that will have you operating in "can, does, will" mode. The key to caring for this hair type involves abandoning everything you've been taught about your hair -- a methodology that simply isn't designed for this hair type! -- and learning from scratch. This book will help you get there.

  The only reason I don't give this book five stars is that it's very poorly edited. But I was once an editor, so I pick up on bad editing right away. If you can get past the shoddy editing (and the average person usually can), this book is well worth the money.

  If you need more information about caring for natural Afro-textured hair, there are a plethora of Web sites containing discussion forums in which you can participate. Do a search on "natural hair" on Google.com.

• 3) Well Written and Chock Full of Hair Care Info

  by Minnesota Raven on May 16 2000
    40+ helpful votes

  Finally, someone that knows what its like to have to really deal with OUR hair. I use this book as a reference guide when trying to deal with my hair. Girls, women, females... it's just not easy. I turned a new leaf at the age of 40 and began to really get into my health, eating and drinking habits. I tend to do my investigation through books and kept coming across books that talked about the skin's great absorption capabilities. That started to finally sink in when it came to my hair. That why would I put dangerous chemicals on my scalp for over 20 years and not think eventually it would catch up with me. I took the route of growing out my relaxer via braids for a little over a year. It worked but I got tired of them too. My problem which I don't know if it was explained in any book is that while my hair grew quite nicely while in braids it was also quite damaged. You just can't take care of your hair properly the way you need to with extensions in your hair. So I have now given up the extensions and have a head full of wonderful nappy hair and it's scary believe me. But while it has taken me some time to get used to shampooing it, combing it and just getting it tamed, each time I get better and better at it. Heed the tips in this book, I did and now I know how to shampoo my hair without getting a head full of tangles, I know how to blow dry it (if I want to and most times I don't) and I know how to condition it. If I have one complaint it's that there should be more step by step pics of what's going on. I have to admit I now have a wig, a false hair piece for buns to cover me for those days when I just have a tacky looking corn row. My hair isn't long enough (not yet anyway) to just throw a long braid down my back but I know now that it will only get better. Take the effort, don't listen to all those out there who encourage the chemicals and be true to yourself, if not for your own ethnic pride then for your health.

• 4) Are you 'Naturally' curious? This is the book to get!

  by Anonymous on August 06 2003
    30+ helpful votes

  I was one of the many african american woman who had permed and relaxed their hair since I was able to crawl. After struggling with the question of "why" everytime I sat in the infamous 'chair' to be lathered with the cool and 'skunk' smelling aroma of the chemicals that would straighten my otherwise - thick and curly hair I decided enough was enough. I dropped all pretension and historical inculturation and cut my hair off. After 9 months of discovering what my hair truly is and is NOT (and loving and every minute of it!)I began researching black hair care and discovered this book. This revolutionized the way I manage my hair now - 8 years later. If you're looking for a way out of the 'hot seat' or tired of seeing the last of your strands fall to the barber shop floor I strongly urge you to check this book out. Even if you continue to straighten your hair (which is not always a bad thing), you'll learn the good, the bad and the ugly for caring for our various hair types and will no longer be at the whim of a hairstylist who thinks they know or should know or plain don't know what to do with our beautiful mane.

• 5) Most Comprehensive Guide To Natural Hair On The Market

  by Gail Willis on November 11 1999
    20+ helpful votes

  I found this book to be the most comprehensive guide to natural hair that I have ever read. It blows books like, Good Hair and No Lye right of the water. The major thing that I ejoyed about this guide were the photograhed directions on how to do your hair. It even shows you how to cornroll your own hair! Thanks to this book I am no longer soley dependent on a hair stylist to do my hair. I finally know how to do my own hair without the help of others. Thank You Pamela Ferrell for writing such a hair affirming book!

• 6) "Let's Talk Hair" - my only regret is not reading it sooner

  by DQ on August 10 2001
    20+ helpful votes

  I decided to grow out of my relaxer and wear my hair natural before I learned about "Let's Talk Hair." But, the reviews I read on this book convinced me to buy it anyway.

  After reading Pamela Ferrell's comments on natural hair, her thought-provoking commentary on the psychological struggle that some of us have in accepting our naturally curly hair, and the professional references she gives on how hair chemicals can affect our bodies internally, I was fully convinced that I made the right choice to transition to my natural hair and leave it that way. The book has great tips on options for growing out of a relaxer, how to shampoo, comb, blow dry, and style naturally curly hair (many pictures included). It lists common chemicals in shampoo, hair color, conditioner, etc. that just aren't right for black hair. And, it tells us which natural ingredients are good for our hair.

  "Let's Talk Hair" is a must-read for the black woman who has even slightly considered wearing her natural hair. And, it's a must-read for every black woman who is health-conscious, and cares about the effects that many chemical hair products have on her well being.

  Bravo to Pamela Ferrell for giving us some desperately needed education and confidence in our natural beauty!

• 7) FOR TOTAL APPREICATION OF NATURAL HAIR!!!

  by Anonymous on February 21 1998
    20+ helpful votes

  Having read Ms. Ferrell's other books, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one. I was preparing for a trip to Italy when I realized this book was published. I called her shop in D.C. and had the book shipped overnight. I read the entire book on my 10-hour flight to Italy, and it was great. Pam gives details that you can only get from trial and error. This book takes natural hair care to a new level -- educationally and spiritually. The instructions are great and the pictures are beautiful.

  I couldn't wait to get back to the States to do my hair. Since I've been back, I've tried a few of the styles, and I am grateful for the thorough instructions. This book is a MUST HAVE if you are a natural hair lover. I'm a truly "twisted sistah" with the help of this book!!!

• 8) Coily, kinky, nappy and HAPPY- BUY THIS BOOK!

  by Anonymous on November 25 1999
    20+ helpful votes

  I loved the pictures and simple how-to-do-it natural care and hairstyle information. I agree with all of the previous reviews. If you are interested in wearing your hair in "twists" this is the book that shows you how to work it.

• 9) Worth its weight in gold

  by Martha on July 27 2000
    20+ helpful votes

  When I went through the 1st chapters of this book, I was apprehensive and said to myself, "Uh-oh". The author rambles too much and is repetitive with her points. But she eventually begins to give priceless advice on shampooing, conditioning, moisturizing, and thankfully, texturizing! I was very disappointed with No Lye because Tulani Kinard failed to explore how to wear modern, natural hairstyles that weren't locked or braided. But Ferrell really came through for black women on this one and I am eternally greatful. The pictures are great, the models are beautiful. The advice is very practical and hard to come by. Buy this book! Thanks Pamela Ferrell!

• 10) This book is da BOMB!

  by teary@bellsouth.net on March 15 2000
    20+ helpful votes

  Before reading this book and the other suggested books, (No LYE, Plaited Glory, and Good Hair)I was constantly in turmoil with my hair. It was terribly crucial that i sport the latest "fried, dyed and laid to the side" hairstyle. There were times when i missed out on life because my "Do" wasn't done. I have had chemically treated hair for 20 years and i am only 26yrs old. My hair would grow really good and healthy when i wore braids for long lengths of time, but only to fall out again and again and again...as soon as i decided my long kinky tresses needed a perm to show off all that fantastic long new growth.It never failed, it always withered away in due time because of the perms. Due to this book and the others, i have solemnly made a pledge to go na-true-ral, I owe it to myself. It has taken me 20 years to realize why my hair seemed as though it would not grow when i used these toxic chemicals. Thanks to the book(s), now i know why. For years and years i have been a slave to beauticians. Throwing away hard earned money,lossing hair, getting scalp burns, and not to mention spending countless hours in the salon wasting precious hours of my wonderful life for a fried hairstyles that lasted no longer than a day (only hours if it was raining or windy). NO more!I am not going to let society dictate what is beautiful to me or for me, and this book has given me the fortitude to stand tall! As i type this review, My hair is breaking severely from the harsh chemicals i have used. It literally breaks if i move my head to fast. The hair that I grew from wearing braids for 1 year was shoulder length and looking healthy in August 99 when i got my new perm, but it is now ragedy, above my hear,thin and funky looking thanks to the almighty perm. It will be braided tomorrow to prepare for a new begginnig! If i had just had this book 20 or even 10 years ago, i could have saved myself a lot of time, money, shame, and most of all, hair. Now, I can't wait to find a good natural hair stylist in the ATL, the only sad part about it is that i have to start all over again from scratch, when in fact, if i had had these books, i'd be natural and free, by now.

• 11) This book is paradise!

  by Loretta J. Johnon on February 23 2000
    10+ helpful votes

  This book is paradise for anyone wanting to know how to care for natural African hair, especially for those living in areas where natural hair care is not readily available. In this book you'll find not only the "how-to" but also the "why" behind going natural. Beautiful photographs and clear, easy-to-follow instructions are included. I've used this book for 2 years now and I am constantly having people stop me on the street to ask me who did my hair or if I do this professionally. This book is both practical and intelligent and is the answer to anyone wanting to present the "crowning glory" that God gave us to its best advantage.

• 12) A "MUST HAVE" for all natural hair wearers.

  by linnea.battles@ucm.com on July 30 1998
    10+ helpful votes

  I recently started the process of growing out my relaxer and then my Stylist, who had been making this transition easy, moved to another state. I was lost and ready to again subject my precious hair to harmful chemicals. Even though I live in a city with a large black population it is still very hard to find hair-care professionals that know how to take care of natural hair. Fortunately, I found this book by Pamela Ferrell and other books such as "For Colored Girls Who've considered..." by Lonnice Brittenum-Bonner. These are both excellent books that have given me the strength to persevere. I truly feel that beautiful TOTALLY NATURAL hair is just around the corner for me.

• 13) Happy, nappy & free!

  by Anonymous on April 25 2001
    10+ helpful votes

  This book really made it possible for me to wear my hair without perms. Prior to reading it, I thought that the only natural style I could wear would be a short afro. I didn't think that there would be any versatility in going natural. However, Ms. Ferrell gives a lot of information on styling natural hair using various twisting methods. Twisting has been a lifesaver for me and allowed me to wear my hair in a variety of styles including the afro. There are also sections on locking methods, and braiding with extensions. Additionally, the author gives great information on the anatomy of hair as well as how to transition out of a relaxer/perm. I also have the books, "No Lye" and "Good Hair", both of which I like. But "Let's Talk Hair" gives the most comprehensive information on working with free form natural hair (as opposed to braids and locs)This is a must have for any woman with tightly curled aka nappy hair who is considering going natural.

• 14) Excellent book affirming the beauty of OUR hair!!!

  by Marsena Cook on July 10 2001
    10+ helpful votes

  I have just recently decided to once again attempt to wear my natural by choice (my third and hopefully my last attempt). This book gives me the courage to move forward with that decision. I think the reason for my two previously failed attempts was because I didn't let the natural hair grow out long enough for me to style it attractively. This time, I'll take Ms. Ferrell's advice and wear extensions until it does. I wish there were more natural hair care salons here in New York City (not just braiding centers, of which we have so many already) that pay attention to proper grooming and quality hair products. Ms. Ferrell sounds like just the kind of person I would entrust with my natural tresses!

  I remember being a little girl in the 1970s and envying the white women in the shampoo commercials for their long, flowing straight hair (and wondering why mine wouldn't do the same). Even though I grew up with women in my who wore their hair natural, pressed or relaxed (including my beautiful mother, who has worn hers natural most of the time) and who didn't believe in this "straight hair is good hair" nonsense, I still didn't come to appreciate my hair's natural beauty until recently. If I had seen more of the beautiful natural hairstyles then that we have available today, I would have gladly worn it natural much earlier. Thankfully, at 28 years of age, it's not too late for me to start anew

• 15) My "roots" have finally been uncovered!!!

  by Veronica H. Moore on August 02 1999
    10+ helpful votes

  In reading this book, I have had many of my questions answered. I was very impressed with Mrs. Ferrell's journey into the black woman's past and the struggle to realize how beautiful we really are. I want to express my gratitude to Mrs. Ferrell for giving me the insight on how to enhance my natural beauty and to help me stop being a "hair abuser". Being overseas, in a military community, where natural hairdressers are virtually null and void, this book has helped me care and style for my hair in the privacy of my home with minimal cost.

• 16) Good for Beginners!

  by Anonymous on April 24 2002
    10+ helpful votes

  I have long wanted to go natural. My hair tends to grow long when I leave it chemical free but I never had any clue how to care for it in it's natural state. I didn't want to be limited to braids and locs were too permanent for my taste.

  This book features lots of free form styles for natural african hair. The book also teaches how to look for a stylist and how to do some of the styles yourself. The only drawback is that the author did not list brand names of hair care products. She indicated what ingredients to avoid and what ingredients to look for, but I need more than that. Anyone who knows of a book that posts product info, please let us know in your review.

  Overall, I recommend this book and if I lived in the author's city, she'd be my stylist!

• 17) The ONLY book about curly, kinky hair

  by Anonymous on December 19 2001
    10+ helpful votes

  I must have read a zillion black hair/kinky hair books before I stumbled across this one...and it has all the solutions the others overlooked or just didn't know! Like how most shampoos on the market totally dry out kinky hair and make it tangle impossibly---and what kinds you really should buy and what ingredients to avoid. And it actually has styles, real styles that you can do at home, on yourself or at a salon that won't leave you looking weird, funky or like Buckwheat. Since I got this book, I have no need for messy greases, pomades, or oils and my kinky hair is super soft, easy to comb and easy to style. This book is right so on target...the rest are just wannabes....

• 18) Very Good Job!

  by Adrienne C. Archer on September 26 2004
    10+ helpful votes

  Ms. Ferell did a splendid job with this book. I just did "the big crop" on August 30, 2004 after having relaxers in my hair since I was 12. I am now 32 and feel so much better about myself. This book really explains in detail how to care for natural hair. The only fault I had with it was that it did not give brand names of products that would be good with natural hair. Other than that, this is a book I refer to almost daily.