Me, My Hair, and I: Hair Obsession

Me My Hair and I

Never has a topic been more talked, bought, dyed, and cried about as much as the subject of "hair." Hair beliefs, attitudes, and styles vary across cultures and time periods, but the most common interest in hair is growth.

Every women has at some point in her life wanted long flowing hair. Unfortunately Rapunzel-like hair isn't in the cards for all of us. Women of color especially struggle with hair length, but why? Are the many myths and attitudes about hair to be believed. Can brushing your hair 100 times a day really make it healthier, are frequent trims actually needed, do blondes really have more fun?

In Chris Rock's Good Hair, Maya Angelou stated that "a women's hair is her glory." So if a woman's hair isn’t a respectable length, or appropriately styled are you not “good” enough? Why is hair so intimately linked to a woman's confidence and identity?

To answer these hairy questions here are a list of books, movies, and CDs that will entertain, educate, style and care for your natural crown: Enjoy!

A History of Hair by Robin Bryer
 A History of the Redhead
On Blondes by Joanna Pitman
Hair Story by Ayana D. Byrd
The Science of Black Hair by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy

Me, My Hair, and I by Elizabeth Benedict (ebook)
These twenty-seven "hair pieces" offer up reflections and revelations about family, race, religion, ritual, culture, motherhood, politics, celebrity, what goes on in African American kitchens and at Hindu Bengali weddings, alongside stories about the influence of Jackie Kennedy, Lena Horne, Farrah Fawcett, and the Grateful Dead. Layered into these essays you'll find surprises, insights, hilarity, and the resonance of common experience. 

The History of Hair by Robin Bryer
This book provides a fascinating study of the history of hair, and discusses how fashion and events have influenced hair styles (especially those of women) around the world. The author looks at international fashion, and explores the similar and contrasting trends that have developed in different countries. Superb illustrations together with succinct captions and running text make this book an entertaining and informative read.

Red Hair: A History of a Redhead by Jacky Colliss Harvey
More than a book for redheads, Red is the exploration of evolution and gene mutation, as well as a compelling social and cultural study of how prejudice and misconceptions of "other" evolve across centuries and continents and are handed down through generations and from one culture to another.

On Blondes by Joanna Pitman
Explores the history of the cultural beliefs surrounding blonde hair, including famous blondes, the superstitions and symbolism that affected fashion and the treatment of blondes, and modern expressions of blonde preferences.

Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America by Ayana D. Byrd
A chronicle of black hair in America looks back at the styles, myths, and grooming techniques adopted by African-Americans throughout their history.

The Science of Black Hair by Audry Davis-Sivasothy
An authoritative reference text dedicated to the care of black hair- relaxed or natural. This powerful book introduces readers to a comprehensive healthy hair care strategy for achieving beautifully radiant hair regardless of hair type. Black hair structure, properties, and maintenance methods are carefully outlined throughout this go-to reference book to give you the tools you need to improve the health and look of your hair, TODAY.

The Art of Hair
Hairstyles
Textured Tresses by Diane DaCosta

The Art of Hair by Rubi Jones
A gorgeous collection of beautiful hairstyles that you can do on yourself--without a trip to the salon.

Textured Tresses by Diane Da Costa
Twist it! Braid it! Loc it! Hair styles like Locs, Braids, Twists, Cornrows, and Knots are all the rage, adorning the heads of celebrities, athletes, and everyday folk now more than ever before. Now, Diane Da Costa, celebrity stylist and master designer of natural hair, unravels the tresses of textured hair, providing readers with information on the proper care of natural hair as well as a step-by-step guide on achieving various exciting styles.

Hairstyles by Kylee Bond
Packed with 50 DIY hairdos, from classic coifs to today's hottest looks, "Idiot's Guides: Hairstyles" demonstrates every loop, twist, braid, and tuck needed to create dozens of sensational styles.

Born This Way
Testimony Vol. 1, Life & Relationship by India.Arie

Born This Way by Lady Gaga
"Hair"

"I Am Not My Hair"

HairWorld
Good Hair

Good Hair
Comedian Chris Rock tackles the very personal issue of hair, and how attaining good hair can impact African American's activities, relationships, wallets, and a self-esteem. Engages in frank, funny conversations with haircare professionals, beautyshop and barbershop patrons, as well as featuring interviews with Dr. Maya Angelou, Nia Long, Ice-T, Raven Symone, and more.

HairWorld
In Moscow, more than 40 countries compete at the International HairWorld Championships in timed tests of hairstyling skill. Follow team USA as they embark on months of rigorous training until finally their dreams unfold on the competition floor.

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For a historical perspective

For a historical perspective on all things hair, have a look at James Stewart's remarkable 1782 tome "Plocacosmos, or The whole art of hair dressing : wherein is contained ample rules for the young artizan, more particularly for ladies women, valets, &c. &c., as well as directions for persons to dress their own hair ..." (and much, much more). NYPL's Spencer Collection has just acquired a copy of the original edition, which is still in process for that restricted-access collection, but if you have an NYPL library card, you can peruse digital versions of two other copies. Just search "Plocacosmos" in our catalog.

Great Resource!!

Great resource!! Thank you for sharing!! I will definitely add "Plocacosmos" to my reading list.

Great Blog!

I really do wonder if blondes "really have more fun" than brunettes (Brown/black hair), it is a classic argument. I surmise a large survey needs to be conducted and we will have to read more about it. Thank you for your recommendations! Great blog!

Great blog! Really fun and

Great blog! Really fun and informative. It looks likes "Hair" obsession is expanding to "weave or wig addiction". I know women (black women) who never go out without their wigs or never show their natural hair (some celebrities even admit to it) I wonder what are the real roots of this complex of inferiority?