Audrey David-Sivasothy

Hello Maicurlies,

Today I am here with something new, two book reviews! I am excited to share my thoughts on these two books written by the talented (and stunningly beautiful) author: Audrey David-Sivasothy. The books are “The Science of Black Hair” and “Hair Care Rehab”.

Disclaimer: Please note that I won both the books in an Instagram (IG) Giveaway (thanks to my friend Necey) that was done by Audrey. (Little shout-out to both of you ladies)! Here is Audrey’s IG page: https://www.instagram.com/blackhair101/). I was not sent the books for reviews (there were tons of winners btw) I just wanted to share my thoughts on the books. I have based this review SOLELY on my own personal thoughts and opinions (I am not a “book critic” by any stretch of the imagination).

Biographgy of Audrey Davis-Sivasothy (Retrieved from Amazon.com)

Audrey Davis-Sivasothy is a certified trichologist, lecturer and consultant to the cosmetology industry. A health scientist and member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Sivasothy is also author of the international best-selling book—The Science of Black Hair. This foundational text on black hair care has been used to train cosmetologists all over the world, and is the bestselling and most highly-rated reference textbook on textured hair today.

Sivasothy has been a guest expert on The Dr. Oz Show, and her work has been featured in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s World, The Huffington Post, Essence, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, and Hype Hair Magazines.

Amazon.com

“The Science of Black Hair”

The Science of Black Hair – Image Source: Amazon.com

Who are the target readers? : Regardless of how much or little knowledge you might have about black hair, this book is suitable for those that are new to taking care of their own hair, those that are struggling with their hair care or even Hair Professionals (e.g. stylists, hair dresses).

As the name suggests, the book is tailored for those of us with Black hair and under that category, it doesn’t matter whether you are natural, transitioning, relaxed or telaxed, etc., there is so much helpful information in the book that covers all aspects of black hair. The books sets out to help you better understand your hair, how to care for it, how to care for your scalp and how to maintain a healthy hair & scalp routine for the long term. It teaches you how to maintain chemically treated or natural hair to optimal health, helps you regulate optimal product pH balance, helps you grow longer stronger and healthy hair and the most important aspect (in my opinion) is that the book highlights the importance of protein/moisture balance and how to achieve this in order to prevent breakage, retain & grow healthy hair.

Pages & Chapters : There are 13 chapters in the book and it consists of 256 pages (in total including index).

Text: It is a really easy book to read through and follow, you do not need a science degree nor any kind of former understanding about hair/hair care. You basically can learn straight from the book. The pages are spread out and includes images & illustrations (those of you that are really visual learners, you might want to opt for the colour version of the book versus the black & white option).

Highlights for me: Personally, as I mentioned one of the most interesting parts of the book was the focus on protein & moisture balance. It is something that I have commonly mentioned in my blog and videos since the hair is mainly made up of protein and requires moisture to stay balanced. Audrey does a really good job on highlighting the processes in which one can maintain a protein/moisture balance along with explaining why each process is important. Another section in the book that I really enjoyed is the explanation of the LOIS Hair Typing system (aka: L.O.I.S). I find this method a lot more helpful than the commonly known Andre Walker Hair Typing System – where hair is broken down in numbers (1 – 4) and alphabets (a – c). Now I am not the biggest fan of “hair typing” in general, especially in terms of people trying to find out ‘what kind of curl I have’ simply to categorize “manageable and unmanageable hair. I think the Walker system can be used to identify what type of curl you have BUT should be used together with aspects such as density, hair width etc otherwise in my opinion it is pointless. (I have written about both of Density and Width).

Anyways back to the LOIS typing system: it goes a step further than just identifying the “type” of curl one has by basically looking at the structure and characteristics of ones hair by identifying curl pattern, strand size and hair texture. In my opinion understanding those characteristics is A LOT more helpful!

I plan on doing a Video & Blog Post about the LOIS System in a few weeks so please stay tuned for that!

Where Can I purchase the Book? :

The book is available in 4 options (found on Amazon) – please be mindful when ordering to make sure you choose the specific one you want:

Paperback Black & White (that is what I have): https://www.amazon.com/Science-Black-Hair-Comprehensive-Textured/dp/0984518428/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Paperback Colour: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Black-Hair-Comprehensive-Textured/dp/098451841X/ref=tmm_pap_title_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Hardback Black & White: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Black-Hair-Comprehensive-Textured/dp/0984518436/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Hardback Colour: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Black-Hair-Comprehensive-Textured/dp/0984518401/ref=tmm_hrd_title_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Would I recommend the book? : Absolutly! I highly recommend this book for anyone that has black hair!

“Hair Care Rehab”

Hair Care Rehab – Image Source: Amazon.com

Target Readers: The second book “Hair Care Rehab” has a special place in my hearth! While I highly recommend both books, I just ADORE “Hair Care Rehab”! Audrey created another wonderfully written book that is comprehensive while not overwhelming, easy to read, easy to understand and this book caters to ALL hair types. So if you happen to have Caucasian straight hair, African/Black Natural hair, Transitioning hair, Relaxed hair whatever the case might be this is for EVERYONE!

Pages & Chapter: It consists of 277 pages, broken down into 3 Units and is a paperback Black & White book (I have not found a colour version of this book).

Text: Audrey yet again crafted a wonderful guide that takes you through three stages of hair & scalp care that is filled with illustrations, images, easy to read text and helpful informative information that really gives you a great understanding of how to care for your hair all by yourself!

Highlights for me: There are so many parts of the book that I love but if I had to pick I would say that the biggest Unit of the book that helps you determine any potential hair/scalp issues you might be facing is one of my favorite sections of the book. It not only explains the type and cause of the issue but most importantly (in my opinion) it explains how you can overcome the situation and hopefully prevent it from reoccurring, since you have an understanding if its cause! I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t mention the little Do It Yourself (DIY) section that Audrey wrote about! Yes, there is a little section on DIY mixes and you know I LOVE the fact that this has been included! I actually plan on doing one DIY for my Blog and Channel (I spoke with Audrey and she was happy for me to share….Thank You Audrey)!

Where can I purchase the book? :

Hair Care Rehab: https://www.amazon.com/Hair-Care-Rehab-Ultimate-Reconditioning/dp/0984518452/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466322208&sr=1-1&keywords=hair+care+rehab

Would I recommend the book? : I think the question is a little pointless but YES ABSOLUTLY!

So in closing as I said, I recommend both books. You can opt to go for one book first and then the second however regardless of the one you pick I think it is worth a read!