Written by Sue, staff member, Keshen Goodman Public Library
Feeling the need to trim, cut and style? Here are some ideas for creating, inventing, redoing and caring for, all things hair. Or just sit back and watch one of our wonderful lock-inspired movies from hoopla or Kanopy. Feel the flow, untangle from a harried and busy day, and let us help you find your next s-tress-free book or movie!
Your Library truly is a resource for everyone...and every hair style and type.
1. Braids, Buns, and Twists! by Christina Butcher
Available on OverDrive, opens a new window
This is a great, little book on all the fun things you can do with braids—from French twists to Heidi braids, and even top knots. You will look fabulous going on all your outings or just staying in the house for a night in. All ages will learn easy steps to styling and products with a show and tell of glamourous photographs.
2. Me, My Hair, and I by Elizabeth Benedict
Available on OverDrive, opens a new window
This lively book brings together twenty-seven stories of women and their hair. It is strewn with humorous essays and insight into the everyday lives of women: you will travel to Hindu Bengali weddings, African American kitchens, and Jewish homes. You will peak into the lives of Jackie Kennedy, Lena Horne, and Farrah Fawcett. After all, hair matters, as all women know, and nothing feels more refreshing that a fantastic cut!
3. Curly Girl: The Handbook by Lorraine Massey and Michele Bender
Available on OverDrive, opens a new window
Create magic and tame those curls with this insightful book on the delight and challenge of curly hair. Throw away the shampoo and learn to make homemade ointments to coat your hair in luxurious moisture. All types of curls are mentioned—from corkscrew, Botticelli to African American hair. All from a fresh and natural point of view—no chemicals here to interfere with the natural beauty of the curly girl!
4. Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
Available on OverDrive, opens a new window
First a picture book, now an Oscar Winning Short Film! Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it's beautiful. When Daddy steps in to style it for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he loves his Zuri, and he'll do anything to make her, and her hair, happy.
5. Grow Hair Fast: 7 Steps to a New Head of Hair in 90 Days by Riquette Hofstein
Available on hoopla, opens a new window
Riquette Hofstein introduces a fascinating look at how to restore hair growth. Did you ever think that you would use vodka to grow a full head of hair? She debunks Rogaine’s secrets and teaches you how to encourage hair growth from inside and out with many recipes for hair care products.
6. TAFEshop Hair and Beauty Collection (video)
Available on Kanopy, opens a new window
This series, while a bit dated, has some great demonstrations of how to treat and care for your hair. Easy hairdressing tutorials on how to style your own hair or on how to take care of someone else’s. In the fundamental hairdressing skills section, you will learn about perms, shampooing, scalp massage, beard design and permanent hair colour. Plus so much more—who needs the hair salon when you have everything you need from these creative how-to videos!
7. Hairworld (video)
Available on Kanopy, opens a new window
Fifty countries are competing for the honour of being the most skilled hairstylist in the world. They will use cutting edge skills to create the most elaborate hair sculptures, and the most vivid colours of hair, all adorned on the heads of the most beautiful models in the world. This fast-paced documentary follows Team USA as they strenuously train and compete for the gold—overcoming some crazy obstacles such as a flood and a sudden wrist injury. This is what is known as the Hair Olympics. Feel the adrenalin rush as we cheer this valiant team on to the finish line—one braid and curl at a time!
8. Better Than Good Hair by Nikki Walton
A licensed psychotherapist who blogs about natural hair at CurlyNikki.com, Walton focuses on celebrating natural Black hair, providing product recommendations, home haircare recipes, advice on how to maintain natural hair for children, and more.
9. Hairspray (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Collector’s Edition Soundtrack (audio)
Available on hoopla, opens a new window
This song collection boasts the vocals of Zac Efron and Queen Latifah, with the sweet tones of its lead singer, Nikki Blonsky. The movie, based on the Broadway play of the same name, explores a kaleidoscope of themes ranging from being overweight, racism, to being a teenager in love. Despite its heavy themes, the soundtrack strikes a note of optimism and pure joy. So enjoy the heady music of Hairspray with this jubilant musical soundtrack.
10. Red: A History of the Redhead by Jackie Colliss Harvey
"The first book to explore the history of red-headedness throughout the world." Author Jacky Colliss Harvey begins her quest in prehistory and traces the redhead gene as it made its way out of Africa with the early human diaspora, only to emerge under Northern skies. An engaging read for redheads and non-redheads alike!
What are your favourite hair tips and tricks? Suggest blogs, books, and videos in the comments below!
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