St. Louis’ own Nikki Walton – better known as Curly Nikki – is taking her natural hair online empire to print with the release of her debut book “Better Than Good Hair.” The book was co-written with another native daughter Ernessa T. Carter and hit shelves and the net today (January 29).
The book chronicles her journey from a personal quest to making peace with her hair texture to becoming a leading authority among the natural hair care community – and the most visited website and community among the naturalistas. In a post on her site, www.curlynikki.com, she provides first hand insight on how her vision for writing a natural hair guide became a reality.
(from CurlyNikki.com) – So, I wrote a book, y’all…and it’s (appropriately) titled, ‘Better Than Good Hair,’ ‘cause we’re not only rejecting the notion of ‘good hair’, we’re showing women that their own hair is BOMB and better than good — it’s the greatest.
I’m assuming you have some questions, so I’m gonna hop on the couch real quick like and let YOU be the interviewer. *puts on fake reading glasses* *Zsa Zsa Gabor voice* I’m ready for my close up darlings!
You: So you writing books now? You and what army!? We’ve seen your subject-verb agreement, Nikki…
Well, me and 32 Candles author, Ernessa Carter, of course! There’s also actress and comedian Kim Wayans, who lends one hella funny and relatable foreword, not to mention significant contributions from your favorite natural hair experts, bloggers and Youtube sensations. Last but certainly not least, there are tons of pics, anecdotes and advice from natural hair community members like yourself, duh! Just as CurlyNikki.com is more about the community than it is about me, so is the book. This is the community’s book… with the best practices, care and styling advice from different women, with different hair. There’s something for everyone.
You: Giiiirrrrl, why am I just now hearing about this?!
A couple of reasons – most of which has to do with my own psychology. This is new territory for me. I don’t sell things. I don’t tell you to buy stuff (unless it rocks). I don’t endorse shit (ad space for sale, endorsement is not). So there’s that. Also, the publishing world can be quite precarious and any time before now felt premature. This project is 2 years in the making and during this time I’ve had to pass up opportunities due to the tone, political nature, or direction. Also, just because you ‘got a deal’ doesn’t mean you’ll be published. At this point, since the release date is January 29, 2013, I’m preeeeety sure its happening, lol. I’m SUPER excited and very proud of how it came together- I know it’s a quality product, and it won’t just be filler on your bookshelf. *finds horn labeled ‘Nikki,’ toots it.* The goal was not only for it to read as an easily digestible narrative, but also as a quick reference guide. You can expect an easy and entertaining read, much in the style of the blog.
You: So what’s in it?! And why are there exclamation points after all of my questions? I’m normally much calmer than this…
It’s cause we’re excited! What’s in it? Everything from product recommendations, home hair care tips and advice on how to manage the kiddo’s head, to the pros and cons of introducing henna into your regimen, guidance on dealing with haters, length retention tips and step-by-step illustrated instructions for nearly two dozen hairdos. With indispensable information, as empowering as it is accessible, ‘Better Than Good Hair’ is a natural hair care bible that will help women of all ages, styles, and lengths achieve their natural beauty. **Imagine ‘What to Expect’ meets CurlyNikki.com.**
If anything you’ve ever seen here on CN has moved you to laughter, tears, or action, I think you’re gonna love this book!
‘Better Than Good Hair’ is now available for sale on barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.
