Authentic Hair.

Authentic Hair by Ademola Mandella, foreword by Malcolm-Jamal Warner Cosmic Nubian Enterprises, March 2001, $42.50 ISBN 0-937-38318-X

Mandella, a New York-based natural hair expert, puts his passion into print with this eye-popping collection of beautifully rendered photographs of diverse styles showcasing our talent, originality and beauty through the hairstyles we choose. "I believe that choosing to wear natural hairstyles," says Mandella "helps to communicate love for self and for our culture"

The book pairs the photos--some of which will make you want to run to the hairdresser with book in hand--with poetry and prose that "celebrat[es] the beauty and versatility of natural hair" Poets like Sarah Jones, Tony Medina, G. Winston James, Tracie N. Morris, Anasuya Isaacs, who served as poetry editor on the project, and even Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who also wrote the foreword, serve as the conscience of the book, making it more than a exhibit for black hairstyles. The selection of models was consciously inclusive, with photos of men and women of various ages wearing these styles. This pairing of words with images creates the mind/body/soul connection that is Authentic Hair.

This thoughtfully produced coffee-table book is divided into sections highlighting African Locks, Nubian Kuts, Hair Tattoos, Jazzy Tracks and other styles that incorporate both fully natural styles and those using extensions. Authentic Hair is chock-full of original ideas for both style aficionados and average folks alike.

Samiya A. Bashir is a BIBR contributing writer.