Publications & Sites 
Hear ‘Natural’ author Donaldson Sept. 16
Updated: September 24, 2012 6:13AM
There seems to have been a movement in the last decade. You may have noticed more women choose to forego the relaxer and rock their natural hair.
Curly/wavy hair, afros and dreads have always been around, but are now more stylish than ever. The choice to begin wearing your natural hair is just that — a choice. Getting a relaxer is also a choice and just another one of the many ways a person can wear their hair. In the end, it’s all about what you want to do with the hair on your head.
Women who have spent their lives mastering the art of taming their tresses through chemicals and heat are now looking for guidance on embracing their natural locks. Some women take the plunge by doing the “big chop,” or cutting off the chemically straightened hair, for an immediate “au naturel” look. Other women prefer a transitional approach and wear braids or hair extensions to allow their natural hair to grow longer before making the cut.
Ten years ago, there were few books or websites on the style and care of textured hair. Chris-Tia Johnson, author of Thank God I’m Natural, is one of many emergent authors on the natural hair movement. Her book explores the journeys of hundreds of women who have made the transition to natural hair.
For many women, the natural hair movement is more than just hair; it’s a lifestyle. For some it is simply about the elimination of chemicals and delighting in the natural textures of hair, whether dreads, twists or kinky waves. But for others, “going natural” includes eating a healthier diet, working out or just being more conscious of what you are putting in, on and around your body.
If you are curious or thinking about going natural, here are a few sources available at Oak Park Public Library:
• Super Natural Everyday: Well-Loved Recipes from My Natural Foods Kitchen by Heidi Swanson
• The Natural Home: Dwellings at Ease with Themselves and Their Surroundings by Nathalie Taverne
• Natural Body Care: More Than 60 Simple Techniques to Enhance Your Health and Beauty by Jenna Mitchell
• “Good Hair,” a documentary by Chris Rock on DVD
If you want to know more, stop by and meet author Chris-Tia Donaldson on Sunday, Sept. 16. She will tell her story and discuss her book from 2-4 p.m. at the main Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. Everyone is welcome.~.
Juanita T. Fisher and Stefanie Sikich are librarians in Adult and Teen Services at the Oak Park Public Library.
