6 Hair Care Books That Experts Trust and Use

These 6 Hair Care Books are authored by leading experts like Diane Carol Bailey and Crystal Aguh MD, offering trusted knowledge for your hair journey.

Updated on June 27, 2025
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What if your hair care routine could be transformed by knowledge that’s both practical and rooted in decades of expertise? Hair health isn’t just about products on a shelf — it’s a science and an art that affects how you feel every day. In recent years, understanding natural hair textures, transitioning from chemical treatments, and nurturing scalp health have taken center stage, making expert insight more valuable than ever.

Among these 6 carefully selected books, you’ll find guides written by professionals who combine hands-on experience with scientific research. Diane Carol Bailey’s work on natural hair braiding sets a technical standard, while Dr. Crystal Aguh’s dermatologist-approved tips cut through the noise with medically sound advice. These authors bring clarity and confidence to anyone serious about improving their hair care knowledge.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific hair type, lifestyle, or goals might consider creating a personalized Hair Care book that builds on these insights and fits your unique needs.

Best for mastering natural hair braiding
Diane Carol Bailey, honored as a 'Master Pioneer' and trailblazer with more than 25 years shaping the natural hair care industry, authored this book to share her deep expertise. Her work in developing new textured hair fibers and teaching at Medgar Evers College grounds this guide in authoritative practice. This book distills her decades of experience into a resource for professionals committed to natural hair, emphasizing both technical skill and artistry to meet the needs of a diverse client base.
Milady Standard Natural Hair Care & Braiding book cover

by Diane Carol Bailey, Diane Da Costa··You?

2013·304 pages·Hair Care, Braiding, Styling Techniques, Textured Hair, Hair Grooming

Drawing from over 25 years as a recognized pioneer in natural hair care, Diane Carol Bailey brings unparalleled expertise to this detailed manual. You’ll find precise guidance on braiding, styling, and grooming naturally curly, kinky, or multi-textured hair, supported by 17 step-by-step procedures with photos. The book emphasizes both the technical skills and creative artistry necessary to serve a diverse clientele and thrive in the hair care industry. If you’re serious about mastering natural hair care techniques and expanding your service offerings, this book offers a focused, practical foundation without unnecessary fluff.

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Best for science-backed hair health tips
Crystal Aguh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director at Johns Hopkins’ Hair Loss and Scalp Disease clinic, turned her personal struggles with hair care into this practical guide. Drawing from her medical expertise and clinical experience, she offers 50 dermatologist-approved tips to help you understand and transform your hair. Her background in ethnic hair research and numerous talks on hair health uniquely qualify her to address common hair concerns with clarity and authority.
2019·129 pages·Hair Care, Hair Health, Hair Damage, Hair Oils, Protein Treatments

What if everything you knew about hair care was wrong? Dr. Crystal Aguh, a dermatologist at Johns Hopkins, developed her approach after wrestling with her own hair challenges, crafting 50 clear tips that focus on understanding your unique hair type and the science behind healthy strands. You’ll learn to identify which oils nourish best, how to repurpose everyday foods into protein treatments, and ways to protect hair from damage caused by heat and chemicals. This guide suits anyone tired of overwhelming product choices and ready to make informed changes that nurture hair health over time. It’s straightforward and rooted in dermatological expertise, making it ideal for those seeking practical, evidence-based improvements.

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Best for personal care plans
This AI-created book on hair care is crafted precisely for your unique hair needs and goals. By sharing your hair type and current routine, you receive a book that matches your background and focuses on what matters most to you. Personalizing hair care guidance helps cut through generic advice and delivers the knowledge and techniques that truly fit your hair's story. This tailored approach makes mastering your hair health both efficient and rewarding.
2025·50-300 pages·Hair Care, Hair Health, Scalp Care, Hair Texture, Moisture Balance

This tailored book explores the art and science of hair care with an approach finely tuned to your unique hair type, lifestyle, and goals. It covers essential topics like scalp health, moisture balance, and product selection, while delving into techniques suited specifically to your hair texture and challenges. By focusing on your interests and background, this personalized guide reveals pathways to improve hair strength, shine, and manageability. The book examines how to maintain lasting hair health through routines and care practices that resonate with your individual needs. It offers a custom synthesis of expert knowledge designed to help you master your hair care regimen with confidence and joy.

Personalized Content
Hair Health Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for homemade natural hair remedies
Susan Hollister brings a unique blend of business acumen and psychological insight to natural hair care, dedicating herself to helping others live fulfilling lives. With degrees in Business, English, and Psychology, she transitioned from a successful corporate career to full-time author, channeling her passion for self-development into practical guides. This book reflects her deep commitment to empowering you with easy-to-make, effective hair care recipes using organic ingredients, perfect for anyone seeking healthier, more vibrant hair without relying on expensive commercial products.
2021·138 pages·Hair Care, Natural Remedies, Hair Growth, Hair Styling, Organic Ingredients

Unlike most hair care books that push commercial products, Susan Hollister’s guide offers over 125 recipes for homemade treatments that focus on natural, organic ingredients you likely already have at home. She walks you through how to tailor shampoos, conditioners, and styling aids to your specific hair type, addressing oily, dry, or aging hair with nutrient-rich, chemical-free mixtures. Chapters detail how to prevent breakage, stimulate growth, and even use kitchen spices to enhance color, making this practical for anyone eager to ditch harsh chemicals without sacrificing results. This book is ideal if you want affordable, customizable hair care solutions that emphasize health and sustainability.

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Best for transitioning from relaxed to natural hair
Audrey Davis-Sivasothy is a certified trichologist and health scientist whose expertise in textured hair care is internationally recognized. Drawing from her authorial success with "The Science of Black Hair," she crafted this guide to support those moving away from chemical relaxers toward natural hair textures. Her deep knowledge, featured in media outlets like The Dr. Oz Show and Essence, underpins this book's thorough approach to transitioning hair care, making it a trustworthy resource for anyone seeking to understand and nurture their natural curls and coils.
Hair Care, Transitioning Hair, Chemical Relaxers, Natural Hair, Hair Health

Unlike most hair care books that generalize hair types, Audrey Davis-Sivasothy targets the unique challenges faced by those transitioning from chemically relaxed hair to natural textures. You’ll learn exactly how relaxers affect your hair and scalp, the mental shifts crucial for a successful transition, and detailed regimen advice tailored for different stages of this journey. The book lays out sample timelines and product suggestions, accompanied by more than a hundred illustrations that make complex concepts accessible. If you’re navigating this specific hair transformation, this guide offers practical insights grounded in scientific understanding rather than vague beauty tips.

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Best for holistic natural hair growth guidance
Dr. Phoenyx Austin, M.D., founder of DRPHOENYX.COM and creator of Dr. Phoenyx Nutrition & Skin Care, brings her expertise in health, nutrition, and beauty to this guide aimed at natural hair care. With her experience as a health and beauty consultant featured on major TV networks, she offers a unique blend of scientific understanding and practical advice for maintaining healthy, beautiful afro-textured hair. Her personal commitment to holistic wellness is woven throughout the book, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to nurture their natural hair from the inside out.
2012·220 pages·Hair Care, Grooming, Natural Hair, Hair Growth, Hair Health

Dr. Phoenyx Austin's medical background and expertise in nutrition and beauty shape this book into a distinct guide for natural, afro-textured hair care. You gain specific insights into hair growth patterns unique to this hair type, practical recipes like her beauty smoothie to boost hair health internally, and strategies to prevent common issues such as hair breakage and loss. The book also emphasizes developing a sustainable, holistic hair regimen that respects your hair's individuality. If you're seeking to nourish your natural hair with science-backed methods and a nurturing mindset, this book offers clear guidance without overcomplication.

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Best for custom hair renewal plans
This AI-created book on hair renewal is tailored to your specific goals and hair type. By sharing your current hair condition, lifestyle, and what you want to achieve, you receive a custom plan focused on practical daily steps that fit your needs. Personalization matters here because hair care isn’t one-size-fits-all — this book offers a pathway designed just for you, making your hair transformation clearer and more manageable.
2025·50-300 pages·Hair Care, Scalp Health, Daily Routines, Nutritional Support, Hair Growth

This personalized book explores a tailored, step-by-step plan for revitalizing hair health over three months. It covers essential daily habits, nutritional guidance, scalp care, and product selection, all matched to your hair type and lifestyle. By focusing on your specific conditions and goals, it reveals an accessible pathway through the complex science of hair renewal. With a thorough yet approachable tone, the book examines how consistent care routines can restore shine, strength, and vitality. The tailored content integrates expert insights into a personalized roadmap that addresses your unique hair concerns and desired outcomes, making the journey toward healthier hair clear and achievable.

Tailored Content
Hair Renewal Science
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for practical curly hair care strategies
Johnny Wright brings over three decades of hairstyling expertise to this guide, having styled prominent figures including Michelle Obama and Tamron Hall. His early inspiration came from watching his grandmother curl hair, which laid the foundation for his deep understanding of textured hair. This book reflects his commitment to helping you appreciate and care for natural curls with informed, hands-on advice drawn from his celebrity clientele experience.
2022·304 pages·Hair Care, Curly Hair, Natural Hair, Hair Health, Styling Techniques

When Johnny Wright decided to write this guide, it was clear he wanted to provide more than just styling tips. Drawing on over 30 years of experience as a celebrity hairstylist for figures like Michelle Obama and Tamron Hall, Wright breaks down the science and care of natural and curly hair with precision. You’ll learn about hair porosity, elasticity, and how to tackle common struggles like frizz, dryness, and breakage. The book also offers practical advice for parents and caregivers managing textured hair on children, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to embrace and maintain healthy curls without relying on harsh chemicals.

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Conclusion

Across these 6 books, a few clear themes emerge: the importance of understanding your hair’s unique nature, the value of science-backed routines, and embracing natural beauty with care and respect. If you’re navigating the transition from relaxed to natural hair, Audrey Davis-Sivasothy’s guide offers targeted strategies to ease that journey. For those wanting to deepen their practical skills in styling and braiding, Diane Carol Bailey’s manual remains unmatched.

Looking for straightforward, actionable advice? Dr. Crystal Aguh’s tips provide a medically informed approach, while Johnny Wright’s experience with curly hair care delivers hands-on solutions. For natural remedies and holistic health, Susan Hollister and Dr. Phoenyx Austin offer nourishing recipes and internal wellness guidance.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Hair Care book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and gain the confidence to care for your hair with knowledge and skill.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Milady Standard Natural Hair Care & Braiding" if you want hands-on techniques for natural hair. If you're more interested in hair health science, "90 Days to Beautiful Hair" offers clear, dermatologist-approved tips that are easy to follow.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Hair Care?

Not at all. Books like "Natural & Curly Hair For Dummies" are designed to be approachable for beginners, explaining concepts clearly while still offering value to experienced readers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational knowledge in "Natural & Curly Hair For Dummies." Next, explore specific areas like braiding with Diane Carol Bailey’s book, then delve into scientific care with Dr. Aguh’s guide and transition strategies by Audrey Davis-Sivasothy.

Do these books focus more on theory or practical application?

You'll find a balance. For example, "The Science of Transitioning" provides scientific insights with practical timelines, while "Natural Hair Care" offers hands-on homemade recipes. Together, they cover theory and real-world tips.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Hair Care changes?

These books remain relevant because they focus on fundamental hair care principles, scientific research, and timeless techniques rather than fleeting trends.

Can personalized Hair Care books complement these expert guides?

Yes. While these books provide solid foundations, personalized Hair Care books tailor advice to your unique hair type and goals, bridging expert knowledge with your specific needs. Learn more here.

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