“The One who created us crowned us first. Shining atop our heads is a divine diadem with all the lightness of air, radiance of honor, and the weight of glory.”
—Melissa Burlock, My Divine Natural Hair

In their powerful and uplifting book My Divine Natural Hair: Inspiration & Tips to Love & Care for Your Crown, the coauthors and mother-daughters writing team, Sheila Burlock, Sylvia Burlock, and Melissa Burlock, deliver a heartfelt and comprehensive guide for Black women navigating the emotional and fulfilling journey of embracing and caring for their natural hair. The authors skillfully comprise descriptive and powerful personal narratives, spiritual reflections, and practical advice, making this book an essential companion for anyone seeking to embrace their natural beauty with confidence and pride.

The book is structured into three distinct sections: “Hairmeneutics,” “Reflections to Find the Divine in My Natural Hair,” and “Salon Chair Sessions.” Each invites readers to delve deep into the spiritual and personal dimensions of their natural hair experiences while the chapters also educate them on how to successfully navigate the processes regarding natural hair care.

Through the concept of “Hairmeneutics,” the authors explore the spiritual significance of Afro-textured hair, reclaiming it from historical contexts of shame to celebrate its unique, powerful, and divine glory. Each author shares intimate stories that illuminate their evolving relationships with their hair, offering the reader affirmations of self-love, resilience, and empowerment. These narratives serve as powerful reminders that our natural hair is not just a physical trait but a manifestation of God’s intended beauty.

Melissa Burlock eloquently articulates the spiritual essence of hair care, stating, “Hair care, after all, is spiritual care and self-care.” These words resonated with me because I often treat hair care as a chore and a laborious responsibility. This quote allowed me to see my hair care for exactly what it is: a privilege to care for my God-given temple. As a result, I will never view the process of caring for my hair the same. The personal journeys of the coauthors, intertwined with biblical affirmations, underscore the profound connection between our physical appearance and our inner selves. The book challenges societal norms and sheds light on the importance of embracing authenticity, especially in professional settings where Black women often face discrimination for wearing their natural hairstyles.

The book also covers the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, a law passed in 2022 that prohibits race-based hair discrimination), highlighting Black men and women’s ongoing struggle against hair discrimination in corporate spaces and beyond. The authors provide historical context, linking contemporary experiences of hair trauma to the onset of enslavement, while also offering practical insights and support for navigating these challenges with grace and resilience.

Reading My Divine Natural Hair felt like a personal journey shared among a close circle of sisters. The stories will resonate universally with Black women in America, offering solace and inspiration in the face of societal pressures and biases. It provides a space for Black women to feel heard and seen while addressing the issues of showing up in everyday spaces authentically and with pride. The book includes reflections from people such as Corinne Baily Rae, Ava DuVernay, Queen Latifah, Bisa Butler, and many others about natural hair.

My Divine Natural Hair goes far beyond hair-care tips; the book serves as a platform for education, empowerment, and community-building within the natural Black hair community. In the “Salon Chair Sessions” section, readers are treated to a wealth of expert advice on everything from describing hair textures and scalp care to offering daily styling practices and hair-care regimens. This isn’t merely a book to read and set aside. It’s a lifelong companion that reinforces self-love, restores confidence, and guides readers with professionalism and expertise on their natural hair-care journey.

I wholeheartedly recommend My Divine Natural Hair to anyone committed to cherishing their crown in the best possible way. This book is a celebration of Black heritage, a tribute to natural beauty, and a source of empowerment for every Black woman reclaiming her identity and embracing her divine natural hair. Together, Sheila Burlock, Sylvia Burlock, and Melissa Burlock have crafted an essential resource that is both enlightening and empowering—a true resource for the Black community today and for many generations to come.