Early Book Review: Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics by Shannon Burns

Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics by Shannon Burns is currently scheduled for release on April 3 2018. When she’s not studying for her PhD in social neuroscience, Silvousplaits (a.k.a. Shannon Burns) is creating and posting weekly instructional videos on her YouTube channel of DIY hair art that mimics the hairstyles of valiant men and women in the best historical, sci-fi, and fantasy shows and movies. Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Vikings, and The Hunger Games--oh yeah, she's done them all. In Badass Braids she shows you how to transform your hair step-by-step. You'll look just like your favorite heroes and heroines in no time. With an introduction to the styling techniques for different kinds of basic braids, interviews with behind-the-scenes stylists and actors, and original styles inspired by fan-favorites.

Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics has me wishing I had my long hair back, and willing to go through the awkward regrowth process so that I can try more of these out. This book offers readers a good deal of information on the tools and tricks for perfect braiding. I liked the amount of detail given about the different combs, brushes, other tools and decorations that could be used and how or why you might want to use one or another. The tips and instructions are all well done and very detailed, but never talk down to the readers, which sometimes happens in how-to books of every variety. I also like that there is information on the character each style is based on with each style, both including who they are portrayed by and some information on the real character from history, literature, and so on. The combination of photographs, illustrations, and step by step instructions make the process easy to follow on your own.

Badass Braids: From Vikings to Game of Thrones, 50 Maverick Looks for Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fanatics is a wonderful book for hair and braid lovers, and those looking to emulate the characters from various shows and movies. It could also be helpful for cosplay, conventions, and other costumed events. While not everyone needs this book, anyone wanting to expand thier knowledge of hairstyles in general, and braiding in particular, would do well to get this book. 

Early Book Review: Silver Hair: Say Goodbye to the Dye and Let Your Natural Light Shine: A Handbook by Lorraine Massey, Michele Bender

Silver Hair: Say Goodbye to the Dye and Let Your Natural Light Shine: A Handbook by Lorraine Massey with Michele Bender is currently scheduled for rel;ease on February 6 2018. Written by the author of the bestselling Curly Girl, Silver Hair covers step-by-step the many options for going silver with style. It includes before-and-after photos of real models; advice on how to stay gorgeous during the silver journey—with tips on the best ways to have a smooth color transition; keeping your silver gorgeous with the right hair care and DIY recipes; and finally how to complement your chic new look with flattering fashion, makeup, and accessories. Going silver is not just about style, or saving time and money at the salon or on your own.  It satisfies that deeper desire for authenticity and the freedom to be oneself.

Silver Hair: Say Goodbye to the Dye and Let Your Natural Light Shine: A Handbook is an encouraging and useful guide to those that are pondering the end of dying their grays, and the start of embracing the hair nature is giving them. There was a large number or stories from different women that have gone through the transition, all telling the methods they used and how their looks, lives, and perception of themselves changed. As someone with naturally dark hair, and plenty of what I like to call "wisdom highlights". I did not find much in the book that was relevant to me, because I have not dyed my hair in a number of years and the stories are mostly about giving up the dye, and the process of growing out the color rather than just letting nature have its way from the very beginning. However, I did enjoy reading about how other women felt about their hair and the reactions they received when they embraced the silver. The most instructive thing for me was the tips for hair care and treatments. I think this would be a great read for those considering making this transition.