has anyone actually read Cathy Howse's book???

[Dreamn]

has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

ok ok ok i know there are topics on cathy howse's products but has anyone read the book?? im in the midst of reading it and i keep laughing at the irony of it

does anyone find it odd how she kept saying how the hair care industry is out to get your money and all they care about is promoting their products and not really about your hair??

sounds like a certain someone who's selling expensive products and a book to go along with it???

how do we know this is the method that she actually used to grow her hair and why should we actually trust her over anybody else??

im not asking these questions per se, but the way she talks in the book, you would think she was the messiah of hair growth!

and why isnt her hair down to her knees if shes been growing for 10 yrs successfully with no trims??

things that make you go hmmmmm

 

[Serei]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

[ QUOTE ]
and why isnt her hair down to her knees if shes been growing for 10 yrs successfully with no trims??

[/ QUOTE ]
That is my biggest beef with Cathy. She has yet to prove she can get six inches a year yet she knocks the people who have had real success like Wanakee and the professionals like Shamboosie. She is basically just selling her regimen for $14.95 plus tax.

 

[Dreamn]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

and i like how she kept saying "these are not the author's thoughts" when she was listing a review of Wanakee and other people by another critic. lol as if she wrote the book in 3rd person instead of 1st person. and obviously her thoughts are similar to the review by the critic or else she wouldnt have put them in her book!

she shouldve had an editor read over this book. there are way to many grammar mistakes that couldve been fixed.

ahhh people i tell u

 

[cary]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I have not read her book, but have purchased her products and appreciate her efforts to educate black women with regard to their hair care and potential hair growth. I appreciate her the same way that I appreciate Paula Begoun, who taught me a lot about the cosmetics industry and skin care. With respect to Cathy hawking her own products, if those products and her regimen have been successful for her and she wants to pass that success on to others, more power to her. She's an educator and a business woman and I don't knock her for either.

By the way, I will be purchasing her book this week. I had held off b/c I thought I had learned enough from her website and then I discovered LHCF where I've learned much as well, but I am grateful for what Howse has done and want to support her as much as possible. We need more people like her in this area. I've also recently bought Dr. Susan Taylor's Brown Skin : Prescription for Flawless Skin, Hair and Nails. I'm finding that Dr. Taylor's advice for proper hair care is very similar to Howse's and her skin care advice is rather similar to Begoun's. I like that reinforcement. Anyway, over the last several months, I've been inspired to learn as much as possible from as many people as possible about how best to take care of my hair. Cathy Howse has had a big role in that.

 

[Nessa]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I haven't read her book, cause I don't have the money to waste on that little small thang.

 

[pebbles]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I have to give credit to Cathy Howse too. I've read her book. It was the first book I ever read on hair care and it gave me the information I needed to get my hair in shape. My hair has grown thanks to the advice I got from her book.

It's true that her tone can be a bit put-off-ish, but I think she's just very wary of criticism.

There were many typos and errors in her book, but to me that's a reflection on the publishing company. They should have done a much better job at editing.

 

[perfectpeace]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

[ QUOTE ]
honeydrop215 said:
and why isnt her hair down to her knees if shes been growing for 10 yrs successfully with no trims??

things that make you go hmmmmm

[/ QUOTE ]

I thought about that too. But you know what, I do believe there is a limit to how long a person's hair will grow before it sheds. I'm thinking that maybe what we are seeing in those pictures is her maximum hair length. Maybe her strands reach mid-back, then go into the resting stage and then shed . . . (I must say though, my hat's off to her for having the length that she does have. To have 4a/b, relaxed and color treated hair that reaches mid-back is quite a hair-accomplishment . . .)


perfect peace

 

[LABETT]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I read Cathy Howse book about two week ago and I found the
book very interesting I do every thing in the book that she
states is bad for your hair such as blowdrying,coloring and
trimming ends and brushing.

 

[Babygurl]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I read her book and yes I do appreciate the information in it. It has taught me a lot, just like this forum has. The whole hair down to her knees thing to me means nothing. No matter how hard u try, not everyone is gonna have hair that long.

 

[KM24]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I've read the book. It gave me tons of good advice. My mother, like many mothers, gave me improper advice on how to take care of my hair (shampooing every two weeks, frequent trims, etc). My mother doesn't have the type 4A hair that I have. No matter how much she abuses it or neglects it, she always manages to grow it down to her waist. Per Mom's advice, I was only able to attain shoulder-length hair. Following Cathy's advice, I look forward to perhaps being able to grow my hair as long as my mother's. So far I've been using Cathy's system for about two months. My hair is quite healthy (it loves frequent washings and intense conditioning), and it rarely breaks off. I will keep everyone posted on my progress.

 

[KM24]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

[ QUOTE ]
honeydrop215 said:
ok ok ok i know there are topics on cathy howse's products but has anyone read the book?? im in the midst of reading it and i keep laughing at the irony of it

does anyone find it odd how she kept saying how the hair care industry is out to get your money and all they care about is promoting their products and not really about your hair??

sounds like a certain someone who's selling expensive products and a book to go along with it???

how do we know this is the method that she actually used to grow her hair and why should we actually trust her over anybody else??

im not asking these questions per se, but the way she talks in the book, you would think she was the messiah of hair growth!

and why isnt her hair down to her knees if shes been growing for 10 yrs successfully with no trims??

things that make you go hmmmmm

[/ QUOTE ]

I think she was referring to the hair weaving industry, in particular. Think about it, the hair industry makes tons more money selling fake hair than promoting methods to grow our real hair. Hairdressers that put in hair extensions make BIG money. When I used to wear them, I spent tons of money. I was spending at least $1,200 each year for my hairdresser's services. After spending just $15 on Cathy's book, I was at last armed with the necessary information to grow my real hair long. I am quite confident in about two to three years, I will have my real hair as long as the extensions I used to spend my hard-earned money on.

 

[pebbles]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

[ QUOTE ]
Babygurl said:
I read her book and yes I do appreciate the information in it. It has taught me a lot, just like this forum has. The whole hair down to her knees thing to me means nothing. No matter how hard u try, not everyone is gonna have hair that long.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed. I know that a lot of people believe that you can grow your hair as long as you want with no limits, but I really don't believe that to be true.

 

[Tebby1017]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I probably should have added this to the "My hair grew best when..." thread.

After I read her her book and started making her conditioner my hair grew it's best. I went from shoulder length to bottom of shoulder blades (about 5 inches) in less than six months. I washed and conditioned my hair with that conditioner 2x/week, That was when I first started trying to grow my hair out and I wasn't taking nearly as many vitamins. Now I only wash my hair 1x/week.

I really apreciate her book, as well as her contributions to the haircare industry.

Tebby

 

[Allandra]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I read her book (got it from a member here when we were at another internet hair group). I think she makes a lot of great points in her book. I also agree with what Pebbles had to say about the error / publishing company.

 

[Boadicea]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I've never read her book because I don't like her "tone" in her FAQ section. In one part, she says how she doesn't like buns or advocate buns because when she tried it, it made her hair drier. She blamed trying Wanakee's method for that but I don't believe that she read thoroughly because Wanakee stated several times that if you put your ends up dry, they will come down dry so common sense would tell you to put a moisturizer on your hair first. However, Cathy never indicated that she did or did not put a moisturizer in her hair and simply said that buns and protective styles do not help any in the end for growing long hair.

 

[Guest]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I've Actually read it twice. Found it to be very educational. And I learned a lot of truths that I'd never seen anywhere else.

For example I would never have known to look for Moisturizing products that don't contain protein. I used ORS Carrot Creme for months and wondered why my hair still broke.

 

[ballet_bun]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I don't really like her tone either. Some of the information in her book is useful, but she's just a little too rude for my taste. Also, and this is just my opinion, she makes it sound as though HER method is the only proven method out there. I don't doubt that it has worked for other, but for me, Carolyn Grays method works best. And, she is far more approachable in my opinion.

Ballet Bun ...

 

[Stylepink]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I can't say anyhting bad about Cathy Howse. A year ago I was on the internet crying about the condition of my hair, trying to find any info to get healthy, long hair. And her site popped up. She is the reason I learned how to take care of my hair. I personally have never purchased any of her items. I've only followed her regime and now that I've learned more about hair care (thanks to this board) i've modified it to more suit me. But, I can't fault a sistah for wanting to start a business. More power to her!

 

[DeQuendre]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

[ QUOTE ]
There were many typos and errors in her book, but to me that's a reflection on the publishing company. They should have done a much better job at editing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Correct me if I am wrong, but she self-publishes. Her company, UBH Publications, is the publisher, I believe. If so, then she produces the material and then has a printer to put the books together. They would send her galleys and it would be her job to correct mistakes before having the job finished. I don't have it in front of me, but I remember reading the names of several people cited as copy editors. I was surprised too, to see all those errors. To me, that lack of a professional finish would seem to be the prime thing holding her back. As for the substance of the material, I've learned a lot and I'm glad her work is out there. I think she also has a background in marketing, so she definitely understands how to hype things up and lure potential customers. My journalism training requires that I turn a blind eye on that stuff.

 

[pebbles]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

[ QUOTE ]
DeQuendre said:
[ QUOTE ]
There were many typos and errors in her book, but to me that's a reflection on the publishing company. They should have done a much better job at editing.

[/ QUOTE ]

Correct me if I am wrong, but she self-publishes. Her company, UBH Publications, is the publisher, I believe. If so, then she produces the material and then has a printer to put the books together. They would send her galleys and it would be her job to correct mistakes before having the job finished. I don't have it in front of me, but I remember reading the names of several people cited as copy editors. I was surprised too, to see all those errors. To me, that lack of a professional finish would seem to be the prime thing holding her back. As for the substance of the material, I've learned a lot and I'm glad her work is out there. I think she also has a background in marketing, so she definitely understands how to hype things up and lure potential customers. My journalism training requires that I turn a blind eye on that stuff.

[/ QUOTE ]

I saw the names of the copy editors in her book and she's not listed as one of them, though it is true that it's her company that publishes the book. Since she has a team of copy editors it's their responsibility to make sure the work is done correctly. As a business owner myself, I can tell you that you rely on the people you hire to do what you pay them to do. I think this one slipped by her. I have a hard time believing she would let it go to print as is. As the owner of that company, she knows very well that anything that goes wrong will come back to her. All 5 of her copy editors let her down.

 

[DeQuendre]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I agree, still it is her call to tell the printer to go ahead and print. I don't see how all those mistakes could have gotten by her. The work could not go straight from the copyeditors' hands to the printer. She would have to sign off on it. I frankly wonder why so many copyeditors were needed. The book is what, 150 pages. Without all the formatting on regular paper, it's got to be roughly half that. Has anyone seen earlier editions? If they have similar amounts of mistakes, that would seem to indicate a lack of TQM. If five people read this manuscript of roughly 75 pages and missed all those problems, well, it makes me wonder. For me personally, it doesn't detract from the message, but I can see it being a hindrance to greater adoption. Just my two cents. I still plan on using the system and buying the products as needed.


I can also say that when you've read something a 1000 times, you can sometimes miss even the most outrageous mistakes. So I understand there being a few. I can tell you in the textbooks I've used from the top publishing companies, I still find errors. But there is, I think, an implied limit to the amount of mistakes a layman should see before your professionalism is questioned. Again, my $.02

 

[pebbles]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I see your point.

 

[Isis]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I bought her book recently (only $10 new at Amazon.com) and really enjoyed what I read. The information is straight-to-the-point and valuable to me especially since I too have 4a/b relaxed hair. I applaud her and others (like Carolyn Gray) who are seriously assisting black women to achieve the hair health and length they want.

 

[Miosy]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

This was one of the first books I read. I found some of her tips helpful but not all. I tried the not cutting the ends thing and my ends looked wild and crazy so I had to cut them. I still periodically refer to her book along w. other books I have.

 

[akua]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

I've read her book also and found it informative. I don't care for her protein conditioner though.

 

[Tebby1017]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

Ooops, I just recommended it for you. Did you make it yourself or did you buy it online?

Tebby

 

[Tracy]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

There are a lot of great basic tips in Cathy's Book. I've said time and time again to anyone who asks that it's a great basic manual for people who are beginning to learn to take care of her hair. And no doubt, her regime will be a tried and true solution to some people's hair woes.

But she also has a lot of hate in her blood. By that I don't just mean her tone, I mean she uses the downplay of other valid theories to bolster her own - which is a sure sign of an argument that could be stronger. She's also just flat out wrong about some things that she doesn't even appear to KNOW she's wrong about.

I have the book, so I refer to it often - just when I feel like reading about hair and I'm bored. When I do, I'm always struck in particular by the following falsehoods...


1. In the section where she attempts to dispel the trimming myth, she lumps together those who posit that trimming the hair "maintains" it and those that assert it actually "causes" growth to happen. By doing so, she can lead one to beleive that SCORES of "hair care professionals" have mislead us for years - when in fact the two ideas she lumps together are completely different statements. I agree with the fact that growth cannot be stimulated by trimming - because as she says - the ends can't "speak to" the scalp and tell it what to do. But for some, the hair's health can absolutely be affected by a trim - and can even stop breakage in it's tracks. She leaves no room for this "fact", because she's too busy pushing her own. Why? Because it's what SHE did. Folly!

2. I also find it funny (not really wrong - just gives me a little tickle) that there are things in the book she elects to "cite to" in true research cite form - Milady's, Paula Begoun - but there are some "proven facts" that she never gives any reference or source for - she just states categorically that they are facts. Sandwiching opinions in between facts doesn't make the opinions fact. And I have never known anyone to do "research" and only cite some of thier work. Anything you set out as a fact that is proven by someone else needs to be referenced. That she chooses to do this sometimes, but not others, weakens her arguments incredibly. Even the ones that are sound. That is a fatal flaw in a body of thought that is supposed to have scientific basis....but sometimes she gets so caught up in making her own point "right" that she forgets she's a "researcher"....

That's not research - that's opining. Nothing wrong with opining - but don't try to tell ME it's scientific.

3. She states that she uses Bigen haircolor because it has no ammonia and no peroxide - a false statement. She also calls it a semi-permanent color. It is not. It's a DEMI-permanent deposit only color. Now I wouldn't ordinarily bemoan these slight mis-statements - but this is the same woman who is adament that you call things by their correct names.

4. Her suggestion that EVERYONE can use a protein conditioner that is as strong as her own , and follow it only with daily dose or two of a moisturizer containing water is folly. It can work fine for SOME but there are people who can lose thier hair and have it break IRREPARABLY from this practice. That's just irresponsible.

All that said - I applaud her for doing her part in ADDING to the knowledge that is available for black women who want to grow long healthy hair. But she is doing just that (despite her protestations to the contrary) - she is ADDING. The information that will result in long hair does not begin and end with her. Shamboosie has something to add, Lisa Akbari has something to add, Wanakee had something to add, Caroline Grey had something to add, Andre had something to add, WE (hair boards haunters

) have something to add. Whatever the relative WEIGHT of these additions, they all weigh in....and can all be a postive factor in achieving just what she CLAIMS she wishes to achieve.

That Cathy needs to be the answer - full stop - to black women's haircare needs, is a testament to the fact that she is more self interested that she claims to be. Nothing wrong with that. But in my world - she doth protest too much.

Come real with it girl...

Cathy doesn't come real enough for me.

 

[ms_kenesha]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

[ QUOTE ]
Tracy said:
There are a lot of great basic tips in Cathy's Book. I've said time and time again to anyone who asks that it's a great basic manual for people who are beginning to learn to take care of her hair. And no doubt, her regime will be a tried and true solution to some people's hair woes.

But she also has a lot of hate in her blood. By that I don't just mean her tone, I mean she uses the downplay of other valid theories to bolster her own - which is a sure sign of an argument that could be stronger. She's also just flat out wrong about some things that she doesn't even appear to KNOW she's wrong about.

I have the book, so I refer to it often - just when I feel like reading about hair and I'm bored. When I do, I'm always struck in particular by the following falsehoods...


1. In the section where she attempts to dispel the trimming myth, she lumps together those who posit that trimming the hair "maintains" it and those that assert it actually "causes" growth to happen. By doing so, she can lead one to beleive that SCORES of "hair care professionals" have mislead us for years - when in fact the two ideas she lumps together are completely different statements. I agree with the fact that growth cannot be stimulated by trimming - because as she says - the ends can't "speak to" the scalp and tell it what to do. But for some, the hair's health can absolutely be affected by a trim - and can even stop breakage in it's tracks. She leaves no room for this "fact", because she's too busy pushing her own. Why? Because it's what SHE did. Folly!

2. I also find it funny (not really wrong - just gives me a little tickle) that there are things in the book she elects to "cite to" in true research cite form - Milady's, Paula Begoun - but there are some "proven facts" that she never gives any reference or source for - she just states categorically that they are facts. Sandwiching opinions in between facts doesn't make the opinions fact. And I have never known anyone to do "research" and only cite some of thier work. Anything you set out as a fact that is proven by someone else needs to be referenced. That she chooses to do this sometimes, but not others, weakens her arguments incredibly. Even the ones that are sound. That is a fatal flaw in a body of thought that is supposed to have scientific basis....but sometimes she gets so caught up in making her own point "right" that she forgets she's a "researcher"....

That's not research - that's opining. Nothing wrong with opining - but don't try to tell ME it's scientific.

3. She states that she uses Bigen haircolor because it has no ammonia and no peroxide - a false statement. She also calls it a semi-permanent color. It is not. It's a DEMI-permanent deposit only color. Now I wouldn't ordinarily bemoan these slight mis-statements - but this is the same woman who is adament that you call things by their correct names.

4. Her suggestion that EVERYONE can use a protein conditioner that is as strong as her own , and follow it only with daily dose or two of a moisturizer containing water is folly. It can work fine for SOME but there are people who can lose thier hair and have it break IRREPARABLY from this practice. That's just irresponsible.

All that said - I applaud her for doing her part in ADDING to the knowledge that is available for black women who want to grow long healthy hair. But she is doing just that (despite her protestations to the contrary) - she is ADDING. The information that will result in long hair does not begin and end with her. Shamboosie has something to add, Lisa Akbari has something to add, Wanakee had something to add, Caroline Grey had something to add, Andre had something to add, WE (hair boards haunters

) have something to add. Whatever the relative WEIGHT of these additions, they all weigh in....and can all be a postive factor in achieving just what she CLAIMS she wishes to achieve.

That Cathy needs to be the answer - full stop - to black women's haircare needs, is a testament to the fact that she is more self interested that she claims to be. Nothing wrong with that. But in my world - she doth protest too much.

Come real with it girl...

Cathy doesn't come real enough for me.





[/ QUOTE ]

And the church says....AMEN!

 

[Pookie25]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

Amen!

 

[Jubilee]

Re: has anyone actually read Cathy Howse\'s book???

[ QUOTE ]
Tracy said:
There are a lot of great basic tips in Cathy's Book. I've said time and time again to anyone who asks that it's a great basic manual for people who are beginning to learn to take care of her hair. And no doubt, her regime will be a tried and true solution to some people's hair woes.

But she also has a lot of hate in her blood. By that I don't just mean her tone, I mean she uses the downplay of other valid theories to bolster her own - which is a sure sign of an argument that could be stronger. She's also just flat out wrong about some things that she doesn't even appear to KNOW she's wrong about.

I have the book, so I refer to it often - just when I feel like reading about hair and I'm bored. When I do, I'm always struck in particular by the following falsehoods...


1. In the section where she attempts to dispel the trimming myth, she lumps together those who posit that trimming the hair "maintains" it and those that assert it actually "causes" growth to happen. By doing so, she can lead one to beleive that SCORES of "hair care professionals" have mislead us for years - when in fact the two ideas she lumps together are completely different statements. I agree with the fact that growth cannot be stimulated by trimming - because as she says - the ends can't "speak to" the scalp and tell it what to do. But for some, the hair's health can absolutely be affected by a trim - and can even stop breakage in it's tracks. She leaves no room for this "fact", because she's too busy pushing her own. Why? Because it's what SHE did. Folly!

2. I also find it funny (not really wrong - just gives me a little tickle) that there are things in the book she elects to "cite to" in true research cite form - Milady's, Paula Begoun - but there are some "proven facts" that she never gives any reference or source for - she just states categorically that they are facts. Sandwiching opinions in between facts doesn't make the opinions fact. And I have never known anyone to do "research" and only cite some of thier work. Anything you set out as a fact that is proven by someone else needs to be referenced. That she chooses to do this sometimes, but not others, weakens her arguments incredibly. Even the ones that are sound. That is a fatal flaw in a body of thought that is supposed to have scientific basis....but sometimes she gets so caught up in making her own point "right" that she forgets she's a "researcher"....

That's not research - that's opining. Nothing wrong with opining - but don't try to tell ME it's scientific.

3. She states that she uses Bigen haircolor because it has no ammonia and no peroxide - a false statement. She also calls it a semi-permanent color. It is not. It's a DEMI-permanent deposit only color. Now I wouldn't ordinarily bemoan these slight mis-statements - but this is the same woman who is adament that you call things by their correct names.

4. Her suggestion that EVERYONE can use a protein conditioner that is as strong as her own , and follow it only with daily dose or two of a moisturizer containing water is folly. It can work fine for SOME but there are people who can lose thier hair and have it break IRREPARABLY from this practice. That's just irresponsible.

All that said - I applaud her for doing her part in ADDING to the knowledge that is available for black women who want to grow long healthy hair. But she is doing just that (despite her protestations to the contrary) - she is ADDING. The information that will result in long hair does not begin and end with her. Shamboosie has something to add, Lisa Akbari has something to add, Wanakee had something to add, Caroline Grey had something to add, Andre had something to add, WE (hair boards haunters

) have something to add. Whatever the relative WEIGHT of these additions, they all weigh in....and can all be a postive factor in achieving just what she CLAIMS she wishes to achieve.

That Cathy needs to be the answer - full stop - to black women's haircare needs, is a testament to the fact that she is more self interested that she claims to be. Nothing wrong with that. But in my world - she doth protest too much.

Come real with it girl...

Cathy doesn't come real enough for me.

[/ QUOTE ]

I totally agree with you Tracy. I read her book, followed her regimen for about two years and didn't see any improvement in my hair. I dumped it afterwards. Her book is now lying in the corner of my room and collecting dust.

The idea if softening hair after a protein treatment with her 'Dew', is just absurd.
I tried this method, and it made my hair break off.

I have currently stopped using protein treatments. I now just focus on moisture.

From now on, I'll ony do what works for me.