By Nyesha Stone
During the 1990s, Desreta Jackson began her search for a book that would teach her specific information on how to grow her unborn daughter’s hair. She soon discovered that there wasn’t a book available that gave step-by-step directions on how to maintain, grow and keep Black hair healthy. So, Jackson decided to write her own.
It wasn’t until 2009 that Jackson completed and published her book “The Black Hair Conspiracy: A Guide To Care And Grow Natural Hair And Its Connection To Your Health And Wealth”. At the time, she was pregnant with her youngest son. Because it was a tough pregnancy, she had to spend almost a year in bed. Her husband encouraged her to write and that’s just what she did.
Jackson started the writing process in 2001. Around the same time, she opened the very first legalized home-based braider, according to her book. She’s been doing hair for over 30 years, but is most known for her role as young Celie in The Color Purple. And just a few years ago, in 2011, Jackson launched her own hair care line, BlackSilk.
The Black Hair Conspiracy touches on many bases of the hair including the significance hair plays in different cultures—she discusses African and Black culture, Chinese culture, Jewish culture and Native culture in the aspect of hair. According to Jackson, this book is for everyone.
“You have to study more about your specific hair culture,” said Jackson. “You will naturally become more empowered.”
Her book also provides the history pertaining to hair.
Once Jackson discovered who she was through her hair, she wanted to spread what she had learned over her many years in the hair industry.
“Over twenty plus years of doing hair from all over the world and I found myself dedicating these past 10 years to making products that only heal, protect, or help to grow the hair. This has led me to a revelation: hair is more than just for protecting the skin or for beautifying our physical appearance. I irrefutably believe that hair in and of itself serves a greater purpose. It’s more than just hair,” Jackson wrote in her book.
According to Jackson, hair is a conductor that uses energy from the sun. She stated that the hair itself contains energy that we can harness once we know the true powers of our hair.
Jackson’s almost 200-page book also features a hair journal for readers to keep track of their hairy journey for 12 months from steps provided by Jackson.
This book is not meant to be read from beginning to end, said Jackson. It’s a reference book for individuals to look back on when it comes to their hair.
To purchase Jackson’s book, visit https://www.amazon.com/Black-Hair-Conspiracy-Natural-Connection/dp/0578426439.
