THE RU REPORT / JUNE 24 / VOLUME 3.40 (First Edition): BOOK BONANZA: Diane Da Costa Offers Much Texture, by Karu F. Daniels (New York, NY)
Diane Da Costa , Textured Tresses (Jun. 24, 2004)
Theres one reason why I look forward to summer every year. Not because of the exposed flesh on the city streets and at the beach, either. Its because for one reason or another, there seems to be a deluge of literary offerings for the masses to consume.
TRESSED UP: Veteran hair designer Diane Da Costa has finally gotten her just desserts.
The celebrated coiffeuse just released her fist book, titled Textured Tresses: The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining and Styling Natural Hair. The near-200 hundred page trade paperback has just hit the bookshelves, and is already all the rave.
In the Fireside Original, Miss Da Costa teams up with XXL magazines lovely lifestyle editor Paula T. Renfroe to educate consumers and professionals with this informative styling guide. I wanted everyone to understand that [people] of color are born with beautiful textured hair from straight to very tightly coiled hair, Miss Da Costa told The RU Report. As long as [people] love their hair and appreciated its natural texture - then all possibilities could open up to them - in any direction they want to go.
In the book, which features a foreword by her pal and sometimes client Blair Underwood, readers can learn how to identify what their hair texture is, as well as how to obtain healthy hair through proper care, styling, and maintenance. Divided into two parts (Prepping The Canvas and Achieve It), the photo heavy book provides readers with information on using various hair products, tools, and techniques that work specifically well with textured hair as well.
My specialty is coloring, precision cutting and I am known for my natural textured styles, Miss Da Costa attests. Featured in British Elle, Essence and The New York Times, the former hair editor of the now-defunct Honey magazine, currently runs She runs the New York City-based DL.d Consultants for Image and Life. Just up until a few years ago, she operated one of the hippest and ultra-fab salons, Dyaspora Salon Spa, which was well known for its innovative natural textured hairstyles. A whos who of Black Entertainment has sat under her chair, including Lauryn Hill, Lenny Kravitz, Ed Gordon and Grammy Award winning jazz diva Dee Dee Bridgewater, who is prominently featured in the book.
Dee Dee has been one of the most electric, spiritual, talented women I've ever had the honor or being around as well as to create hairstyles for, she shared. Our sessions were always delightful, airy, peaceful especially when you see this woman speaking fluent French - She could very well be my spiritual Mother.
To Purchase Texture Tresses visit www.amazon.com
