From: www.philly.com

My good hair days, for instance, occur when the right combination of light, angle and shadow (total darkness helps) conspire to make it appear that I still have as much as I used to.

Having seen Chris Rock's comic documentary 'Good Hair," I'm glad that my hair problems are mainly exercises in subtraction.

Rock's doc explores the much more complicated algorithm that governs the hair of African-American women - variables include colors, curls, extensions, straighteners, chemicals that can dissolve soda cans, and an entire history of touchy racial politics.

"Good Hair" is short on text, long on anecdote - almost all the information is provided by Rock's long roster of interviewees, from stars and celebrities (Eve, Raven-Symone, Nia Long, Maya Angelou), and to ordinary women (and some guys). He and director Jeff Stilson (also a stand-up) are generally content to use the funny stuff, so "Good Hair" contains more quips than insight.

The movie's been criticized for its lack of context and history, bit I found it eye-opening in other ways - one highlight, for instance, is a behind-the-scenes look at a hair-products trade show in Atlanta where prominent stylists create elaborate theme shows, a diverting combination of grandiose ideas and DIY execution.