For many people hair is the most important necessity to get right. If your hair isn’t good, nothing feels good. Our hair symbolizes everything about us, even expressing our personalities and culture. So if you are struggling to get things right for you, look no further.
Our blog is dedicated to all things kinky, curly and coily. Whether its tried and tested products or top tips on looking after your hair we have the answers for you. We will be clearing up myths and we have some styling solutions for all curl types and textures. We will also be giving out some fab advice for all of you that are currently making the transition to natural hair.
So lets start with products – no matter what you hear, products are your greatest savior. Yes natural ingredients contain less additives and therefore are kinder to your hair, however are you giving your hair everything it needs? If you have natural afro hair the key is moisture.
Afro hair will grow in a tiny springy shaped curl varying in pattern. Often, the coarser the hair the more dry in appearance and because of the spirally shape it can be more prone to breakage. It certainly may appear to be the thickest hair type, but in actuality it has fewer hair shafts in comparison to straight hair. Because you have little or no chemical (relaxer, perm colour etc) your hair is in a natural state therefore it will crave oils and moisture. With no chemical damaging your hair the main aim is to keep it hydrated.
Mizani’s True Textures range is perfect for all curl types. Infused with marula, olive and coconut oils, this helps to provide a balanced level of deeper moisture for an amazing natural curl pattern. The moisture replenish shampoo is sulfate, silicone and paraben free and will cleanse, hydrate maintain the curl texture. Teaming this with the intense moisture replenish treatment this will help to revitalize the curls for a soft, touchable curl. Promised with the Mizani Curl Care Complex, both are rich in anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids for healthy, moisturized and defined curls. For styling the Curl Pudding is a moisture rich cream which helps to loosen and extend curls – perfect to help the curl become defined – without drying crunchy. Check out http://www.mizani-uk.com for more information on the True Textures family.
So now you have the products, how do you use them? Most bottles come with a small how to on the back however here are some top tips for you.
1. Ensure you shampoo once a week (at least) ignore the myths on too much and too little shampooing. Leaving your hair too long between shampoos can cause more problems.
2. Always shampoo twice, perfect way to ensure all build up of product is removed from first shampoo and second to cleanse hair.
3. Towel dry hair off before applying conditioning treatment. This way it ensures the conditioner does not slip off soaking wet hair.
4. Leave conditioner on your hair for a minimum of ten mins. To make it penetrate deeper add heat to the treatment. Cover in a plastic cap, shower cap or even a trusty carrier bag.
5. Once rinsed off, apply moisturizer/cream directly to your hair. Mid-lengths and ends first working it through with your fingers.
6. To really define your curls, take two sections and twist. Ensure there is lots of product on your hair when twisting. For a natural finish make some sections smaller and some sections bigger. Once dried fully you can untwist each section. This will leave you with a beautiful coiled curl. Other great forms of styling are plaits and buns (bantu knots).
7. If you wish to leave your hair to create its own natural movement thats fine. Ensure your hair is hydrated and you have evenly distributed the product throughout your hair.
Your choice of products may vary if you are currently transitioning. The best way to look at it is you are currently sporting two types of hair on your head. The top section (regrowth) is natural so the product advice from above will work. However the ends of your hair are likely to be more sensitized because of the remaining chemicals. You will need to take this into consideration when selecting the correct products. Ask your hairdresser to assess your hairs needs and advise you on which products would work best for you. It may be that you need more protein to strengthen the ends and prevent them from breaking. If you are transitioning and trying to lay off using heated appliances you could follow the same steps as above. By twisting or knotting your hair you will be encouraging the old relaxed/permed ends to curl.
In some cases hair breaks off as quickly as it does grow – the myth of afro hair never growing or only growing so long is not true. For men and women with afro hair if the hair care is there, so is the hair. A clean scalp promotes healthy hair growth, by removing build-up, dead skin, and other unwanted debris. Cleansing more frequently than once a week or twice a week is perfectly fine if you’re using a gentle sulfate-free cleanser.
You may have heard of co-washing this is a perfect way to freshen up both hair and scalp throughout the week. Using a co-wash is very simple – its a little like a 2in1, containing forms of shampoo and conditioner. Simply wet the hair and run the co-wash through the hair and scalp – it will not foam but you can emulsify to remove build up. Rinse out and style as normal. We recommend Mizani True Textures Cream Cleansing Conditioner, enriched with the Curl Care Complex.
Quite often we pay less attention to the oldest part of our hair, the ends. They are the last part to receive moisture and product, but they are the first to lose these things. In addition to trimming split and damaged ends, you should apply your product for ends to tips. Always moisturize and seal your ends. Using serums and oils are good ways to seal the ends of hair and help to smooth out the cuticle.
So you are fully embracing the natural curls – the next on your list is styles and shapes. Just because you have afro hair it does not limit you to styles and shapes. Whether its long or short, wide or square – simply ask your hairstylist what they recommend for you. If you are concerned your hair will be too short if worn natural remember to use your elongating and stretching curl creams to pull the curls down more. If you are nervous to showcase your natural hair before you transition, why not experiment with wigs and hairpieces that have more natural movement. You can get a feel for natural curly hair and see if its for you.
There are many ways of styling your natural hair to suit your every day needs. Plaiting, twisting and bunning are just a few ways you can style your natural hair. YouTube and Pinterest are amazing tools for this, people upload videos showcasing different ways to style their hair. Many people like to braid their hair to give it a rest, this is absolutely fine for short periods of time. Ensure it is not too tight and only wear it for a few weeks at a time. Remember your natural hair is under the braids too so make sure you are still moisturizing.
If you wish to colour your hair now is a better time than ever. Once the condition of your hair is in a good position any good hairdresser would love to colour beautiful afro hair.
- The key is healthy hair, and that’s about consistent hydration and a great knowledge in combining styling with colour.
- Start of small, easing yourself into colour is a great way of figuring out what you like or dislike. Start with freehand face framing sections or semi permanent colour for a subtle change.
IMAGE – Beyonce - If you are concerned about using too much chemical opt for a ammonia free or vegetable stain, ask your stylist about this as your desire result may not be achievable with just these products.
- Continue regular treatments both in salon at home to keep your hair happy.
- Don’t rule anything out! If you’re with an experienced colourist that understands textured hair there are a variety of ways to reach a colour goal. Don’t forget to have fun with it, as nerve wracking as it can be colouring your hair is an amazing way to create texture and definition. In most cases it can completely revamp the whole shape and style of your hair.
Ensure you contact the salon prior to colouring for a consultation and skin test. The skin test is required by law before any colouring services and must be done 48 hours before colouring.
Many of you would of been warned against heated styling on natural afro hair.
Rest assured this is not the case, although we don’t condone styling with 300 degrees of heat every day, we do understand that for some people this is a common thing. Heat protection is a must – ensure your hair is fully protected against the heat of dryers, tongs, irons etc. Don’t forget your hair needs protection from the sun also. If you are going to be spending large amounts of time in the sunshine please protect your hair. Your heat protection sprays, creams and serums are great but also wearing a scarf or hat is a great idea. Can be major stylish too!!
Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Serum is perfect for applying into wet hair before drying. It’s a lightweight, leave-in heat protecting serum. It helps the use of heat tools by providing extra glide for easier manageability on natural and thicker hairtypes. The advance C3 Smoothing Complex with cationic polymers is designed to shield and polish while hair is being smoothed. Teamed with the Shine Extend Spray its a high shine finishing spritz. It helps to polish and lock in shine while lightly shielding the hair to from humidity. It has a light hold to help retain style memory but will easily comb out for a change of style. You can reapply the spray every time you are heat styling to retain a guard on your hair.
Kinky, Curly and Coily hair often requires really expensive and specialist equipment – MYTH! Most items you will require you may already have, if you don’t, local hair shops and supermarkets will have what you need.
Here is a list of things you will need –
- Afro Comb (variation of sizes)
- Tangle Teezer (perfect way of combing through conditioner)
- Plastic Caps/Carrier Bags
- Butterfly Clips
- Applicator bottles (perfect for oil application and applying conditioner in the harder to reach areas)
- Silk/Satin Scarf or Bonnet
- Spray Bottle (sometimes useful for diluting product)
- Hair Pins (normal and longer length)
- Wide Tooth Comb
Don’t be afraid to ask your stylist for more advice in regards to what suits your hairs needs. Everyone’s hair is individual to them and at Gaudi we can make a bespoke hair care plan exclusively for you. As a leading south west Mizani stockist our stylists have a huge wealth of knowledge and skill, which they will be happy to pass on to you.
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