African hair: How to style relaxed hair

African hair: How to style relaxed hair

More manageable African hair is something most women want and relaxers offer that. However, an important factor to consider when you decide to take a relaxer to your hair is that the wrong technique could mean the difference between sleek or broken hair. Now that’s a gamble nobody wants to take! So in order to avoid a full cut, follow our simplified list on how to relax your hair. Get educated The proper technique makes all the difference in managing that growth in your African hair. So before you start, look at the texture of your hair and determine how many chemicals it can handle. It’s so important to leave a little elasticity in your hair so that it still has that fabulous bounce. Relaxers loosen up the curl pattern so that it’s not so tightly wound and springy, this makes it a million times easier to comb in the morning. Something any lady will love when their mornings are busy and there’s no time for your hair! Choosing the right one Picking the right relaxer is as important as finding the ONE. Your hair is unique to you and as a result, there are many different types of product that will have different effects. The right relaxer is dependent on the texture of your hair, porosity, and how sensitive your scalp is. If you have sensitive skin, don’t go for the product that’s harsh, rather go for the one that’s a no-lye relaxer. Then you have to check the texture of your hair, ranging from coarse to fine, and everything in between, each type requires a different level...
Top 10 Foods for Longer, Healthier, Natural Hair

Top 10 Foods for Longer, Healthier, Natural Hair

The huge trend right now is natural hair. Here is our list of foods to eat for longer, healthier, natural hair. New hair, new you! Water Water is essential to keep you hydrated but it also prevents your scalp from drying. Make sure to get at least 8 glasses a day but if you want more, exercise a bit more to sweat the excess water out of your body. Bananas These are known to be notorious in calories but those are good calories and also rich in potassium which promotes shiny hair. Bananas can also make good hair pastes. Garlic You probably won’t be excited about eating more garlic because no one wants to be conscious of the breath all the time. But garlic is rich in copper which is great for hair growth, thickens hair, and improves natural hair colour. Milk For those that are not lactose intolerant, get your daily dose of milk. Calcium promotes hair growth and prevents hair loss. Fish Omega 3 in fish will give your hair that silky look. Red wine Red wine is all about antioxidants and antioxidants are all about making sure your hair doesn’t get brittle and break. Go ahead, have a glass or 2. You’ll thank us later. Beans Ever wondered why easy African women have such great hair? Beans are a great source of minerals such as zinc and magnesium which promotes shiny moisturized hair. Red meat Low iron levels are a major cause of hair loss. Iron is essential for food hair follicle growth. If you are a vegetarian, iron supplements will do. Eggs Eggs are rich...
Your Guide to Natural Hair

Your Guide to Natural Hair

It’s time to let your African beauty shine through, with natural hair that’s as radiant as you. Prepare to throw aside your weave and start the journey to a beautiful, new you. Here’s everything you need to know about natural African hair care: Know Your Texture The number one question that newly naturals want to know: tight curls or loose? It’s all about texture when you go natural. And the good news is, no matter what style you have, you’ll look beautiful with it! The one thing you need to keep in mind is that your hair care will all depend on your natural texture. Curly hair has to be handled very delicately, overall. The tighter your curls, the more delicate and protective you will have to be with it. So, do a little research on what African hair care routine is best suited to you and your particular texture. Prepare for Shrinkage Unfortunately, you are going to experience shrinkage as you start going natural. It’s going to be anywhere from 30% to 80% but, not to worry, it’s all part of the journey! If there are times when you want your hair to look more stretched, there are many tricks you can use. Try braid-outs, twist-outs, roller sets, banding, and African threading to extend your tresses. As your hair grows, this will become less of a problem. Be Sure to Moisturise Moisture will be your new best friend. You will need to effectively moisturise your hair to keep it healthy. The best way to achieve this is through investing in a good moisturising oil and crème. First, use...
Causes and Prevention of Hair Breakage

Causes and Prevention of Hair Breakage

“For me, hair is an accoutrement. Hair is jewellery. It’s an accessory.” – Jill Scott It’s been said that a woman’s hair is her crown. Would any lady be happy with a broken crown? Damaged hair can be stressful, but there are ways to solve the problem. It’s important to note that natural hair care is as important as skincare. Both the hair and the skin need special care to heal themselves and stay healthy. In this instance, we will focus on hair. Some of the causes of hair damage are the following: Constant manipulation (Rough combing and plaiting of the hair) Heat (Using a hairdryer and straightener) Stress (The pressures of work and family) Weather (Hair is affected by temperatures, such as very cold winters) It is important to recognise when your hair is damaged and find ways to reverse it. Here are five tips for natural hair care: Wash Your Hair The Right Way Water is the ultimate moisturiser. When you wash your hair, water molecules reach your hair shaft and make your hair elastic and easier to manage. Use a shampoo that will not clash with your chosen conditioner, by buying it from the same product range as your conditioner. Shampoo your hair in plaits or twists once a week, to make it more manageable. The pH of the last product you will use when washing your hair (Usually the conditioner) needs to be low. This helps in smoothing down the cuticles of the hair and helps moisture lock in for longer. Avoid detangling your hair when it’s damp. If your hair knots easily it is...
Hair Colour Can Be An Expression Of Who You Are

Hair Colour Can Be An Expression Of Who You Are

Over the years, hair colour for woman has become an expression of who they are. It is a way to make a statement. We’re looking at some African hair colour options that really stand out. Hopefully you’ll find one that suits your hair and personality. This year there are five particularly great hair trends you can’t go wrong with. 1. Ombre & Blonde Hair Colour Variations Blonde highlights and different shades of blonde have become popular options. If you don’t want to commit to one colour, an ombre option is for you. It’s the perfect hint of colour. The soft blonde variations throughout your hair can create a beautiful feminine look. This particular ombre hairstyle is completed with an edgy short haircut. Check out Inecto’s Sunkissed and Caramel Blonde hair dye. 2. Going Grey We’re not sure where this trend originated, but we love it. Who said you have to be old to be grey. It’s unique and definitely eye catching. This hairstyle is fun and if you’re brave enough to give it a go, we think it’s fabulous! 3. Unique Colouring This trend definitely ensures you’ll stand out. Orange and red have been the popular bold colours, but there are some new colours in town. Now more exotic colours, particularly pastels are making their way onto the hair colour scene. Pink, lilac, purple and deep shades of blue are the new kids on the block. They make a statement and are really attractive. Check out some of these colours in action. 4. Bold Vibrant Shades We love the pastels, but if you really want to be bold, you...
Achieving the perfect DIY Blonde

Achieving the perfect DIY Blonde

Blondes might just have more fun if Boity and Thomas Ghumede are anything to go by. They’re showing the world they really can shine – so is it time for you to join them? If you’re thinking about making the leap to Blonde, there are a couple of things for you to consider when it comes to DIY Hair Colour. Keep the following tips in mind, and we guarantee you’ll look drop-dead gorgeous with your blonde do! It’s important to choose the right shade of blonde. Blondes come in various shades; it’s crucial that you choose a shade that will compliment your natural beauty, and not draw away from it. Choose a shade of blonde that is a few shades lighter than your skin tone. It may not be Boity Blonde you wanted, but it will be the perfect shade of blonde for you! Colour distribution is key. Your first instinct might be to cover your entire your head – from roots to tips; resist that urge. Instead of going for a solid blonde look, consider getting highlights or streaks over your natural colour. Leaving some underlying or interspersed dark hair will enhance the DIY Hair Colour you’re trying to attain. Go Blonde in steps. Achieving that perfect shade of blonde is going to be a process – especially if the shade you want is lighter than your natural hair colour. It’s going to require lifting your natural pigment using peroxide which will leave your hair in a vulnerable state. We recommend giving your hair a break before applying the tint of blonde that you want. This will give...