ReportWire

Tag: afro hair

  • 42 best Black-owned beauty brands to support all year round

    42 best Black-owned beauty brands to support all year round

    Without the Black community, the beauty industry would not exist as we know it today. So why wouldn’t we show support for Black-owned beauty brands that play a huge part in keeping it afloat?

    Many of beauty’s most-booked treatments and biggest trends (hair extensions, nail art and acrylic nails, to name only a few) are steeped in Black culture and have been a staple of Black beauty for decades. The Black Pound Report also discovered that in sectors such as health and beauty, Black and multi-ethnic consumers spend, on average, 25% more than any other.

    At GLAMOUR, we are committed to highlighting the many things non-Black people can do to become better allies – from understanding white privilege to using books, podcasts and documentaries to educate yourself on anti-racism.

    But in addition to all of these incredibly important actions, purchasing from Black-owned beauty brands is a key way to support a community that is so often marginalised – during Black History Month and beyond.

    The importance of investing in Black-owned beauty businesses is clear. In order to create equity within different communities, we must build leverage within them, hence why Black businesses need to be supported in order to grow the community as a whole.

    Purchases made from outside of Black communities can have a major impact on potential growth and help level the playing field.

    Liha Okunniwa, founder of Liha Beauty, wrote on Instagram: “My dad has had a business in the UK since 1958 and I grew up above shops. He is a visionary and a design genius but the world will not know that because like every other black person during that time, he was fighting on a daily basis just to be seen and recognised as a human being and a man. He didn’t get to build his Nike.”

    Aurora James, the founder of fashion label Brother Vellies, supported this in a statement on Instagram. She explained that Black-owned businesses are the most vulnerable and have historically received the least amount of economic support. She urged major retailers like Sephora and Whole Foods to buy at least 15% of their products from Black-owned businesses. “I am not saying this is easy. I’m saying this is necessary,” she said.

    Tokenism won’t fly, and consumers are looking for brands to put their money where their mouth is. Brands are being held accountable for keeping up with their pledge to allyship. One such brand is Glossier, which is keen to play its part in supporting Black beauty entrepreneurs with its UK Black Beauty Grant Programme for 2024 in partnership with Black Girl Fest Studios.

    In 2023 – its inaugural year in the UK – five brilliant founders graduated the Programme including Airfro, Ashe London, Koba Skincare, The Glowcery and Tru Skin. This year Glossier aims to build on that success with a tailored 12-week learning programme and £10K equity-free grant.

    To bring Black-owned beauty brands to the forefront of your mind, we’ve compiled an edit of companies that deserve to be championed. Showing your support is not a one-time thing. These beauty brands cover all bases – from hair to makeup and skincare.

    They’re also all female-owned, with many putting sustainable beauty at the forefront of their brand ethos. A purchase (or a follow and share, if you can’t invest due to current financial uncertainty) will not only mean you support the Black community but support female entrepreneurs and businesses working to champion sustainability.

    There’s everything to gain and nothing to lose.

    Here are 37 Black-owned beauty brands to champion from this day forward.

    Sheilla Mamona

    Source link

  • Mel B is taking the fight against hair discrimination to parliament for World Afro Day

    Mel B is taking the fight against hair discrimination to parliament for World Afro Day

    Mel B has joined this year’s World Afro Day campaign, to affect change when it comes to hair discrimination in the UK.

    The campaign will urge MPs to update the Equality Act in order to make afro hair a protected characteristic. If it is successful, the UK would be the first Western country to introduce law to end afro hair discrimination.

    “The very first video shoot I did as a Spice Girl for Wannabe, the stylists took one look at my hair and told me it had to be straightened,” Mel said. “My big hair didn’t fit the pop star mould. But I stood my ground – backed by my girls – and I sang and danced as me, with my big hair, my brown skin and I was totally proud of who I was.

    “So yes, I’m proud to support World Afro Day in its call for the Equality Act to protect against afro hair discrimination in the UK.”

    An open letter, signed by 100 campaigners including Mel, Labour MP Paulette Hamilton, Beverley Knight and Fleur East, warns that “omission of hair as a protected characteristic from the law has facilitated everyday discrimination and the normalisation of afro hair as inferior in every sphere of life”.

    The campaign is set to host a drop-in clinic at Parliament with Hamilton and World Afro Day founder Michelle De Leon with their children, in order to “focus on the change for the next generation”.

    “As Birmingham’s first black MP, and as a mother to four daughters, I know the impact this campaign could have on my local community and on people with afro hair across the UK,” Hamilton said.

    Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images

    What is World Afro Day?

    15th September is World Afro Day, a global day for millions to celebrate the beauty of their afro hair and to feel proud of their naturally kinky, coiled or curly strands.

    Ali Pantony, Charley Ross

    Source link

  • The absolute best products you need to care for textured and Afro hair, according to the experts

    The absolute best products you need to care for textured and Afro hair, according to the experts

    “The Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Comp Conditioning Co Wash, £6.99, Sephora gently removes impurities and product build up, while infusing vital moisture. It’s the best,” says Mimi.

    7. Oils

    Finding the perfect oil for your hair is no mean feat. Too thick and it becomes greasy, but too lightweight and it doesn’t offer enough moisture. Luckily, we’ve called in the experts to recommend their favourites to aid your search.

    ORS Olive Oil Sheen Spray

    Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturising Oil

    This ORS Olive Oil Sheen Spray, £4.86, Look Fantastic is an African mum bathroom cabinet staple, and that’s because it does what it says on the can. It gives the hair a glossy sheen so it’s perfect for styling, whether you have your hair up in a bun, loose or you can spritz it over your weeks-old box braids to restore that week-one shine.

    “Hands down at the moment my favourite is the Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturising Oil, £31, John Lewis. It’s lightweight, absorbent and moisturising,” recommends Subrina.

    Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil

    “Packed with naturally-sourced Manketti nuts to deliver moisture without weighing the hair down, my Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil, £48, Net-A-Porter instantly improves shine and combats frizz,” says Charlotte.

    “I love the fact that this Moroccanoil Treatment, £32.85, Moroccanoil is a classic hair staple and is so light in consistency, pure and multi-purpose. I use it as a heat protector, to seal my hair, and as a hot oil treatment,” says Keysha.

    8. Hair butters

    To deeply nourish dry or coarse hair, there’s nothing better than a hair butter. Here, we asked our panel of experts for their top picks.

    Camille Rose Curlaide Moisture Butter

    Sheamoisture Curl Enhancer Coconut & Hibiscus Smoothie 326ml

    “The Camille Rose Naturals Curlaide Moisture Butter 240ml, £12.50, Look Fantastic is a great moisturiser to inject my hair with nourishment when it’s feeling a little dry and unloved. It’s blended with quality natural ingredients including shea moisture, coconut oil and castor oil, which results in a rich buttery textured cream that exudes quality,” says Keysha.

    “This SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, £12.99, Boots is perfect for looser thirsty curls and helps to keep them hydrated,” says Ateh.

    Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Enhancing Butter 12oz

    Keracare Natural Textures Butter Cream 227g

    “This Carol’s Daughter Coco Creme Enhancing Butter 12oz, £12.99, Superdrug shields hair from everyday wear and tear and boosts natural shine,” says Charlotte.

    Mimi recommends: “This Keracare Natural Textures Butter Cream 227g, £10.70, Look Fantastic contains shea butter, cocoa butter, amla & shikakai (ayurvedic) botanicals, argan and abyssinian oils to hydrate and keep hair healthy.”

    9. Curl definers

    Whether you’re looking to wash and go, twist and define, or up the shine factor, these expert-approved defining products offer the perfect solution to all your curl woes.

    Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade

    Twisted Sista Foaming Curl Pomade

    “This Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade, £24.05, Look Fantastic gives maximum definition and shine, which is both lightweight and tangible. My tip if you want to switch it up for a straight look is to do a wrap set (it’s a more sustainable way of protecting your hair from heat damage or tension),” says Subrina.

    “The Twisted Sista Foaming Curl Pomade, £8.99, Sephora is great for a wash and go and twistout/braidout or Bantu set. It’s super lightweight with a natural shine. While it’s great for fine to medium hair textures, I have also used it on thicker textures which are coily and kinky for a great twistout. The beauty of this product it’s not greasy and makes your hair so tangible,” says Subrina. “Love it!”

    Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer

    Bouclème Curl Defining Gel 300ml

    “I love this Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer, £23.50, Look Fantastic because it intensifies curls, tames frizz and increase shine,” says Charlotte.

    Sheilla Mamona, Kiran Meeda

    Source link

  • 31 best short hairstyles for thick hair, from pretty pixies to cool-girl bobs

    31 best short hairstyles for thick hair, from pretty pixies to cool-girl bobs

    If you’ve been searching high and low for some short hairstyles for thick hair inspo, then you’ve come to the right place. And we understand your woes. A truth well-known by thick-haired girls, is that it’s not always a walk in the park. Granted, you may have more body and volume than most, but when your shower drain looks like Chewbacca’s armpit and an embarrassing amount of your income goes on conditioner, it’s tempting to chop the lot off.

    Technically speaking, hair thickness refers specifically to the width of a single strand. Generally, the diameter of hispanic and african hair tends to be larger (and therefore thicker) than that of caucasian hair. However, hair density comes into play, too. If you have fine strands, but loads of them, overall your hair would be considered to be thicker than those with a low hair density of fine strands.

    While the main problem faced by thin-haired girls is flat, pancake strands, a major problem faced by thick and full-haired girls is ‘the pouf’. In fact, the pouf is a big reason why so many thick haired-girls opt for a slightly longer length, as the extra weight can keep the whole lot from pinging up and out of control.

    Before we settle for anything less than an utterly-phenomenal cut though, it’s important to point out that tactical cuts with considered layers can work incredibly with full hair to enhance and celebrate the texture.

    How to style short-thick hair

    Short hairstyles are stylish – there is no denying it. They’re timeless and should be easy to work around, but the moment you add volume, things start to look a little more complicated. You can start by trying nape-length crops and delicate pixie cuts, which can help to structure thick hair beautifully. Curly and loosely waved lobs are a pretty middle ground if you want to retain length while gaining a little more shape. And there’s an endless array of bobs that work beautifully. We love Yara Shahidi’s slick, structural, sliced bob for curly textures, or the cheek-skimming French bob for full, thick, wavy and straight strands.

    A layered bob is also a pretty popular option, and like pixie cuts, they add texture and reduce excess volume while still showcasing the true thickness of the hair. It might sound counter-intuitive, but to style short, thick hair, start with a volumising shampoo and conditioner to enhance its natural body.

    Use a lightweight mousse or styling cream to define layers and control frizz. Blow-dry with a round brush for added volume and shape. Consider adding subtle waves or curls with a curling iron for a playful touch.

    Don’t be afraid to embrace the natural thickness of the hair by keeping styling simple, and use minimal product for maximum movement and to maintain a light, effortless feel. Short hairstyles for thick hair not only provide a dead chic aesthetic, but also ease of maintenance for the girlies on-the-go.

    For more from GLAMOUR’s Deputy Beauty Editor, Elle Turner follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk.

    For more from GLAMOUR’s Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona.

    Here’s 31 of our favourite short hairstyles for thick hair…

    Elle Turner, Sheilla Mamona

    Source link

  • Boho braids are TikTok's favourite protective hairstyle – and we can see why

    Boho braids are TikTok's favourite protective hairstyle – and we can see why

    Before, stars wore the style in waves and even long, straight wispy layers (Beyoncé was the Queen of this, circa 2003). Now the texture is almost always curly, which blends with the braids more easily than straight pieces would.

    Boho braids also mainly use human hair, whereas pick-and-drop featured synthetic hair. These braids are one of the most popular ways to get flowing hair extensions that look natural. And by using human hair, there is newfound versatility. According to Sims, the look can be styled with heat and there is less matting. If you’re partial to synthetic hair, Runata says you can still use it, but it works best in just the braids, and not the loose hair.

    What to know before you get Boho braids

    If you want a really professional finish and to avoid too much hair breakage, this protective style should be reserved for the salon. Rutana explains the look requires a high skill level. “I use a knotless technique, so it’s easy on your natural hair to ensure there’s not as much breakage,” she says, which it isn’t easy to do on yourself.

    Working with human hair (which is recommended for this style) “can be challenging due to the softer texture of the hair which makes it hard to grip,” says Rutana, so if you’re looking for an impeccable finish on the first go, it’s probably best to leave it to a professional.

    It’s also a good idea to consult with your stylist to establish if they will provide the hair or if you need to source it ahead of your appointment. Many salons don’t provide hair extensions, so oftentimes, you’ll need to visit your local beauty supply store ahead of time. Stylists can usually advise on what hair to buy — Runata loves Bohotress braiding hair which is exclusively available online in the UK.

    68 dreamy braids and braid hairstyles, from modern twists to butterfly locs

    How to prep your hair for Boho braids

    Whether your hair is in its natural state or has a treatment like a relaxer or texture release, you still want to arrive at your appointment with washed and blow-dried hair. Some stylists offer this service – but if it’s unavailable, a simple shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp followed by a conditioning treatment to moisturise and a thorough blow dry is all you need.

    Annie Blay, Sheilla Mamona

    Source link

  • Does rosemary oil for hair growth actually work? Here’s everything to know

    Does rosemary oil for hair growth actually work? Here’s everything to know

    If you’re on social media, chances are you’ve come across a video (or several) touting the efficacy of rosemary oil for hair growth. Said to thicken hair and lengthen strands, the hashtag #rosemaryhairgrowthoil has amassed over 500 million views (and counting) on TikTok.

    But does it really work? While the ‘before and afters’ are certainly impressive, we want to know if this unlikely remedy can actually boost hair growth and help with hair loss – something that, according to the NHS, 8 million women experience in the UK.

    To delve deeper, we’ve asked the experts to shed light on this wonder herb and whether we should be using rosemary oil for hair. Here’s what they had to say…

    TikTok content

    This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

    What is rosemary oil?

    Let’s begin with the basics. Rosemary is a herb native to the Mediterranean region. It’s oil, which is pale in colour and has a woody aroma, comes from the plant and is used for aromatherapy, in skincare products as well as haircare.

    What are the benefits of rosemary oil for hair?

    Improves hair growth

    While the research is limited, there’s some evidence to suggest that rosemary oil may help with hair growth. “Studies have demonstrated that rosemary oil can stimulate hair growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp and promoting the proliferation of hair follicle cells,” says Dr Nick Fisherman, Trichologist at Watermans Hair. “If hair follicles don’t get a sufficient blood supply, they will not get the nutrients they need to grow the hair.”

    One 2015 study comparing rosemary oil to minoxidil (a popular hair regrowth treatment), found that after six months both groups had similar results with a significant increase in hair growth. “Although this study suggested it may be beneficial, there is currently a lack of clinical evidence to recommend rosemary oil as a hair loss treatment,” notes Zoë Passam, Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley.

    Soothes scalp irritation

    “The oil has also been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe the scalp and reduce irritation and itching,” adds Fisherman. Essentially, rosemary oil can help create a healthy environment for optimum hair growth. Oh, and in the same study mentioned above, the group using rosemary oil reported less itchiness than those using minoxidil.

    May help prevent dandruff

    “Rosemary oil can also help to restore the scalp’s microbiome balance due to its antimicrobial properties,” explains Dr Bhavjit Kaur, medical aesthetic practitioner. “Since dandruff usually occurs due to an excess of skin fungus (Malassezia), the antimicrobial properties of rosemary may help.”

    23 best hair oils 2023 to nourish your ends and encourage healthy re-growth

    How long does it take to see results?

    The science suggests that it may work but as with anything there is a catch, rosemary oil needs to be applied in the right quantities, over a long period of time to see results. “There is limited evidence for rosemary oil as a hair loss treatment, but seeing results from any hair loss treatment takes time, due to the average rate of hair growth, typically 1-1.5cm per month,” says Passam. The experts agree that it takes six months (at least) to see results.

    Sheilla Mamona, Emma-Jade Stoddart

    Source link

  • I’ve Tried Almost Every Edge Control Product Out There—These 6 Actually Work

    I’ve Tried Almost Every Edge Control Product Out There—These 6 Actually Work

    So, what’s the solution? I find that a great place to start is often right at the root, with your texture and porosity. Depending on how thick your hair is—that is strand-wise rather than length—the texture of the edge control and level of hold you need will vary, as will the formula base. Have finer coils? Then a lightweight water-based gel is your best buy. As with oil-based gels and waxes, the kinker and thicker the better.

    If like me you know that managing to maintain perfectly slicked edges that last all day in the face of heat, humidity, and the everyday bustle relies heavily on the smooth application of an edge gel, but are struggling to pick just one, fear not. Below I’ve listed some of my favorite edge control products for the sleekest finish.

    Ata-Owaji Victor

    Source link