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Tag: melanin beauty

  • 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

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  • 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

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