Soweto Fashion Week: Darling Hair Show

 Fashion & Beauty, Hair care & Products, Natural hair  No Responses »
Dec 062013
 

Last week we got an invite to Soweto Fashion Week‘s  Darling hair show. Due to my day job and Nangamso’s family commitments, I could only attend Friday night’s show. I took my usual ever-ready friend Masindi as my partner in crime for the night.

Most of us are familiar with the Darling hair extension brand, unless you’ve never worn braids in the past. Although it was a hair show, I couldn’t keep my eyes off the clothes as well…typical.

I got to chat to Darling’s marketing Director, Debbie and the brand’s new (official) hairstylist, Emelang (didn’t get her surname, sorry) who just signed up with the Darling team.

The night started out quiet but picked up as it progresses…wa re tseba bodarkie mos. Soweto TV and other publications were present. EVERYONE in attendance looked PROPER.

As per Debbie, the Darling brand will be soaring in the new year. They have massive plans to grow the brand and among those is opening a hair centre (college) somewhere in Johannesburg.

I also had a long chat about haircare with the brand’s hairstylists, Emi. She sounded very knowledgeable about natural hair so I wont go into detail on the contents of that interview as most of the stuff she said you (our dear reader) already know. *shrugs*. There were some things she said that I disagreed with eg suggesting texturizing for tight coily hair. But overall, she sounds like someone I’d go to when Ntombi’s not available.

A few photos from the event (Many thanks to photographer, Eunice Driver for sharing these with us)

Models backstage

Masindi and I

 

Hair Profile: Babalwa

 Fresh Dos, Hair care & Products, Natural hair  No Responses »
Oct 102013
 

 

Origins & current location?

My family originates  from a small, dusty town called  Alice in the Eastern Cape where my mom and dad grew up although most of our relatives reside in Port Elizabeth. We are currently staying at  Khayelitsha in  a township outside Cape Town in a section called Makhaza.

What are you currently up to?

I’m  currently  doing my second year at Cape Peninsula University of Technology studying National Diploma in Management, since I’m still hustling for a part-time job. I spend my weekends in poetry sessions performing or attending Hip Hop shows  where I mostly meet motivational soul sisters. I love art, I’m a proud book worm  who loves literature like serious business, and a peer educator at Tech when I don’t have assignments. I dedicate my time distributing condoms  at the campus, educating  our fellow students  on how to lead a positive lifestyle.

Why did you decide to go natural? Briefly take us through your natural hair journey.

I decided to go natural because I realised after so many  years of being tortured by  cream relaxers  five minutes  with the cream on my scalp felt like five years of agony  while my mom would be  shouting at me to wait  a little longer,  that was wasting her money. When I refused she would call me a coward  so I could give in. I had enough because every winter left me hairless. Finally I admitted that my scalp was too sensitive; even after the pain and burns my hair was still silky here and there.

In 2010 during the month of June I decided to start from scratch shaved my hair short. I groomed it by washing with Sunlight bar soap and moisturised with Vaseline although it was bumpy and uneven sometimes it saved me lot of time when preparing for school. In 2011 the comb became stiff, ruthless and showed no mercy so I went for treatment  at the salon  to be stylish  since our high school didn’t allow braids  or weaves so an Afro was and still is the million dollar hair style for Chris Hani Arts & Culture High School. During the holidays I cornrowed  the afro with edgy looks and patterns and kept on treating it once a month with Rosemary  oil moisturiser and Vaseline . In 2012 my first year at tertiary I got the title of being the late comer of the month so by the end of February that’s when I concluded on my birthday. I chose dreadlocks to be my tiara because  they’re convenient  and I’ve always said that  after high school I was going to be a sister (what they call ladies with locks in the township).

What do you love/ dislike about your locks?

I love the volume, the soft texture they have and the fact that  they make me look younger (without make up of course). What I don’t like about my locks is that they can get  so untidy. I think it’s the growth that drives my mom crazy because it grows so quickly then I end up looking bushy as if I’m high on weed or something.

What are some of the challenges and advantages you’ve experienced?

A challenge I’ve been struggling  most of my life with is dandruff; hair styles like cornrows would only last a week.  I couldn’t help scratching my scalp and  sometimes I had cuts and scars on the scalp, you would swear I was a Weet Bix  supplier cause the dandruff would pour on my shoulders in brown thick  dry flakes. Thank God  for the locks I was introduced to anti-dandruff  products  that nourished  my hair rapidly. I’ve managed  to grow a natural  pony tail of my own after years  of being teased  by siblings  and cousins;  the locks really really rescued me!

What is your hair care regimen?

I wash my hair every second week  with Jabu Stone shampoo and conditioner. I then base with the bees wax or with Maroza professional hair fertilizer.

What product are you using for your locks?

I use  and trust Jabu Stone’s anti-dandruff  spray, bees wax, Lite hair nourisher  and Maroza hair fertilizer which was recommended for baldness and dandruff.

Are you planning on cutting off you locks and growing an afro in the future?

It’s been a year now with locks and I’m not planning to retreat or surrender  anytime soon. I’m enjoying  each day with them and I have developed a bond with them. Theyare my babies and I’m giving them all the massages they need when they look dry and brittle, they’re a part of me now.

Which type of natural hairstyle(s) do you like to rock?

I like opening a side division and twisting  them into  a diagonal cornrow it always makes look neat and classy.

Do you have a favourite hair salon?

My favourite hair salon is Malume’s place on Lindela road in Makhaza, Khayelitsha. They don’t  plant wool on your hair compared to other salons I’ve been to. They work with your hair’s potential to lock , pay attention  to every detail of your locks  and provide  answers to all of my questions.

Any hair care tips you’d like to share with our readers?

All I can say for now is moisture, moisture and moisture ladies. Make it a priority, it’s working for me!

Where can our readers get hold of you?

Facebook: Babalwa Kepe.

Hairline update

 Hair care & Products, Natural hair  3 Responses »
Oct 042013
 

It’s been a while since I gave you guys an update on my injibabs! The last time I updated  you guys, I had actually shaved off the tiny patches of hair on the hairline to give it a clean look. And then I started hanging out in weaveville!!

In my first weave post I mentioned that one of the positives was that it covered my receding hairline, giving it a chance to grow back without that untidy look. So when I saw some progress I decided to go for a 2nd  one and later Weave #3. I always make sure I go for those that will hide my hairline. Another thing, Ntombi (my hairdresser) already gets me and makes sure she doesn’t pull my hair in the front whenever she installs a weave on my head.

So basically what I do is rub some oil (mostly Castor oil, sometimes mixed with a drop of Amla oil)…not everyday. At my busiest I only do this once a week. I’m now starting to understand the leave-your-hair-alone advice. Wisaal once advised me to take before and after pictures to compare; in that way I’d be able to see whether there’s progress or not.

Oh and another thing, I haven’t been wearing foundation daily lately as I had this sneaky suspicion that it played a role in clogging my pores as I blend it into the hairline. But that’s just me.

For a while there I thought my hairline was permanently damaged. Yah yah the restoration’s not much BUT for someone who at some stage had thrown in the towel, I’m ecstatic!

My New PHS / Weave 3

 Hair care & Products, Natural hair, Photo Album  1 Response »
Sep 102013
 

Yes, that’s the new shortened term for protective hairstyle…please don’t ask where I got it from. I think I found a more curlier look that…suits me. I got really concerned when I took out those previous weaves and everyone at work made the “But you looked prettier with your hair short!” comment… nyeeeggh. By short they meant that cropped length…uhhh *said in my best Gareth Cliff disgusted voice*. I don’t want to “look gorgeous” with hair that is far off from what my real one looks like.

Anyway, I’ve been loving Dineo Ranaka’s curly weaves lately and when I saw the one she’s currently wearing on her Twitter avatar, I loved everything about it (curls, length, colour). When I got to Ntombi (my hairdresser) she suggested we walk together to the shop next door to buy the weave. Little did I know I was going to be met by something I’ve been looking for since I decided to try out weaves for protective styling…a much tighter curly weave!! I was like “forget Eva (that’s what Dineo’s weave’s called by the way)…we’re taking Dora!!” Yes, it’s called Dora…how they come up with these names..*shrugs*.

 

We followed the usual wash (Tresemme Naturals Shampoo) and condition (ORS Hair Mayo) regime before weaving by the way. I also had a trim…my hair’s a few cms shorter but I’m happy with how it looks.

To those of you who aren’t on Twitter or may have missed Dineo’s curly look avi, here…

An Alternative To Beeswax: Nubian Nature’s Mango-Citrus Nourishing Whipped Creme

 Hair care & Products, Natural hair  No Responses »
Aug 262013
 

I think I might just have found an alternative to beeswax In other words, I think I might have found a cream I can use to mould my locks which does not contain any beeswax! Yippy.

The product I’m talking about is Nubian Nature’s Mango-Citrus Nourishing Whipped Creme with Marula Oil.

 

 

The other day I received a few samples (Hair Elixir with Mangongo oil, Shea-Lavender Moisture Souffle with organic Shea butter and the Mango-Citrus Nourishing Whipped Creme) from Nubian Nature and for a moment I wondered if the souffle and whipped creme would work well on my locks since the texture of these two was so thick. So I decided to swipe a bit to ‘test’ it out, rubbed it between my hands and both products just melted on my hand and turned into a nice, thick and oily consistency. I then applied each product to my locks and scalp and I must say they did well to moisturise them even though the souffle was more on the thicker side when I applied it.

Mango-Citrus Nourishing Whipped Creme. The consistency is quite fluffy just like whipped cream.

Since the whipped creme was not too thick, I opted to use it as a moulding cream to see if it will work well for twisting my locks. After I had washed my hair I began twisting each lock with the whipped creme and I liked the following things about:

  • It had enough hold to keep the twisted lock intact.
  • It did not coat my locs or leave a white residue.
  • My locs did not feel sticky like how most moulding creams with beeswax will do.
  • The product felt so much lighter on my locks and not greasy at all.

You can find the whipped creme on Nubian nature’s online store and it costs R130.00. It is on the pricier side but I think a small amount goes a long way as I didn’t have to use too much of it to twist my locs.

For those that do not have locs I think this product will work very well in defining your twist-outs and bantu knot-outs.

 

FHM model, Joelle’s Kayembe’s natural hair!

 Exclusive Celebrity Interviews, Hair care & Products, Natural hair  No Responses »
Jul 242013
 

I mean, who would’ve guessed that this hot FHM beauty that’s been dominating our TV screens, billboards, magazines, etc for years had a head full of gorgeous naps hidden underneath those weaves?!!

Ok this post might appear as old news to those of you who had purchased the Winter issue of GLAMOUR Hair we were featured in but hey…

So yes, after our GLAMOUR hair feature excitement had eventually worn off, we decided to page through the rest of the magazine and there, on page 54 of the mag was a feature on this Congolese beauty (it was actually a cover feature). She was basically talking about…obviously…her hair and as it turns out, under all those fabulous weaves she rocks with confidence was a head full of (as THEYcall it) naps!

In another interview with Cosmopolitan magazine:

The Treatment: ‘My natural hair gets washed and treated using Dark and Lovely. My stylist plaits or corn-rows my hair in order to make it as flat as possible. After disinfecting the baby hairline to remove excess oil, she uses hair glue to fasten a lace weave. She holds it down for a minute or two until the glue settles.’

The Style: ‘I like to divide my hair into four sections and curl it into four big curls. It’s quick and gives my hair a more natural twist. I like to wear my hair in a side parting with a bun on the opposite side of the fringe when I go out.’

Joelle Recommends: ‘After I blow dry my hair, I use the Dark and Lovely Oil Moisturiser Lotion (R23.99).’

A Word From Her Stylist: When stylist, Chelimo Lupafya does Joelle’s hair, her single motto is ‘She must look camera ready at any moment. To achieve this on her Indian Remy Lace Wig, I use TRESemme Salon Silk Shampoo (R11.99 per 100ml), fortified with vitamin H and almonds. This leaves the hair feeling and looking silky with a natural shine. Just before styling with a wide-barrel curling iron, I apply a generous amount of TRESemme Heat Defence Styling Spray (R19.99 per 100ml), which contains heat-activated ingredients to protect hair when drying or curling. To keep the weave just a little more moisturised, I apply Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum (R265 per 150ml). Finally, a light spray of TRESemme Hairspray Firm Hold (R59.99 per 500ml) keeps the style in place without causing that stiff 1980s look.’

 

Weave #2!!

 Hair care & Products, Natural hair  No Responses »
Jul 232013
 

So after my first weave I waited for a month before taking it off and boy did that month feel like a year. But I’ll say this… I really enjoyed the look and how less demanding the style was.

Caring for my weave

So what I did basically was spritz some aloe vera juice+water mixture onto the hair and scalp underneath followed by massaging Nubian Nature Hair Elixir (sometimes with only Castor oil) once a week.

For my hairline, the oil massages were more or less daily. Not quite sure if I’ve been seeing things but it looks like our beloved hairline is gradually making a comeback. So yay for me! Even Ntombi noticed when we took out the weave and for that reason I decided to phinda futhi and go for another one.

In-between treatment

So after we took out the weave, we used the Argan Oil shampoo I had bought from an Avon distributor at work ages ago. This time around I didn’t want to take chances by playing someone’s guinea pig so I took both the Organics Hair Mayonnaise (for a protein boost) together with a sachet of Organics Replenishing conditioner (for moisture). We mixed the two in a tub, applied them after shampooing and I sat under a helmet drier for the mixture to work its magic.

After rinsing it off with lukewarm-to-cold water, I asked Ntombi to use the Nubian Nature Elixir together with the ORS Carrot Oil as heat protectants and I loved they way they left my hair super soft afterwards.

And then the weaving began! I went for a similar style as the first one but this time around I went for a lighter (more brownish) colour. She used Femi Hair #4

 

I plan on keeping this on for a month also (if it weren’t for the itchiness I’d probably extend this by a few more weeks). Hopefully by then the weather would have warmed up a bit…but then again one needs to be cautious of the windy season that is spring. That can strip moisture off your hair too. Already thinking up my next protective style.

How’s your crown holding up this winter?

Nubian Nature Products Are Finally Available for Sale!!

 Hair care & Products, Natural hair  No Responses »
Jul 082013
 

A month or two ago we were introduced to two wonderful natural ladies, Mummy and Shereen, who were about to come to a lot of South African naturals’ rescue by launching a promising natural hair care range.

We went to their launch at Vilakazi street where they delivered a presentation on their up & coming hair care line which got us even more excited. We also got some goodie bags and inside there was a hair souffle (more like a moisturizer), hair elixir ( a mixture of various natural oils) and a silk scarf (every natural’s must-have).

We were promised the products would be available for sale end of June and it looks like the ladies kept their promise…the products are now available on www.nubiannature.co.za (not sure if we mentioned that it’s an online shop).

I must say their prices are reasonable too, as compared to buying those overseas brands and having them shipped over.

The shampoo and conditioner aren’t available yet and we’ll be notified as soon as they are.

Happy shopping!

Hair profile: Brandi (Soul Canvas)

 Hair care & Products, Natural hair  No Responses »
Jun 262013
 

Origins & current location?
I’m from Malawi but moved to Botswana with my family 8 years ago.

What are you currently up to?
I’m currently a student at the University of Botswana; did my degree here and I’m now completing my Masters this year. I also learn Chinese in my spare time; blog/write like a mad woman for other blogs as well as my own and sort of model, lol.

Why did you decide to go natural?
My relaxed hair was very lifeless, never grew and thin. It just wasn’t working. So after seeing my cousin go natural and live to tell the tale, I figured I could do it too.

Briefly take us through your natural hair journey.
I tiptoed into it by first putting away the relaxer, then braiding my hair and cutting a bit off everytime I took down the braids. Eventually my cousin convinced me to just do the big chop and I did! It was scary but exhilarating at the same time. I rarely cut my hair so it was a big deal for me, haha! I felt like a weirdo so I braided it after a week or two.

What do you love/ dislike about your hair?
Dislike: I don’t like its lack of thickness, my sensitive edges and its different lengths (the hair on my crown grows much faster than the rest of my hair for whatever reason).
Love: Despite all this, I love it and I make it work, gotta embrace what you have! Good thing about natural hair is it’s easy to fake some thickness thanks to the volume shrinkage gives. I love it’s texture – I have hand in hair syndrome – and the way it morphs depending on products, the weather and manipulation.



What are some of the challenges and advantages you’ve experienced?
Challenges: Goodness products! The products hustle is tough! The stores only tend to stock products for relaxed hair and a lot of mineral oil laden stuff. Thanks to YouTube and blogs though I’ve learnt how to find some budget natural products.

Advantages: Learning how to look after your own hair. I rarely go to salons anymore, I control my look and it’s more cost effective.

What is your hair care regimen?
Shampoo & condition (currently rotating between Herbal Essences Touchably Smooth shampoo and conditioner, Earthsapp tea tree conditioner and Dove shampoo (for damaged hair) once a week.

Deep condition with a treatment (currently using ORS hair mayonnaise) twice a month. I use Apple Cider Vinegar in all my washes, either add it to my conditioner or use it as a rinse. When my hair is damp I moisturize (currently using ORS HAIRepair intense moisture cream but I plan to switch to something else), seal (currently using a homemade shea butter and coconut oil mix), detangle with a wide toothed comb and then put in twists again. I let it air dry and style usually in a twist out or updo. I don’t oil my scalp unless I’m in braids of some sort.

I also have an oil mix I sometimes use as a prepoo if I remember to or if I have time. I spray daily with a homemade spray made of water, JO’M grapeseed oil dreadlock cream, aloe vera juice and some of my oil mix. I also apply castor oil to my hair line daily. I get my products from pharmacies, health shops and Clicks. Every now and then I do find some good stuff in supermarkets (the Earthsapp line for example is found in Spar). It may seem like a lot but I really don’t do much.

What results do you expect from a hair product when you purchase it?
Short term wise I want softness but long term wise I expect health. I gravitate towards products with tons of nutrients for my hair. I also like moiturizing products because Botswana has a very dry climate.

Is it a struggle finding products that work for your hair type or are you happy with the ones you’re currently using?
Finding a great moisturizer is my current concern. However, overall I am happy with my products and honestly they do enough BUT A girl can never have too many! I’m a bit of a product junkie so I’m always ready to try something new.  But I force myself to finish one before I buy another. At the end of the day method is more important than product.

Are you planning on locking in the future?
When I’m probably 50 or so and I’m too tired to keep up with the demands of natural hair. Right now though I want to see how far I can take it.

Which type of natural hairstyle(s) do you like to rock?
Twist outs are my go to hair style but as my hair grows I’m starting to experiment with up do’s more. I also love quick simple braided styles that incorporate cornrows of my own hair. I also love doing head wraps for lazy days.



Do you have a favourite hair salon?
I had a great experience at Lady Vanessa hair salon but I generally tend to avoid salons. Luckily my cousin does all my braiding.

Any hair care tips you’d like to share with our readers?
Have a ton of patience, a great simple routine, MOISTURIZE and pick up some castor oil! Oh and most importantly, read! There’s lots of advice online.

What’s your (fashion) style generally?
I love Rihanna so my life revolves around me trying to imitate her, hahaha! I guess I wanna be a sexy tom boy though I’m not sure if that’s what I end up looking like. I love sneakers but I love heels too (the sneaker wedge is the best invention ever!), long cotton skirts with chucks, shorts, jeans, cute dresses, anything with a skull/spike on it and I’m a white vest fanatic. My fro fits in perfectly with my style!



Where can I readers get hold of you?

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfB15v0tWV4vZJFrXY HvkZA

Blogs

General: http://funkyforyou.wordpress.com/

Hair: http://hairinsights.wordpress.com/

Food: http://ahungryafrican.wordpress.com/

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Soul-Canvas/167506859950299

#TlhodiGetsAWeave!

 Fresh Dos, Hair care & Products, Natural hair  12 Responses »
Jun 122013
 

Yes I got a weave, my first ever sew-in  in the history of weaves! At the beginning of this year, one of my resolutions was to try out a weave for protective styling once the cold season starts kicking in. As you guys know I’ve been experiencing issues with receding hairline this past year and that was actually one of the reasons I procrastinated.

Another reason was straight up the thought of myself wearing straight hair – I mean the main reason I went natural had nothing to do with chemicals; I just happened to believe I looked prettier natural (long, short, locs…whatever) than I did with straight hair. So after much consideration and a few discussions with my husband (who happens to be more anti-weave than he is anti-chemical…strange), I took the plunge and went for it.

The aim is to get to a certain length by December before I BC in the new year and I know I won’t get there with my hair constantly out. I started looking for a hairstyle that would be more me and finally I decided to go with what used to be my high school signature look (with my real hair back then); a look I’d be familiar with and this is what I finally decided on:

Oh the way Ntombi (my hairdresser) laughed when I walked in asking for a weave. It took her a good 10min+ to actually realize I was being serious.lol

The process

  • So what we did was the usual wash routine. I also tried out some conditioner a friend made & asked me to be her guinea pig (she wants to go into the hair product business).
  • We then applied the Nubian Nature hair Elixir (mixture of all sorts of natural oils) to the damp hair as a heat protectant. Please note this was a tester; their range goes on sale end of June.
  • This was followed by low-heat blowdrying.
  • She then used the same Hair Elixir oils to base my scalp.
  • Then the weaving began and I know most of you will relate to the famous “ungangiqinisi please (please don’t pull my hair too tight)” line that comes before they get into it.
  • I also used this tip I got from True Love magazine’s beauty editor, Thami Kwazi. What she does is ask the stylist to leave out the hair on the hairline in an attempt to prevent…well…you know what. *wink*

 Why I went for the cropped look?

  1. It’s not long. It’s become clear to me that I don’t like long straight hair for myself. Although it looks stunning on other people, it just doesn’t suit me.
  2. I’m more familiar with this look on me.
  3.  The best part – it covers my receded hairline, which gives me time to nurse it (which by the way has been improving lately) back to health without trimming my edges.

People’s reactions:

  • Husband – It took a day or two for hubby to get used to it and finally bring himself to say “Maar it’s not bad shem. It actually suits you”
  • Colleagues – When I went back to work, everyone LOVED it. Although it worries me a bit that people would get this excited about hair that’s not even mine than they would with my natural hair.
  • Friends – Another friend said “Oh that’s a razor cut; I though you said you got a weave” Well, I thought any sewn in hair, long or short was classified as weave…I could be wrong. *shrugs*
  • Others – My hubby’s friend screeched “Maara why??!!” when he drove my car and saw shed bits of the weave in the car. If anyone is 100% anti-weave, it’s that guy. My husband just responded with a “Ba re ke protective styling mfwethu” hahahaha. Bless him

I must say it took some adjusting geting used to this “hat” on my hair. I promise you on day one I kept feeling like I have one of those beanies on Nangamso’s hat post on. Every few seconds I’d get this urge to take the “beanie” off. And then the next morning I decided to clean the bathroom mirror…never been that freaked out at the sight of my reflection.lol

Two reasons I may not go for this particular sew-in again:

1. Itchiness. Yoh…the way I pat my head frantically like a mad woman when no-one’s looking. #CantDeal

2. My daughter has already mentioned several times how she want’s “hair like mine” when she grows up. Now I have to work extra hard to convince her how gorgeous her hair is in it’s natural state. Also #CantDeal!!!

How are you protecting your glory this winter?

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