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

 

The Kinks Hair Meet

 Natural hair  No Responses »
Nov 192013
 

Last Sunday I attended a brunch hosted by The Kinks founders, Nomfundo and Zama at Kwa-Muzi lodge in Kyalami, JHB. This was a combination of a hair meet and a launch. We were treated to champagne and of course brunch.

So these ladies have taken it upon themselves to import all these “amazing” products we’ve been reading/hearing about on American blogs & on YouTube to sell them locally. Among others are ranges like Curls, Miss Jessie’s, Shea Moisture and Hairveda.

I started at church (yes, I still would have even if it was Nelson Mandela that called for a meeting) and as a result I was an hour late.

What I saw as I was pulling off was so heartwarming, given the history of hair meets in South Africa. It looked to me that we were getting somewhere as naturals in SA….love progress.

It was an outside setting so this gave us a pretty lekke outdoor view, until it started raining and we had to move inside.

I was so EXCITED to finally get to meet Good Hair Diaries’ Kavuli Binase in person!! What a pleasant surprise…really made my day I’ll say. The funny thing was that it was as if we’d known each other for years…so cool.

The other ladies there were such a wonderful bunch to chill with… coz that’s how naturals…kinda..roll.

Kavuli and I were the only hair bloggers and speakers of the event as well. She pretty much covered everything and anything hair related. That chick knows hair…like…*sigh*.

And then the floor was opened for questions, which she answered effortlessly. I then followed with my natural hair journey, challenges and all.

Nomfudo then started her presentation on they hair care products they’ll be selling. Some of them will be a bit heavy on the pocket but hey…anything for good hair right…

Overall, it was a really nice event. It’s always nice meeting new people, particularly naturals in Jo’burg. The Kinks ladies did an outstanding job. Food & drinks were on point. The event overlapped; you know how it is when female creatures get together.

To learn more about The Kinks, do visit their site

 

What The Baggy Hell (The Baggy Method)

 Natural hair  No Responses »
Nov 042013
 

By contributor: Andrea

Hahaha I couldn’t help it with that post title. Ok have you guys heard about the baggy method or (GHE) greenhouse effect? Both methods require you put a shower cap, plastic bag or wrap your hair in cling wrap after moisturizing, this is to retain the moisture that would otherwise evaporate into the air.  You can do this either over night or just for an hour or so, it can be done on dry hair or fairly damp hair.

Ok now I’ve read about this on numerous blogs but was never interested in trying it; a natural hair regimen is complicated enough & it just felt like an extra step is wasting my time, but I recently took out braids & my ends were so dry (TIP: USE THE INFO YOU READ ON BLOGS) I say this because my ignorance has caused me to big chop so many times luckily this time I realised what I lack before I resort to the big chop again (I hope it’s not too late) I have retained a bit of length from the braids but the length of my hair is dry & feels like grass, this is why when my hair gets a bit longer it breaks.

This past weekend I decided to try the baggy & I must say it works, I first did a hot oil treatment (and burnt my fingers). I wanted the oil to be really hot, so I decided to mix coconut oil & rooibos tea & dip my dry hair in the mixture, my mom used to do this when I was little, but she put the mixture in a basin then after rolled in my hair. I made 8 twists & wrapped each twist in plastic bags then donned a shower cap. Some bloggers do this daily & say it has helped a lot with growth retention, so when I get home from work I usually put on my shower cap & even sleep in it, let’s see how this goes any of you naturals joining me?

NB: Your hairstyle will “go home” i.e shrink my twist lasted only two days because of the baggy…

 

Neno Natural’s $500 cash giveaway!!

 Natural hair  No Responses »
Oct 172013
 
Heather’s blog, Neno Natural is one of our favorite natural hair blogs. The fact that her hair type is similar to ours, makes her more relatable as well. She’s now giving away $500 as a token of appreciation to her readers (current and new) who have been supporting her blog. Please see details below and take a turn by her blog: Neno Natural.
“2013 has been a good year for me, especially compared to 2012. When I started focusing on Neno Natural in November 2012 I had no idea that this is where I would be and I am so utterly grateful. I was thinking these things today and I thought, I need to give something back.
Now, I’m not super wealthy and my business is nowhere like where I need to be but I thought even if I can’t make a big difference to every fan, I’m going to make a difference to one person. In this vein I’ve decided to give away $500 to one fan. I didn’t even want to sleep on this idea for fear that I might change my mind.”
The entry details are very simple: You need to be subscribed to the fan list at NenoNatural.com/freeinfo

  • If you get my emails, you are already subscribed
  • If you don’t get my emails but you think you subscribed, check your SPAM folder
  • If you unsubscribed you would need to re-subscribe to be eligible
  • Payment will be via PayPal unless you are in a country that doesn’t have PayPal in which case we can do a wire transfer to your bank (bank charges may apply)
  • Anyone from anywhere in the world can win
  • Competition closes on 19th November at midnight New York time (5 a.m. London time)
  • The winner will be selected and announced on 20th November

How will the winner be selected:

  • All subscribers will be downloaded into excel and their order randomized
  • A number will then be picked using a random number generator and whoever has that position in the excel spreadsheet wins the entire $500 in time to buy Christmas gift or to pay down that annoying debt!
  • We will then email the person to ensure it’s an email that is still in use, ask them for their phone number and call them to tell them they have won
  • All this will be on video so everyone can enjoy the process with us

Again, thanks so much for your likes, follows and comments on Facebook, Twitter, Insta, Pinterest and via email. Whilst I can no longer answer every single email I do read them all.
Kisses, Heather – enter your details at NenoNatural.com/freeinfo to win”

The LOC/LCO method

 Natural hair  No Responses »
Oct 152013
 

If you’re a social network junkie and blog-hopper, you’ve most probably stumbled upon (see that? :-)) an article, tweet or fb post on this; so you’re probably clued up about this moisturising method but hey (in my best Lalla Hirayama V-Entertainment tone).

So lately the LOC method happens to be the most hyped-up moisturising method that seems to be working for a lot of naturals.

See below LOC illustration by Radiant Brown Beauty :

umm…I doubt they meant your hair will instantly grow that long.lol

LCO is basically LOC in another order: Liquid->Cream->Oil, which seems to be working better for me.

I hope you find this helpful….remember…patience is key.

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!

Hair Profile: Lerato’s Big Chop

 Natural hair  No Responses »
Sep 262013
 

 

How long have you been relaxing your hair before chopping it off? 

I cant remember but it’s been for a long time.

How long was your hair when you cut it?

Shoulder length.

What motivated the big chop?

I grew tired of the long relaxed hair look. I wanted something different plus it was December.

Did you enjoy your relaxed hair?

 Yes I did.

Before… Lerato with her relaxed hair.

Describe the feeling you got after cutting it.

I felt fresh and beautiful.

What challenges have you experienced so far with natural hair?

My hair grows very slow but I’m patiently looking forward to more length.

Have you struggled to find products for your natural hair? What are you currently using?

 Yes, I’m currently using Pure Royal shampoo and hair food.

After…. Lerato with her blown-out afro.

So far, have you been tempted to go back to relaxing?

Not at all; I’m enjoying my natural hair.

Would you encourage a friend to go natural as well?

Definitely.

Would you consider locking it in the future?

I wouldn’t mind because I once had dreadlocks in 2008.

 

Event Review: Rock Me Naturally Hair Meet-up

 Natural hair  No Responses »
Sep 182013
 

On Saturday, I attended my first hair  meet-up – the  Rock Me Naturally Hair Meet-up! Unfortunately Matlhodi couldn’t make it as she had another commitment on the day.

The event was hosted by Fanta of AuCurlsNaturelle and it was held at one of the buildings in Pretoria Central. I think this was a great venue as it was easily accessible.

I arrived a little bit late but I just got there in time as Fanta was starting her presentation. She did a PowerPoint presentation and took us through EVERYTHING natural hair. It was really informative! She talked about the differences between Asian, Caucasian and African hair; the different ways one can go natural ; she also touched on the different natural hairstyles one can rock and she also gave us a breakdown on the what oils, shampoos, conditioners etc do for you hair. I’ve been natural for a while but I must say I learned a few new things.

We then had an open discussion afterwards and everyone who came could ask questions, and we all just contributed and shared our experiences. All in all it was really a nice and interactive meet-up.

Here are a couple of pics from the day:

Our host, Fanta! She looked gorgeous!

Fanta, taking us through her presentation

Hair talk!

A few of the things Fanta was selling…Her hair product line and hand-made earrings

We also all received a goody bag to take home

The goody bag was a nice treat and the hair products smell so yummy; specially the Soap-poo bar! Can’t wait to try them out.

Thanks to Fanta for a lovely meet-up and looking forward to many more!

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…

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