Back-to-School Glam
The salon was abuzz with children who eagerly awaited their turn in the styling chair for their new ‘dos ahead of the upcoming school term. Naturally, the television had to be changed to cartoons to accommodate the much younger clientele than the salon was used to. Under the Dryer shares our experience at Monique’s Beauty Hub as they tackled their back-to-school clients.
Clients: Bijee Jackson, Imani James, Rochelle Davis, Ruth-Ann Barrett, Olympia Wilson and Marjorie Emanuel.
Cascading Twists
Bijee Jackson, 13
With the new school term starting soon, Bijee knew she wanted to walk in the halls of St Andrew High School for Girls looking absolutely fabulous. She made it clear that for her second year she wanted two-strand rope twists cascading down her back.
Steps:
o Cleanse the hair with TRESemmé Smooth & Silky shampoo.
o Replenish the hair with TRESemmé Smooth & Silky conditioner.
o Blow-dry the hair.
o Lightly oil the hair and scalp.
o Create two-strand rope twists in the hair.
Bijee’s take:
I like it.
Curls, Please!
Ruth-Ann Barrett, 10
Ruth-Ann could hardly keep still as she got her hair braided by her stylist Lavern Brown. “Remember, I want it curly this time,” she insisted. Once complete, the bright smile on her face was a clear indication of what she thought of the end-result.
Steps:
o Cleanse the hair with TRESemmé Smooth & Silky shampoo.
o Replenish the hair with TRESemmé Smooth & Silky conditioner, then blow-dry the hair.
o Lightly oil the hair and scalp.
o Create cornrows to the front of the hair.
o Create two-strand rope twists to the back of the hair.
o Wrap the twists on perm rods for about 30 minutes.
o Carefully unwind the rods.
Ruth-Ann’s take:
I like when my hair is curly. It just looks pretty. I wanted it to look pretty for school tomorrow.
Twisted to Perfection
Imani James, 8, and Rochelle Davis, 11
Young Imani James and Rochelle Davis coincidentally opted for the same hairstyle to wear for the new school term — flat-twists to the front and two-strand twists to the back. Paired with their über-cute smiles, their new looks for school got an A+ from our team!
Steps:
o Cleanse the hair with TRESemmé Smooth & Silky shampoo.
o Replenish the hair with TRESemmé Smooth & Silky conditioner.
o Blow-dry the hair.
o Lightly oil the hair and scalp.
o Create cornrows to the front of the hair.
o Create two-strand rope twists to the back of the hair.
Imani’s take:
My hair looks very nice. My father always carries me here to get my hair done and I love it. I often get cane rows, plaits and twists. Cane rows are my favourite, but it hurts at first, so I wanted twists today, instead.
Rochelle’s take:
I like it. It looks nice on me and it lasts longer than my other styles. When I get this style I always get compliments.
Wrap and Go
Olympia Wilson, sales rep
“Now that I am on vacation, I don’t need to do a hairstyle that should last for a week or more,” explained Olympia as she got her hair flat-wrapped. “When you go on vacation your hair needs some time to relax, too, I suppose,” quipped Wilson. She explained to our team that a break from excessive curling and braiding often aids her hair in growing healthier and stronger.
Steps:
o Process the hair with Affirm Conditioning Creme Relaxer with Protecto.
o Once processed, gently rinse the product from the hair.
o Apply Affirm 5-in-1 Reconstructor to help restore the hair’s normal Ph level.
o Cleanse the hair with Affirm Normalising Shampoo. The colour indicator turns lather from pink to white when normalisation is complete. It is therefore important to shampoo until the lather is white.
o Cleanse the hair with KeraCare 1st Lather shampoo.
o Apply Mizani Kerafuse Intensive strengthening treatment.
o Mist hair with KeraCare Foam Wrap Set Lotion.
o Set hair on rollers.
o Sit under the dryer.
o Use a roller-brush and a blow-dryer to straighten the roots (as the rollers are likely to leave a mark).
o Flat-iron the hair. Be sure to apply Dudley’s Creme Press pressing oil designed to coat and protect the hair from the damaging effects of excessive heat.
o Mist the hair with KeraCare Oil Sheen with Humidity Block.
Olympia’s take:
This look really works for me. I’ll just wrap it at nights and it’s good to go in the morning.
Why can’t I use my regular shampoo and conditioner immediately after processing my hair with a creme relaxer?
After relaxer is rinsed, the hair is still alkaline (pH 10) and cuticles remain partially open. It is therefore important to restore the hair to its proper pH of 4.5-5.5 after relaxer application. Normal shampoos and conditioners are not designed to restore the alkalinity of the hair.
Marjorie Emanuel, hairstylist
As a natural hair stylist, it is important for Marjorie to choose a stylist who is just as experienced in taking care of her natural hair. “There is no doubt in my mind that they know exactly what they are doing,” explained Emanuel. “They are so good that they often inspire me to attempt some of the innovative styles they give me on my own clients,” she further stated.
Steps:
o Cleanse the hair with TRESemmé Smooth & Silky shampoo.
o Replenish the hair with TRESemmé Smooth & Silky conditioner.
o Sit under the dryer for about 20 minutes.
o Rub hair with raw shea butter.
o Interlock the roots of each dreadlock.
o Mist the hair with Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Sheen Spray.
o Create an updo and pin in place with bobby pins.
Marjorie’s take:
They are among the best when it comes to locks. I like to see my hair up like this as it makes me feel glamorous. It shows people that natural hair can be styled in any way.
Why should I use unrefined or raw shea butter in my hair?
Shea butter is a natural substance that can be used to moisturise the hair. It has also been known to prevent and cure dry, itchy scalps prone to dandruff. Many believe that the substance also promotes the growth of healthy hair. If you decide to start using more natural products, shea butter is a great start.
