The textures of Afro-Caribbean and mixed race hair range from coarse and dry to baby soft and susceptible to damage. Styling has traditionally presented something of a challenge, but wash and wear looks are becoming increasingly popular. Claire Rothstein of Bloww London (www.bloww.com) is the current Afro Hairdresser of the Year, she comments. “Styles are becoming increasingly hassle-free for clients, with natural wave and texture becoming more fashionable and prominent within Afro hairdressing. Less product and less setting make for a quirky take on the unkempt, dishevelled style that's popular with European hair. I think Kelis' hair is great and is totally wearable. I love using Sebastian's Potion 9, £9.95 www.sebastianprofessional.com), which is deeply conditioning and keeps hair looking good: controlled, but still natural.” Hotel Rwanda actress Sophie Okonedo's natural Afro always looks sexy and contemporary whether it's worn up or down. The key to this is that extremely curly hair needs cutting in such a way as to achieve a defined shape, which enables you to see the hair and not just unstructured volume and width.
“Mixed race women with naturally curly, but not Afro hair should be asking for glamorous, wavy styles which can be dressed up or down, casual for day time and glammed up for going out. I love the freedom to tease and mould curly hair into fantastic shapes and make a real statement by emphasising width and movement. Big is beautiful!” says Oxford based stylist and salon owner Anne Veck. Boost curl definition with products such as Fudge Skrewd, £8.95 (www.fudge.com), a medium hold gel lotion, and IMAN Leave-in Conditioning & Styling Lotion, £6.95 (www.hqhair.com), which adds suppleness and prevents frizz. For a lustrous finish prepare to be dazzled by IMAN Hi-Shine Extract, £7.50.
Short and sharp
As seen with European hair there's an emphasis on shorter styles with strong lines and heavy fringes. Likewise the bob will be a dominant theme during the months ahead. Award-winning stylist Kim Johnson of Hype Coiffure, Battersea comments, “If you're an Afro-Caribbean or mixed-race woman who dared to be different during the summer months with a chic crop, now's the time to wear it choppy to give tresses a transformational autumn/winter twist. Gone are the days of sleek smooth hair, so bring bobs to life with plenty of texture and incorporate layers to show off the shape.”
Intensive care for wear and tear
Core care tips for Afro hair include shampooing as often as necessary, but shampooing only once. Deep condition once or twice a week depending on hair's length and condition and treat hair to hot oil treatments on a regular basis. Look for formulations rich in natural moisturisers such as jojoba oil and shea butter. The cult Phyto brand includes the PhytoSpecific range for curly, frizzy and relaxed hair, rich in natural plant extracts, oils and active ingredients. Hero products include shea butter rich Optimal Hydration Shampoo, £13 (www.hqhair.com), Vital Force Crème Bath, £19 with sesame and jojoba oils and Revitalizing Treatment £15.50, with Vegetal oils to nourish both dry hair and scalp. The Mizani salon range from L'Oréal Professional is a complete collection of premium shampoos, conditioners, relaxers and styling products specifically created for Afro-Caribbean and mixed-race women. New additions include Spradiance £11.25 (0800 072 6699), an alcohol-free feather-light polish to help protect against colour fade and for imparting a lasting lustrous shine. Moisturizing Silkening Liquid-Gel £10.25, is enriched with a delicious blend of chamomile, rosemary and natural oils. The light, leave-in lotion shapes, adds shine and revives the natural curl pattern in Afro and mixed-race hair to transform frazzled frizzy locks into wanton waves. Kent AirHedz detangling brushes are available in five sizes and are designed to treat Afro hair with love and understanding. From £4.95 (www.kentbrushes.com).
Keeping it colourful
Trends in extensions are currently for soft waves and Beyoncé-esque body rather than pin straight finishes. Extensions are also a brilliant way to introduce risk-free colour and you can be as flamboyant as you like without making a long-term commitment. “Bright, bold, block colours will be big news. Lively, vibrant reds and coppers are the perfect way to brighten up a dreary winter and for something more subtle, avoid highlights and slice a splash of colour through the fringe instead,” concludes Hype Coiffure's Kim Johnson.
