1. BB&H REAL SMOOTHIE
96 BB&H
F
or years straight hair
has been desirable and
steadily over time the
methods to achieve
poker-straight hair has
become easier and much
healthier, thanks to a helping of
new technology and kinder
products on the market.
TRIED & TESTED
Aveda Institute in Covent
Garden have introduced a new
afro service (prices start from
£39) that I went along to try
out. The service includes
natural hair treatments, which
starts with an assessment with
Joon, Aveda’s afro hair
specialist. Cleansing began with
Aveda Shampure Shampoo
(£9.90/250ml), which helps get
rid of dirt, pollution and product
build-up. It was then followed
by Aveda’s Dry Remedy
Moisturising Shampoo
(£17/200ml). A strand of hair
was gently stretched to be
analysed (this works better
when the hair is wet), and at
this point Joon recommended a
protein based treatment to
strengthen the hair and improve
its elasticity. A high concentrate
of protein treatment was
applied, combed through and
then my hair was wrapped and
placed under a spa hood dryer
— which fits comfortably rather
like a drawstring fabric bonnet
— and light mist dispelled for
about ten minutes to help open
the cuticles to feed protein into
hair. Towards the end, a cool
blast of air came through to
close the cuticles followed by a
cool rinse. Aveda Smooth
Infusion Style Prep Smoother
(£16.64/100ml) is a heat
protector that was applied
before the blowdry. To complete
the styling process I had split
ends trimmed and ceramics
were glided over the ends.
In all I was very pleased with
the finished results. My hair felt
very light and soft and I found
that I could maintain the style
with Aveda’s luxurious
homecare products.
HEALTH
CONSCIOUS
When it comes to relaxers
many women have experienced
their fair share of burnt scalps
and over-processing. ‘You have
to make sure that you
use the right
treatment for your
particular hair type,’
says Subrina Kidd,
Artistic Director and
afro specialist from
Toni&Guy, ‘otherwise
you may not get the desired
effect. It can be expensive to
maintain, as root [retouches]
are needed repeatedly
starting from four
weeks up.’ Thankfully
modern day relaxers
have advanced over
the years to spurn a
new generation of
organic, protecting,
nourishing and even some
brands lay claim to non-
chemical relaxers like
PhytoRelaxers by
PhytoSpecifics (£32.50).
PhytoSpecifics is a French
brand that has been around
since the Seventies. Already
established in the US, they have
introduced a new range of
chemical-free, odourless
relaxers made from extracts of
egg and soy that come in two
different strengths for fine,
delicate hair or
coarse, resistant
hair.
One advantage of
relaxing is its barrier against
humidity and anti-reversion to a
natural curl pattern. ‘Relaxing is
very resistant to humidity and
water and won’t revert back to
its natural state as it is a
permanent treatment, so has
longevity,’ says Subrina Kidd.
‘Also using in-salon relaxing
treatments can allow a lot of
versatility when styling at home,
making hair more manageable
and less time consuming.’
PRO IRONS
Choosing the right styling tongs
is important for afro hair and its
delicate characteristics.
Rita Amartey reveals the latest
straightening techniques to give your
tresses sleek appeal
Aveda Dry
Remedy
Moisturising
Shampoo
KMS California
Flatout Hot
Pressed Spray
Tresemmé Heat
Defence Styling Spray
Remington Genius
Straightener with Advanced
Ceramic Coating Digital
Classic
Styling Iron
from Ionika
Straight
to the point
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