Natural Hair

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Your natural hair issues answered by our experts

Need solutions for your hair problems?
Please write to:
Shade Oloniyo
BBH/Josh Hair & Beauty
95 Church Street
Croydon
Surrey CR0 1RN

LIGHTER HAIR
After coming back from my holiday I noticed that my hair colour had lightened quite a bit from a natural dark brown, to a dirty mousey one. I didn’t think this would happen, as my hair is natural and free from any chemicals. How long will it take to restore my original colour?
Hair at the best of time will change colour during the summer months due to the sun’s UV rays, as they penetrate the hair shaft. So just as well as your skin, hair needs to be protected, by a moisturiser, containing sunscreen, such as Luster’s Pink Oil Moisturiser, which will also prevent hair from drying out or becoming dehydrated. Colour lightening will also be more pronounced if your hairhas been wet with sea water, because of the salt content.
THE BRAIDY BUNCH
I had my hair braided in Ghana in micro, micro braids – in fact, they’re so fine, I’m afraid to pull them out. But I don’t want to keep them in for a long time as they may matt together, which is what happened to my sister who had a huge problem removing hers.
Cut the braided hair to nearly the length of your own hair and saturate with oil sheen to soften the braids. Loosen with the end of a rat-tail comb then go through section by section with a fine-toothed comb to get rid of the tangles and oil debris. Once finished, apply more sheen to the entire hair and work through with a large tooth or a detangling comb and blowdry with a brush until the hair is soft – it may smell a little. Hair is now be ready for shampooing and conditioning.
ROOT OF THE PROBLEM
I have natural hair that doesn’t need relaxing and use ghds when I want a super-straight effect. But they’re no good for the root area, which is much curlier, because I can’t get them in close to the scalp. I’ve pressed my hair in the past but always get burnt by the hairdresser. I’m thinking of buying a hot oven – what do you reckon?
Hot ovens are designed for professional use only and it can be difficult to regulate the heat of the curling irons – they really take a lot of getting used to. Straightening irons are much easier to use than ovens and are also available in corded and cordless for even more flexibility. Many ceramic straightening irons are designed not to get too close to the scalp for safety reasons. But, it you take thin sections of hair and pull the hair upwards, you’ll get more access to the root area than if you styled downwards. Readers could also try the Babyliss Total Freedom 230 (available from Boots and Argos) – a reliable tool with even heat distribution.
LONG LOCKS
I regard myself as a Nubian princess who has been wearing her hair in natural dreadlocks for over 20 years. Despite constant caring for my locks, I am experiencing a thinning crown. What do I do?
We have a situation where the scalp is being pressured by the weight of hair thus weakening the follicle in which the hair grows from. Try loose updos and styles that are not left down for long periods. As each lock is heavy you can imagine the pressure on that area. Try massaging the affected areas to stimulate blood circulation.
CLEVER CUTS
My hair is natural and I’m looking for a more creative cut. The only thing is I’m not willing to compromise my natural hair. Can this be done?
Natural hair is beautiful and there’s no reason why you should have to compromise that. To achieve gorgeous hair you don’t have to opt for relaxed or straight bangs. In fact, almost any cut on straightened hair can be interpreted on natural tresses, the only difference is it needs slight adjustments. So are you a fan of mohicans? Or what about asymmetric cuts? Whatever style you choose make sure you keep your hair moisturised with Motions Light Oil Moisturiser Hair Lotion (£2.97/154ml) and get your ends clipped every six to eight weeks.
GETTING HITCHED
I’m getting married in the Caribbean but I don’t know what to do with my hair. It is natural and in single braids. My bridesmaids have relaxed hair and suggested I press mine but when I went for a trial at the hairdressers locally, I wasn’t happy with the results as the straightness didn’t last any length of time.
You’ll probably experience similar results if not worse in the Caribbean because the heat there is more intense and humid and your hair will be prone to swelling and reversion as a result, even if you wear it up. Try KeraCare Cream Press, a conditioning formula to help shield hair from thermal damage and humidity. As a last option you can texturise the hair which will elongate the natural curl pattern and soften the hair, giving it longevity when straightened and making the style more polished.