cover feature
f the term ‘relaxing’ fi lls you with visions of Sahara-dry barnets and complicated upkeep, you’re not alone. More horror stories surround these chemical straighteners than nearly any other type of hair product or process on the market. But frustrated curlyheads rejoice – it’s time for a rethink! Techniques have moved on in leaps and bounds over the past few years, and due to changes in formulations and the introduction of nourishing natural goodies, a new generation of relaxers promise to be a whole lot kinder to our tendrils. Here’s how to bag all the benefi ts our straight-haired sisters enjoy – without the usual payback. “The relaxing process has improved
massively in recent years,” agree Afro hair specialists Jamie Stevens and Gemma Humes at Knightsbridge salon Errol Douglas (the salon of choice for supermodel Jourdan Dunn and actress Thandie Newton). “We’ve seen a vast improvement in the quality of
And... I
Dove Heat Defence Heat Activated Protect & Shine Mist, £2.49
relax!
ingredients used, and with extra conditioning agents now being added, the relaxing process is a far less harsh experience for your hair and scalp.” Feeling a little more temped? “Done correctly, the results can be amazing,” continues Jamie. “Hair will be more manageable, softer, shinier and feel healthier. It will also be more versatile in terms of styling and easier to maintain at home and on a day-to-day basis.” And that sounds pretty good to us!
Great When You’re
Straight So what should you consider before taking the plunge? Bear in mind that relaxing your hair is still a chemical treatment (effectively working in reverse to a perm, altering the structure of naturally kinky, curly hair into straight strands), so it is never advised that you do it at home. If done incorrectly, relaxers can cause permanent follicle
AFTERCARE TREATS
Ojon Dry Recovery Hydrating Smoothing Cream, £20
KeraCare Restorative Masque, £14
Lusting after shiny, smooth locks and easy styling? Take a deep breath and relax…
damage leading to breakage and irritation, or in more serious cases, nasty burns and baldness. It is therefore important that you visit a reputable salon with experience in relaxing. Get recommendations from friends or family and then think about the look you want to achieve. “Relaxers are great if you want to make your hair completely straight and smooth,” says Jamie, “but if you simply want to soften frizz and reduce curl size your stylist might suggest using a texturiser instead.” Relaxing also demands commitment, so think about whether time and money allow for this. “The recommended time in between relaxers depends on the length of hair,” says Gemma, “but for short hair you’ll be looking at visiting your salon every six to eight weeks, and for long hair between eight to 12. Texturisers can be used less frequently – sometimes just two or three times a year – so it’s best to seek the advice of a stylist as times vary with each individual hair type.”
Aveda Damage Remedy
Restructuring Shampoo, £18.50
The relaxing process in progress
22 afro hair
Words: Emily Berryman Main images: Jamie Stevens at Errol Douglas Relaxing image: KeraCare
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92