As promised here is the follow up to my Mizani Afro Catwalk Awards post – thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read it!
I was really keen to share the Award Judges perspective on hair care, the British Afro Salon sector and more…
Here are the musings of 3 of the 5 judges who willingly gave up their time to answer my questions, so I am very grateful to each of them.
I was able to get the low down from Eugene Davis, Alison Husbands and
Eugene Davis
Eugene Davis is native a New Yorker who now resides in the UK and he boasts over 20 years of experience as a celebrity Hair Stylist, and Custom Wig Designer. He is currently signed to the Freelance The Work Space agency. Eugene’s expertise spans sectors and industries including music, TV, advertising and editorial and he has worked with celebrities such as Mary J Blige, Lil Kim, Phylica Rashad, Gillian Anderson and Sanaa Lathan just to name a few.
According to his biography on Dripbook.com, he ‘ believes that educating people to understand the importance of managing and maintaining the correct hair care is vital’.
As a multi – award winning stylist, Eugene will also be adding the accolade of being an ‘Official Hairstylist for Procter & Gamble ( a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic games) at the Wella Studio pop-up salon during the 2012 Olympics to his list of achievements! Now that is very cool!
BPL: WHAT ARE MAJOR TRENDS EMERGING IN AFRO HAIR?
ED: I believe it’s all about the condition of the hair, it doesn’t matter if its long, short, natural or chemically processed, as long as its healthy and well looked after; then you’re on trend.
BPL: NATURAL HAIR IS MAKING A BIG COMEBACK. HOW SHOULD ONE GO ABOUT SELECTING A STYLIST?
ED: Find a stylist who specialises in natural hair and who has a reputation for great styling and hair care for you natural locks. Word of mouth is one of the best way to find a professional or review magazines and source out great stylist by articles written.
Alison Husbands
Alison is a trained architect, but she followed her passion for healthy hair and skin by authoring and self publishing her book The Afro Hair & Beauty Bible, which is a comprehensive guide on how to manage and maintain beautiful healthy Afro hair and skin.
The book is packed full of information and provides sought after advice that is vital to the health of Afro hair, and seeks to teach women of colour what products really work with their hair type; whether it is relaxed or natural.
BPL: KEEPING HAIR HEALTHY, WHETHER NATURAL, RELAXED OR IF ONE IS WEARING EXTENSIONS IS VITAL: WHAT ARE THE THREE ACTIONS EVERY WOMAN OF COLOUR SHOULD EMPLOY?
AH: My key tips are:
1 Moisture, moisture, moisture! Regularly wash hair and use deep conditioning treatments weekly.
2 Limit your heat styling! Resist the daily ‘GHD’ fix and when you do opt for the heat appliances ensure you use a good heat protector.
3 Work with your own hair! Go for what suits you and don’t feel pressured to follow trends unless they suit you and your lifestyle
Craig Chapman
Craig and his team won the Mizani Afro Catwalk Look award in 2009. He is a renowned session stylist and travels the world to tend to the tresses of top celebrities. His salon is based in Cornwall and is among the leading salons in the UK.
BPL: NATURAL HAIR IS MAKING A BIG COMEBACK. HOW SHOULD ONE GO ABOUT SELECTING A STYLIST?
CC: Recommendation is key! Reputation is important, if you are living somewhere new, go into the shops and ask people with a similar style for who they trust and recommend.
BPL: WHAT IS THE FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR THE BRITISH AFRO SALON? HOW IS THE INDUSTRY ACCOMMODATING AND ADAPTING THE NEEDS OF WOMEN OF COLOUR?
CC: Personally, coming from a West Country salon, I think that over the last few years more salons are embracing different cultures. Stylists are losing the fear and taking part in education and product knowledge courses to understand Afro hair much better.
You still have a chance to win a suite of hair care products from the Mizani range. Just visit my post here and let me know which of the Mizani Afro Catwalk Award Final look is your favourite!
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