The hair care brand Mizani (owned by the L’Oréal group) is the ultimate in luxury hair care for the woman of colour.
According to the corporate website:
…the word “MIZANI” means balance in Swahili, the word “MIZANI” means balance and refers to the central concept behind the brand. Each MIZANI formula whether used alone or in combination, gently works to balance the forces of beauty and chemistry, creating radiantly healthy hair. The founding principle of the brand is “Beauty and Chemistry in Balance.”
Since it entered the UK market in the mid 90s, the brand has grown in leaps and bounds. According to an article in the Financial Times last year, UK sales of the Mizani range doubled in 2011!
The article also goes on to say that ‘community hairdressers are proliferating at a rate of about eight per week on British high streets – or roughly one-quarter the rate at which pubs are closing – providing the another example of the burgeoning growth in ethnic minority markets.
Mizani supports the growth of excellence within Afro hairdressing by hosting the annual Mizani Afro Catwalk Look Award, which brings together the UKs most talented and fashion led hairdressers to demonstrate and showcase their creative skill in Afro hair artistry. This years final took place on at the 24th of April at the L’Oréal Acadamy right here in London.
Over 900 entries flooded in from across the nation yet only 6 salons were selected to go through to the live final.
Each salon was asked to create a look on a model of African/Caribbean descent that captures the key A/W 12 catwalk trends in just 2 hours and 30 minutes!
Scott added 3 rows of Brazilian hair to add length and body to the model's hair. Expert tip: the wefts are attached UNDERNEATH the cornrow base (as opposed to on top of it as they are normally applied) so that the hair lies flatter and is less bulky
The acclaimed judges who had the difficult task of selecting the winner were renowned session stylist, Eugene Davis, TV and session stylist Vernon Francois, Alison Husbands, author of the acclaimed book ‘The Afro Hair and Beauty Bible, MOBO award winner Rhian Benson and the 2009 Mizani Afro Catwalk Award Winner Craig Chapman.
L-R: Davis, Benson, Husbands, Francois and Chapman
I did have the opportunity to attend the final to interview the judges to be able to get the latest scoop on what is trending in the afro hair industry, so that I could share this with all of you lovely readers…but unfortunately I was unable make it on the day…but the fantastic team at Mizani did arrange for my questions to be answered…so look out for a follow up post with what they had to say!!
In the mean time, here are the final looks:
Anne Veck, Oxford
Sean Hanna, Sutton
CRC Cutting Romm Creative, Chapel Allerton, Leeds
CRC Cutting Room Creative, Albion Street, Leeds
TONI&GUY Regents Street
Clipso, Watford
Which is YOUR favourite look? Why not let me know by leaving a comment below and be in with a chance to WIN a selection of hair goodies from the Mizani team (I told you they were fab didn’t I!!).
The competition is open to all, and as the Mizani range has products for all afro hair types and styles, the prize will be tailored to your needs!
The winner will be chosen on the 28th May – which is when the winner of the Mizani Afro Catwalk Award will also be announced at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final Awards ceremony!
Good luck…and don’t forget to look out for part 2 of my Mizani post coming soon!!
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