The Nation Newspaper

Tag: hair

  • Natural hair products exhibition holds in Lagos

    Natural hair products exhibition holds in Lagos

    The ambience was fun yet educational, and attendees were given the opportunity to relax, mingle, shop, but most importantly, learn, before heading off with a generous goody bag.

    It was the fifth anniversary of Kinky Apothecary where it launched the Nigerian Natural Hair & Beauty Show at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. It was a culmination of all their workshops and events over the prior years.

    There was an exhibition featuring The Kinky Apothecary’s pop-up shop where guests were able to browse and purchase hair products and accessories. Also, brands showcased their wares, ranging from body products such as R and R Luxury and Ajali, to florists Prime Flowers and Horticulture, who keyed in to the healthy lifestyle aspect of the event by providing fresh vegetables in addition to flowers, candles and home wares. Some new Nigerian brands such as Uwa Earth Foods and Bubble Tii Nigeria chose the event as an opportunity to launch.

    Established in May 2010 by Nibi Lawson, The Kinky Apothecary is Nigeria’s first one-stop natural hair shop. The main aim was to bring superior hair products and informationwithin the reach of women in Nigeria concerned about the health of their hair.

    Founder, The Kinky Apothecary and organiser of The Nigerian Natural Hair & Beauty Show, Nibi Lawson, who chaired a panel, consisting of Hollywood celebrity stylist Felicia Leatherwood, NgoziOpara, founder, The Heat Free Hair Movement natural hair weaves, ObiaEwah, Founder and Formulating Chemist of Obia Natural Haircare, WunmiAkinlagun of Woman In The Jungle, IjeomaEboh of Klassy Kinks and Cassidy Blackwell of naturalselectionblog.com.

    After the panel, each speaker headed a workshop giving in depth information and advice on their individual speciality.

    The attendance at the event showed that the natural hair revolution, first set in motion in Nigeria by The Kinky Apothecary in 2010, is not imagined, and that standards of beauty are slowly beginning to shift.

    Lawson said she was ”overwhelmed’’ with how the show went. ‘’I had such high expectations and I was so happy that they were met. We can’t wait to bring something even bigger and better next year! This event involved a lot of hard work, disappointment, tears sometimes for several months, but ultimately it is worth it,’’ Lawson said.

    The show targeted mainly natural hair, where people could come and gain all the information they needed.

    On the challenges of putting the show together, and others, Lawson said: “Dealing with infrastructural deficiencies, slow internet, power failure, putting together a dedicated and committed team was an issue.

    She added that in the natural hair industry, the main problem is that the market is still not 100 per cent where it should be. Most people unfortunately still see natural hair as unkempt and unattractive. Yes, women can look beautiful in straight and weaves hair but natural hair is amazing, and it has come to stay.”

    She said the next event would hold next May.

  • How do you treat your hair

    GONE are the days when only women spend thousands on their hair in order to look good.  Nowadays, guys are not left behind when it comes to trendy hairstyles . So, guys, how can you deal with hair raising problems?

    Switch to not shiny products, if you are thinning. For many men, their hair thins out as they hit their 30s and 40s.

    To make it look thicker and more manageable, use a matte (not glossy styling paste or clay). Matte products absorb light and instantly make hair appear a little thicker.

    Give yourself an egg wash. Wash your hair in eggs once a month for the protein. Apply shampoo to dry hair to remove wax .The best way to deal with wax is to apply shampoo directly to dry hair and rinse and then follow this with another application of shampoo. You will find that this method helps to break down the product and leave hair clean.

    Most men tend to think that the harder they rub hair after washing, the quicker it will dry. In reality, an overzealous towel drying technique will just cause breakage. Instead, pat dry to avoid putting any extra stress on it.

    According to a barbing expert, a common mistake men with dry and coarse hair make is over-washing it. As any regular swimmer knows, chlorine can play havoc with hair. Chlorine chemically bonds with the proteins in the hair and causes the cuticle (the hair’s protective outer layer) to lift which makes hair dry, brittle and dull. To minimize its effects, wet hair thoroughly with clean water before swimming as this dilutes the adverse effect of chlorine. Or try applying a little conditioner to it before your swim.

  • Keep your hair free from dandruff

    Keep your hair free from dandruff

    Keeping your hair healthy and beautiful does not have to cost a fortune. In fact, with just a few common household ingredients, your hair will look healthy and shiny all year round:

    Apply the warm mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and coconut oil. Do a steam -towel- wrap for 15 minutes and wash the hair with a shampoo.

    Crush the leaves of petal hibiscus flower and wash the hair with this juice.

    For shiny and healthy hair

    Mix a little vinegar in warm water and rinse your hair with this solution. This will add bounce to a dull and lifeless hair.

  • Hair styles for the rain

    Hair styles for the rain

    As we all know, the hair is the most important part of the body when it comes to fashion. No one can look really fashionable without the trendiest hairdo. However, the rainy months always affect the hair in the most unpleasant way. As we all know, just spending some few minutes in the rain can ruin your stylish hairdo and make nonsense of your appearance. So, smart women know that the best thing to do is to prepare for this season of the year. Keep a travellers’ hairdryer in your office, Knot your long hair when you are on the run, secure your hair with shower cap and avoid gels during this season, as they could become messy.

     

    Top bun

    A top knot bun is a bundle of hair wound into place on the top of your head. It’s an easy hairdo for anyone regardless of age.

     

    Low cut

    Long hair is great to have, but it can be strenuous, hard and tedious to deal with at times. Short hair can be better managed even if they get wet. So it is better to have a haircut, short hair can be dried quickly and combing it is easier than wet long hair.

     

    Singles plaits (million braids)

    Single plaits are the million braids, which people generally refer to as braids. It could be twisted hair, or you could have your natural hair woven; if you need to braid, check the texture of your hair. This will determine the kind of braid or hair you are going to do; the weight of the attachment could make the hair fall off if your braids tracking are very tight.

     

    Weave

    Weave needs low maintenance and it could actually survive any weather. You can’t predict when rain will fall. Basically all you need to do is (for this) is to blow dry after you have been soaked. In fact, if it’s not much, it will dry off on its own and you will still have your hairstyle.

     

    Wigs

    Wigs are very good, but they have to be synthetic wigs. Why synthetic wigs? We have the human hair and the synthetic hair wigs. The synthetic wig is made from mono-fabric fibres (not human hair) and they have low maintenance costs. You don’t have to blow dry a synthetic wig nor thong it. So it is more or less a wake up and go hairdo.

     

    Jerry curls

    The cold wave hairdo like jerry curls. they could be simply washed, conditioned and re-activated after the rain had beaten one.

  • Tips on hair cream production

    Tips on hair cream production

    Setting up a successful hair business depends on a combination of factors – self-motivation, luck, good planning and effective implementation. These have helped Mrs  Nonye Kate Ezeagwu, chief executive, Neomal Global Ventures, to launch into hair cream production. She is among the new generation of micro entrepreneurs in the subsector. DANIEL ESSIET  reports.

    SHE is an entrepreneur who is inching fast towards success. It all started from a dream  where she mixed ingredients to make hair cream.

    Mrs Nonye Kate Ezeagwu  understands that hair is vital to women. Also, she is a believer in the saying that a woman’s hair  is key to her health and image.

    Buoyed by this, she established a micro hair cream business with N5,000 at her home. She named it Neomal Global Ventures.

    Through  inspiration, she has  found ideas on how to make a unique  product. Mrs Ezeagwu    mixed different ingredients until she chanced on the right formula. Initially, she gave her creams as gifts to her friends and family members to test. Satisfied by the responses she got, she started selling at a market, where it received acceptance, such that by the end of the day, she had sold out.

    Paying close attention to her customers’ complaints and suggestions, she ensured  they didn’t walk away from her shop annoyed. What is encouraging her is how fast good words are spreading about her products. Customers are happy with the products.

    While brands can be recognised by many things, for instance, the logo, colour and founder’s panache, in her case, it is the colour.

    The company is still based in Ikotun,  a Lagos suburb. But production has expanded. Though still a cottage industry, the business is on  course and that is  her creative force.

    For her, developing cosmetics is not about trying to turn copper into gold. Rather, it is about turning good chemicals into creams.

    On the firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, she said it supports the needy and the church.

    For her, it is important that the public has a choice and she is   happy to compete with the quality of the products. She believes there is a need for people to understand there are alternatives.

    She,  however,  understands that  business can be incredibly cut-throat, high powered and difficult to break into. So, where does one  start if one has a dream of becoming a successful business man or woman?

    “One of the keys to success is having a clear goal and vision. One   must be incredibly focused and driven to make it in the business world,” she said.

    But she also hasn’t forgotten where she came from though. It makes her  more grounded and realistic. She believes in ‘longevity’ rather than the ‘one big cash-in’.

    Mrs  Ezeaqwu’s fortune was not made through a lucky lottery win, nor did he inherit his wealth. She   started from humble beginning. Determination and hard work pushed  her from obscurity to her present level.

    But she isn’t resting on his laurels. She is keen to find new pies to put her fingers into. Success breeds success seems to be her philisophy.

    Her plans, given  funding, is to bring high quality, luxury yet affordable beauty and comfort products to the market.

  • Creative hair outlook

    Creative hair outlook

    It can be exciting to enhance your hair with beautiful extensions for versatility and glamour. Adetorera Idowu explores options for brides to be.

    Her nicely toned body, bridal gown, shoes and accessories turned heads as she walked down the aisle. For the bride who smiled all the way, the effect made the day one of the most memorable in her life. Onlookers were equally impressed by her creatively designed hairdo which made her look so grand.

    There are a number of styles to choose from and it is important to go for styles that would look really good on you. For instance, the vintage braid done into fishtail can be divided into two sections where a bun is created at the top and pinned into place for effect.

    The hair can then be twisted into a second bun at the bottom and secured with pins. This kind of braid can be worn loose or tied into a low bun. The most important thing is to be creative with your choice of hairdo. You can also try the funky flick. Here the extensions would be texturised to create a shaggy layered look. The hair can also be blow-dried straight at the back. In addition, the front can be flipped to create an exciting retro look.

    However, if what you desire is a wavy outlook, then you can get the right extension for this and add to your natural hair. The middle of the hair can be exciting when pinned to the back and the sides scrunched and back combed to create volume.

    Alternatively, you can go for a splash of colours. Here you make use of colour extension which would be attached and the hair cut to create a straight fringe to bring out your fine features. The ends would then be tapered into feathery finish and blow-dried straight with silicone added for shine.

  • Protective hairstyles for rainy season

    Protective hairstyles for rainy season

    Managing hair during rainy season is tough especially because of the frizz that comes with it. Having to deal with so much humidity can take its toll of the look and feel of our tresses. Protective hairstyles are a must for this season.

    Here are 5 protective hairstyles for rainy season:

    • Yarn braids:

    Yarn Braids
    Courtesy: galleryhip.com

    This is very popular and any local hairdresser can put together for you. It allows you  get creative with different styles and colours. The yarn braids is just the perfect hairstyle for rainy season as it dries very fast when it comes in contact with water.

    • Box braids

    Courtesy: un-ruly.com
    Courtesy: un-ruly.com

    This is a more popular protective hairstyle. As with any protective style, care for the scalp is of utmost importance. Depending on personal preference it can be done with or without hair extensions. It’s also great for those who prefer to look nice during the rainy season without fear of whether or not the hair will go bad in contact with water.

    • Two strand twists:

    two strand twists
    Courtesy: angelsringlets.blogspot.com

    This is very similar to the box braids. This protective style can be done with or without extensions and its easy to maintain during the rainy season.

    • Buns

    Courtesy: nikkisho.blogspot.com
    Courtesy: nikkisho.blogspot.com

    If your natural hair is not long enough to achieve a big bun, you can cheat buy doing the sock bun. This is by folding up a sock and folding your hair over it. If your hair ever comes in contact with the rain, it will readily dry up and you can style it again.

    • Weaves

    Courtesy: www.pinterest.com
    Courtesy: www.pinterest.com

    More popularly called weave-on in Nigeria; this is by far the most popular way to protect the hair. Because it makes managing hair easier since it is woven underneath synthetic/natural hair. Sadly many ignore their natural hair while wearing weaves. Hair should be oiled and cleaned constantly while wearing it.

     

     

  • Looking amazing this season

    Looking amazing this season

    CHRISTMAS is one of our favourite times of the year we always look forward to. We use to have holidays, spend time with our loved ones and the aura of the season makes our hearts blossom. Because it is our favourite time of the year, we always try our best to look amazing. To have that amazing look, here are some tips.

    1. A gorgeous dress: Whether the dress is long or short, make sure you look your best. Go for a dress that suits your body, dress impeccably and make them look forward to what you will be wearing next Xmas.

    2. Accessories: Accessories complement any outfit. An accessory can turn the most boring outfit into something classic and beautiful. You can wear a pearl necklace, an antique bracelet or a pair of gold earrings. Let your accessory complement your outfit and shine.

    3. Body top and jeans: You can wear a nice top and a pair of jeans, if you’re not in the mood for a dress. A little touch-up of accessories is allowed in this case. You will still look stunning with this simple outfit.

    4. Hair: Either you are carrying wavy hair, curly hair, pixie hair or straight hair, ensure that your hair is properly made and the styling should be neat. Don’t leave your hair rough and unkempt. A good hair styling does a lot to your appearance.

    5. Make-up: A good make-up can transform your look completely. This is the season of fun and festivities. Don’t be afraid to try something new, whether it is a smokey eye with a red lip or a nude natural look make-up. Make sure you look your best and don’t overplay with colour.

    6. Smile: It is inexpensive and it completes everything you are wearing. It makes you look bright and beautiful. Smiles can never go out of style and trend. They are the best thing one can ever wear.

  • Your hair, your look

    Your hair, your look

    MANY times we have come across this old saying that the “woman’s hair is her crowning glory”. This is one of the maxims in life that I quite believe in. For most women, having and craving for good hair is universal. This desire is beyond boundaries, and as much as possible, women want to have a soft, shiny and manageable hair that begs to be touched.

    When your hair is beautiful, you feel a bit better above the rest. You feel well and your confidence and prestige become high there’s a sort of a WOW factor that oozes in your personality. This may also be the reason why some men are attracted to women with beautiful hair.

  • Hair that simply sets you apart

    Hair that simply sets you apart

    TRENDILY woven hair styles show off your natural beauty, and how creative your hairdo is will stand you out and making you feel fresh, elegant and beautiful. Hair not only frames the face, it appears to substantially transform it.

    Africans are blessed with a wide variety of beautiful hairstyles. Woven hair-do gives a classy look that no other hairstyle is ever able to. So it is no surprise that ladies, even men, are sporting such hairstyle that sets them apart in a crowd and enhances their beauty or outlook.

    Depending on the style or parting, weave can also be used to make a fashion statement; gone are the days when many look at it as a not-too-serious or a local hair-do.

    Trendily woven hair-do of different partings and cuts are now the in-thing, but the truth is, the type of weave you sport can actually say a lot about you. Elegantly cut weave can give you a unique look that is both sexy and official at the same time.

    What kind of weave do you go for?

    There are different categories of weave. We have the normal didi, didi elegbe, Hausa weave, Ghana weave, Fishbone weave, thinning weave etc, says Mrs.Bola Owatunde of Fetowas Beauty Consult.

    When it comes to weave, different occasions to wear them don’t matter, it all depends on you.

    You can sport a ‘shuku’ weave style on suit; the patronage which these hairstyles currently enjoys is high and the good thing is that it is good for all weather.

    It could actually survive any weather. “You can’t predict when it will rain. Basically, all you need to do is (for this) to blow dry after you have been soaked. In fact, if it is not much, it will dry off on its own and you will still have your hairstyle,” says Bobby Eke of Bobby Signature.

    After spreading like wildfire, weave has refused to take a bow from the fashion scene. At both local and international levels, it has become a thing of class and the fad. Apart from the fact that it gives the hair an opportunity to rest for a while, it will save you the stress of styling or packing every morning; all you need do is to add cream once in two or three days.