Au Natural Bride - Part 1

Going natural is a challenge, and it can feel even more so for your big day when it comes to styling options and keeping your locks moisturised on a day to day basis.

Over the years we have come across a range of clients with varying natural hair textures and our task is to help them achieve their chosen style. 

AVOS Bride Toyin

We can remember one of our very first natural hair brides, Toyin and Seyi.

Toyin has never applied chemicals in her hair and you can tell by the sheer volume, texture and length of her hair - I feel into hair heaven immediately. Her hair was washed and conditioned and then set in rollers to dry. Once the hair was dry we then used a flat iron to smoothen the curls to give the curls their glossy look. Toyin opted for curls and her look was complemented with flowers in her hair - her overall look was romantic and elegant. Make Up by BMakeuppro

AVOS Bride Seyi

Seyi transitioned back to natural hair after years of relaxing and for her big day she opted for an updo. Her hair was blow-dried and curled using a flat iron, we then pinned up the curls into a low bun at the back.




Toriste went for the ultra glam look on her big day. Her hair was washed and conditioned the night before the big day. To achieved her curls and create added volume her hair was put into Bantu knots overnight. The knots were released in the morning and using a wand redefined the curls. Her look was completed with flowers and hair up to show off the lovely detail in her dress. Her face beat was by Alison Cameron.

AVOS Bride Toriste

We enjoy the creativity working with natural hair brides and the challenge. All our brides testify to the fact that their hair despite the humidity retains the style for the best part of the day and over the years new products have been introduced to help.

AVOS Bride Georgina

Georgina opted to for tree braids which we then styled into a low bun. As no heat was applied we created faux curls and pinned to created the side swept fringe and the bun was created with overlapping swirls.Pearls and tiaras rounded off this ultra sophisticated look. Face beat by Pauline Briscoe.

We will be uploading more images of our natural hair brides in the coming weeks, do check out our instagram page for regular updates.

your mane stop
xoxo

Mane Washing

We recently posted a picture regarding washing your mane and how often your mane should be washed. we advised at least once a week and if you can opt for every three days (personally I try to wash every three days especially when I have also been to the gym).

And we had a comment stating that black hair should not be washed that often and we were being ignorant and doing a disservice.

Lets apply some common sense to this process, Caucasians typically wash their mane every day (and more than once a day in some cases), and the fact is majority of Caucasians enjoy the benefits of healthy mane. our scalp is a type of skin and one could argue that everyday washing would dry out the skin on your body so you should only wash once or twice a month (you might find that people no longer want to stand next to you).

It is not the frequency of washing your mane that causes damage to your mane, but rather what you wash your mane with and how. This is where choosing the right product is important, water (aqua) should be the first on the list of ingredients for any product you use, silicones and the like should be way down the list!!

Did you know that 48 hours after washing your mane your scalp is already dirty and the build up of dirt can lead to various scalp issues like dandruff. SO when you apply oils and you've applied everything on earth to your scalp and yet that dandruff persists you'll know why. Dandruff & Dry Scalp whilst they may look similar are very different scalp problems and should be treated differently.

Art of washing your mane requires great care, here's our simple guide.

Comb through - using a wide tooth comb, to remove any tangles in your mane (tangles will only get more tangled when wet - water is its enabler!)

Wet Mane - your mane should be soaked with warm water before the application of shampoo. Gently brush your fingers through your mane to ensure that water is evenly distributed throughout.

Shampoo (ph balanced & formulated for dry mane)- pour some shampoo into the palm of your hands (or better yet still dilute the shampoo in some water) and rub your hands together to build up a later before gently applying to your mane and scalp. use the ball of your fingers rather than your finger nails to massage your head gently (soft kneading motions) and every so often run your fingers through your mane gently to ensure your strands are not tangled. If your washing your mane frequently you'll find that you need less shampoo and one shampoo will be sufficient - hence the statement that regular shampooing will damage your mane becomes redundant. Gone are the days of brown greasy water leaving your head!

Rinse - this is the crucial part, you need to rinse thoroughly and just when you think your done rinse some more.

Condition - apply conditioner and cover with a shower cap for 5 - 10 mins.

Rinse! Rinse!! Rinse!!!

We will finish on this note your mane is one of the strongest membrane on your body it's not as fragile as you might think as the average head of mane can support 23 tons of weight yet you need to be gentle- soft hands.

So if you have been washing your mane once or twice a month, we'd like to challenge you to up the number of times you wash your mane for a healthier looking mane.

as always love your mane.

xoxo
AVOS Hair

ps. enjoy the animation and tips from the book happy hair days by philip kingsley (renowned tricologist) with over 4 decades of experience.

Mane Spa Treatment

Mane Spa Treatment

Intensive hair and scalp treatments for the very best results in mane health, shine and condition.

The Treatment

Scalp Masks

A choice of intensive scalp treatments to exfoliate or stimulate.

Elasticizer  

Intensive pre shampoo treatment

Steam

Applied to improve penetration of Scalp Mask & Elasticizer

Massage

To improve circulation, aid in relaxation & lymphatic drainage

Finish

Shampoo, conditioner and scalp toner.

Treatment clinically designed by Philip Kingsley now available at AVOS HAIR

Yes,  your hair deserves a spa treat too. We look forward to hearing from you.

Love your mane.

xoxo

Before. During. After. Caring for your mane and your extensions

Before your weave is installed, have a deep moisturising treatment and a trim if your will be keeping the extensions in for 2 - 3 months. The treatment will help ensure your hair is well hydrated and  trimming your hair before tucking it away, you will notice considerable growth during your mane hibernation.

During the next few weeks with your extensions installed. If your hair line has been left out, especially in front you should wash and condition it weekly with your weave washed every two weeks.

How to wash your extension if its a DIY process, wash face forward into the bath with diluted cleansing shampoo (Kera-Care hair extensions range is brilliant as it leaves hair refreshed and cleaned) followed by a 10 minutes condition. Make sure you give your hair a good rinse especially between your tracks to ensure your hair is product free. 

Avoid using heavy products on your hair and most especially on your extensions, you want your hair to move with each step you take. Rule of thumb when applying products, use a 5p sized amount! There is nothing less attractive than hair with product build up. If you have left hair all around your hair line, be sure to tuck away the hair at the back and sides if your wearing it down to avoid friction between your hair and the extensions which may lead to breakage.

The trick is to keep your hair hydrated.

You can wrap your hair if it’s straight or add big twists or plaits if you have curly or wavy hair. Wear a silk scarf or hair bonnet before going to bed and if you can invest in a silk pillow case if you find that a scarf never stays on through the night. 

After taking your extensions out, be gentle and brush your hair thoroughly prior to washing it. This is very crucial; washing without brushing your hair out properly will result in hair tangling /matting causing severe breakage. So section your hair into 4 and from tip to root brush, this way you brush out all the daily hair loss that’s been trapped in the canerow.

Your hair should be flawless with or without extensions.

xoxo
your mane stop.

Mane loss.... the bane of hair growth

Humans have approximately 90,000 to 140,000 hairs on their head. It is normal to lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day (if you compare the ratio that's not so bad, we can breathe a sigh of relief - I have!) .
A steady hair loss more than this amount, however, will cause noticeable hair thinning or baldness. Before you try to treat hair loss, you should learn about the possible causes of it. To ensure you know the real reason for your hair loss, you might want to consult with a physician, dermatologist or certified trichologist. 

Reasons for hair loss. 

Genetic

In most cases, especially in men, it is genetic. 

Hormonal Imbalance 

Some other usual causes are hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy, drug side effects and mineral and iron (with iron deficiency you will notice your hair line especially by your temples are visibly thinner) deficiency. The use of Oral contraceptions can also cause hair loss.

Diet

A dramatic change in diet (bet you didn't think what you ate affected the hair on your head).

Illness

sickness such as liver and kidney diseases can cause temporary hair loss as well. This type of hair loss, nonetheless, usually corrects itself within a few months.

Infection / Stress 

In some rare occasions, people can also lose hair because of fungal infection and stress!! (yes stress!), where it is the latter the solution is simple - AVOID Stress and anything that increases your stress levels

Hair Extensions

whilst this can be a protective styling option, you also need to be aware that when your hair is pulled tightly it will result in hair breakage and can lead to traction alopecia. so the next time your having your braids/canerows/weaves/ponytail etc done ask for some tender & gentle touch.

Fact - hair is the fastest growing cell in your body. Why is it so hard to retain growth if that is the case? review your hair habits and routine. 

Healthy hair requires devotion and  you need to make a conscious effort.

Enjoy your journey to healthy Mane.

xoxo

Coasting

I've been coasting and so have you!

When I started freelancing, I had a a lot to prove to myself and to everyone else. I have the skills combined with the passion to create hair styles for the day to day woman to edgy styles for fashion shows et al. I  soaked in as much as I could learning from various individuals who knew their craft and had their A game on. I created pieces, made hair my canvas and created styles that when even I finished I'd ask myself 'did I do that?' and I'd smile to myself knowing that I did.

Now I found over the past few years that I have not necessarily pushed or challenged myself as much as I did back then when it comes to creating edgy styles. Brings to memory an occasion when a friend was celebrating her birthday in Florence, Italy,  I was tasked with giving her a new hair style for her 21st. It was a four day trip, we got to our apartment late, unpacked and went out for dinner. We got back around 10pm. The rest of the group had gone to sleep around 11pm and so we began... she wanted a short bob style weave. I did the cane-rows (I always say this is the most critical part of a weave - if this is done wrongly then no matter how much you try the weave just wont look right- my opinion) and then sowed the extensions in place noting she wanted a short bob style. Then the art of cutting began (I didn't have the right scissors but somehow forged ahead - if memory serves me right we used a blade - am not a fan of blades).


I finished. she looked in the -mirror and said 'I like, but we can do more'. 'I want it edgy-ier' so she sat back down and I proceeded to give her edgy-ier. I'd say with a listening ear and willingness to deliver I gave her edgy-ier. She was happy and I was elated! I had pushed myself to deliver.

I look at my clientèle now and I find that most my clients are seeking styles that looks great on them and gives them that extra oomph.... Hopping and skipping their way through the day with the mantra "I look too good to be stressed" you know that feeling... The one you get when your hair is looking on point and your getting compliments from everyone... The one that gets the wolf whistles et al. Yea that feeling of euphoria and pure bliss... yes your hair can give you that (hence the millions women spend and are willing to spend). Whilst there is nothing wrong with this I try to encourage my clients to try something new, because if they do then am also pushing myself. Some of my clients I've had the pleasure of styling for over 5 years have this conversation with me... 'lets try something new' but on the day I hear 'I'd like the usual'.

In life we find something we are good at or like and tend to stick to it (bit too much sometimes it becomes mundane and boring!!) so every now and again it's good to try something new put the oomph back in your step! 

So like me if you find that you're stuck in a hair rot be brave! take that picture of the hair style you've been admiring for weeks (or years as the case maybe) to your stylist and follow through. Get that style done and walk out with a new found sense of freedom. And if you don't like it then at least you can say I gave it a go (but my general tip before you do it to your own hair is - try it out with extensions first and see how you feel before taking the plunge especially when it comes to things like colouring / cutting).

as always...love your mane.

xoxo