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To keep your afro soft and shiny one must be sure to keep the hair moisturized. Some believe that moisturizing consists of only applying topical oils to the hair. Although some oils are essential, proper moisturizing starts during cleansing and ends with great finishing products. If one follows five simple steps that I call “The Fabulous Five”, a soft, shiny afro will be the result each time.
Finding the right products for your specific hair type and texture are also important. Once that is accomplished, you will never be a “product junkie” again. Would you believe me if I told you that you only need 5 products as a part of your regimen to have a soft and shiny afro? Thanks to Design Essentials and their Almond & Avocado and Coconut & Monoi ranges, you've got everything you need and more!
There are 5 steps to the perfect soft and shiny afro: cleanse, condition, leave-in, style and finish.
Cleanse the hair with a moisturizing shampoo like Design Essentials® Almond & Avocado Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo, Almond & Avocado Nourishing Co-Wash or Coconut & Monoi Coconut Milk Nourishing Shampoo for soft, moisturized and detangled hair.
Condition with Design Essentials® Almond & Avocado Moisturizing and Detangling Conditioner or Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Masque by applying a liberal amount from ends to roots. Use fingers or a wide tooth comb for easy detangling.
Leave-In Apply a liberal amount of leave-in conditioner like Design Essentials® Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner or Coconut & Monoi Coconut Milk Leave-In Nourisher to prep the hair for your favourite styler.
Style There are many stylers available for various curl types. When the curl type is determined, one or more of the stylers may be used. Try Design Essentials® Almond & Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse, Twist & Set Setting Lotion, Defining Crème Gel, Almond & Avocado Curl Stretching Cream, Almond & Avocado Curling Crème, Honey Curl Forming Custard or Coconut & Monoi Curl Defining Gelee. Each are designed for optimal results based upon curl type and texture.
Finish For a complete, polished look apply Honey & Shea Edge Tamer, Almond & Avocado Curl Control & Shine Mist, Coconut & Monoi Intense Shine Oil Mist, Deep Moisture Milk Crème, Moisturizing Edge Control Glaze or Deep Moisture Oil Treatment to the hair for moisture and shine.
After completing the “Fabulous 5”, to maintain moisture at night, cover the hair with a satin bonnet or wrap the hair with a silk or satin scarf. Try to avoid cotton scarves or pillow cases because they will dry the hair out. In the morning apply a light moisturizer like Coconut & Monoi Curl Enhancing Dual Hydration Milk or Design Essentials® Coconut Water Curl Refresher to revive the hair. Use fingers or a pick to style.
A step by step on how to get one of the looks you showcased? Maybe the twists/spirals?
Step by Step to the Perfect Twist Out
Cleanse and condition the hair with Design Essentials® Almond & Avocado Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo and Conditioner. Rinse
Gently towel blot and apply Almond & Avocado Detangling Leave-In Conditioner liberally throughout the hair.
Starting at the nape, part the hair horizontally across using 2.5cm sections. Apply Design Essentials® Almond and Avocado Curl Enhancing Mousse to the entire section. Then part the hair into vertical 1cm sections across the horizontal section just created.
Take the 1cm section and split it into two. Twist the two strands of hair one on top of the other using light tension until the hair is completely twisted to the ends. Repeat until section is complete.
After the first row is complete, take down the next 2.5cm horizontal section and repeat. Be sure to use a brick laying method with the vertical partings to avoid parts from each section on top of one another.
After the entire head is complete, allow hair to air dry completely or sit under a pre-heated hooded dryer until completely dry.
After the hair is completely dry, to avoid frizz, gently unravel the twists with a small amount of the Coconut & Monoi Deep Moisture Milk Crème on the fingertips. Style as desired. Lightly mist the hair with Coconut & Monoi Intense Shine Oil Mist for a luminous shine.
Alicia Bailey
Alicia Y. Bailey is a licensed Master Cosmetologist and Global Texture Specialist. She holds a BSBA in Business Administration/Finance and MAED in Secondary Education. With more than 27 years of experience, the Global Educational Corporate Trainer for McBride Research Laboratories leads and develops programs for the educational team across the globe. With numerous awards to honor her hard work and dedication, Bailey excels as an industry leader.
Instagram: aliciaybailey www.aliciaybailey.com
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