Afro hair – getting ready for your first appointment after lockdown

If you’re anything like us you’re counting down the days until salons can reopen. It’s been a long time since we sat in the salon chair and when we say our hair is crying out for some TLC, we mean it. We spoke to afro Hairdresser extraordinaire, Debora at La Aibamania to find out what we can do in preparation for our first appointment back in the salon. Here are her top three tips:

• 
  1 Detangle

  Debora’s biggest piece of advice is to detangle your hair before your appointment, especially if you’ve taken braids out yourself or if you have tangling at the roots. ‘Shampooing without detangling may locs your hair’ explains Debora. Not to mention if you arrive for your appointment and your hair needs to be detangled this can take anywhere up to 40 minutes or more. Your salon is going to be busy and if your hairdresser doesn’t have the time to do this, your appointment might not be able to go ahead. ‘To detangle your hair at home gently use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb’ advises Debora.
• 
  2 Healthy hair is happy hair

  It’s important to look after your hair and scalp in between appointments. Get your hair in the best condition possible by keeping it hydrated and nourished .‘Your hair needs to drink to avoid dryness’ explains Debora. ‘The best product for afro hair is shea butter which is really moisturising.’ Debora also loves oils and makes her own using organic ingredients, including mint, jasmine, garlic and ginger all of which help to strengthen and revive hair and promote a healthy scalp. Debora uses massage techniques to invigorate the scalp, explaining ‘good blood circulation allows hair growth and avoids premature greying.’
• 
  3 Think about what treatment you’re booking

  Your first visit to the salon is probably going to look a bit different and your hair might need something a little more than what you usually book. If your hair is feeling particularly dry and damaged or if you’re suffering from a dry, itchy scalp you should add an intense mask treatment to your appointment. Your hair might also need some extra protection so think about getting a protective style. Debora suggests African threading which helps to stretch and smooth the hair without using heat, reducing the chances of heat damage and breakage. Debora also suggests natural double twists which help lock in moisture as well as protecting the hair.

  It’s nearly time for salons to reopen (finally). With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.