The beauty of African hair is in its versatility. We asked local female personalities how they maintain their signature looks, writes Shirley Genga

Wahu

Sarah Hassan
Look: Short blonde natural. I’ve always been a tomboy and my hair has been an avenue for me to express that so short hair has always been perfect for me. I chose to go blonde because I’m a bit daring. I love to look different.

Hair styling: I get my hair done at Farook by Farook at the Mall Westlands.

What products do you use?

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I leave that to my hairstylist. I have a lot of faith in Farook

How do you deal with a bad hair day?

The cool thing about really short hair is that it’s hard to have a bad hair day but when they do occur, or when I’m in too much of a rush to pay attention to my hair, I dress up in a scarf, or hat.

Tips

It is the easiest hairstyle to maintain, I don’t have to visit the salon all the time or stay there too long whenever I go which is usually once a month.

It’s such a cool hairstyle, even when it has new growth it still looks hot. In terms of taking care of it, all I do is shampoo and condition it daily.

Linet

Look: My own rendition of a Mohawk. I chose it because it complements the shape of my head and makes me stand out.

Hair salon: I get my hair done at Beauty Spice Salon at City Cabanas by Grace and Jack.

What products do you use?

CrËme of Nature for dying my hair red and for relaxer I use African Pride because my hair is delicate.

How do you deal with a bad hair day?

I usually blow-dry my hair and then wear big stunners and bright red lipstick to take the attention away from my hair!

Tips

Go for it but make sure that any hairstyle you choose suits the shape of your head, it has to make you look good.

Amani

Amani

Look: I have so many looks, I love to change them every month, and my current style is a permed shoulder length bob cut. Growing up, I always had long hair; I got tired of the long hair and now my hair is a shoulder length bob that’s short at the back but long at the front. I believe in having a different look every month, so you will always find me with something different depending on my mood! It is very expensive doing different things but I love it because I’m very versatile.

Hair styling: For my perms I go to Sam at Leo salon in Westlands for straight weaves I go to Pascal at Serene Pavilion in Westlands and for the curly braided look I go Consillia at Leo salon in Westlands.

What products do you use?

For relaxer I use Designs Essentials or Motions. I do not oil my scalp

but I use serum for the hair. Too much product makes hair lose its bounce.

How do you deal with a bad hair day?

When I’m having one of those days, a lace front wig always does wonders for me.

Tips

Choose hairstyles according to the shape of your face. Do not do something because it’s hip or in fashion. I’m very lucky because I have a slim oval face so I can do anything from a short bob to big curly hair.　

Tero

Tero
Look: I currently have a short permed haircut with side bangs. I picked it because it is easy to style and maintain.

Hair styling: I get my hair done by Raquel at L’africaine in Hurlingham

What products do you use?

I use a variety of products not just one in particular. That way I ensure that my hair gets all the different nutrients it needs.

How do you deal with a bad hair day?

When I have a bad hair day I always use accessories, I like switching it up to berets and Alice-bands.

Tips

Make sure you visit the salon at least twice a week and do not forget to wrap your hair before you sleep and to add polish in the morning .It gives your hair a fresh look.

Adelle

Look: Dreads. I hated having to unbraid and braid my hair, so dreads are the perfect look.

Hair styling: Most of the time I re-twist my locs by myself. Molding wax is Sh500 and I can re-twist my whole head about five times with one tub! On the days I need it treated, my stylist Ken comes to my house.

How do you deal with a bad hair day?

The good thing with dreads is the fact that ‘bad hair days’ seem ‘natural’ although I never let my growth get out of hand. I can also play around with headbands or head wraps!

Tips

Be very patient because the initial months before the hair locks can make people quit!