“You were born with curly hair, not straight! You have to embrace it,” says my wonderful hairdresser, Michael Charalambous.
Well, I am listening and I have. He approves of my curly look as he examines my hair before my regular trim. Working with my natural texture means I have more body and volume than when I wear it straight. I have the look of the moment without any effort. It is that lived-in look which French women are renowned for.
A sleek bob is always chic, but it can look too severe on mature faces unless you have plenty of volume. Letting my hair air-dry softens my appearance. Michael also says that my hair is in better condition as I am not constantly straightening it with a round brush and using lots of heat.
Straight with a little movement, blow-dried by Michael
Working with my natural texture means that I don’t have to worry about every strand being in place when I walk down the street. Frizz and flyaways are more noticeable when you wear your hair sleek, especially in humid conditions. It also goes flat quickly.
As hair turns grey the texture changes. It becomes drier and coarser. Excessive blow-drying can exacerbate dryness and frizz. Forcing your hair straight needs more manipulation which is not good for its health.
In the summer I tend to let it dry naturally. I have recently discovered Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in Conditioning Cream (£8.50, Boots). As it is hard to find a leave-in conditioning cream, I decided to try it. My hair seems to like it. It makes it so silky and soft. I use a little as my hair is fine.
Michael says apply product to wet hair and leave it. Do not touch your hair until it is dry and then break up clumps of curls with your fingers.
Dried naturally
When I want a more polished look, I use a dryer. I bend my head forward for the first couple of minutes, which Michael says helps with volume. When my hair is about 50 percent dry, I bring my head up and dry my hair the way it naturally falls. I keep some movement in the ends and also leave a bit of moisture in it so I'm not over-drying my strands.
You can also use your fingers to help style it. When your hair is almost dry, take large sections and wrap them loosely round your fingers (as if you were using a roller). Begin at the root. Once you reach the bottom, slide your finger out and release.
Michael dries my hair sleek so he can check the cut. I love it when he styles it because I get the look I love. However, since I want healthy hair, I will listen to what he tells me and work with my natural texture in-between salon visits.
By Daralyn Danns
For inspiration, visit nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon
