Avlon Appoints New European Education Director

Leading Afro haircare brand, Avlon, welcomes hairdressing powerhouse Jacqui McIntosh as its new European Education Director

Hairdresser and educator Jacqui McIntosh becomes the European Education Director for leading haircare brand Avlon. During her career as a freelance educator with Avlon which spans over 22 years, Jacqui McIntosh has witnessed the ascension of the brand throughout in real time, and in fact, has greatly contributed to Avlon’s reputation for offering an exemplary service when it comes to the delivery of education.

Jacqui was Avlon’s Director of Education for the professional side for a number of years before stepping into the newly created role of mens red wig European Education Director across all brands, both professional and commercial. Jacqui brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge to her new role, which she generously shares with emerging stylists under her tutelage.

Jacqui commented, “During my time with Avlon, I’ve worked with some of the best scientists, such as the brand’s founder, Dr Ali.Syed. I love Avlon’s commitment to product innovation and its understanding of the science of hair – it’s why I find working with the brand so rewarding.

“I am thrilled to now lead on education for Avlon across all brands in both the professional and commercial sector as its European Director, supporting hairstylists to promote the Afro hair industry as the formidable creative force that it is.”

Designed to empower salon owners and help them grow their business, Avlon’s education programmes are available across a variety of platforms, including in-salon, at collective sessions and inspirational events and via Zoom online learning, Avlon’s training is delivered by a strong, passionate network of industry-renowned experts, led by Jacqui McIntosh.www.avlonhair.co.uk

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5 reasons why your hair isn’t growing

We all want rapid hair growth but could these 5 things be stunting or slowing down your hair growth speed?1. Are you using the wrong hairbrush:2. Are you drinking enough water?:3. Are you shampooing your hair too often?:4. Are you eating a balanced diet?:5. Are you protecting your hair at night?: Cotton pillowcases + a night of tossing and turning = not a good look! The friction caused between your hair 80s brown wig and cotton pillowcases is enough to cause split ends and undo any healthy hair growth that you have. Hairburst Mulberry Silk Pillowcase (￡34.99) is one of the greatest purchases a woman can make who wants to take steps towards increased hair growth. The hypoallergenic pillowcase retains natural hair hydration and reduces hair damage. The moisture you go to sleep with is the same moisture you wake up with thanks to this silk non-absorbent pillow case. Satin hair scarfs are prone to coming off during the night but with this pillowcase you won’t ever have to worry about that again!  

Do you have any hair growth tips to share?

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Mahogany Plautz on wearing it well into your 40s, 50s and 60s

Stylist Mahogany Plautz give stylists tips on how to cater for their clients through the ages

Mahogany Plautz is a stylist at Sola Salon Studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well as a national educator for Paul Mitchell. Mahogany works with a diverse client list in terms of age, and she has some great tips for giving clients an incredible experience based on their age, needs and expectations.‘When you talk about clients in their 20s and 30s, you’re talking about technology. Most of my clients come in with pictures on their phone of exactly what they are looking for in terms of cut, color and style. You hear a lot about hair idols and hair goals, and it usually starts with a picture or a Pinterest board. The biggest challenge and opportunity is really making sure that your clients are getting the coaching they need, so they can execute the look on a consistent basis after they leave your chair.’

‘I’ve been cutting hair for 16 years, so I have a lot of people who have transitioned from their 30s to 40s with me. Oftentimes, for my light brown wig longstanding clients, the changes are more subtle, based on their life situation, like job and family. For new clients who come in on a referral – and there are many of those, too! – they talk about people they know I cut, so the look is on real life examples instead of celebrities or hair idols.’

‘My clients who are in their 50s come in and say one thing: ‘All I want you to do is cover my grey.’ They are also looking for more longevity. Usually, they’re in the last chapter of their work life, so they’re going for more natural looks, but also need some coaching on styling. These are good opportunities to make sure they have the right tools and products so that they can maintain the look they’re going for.’

Sola Salon Studios

MahoganyCarve Hair SalonInstagram

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Best Ingredients for Treating Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skin

Dr Lauren Hamilton, co-founder of skin clinic Victor & Garth, lists her favourite beauty ingredients in the fight against hyperpigmentationMain image | Stocksy

Victor & Garth, Dr Lauren Hamilton, it’s much more prevalent in darker skin tones.

“The most common skin complaint I see in Fitzpatrick type 4-6 skin (Black, Asian, Middle Eastern, Mixed Heritage) is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which can be quite severe. This is when dark patches occur following injury or irritation to the skin.  Melanosome cells (which produce melanin) are more active in darker skin tones, so problems such as post-inflammatory pigmentation can arise as after an inflammatory kids orange wig condition, such as acne, these important cells go into overdrive, leaving dark spots in their wake.”

“It can, however, be treated at home,” says Dr Lauren. “To tackle the condition, look to incorporate these superstar ingredients into your skincare regime…”

Vitamin C

“Tyrosinase inhibitors such as vitamin c are depigmenting agents which work by stopping the action of tyrosine which is key in melanin synthesis. A powerful antioxidant, the brightening effects of vitamin C are a good first step to improving the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots.” 

Vitamin A

“If you have dark spots on the outermost layer of the skin, try a derivative of vitamin A. It increases cell turnover to reveal new healthy skin cells, resulting in an improved, more even skin texture.”

Azelaic Acid and Kojic Acid

“Not only are azelaic acid and kojic acid are tyrosinase inhibitors that decrease melanin production making them good ingredients to help tackle hyperpigmentation but azelaic acid is also a powerhouse anti-inflammatory that can stop acne in its tracks.”

￡30), is formulated specifically to smooth, refine and brighten darks spots and an uneven skin tone. It features a concentrated blend of tranexamic and azaleic acids to counteract melanin production and hyaluronic acid and betaine to promote better hydration and a more elastic skin texture. 

Acid-based cleansers

“Try a cleanser that has AHAs or BHA in it to help resurface, de-clog and brighten skin; glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids are all great.” 

SPF

“While reducing existing dark spots is a large part of the battle, you need to take a two-pronged approach to treating hyperpigmentation with regular use of a daily SPF which can help prevent new patches from forming,” advises Dr Lauren. “Make sure to use an SPF daily which will also protect the areas of hyperpigmentation from darkening.” 

Dr Lauren Hamilton is founder of Shoreditch based skin clinic, Victor & Garth (www.victorandgarth.co.uk)

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Meet the DPiper Twins – fashion’s hottest design duo

Who are the DPipertwins? Our names are Chantelle and Danielle Piper. We are identical twins, bloggers, models and fashion designers of accessory and clothing line DPipertwins.

What’s your background?We were born in New York City but raised in Ghana till the age of nine. Our dad is Ghanaian and our mom is Montserratian.

How do we tell you apart?Lol, you have us revealing our secret. Chantelle has a heart shape face, whereas Danielle has an oval face shape.

Which came first, the modelling or fashion design?Both careers evolved at the same time. While studying at the high school of Fashion Industries and the Fashion Institute of Technology, we landed articles in many fashion editorials for our designs and modelling appearances on the Rachael Ray Show and NBC’s Today Show, Good Morning America etc.

Describe your design style?Our design style is show stopping. The DPiperTwins brand embraces our roots and New York City lifestyle. We displays it in every collection through our use of bold prints, vibrant colors and exquisite silhouettes.

Where do you source your fabrics?We source our fabrics from Africa and the United States.

You have many celebrity fans. Is there any celebrity you’d love to dress?We would love to dress Michelle Obama, Oprah, Rihanna and Taylor Swift.

Do you design equally or split up tasks?We brainstorm our inspiration behind the collection together. We sketch our designs separately. Together we review each design to establish a strong collection for our clients.

Do you think being twins helps your brand? Having a twin has helped us to be the fashionistas that we are today. In one outing, we can 1920s hair wigs showcase two different looks. We embrace each other’s personal style to create an exquisite wardrobe and fashion collections. Our lives are an everyday fashion show on the streets of New York. It makes shopping and designing more exciting for us and styling for our clients. As the saying goes, two is better than one!

Who does your hair?Our hair is done by the extraordinary celebrity hairstylist/make-up artist Richard Lomax.

Do you always have the same hairstyle?Yes, we generally have our signature bangs and long hair look.

Describe your off-duty styleOur off duty style is casual chic. We can be spotted wearing a cap, skinny dark blue jeans, printed dress-jacket from our collection worn over a tank top with the perfect heels.

Heels or flats?Heels

Favourite perfume?We rotate throughout the week with Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Hermes and Chanel

Designer or chain store?Designer

Where can we find you?www.dpipertwins.comInstagram: DPipertwinsFacebook.com/DPipertwinstwitter.com/DPipertwins

Bloggers & influencers10 celebrity loc stars who give fierce Instagram inspirationJackie Aina collaborates with Too FacedMAC Cosmetics collabswith influencer Patricia BrightNatural hair influencer | NakawundeInstagrammers with 4C hair that you need to followThe Teen Experience
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Best earrings to set off short to long locs

Photo by Derrick Reed/@ptseventyeight

Candace Morrow picks out earrings to wear with locs

Psst. Hey, loc divas: Come here. A little closer. Yeah. Right there.

Well, did you know there’s a strong possibility you’ve brought in the New Year wearing the wrong types of earrings? Yasssssss sis. The length of your locs — and facial structure — can help make or break your locked look.

Don’t worry: I’ve got your earring backs (badum tish). These are the best dangling doodads for short, medium and long locs, taking into consideration the shape of your face as well.

HAIR LENGTH vs. EARRINGSWhether you’re rockin’ budding free forming locs or waist-length traditional ones, you want earrings that accentuate your face and complement your current loc state. That said, take these rules of thumb into consideration before making jewelry selections:

Short Locs

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Loc wearers of beginner sprouts to the ear-length variety should take advantage of pretty much any type of earring. Yep! You’re a free earlobe agent, so you can usually pick an edgy pair and push. Keep in mind, though: Because your locs aren’t able to frame your face, dangles or teardrops are the best choice to pull the focus back to your facial features.

Earring style to consider:Vortex Earrings (above right) focus on modern women of color. Her artistic earring creations range from elongated to dainty fish hook pieces that companion this loc length.

Medium Locs

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From the ear down to the collar bone, here’s where earrings’ effectiveness can get hairy. Why? Because your tresses can easily block them. Hoop or cuff fans at this particular length should tuck locs behind one ear — or both — to showcase adornments. Note: Hoop earrings reinforce a curvy appeal, so they balance long faces well and make round faces rounder.

Earring style to consider:Crescent dark purple wig Earrings (above right) 

Long Locs

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The bigger, the better, especially for locs of dimension. Extravagant earrings usually win with shoulder- to hip-length locs since they garner more visibility while still balancing the face. And there’s nothing wrong with earrings that blend into long locs, too. Seemingly endless feather, fringe and chandelier ones actually add fullness to strands.

Earring style to consider: BKLYN Earrings (above right)

 Candace Morrow, a.k.a. Cowgirl Candace

3 Secrets to rockin’ cuts without choppin’ locs5 Caribbean sweets that boost glowing skin, growing locsHow to fix your crown’s brittle, broken locs7 perks to whippin’ fierce, curly locs throughout 2018Meet Great Britain’s newest Miss Universe4 types of geek glasses that fashionably frame your face
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MTV VMA hairstyles you can try at home

Create your very own red carpet worthy hair at home!

Vanessa Morgan certainly got the memo. Opting for subtle colouring needn’t be damaging and that’s where Colorsmash Color Kissed Hairspray comes in. This bottle of colour pop is 100% afro friendly with zero parabens. With this hairspray you can fully control the intensity of the colouring meaning you can replicate this pastel tousled look perfectly.

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Yara Shahidi added her own flavour to those slicked down, front cover waves and left her curled ponytail out at the back – talk about oozing black girl magic!

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wig color sprayJessica Sula’s footsteps and deliver your own preened loose curls exactly how you want them. For curls that really shine, be sure to follow up with Joico K Pak Protect & Shine Serum.

More red carpet looks…Top 10 hairstyles from the Grammys 2017Jennifer Hudson’s live show look by her Voice UK make-up artist!Spring hair goals from The Oscar’s red carpet3 Hot Right Now Red Carpet Hair Looks – Celebs Show Us HowLookbook from Black Panther Film PremiereRochelle Humes shares her skin prep secrets
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How to Fight The Frizz With a Microfibre Towel

If you use your basic bath towel to dry your hair, you’re doing it all wrong!

It doesn’t take much to upset the cuticle of our hair but drying your hair with the wrong kind of towel could over dry your hair leaving it stiff. The friction between your cotton towels can cause frizz and breakage which isn’t what you need to hear if you are on a healthy hair journey. Microfiber is a synthetic fiber finer than one denier. The material absorbs water quicker meaning you don’t have to rub your hair to dry it – leaving your cuticles nice and flat.

Aquis Hair Lisse Luxe Hair Towel for Long Hair, ￡35An ideal towel for longer hair that’s curly, fine, ageing or prone to damage. New generation Aquitex improves absorbency and comfort. Wraps and tucks easily leaving hands free while hair dries. Dries fast with less friction, to minimise frizz and damage.

Only Curls Hair Towel (Black), ￡15

This pioneering hair towel has been designed specifically for curly hair. 100% microfibre smooth yarns leave cuticles intact and absorb just the right amount of moisture for perfect frizz-free curls every time!

NuMe Microfiber Hair Wrap (Black), ￡10.95

A caring hair towel created to reduce the damage caused when drying. NuMe have created the Microfiber Hair Wrap. half bald wig Produced with a 100% microfiber material in a hooded design, the wrap helps to absorb excess moisture whilst preventing frizz leaving hair looking and feeling healthier.

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Bridal hair accessories

Adding flowers to your hair can create a beautiful, romantic look dye wig black to any wedding theme and location. Dionne Smith shows how it’s donePhotography by Belange Okandju, MC Media / www.theeecompany.com. Hair by Dionne Smith / www.dionnesmith.com. Make-up by Olubunmi Ogedengbe (Neon Velvet) & Nicole Obanwo (Obanbeauty) using MAC Cosmetics www.neonvelvet.com. Styling By Sandra Ajie / www.sandraaji.daportfolio.com

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