ADDING CARE TO NATURAL HAIR

BY SHAFIEK MOUTON

WHEN IT COMES TO PERFORMING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, looking and feeling good can be an important part of the recipe for success. In the 1980s, American sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner, or Flo Jo as she was affectionately known, didn’t just break records on the track; she set trends and made heads turn with her eclectic styles when it came to hair, nails and clothing.

IN THE MODERN ERA, tennis star Naomi Osaka is at the forefront when it comes to advocating for the marginalised, even when it comes to fashion and hair. “My hair ideas come to life in a way that keeps my hair healthy and growing,” she says. “After training and playing, I need that good feeling. You can rock any hairstyle as long as you’re confident in yourself.”

UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (UWC)ALUMNUS LIESL SMERDON, the owner and founder of Curl Chemistry in Cape Town, encourages athletes to embrace their natural hair. When she started Curl Chemistry, which is based in Parow, the 32-year-old was looking to create quality products that would help moisturise hair. She struggled when she transitioned to natural hair, and that was when her Curl Activating Cream was born. The product is made with coconut oil, shea butter, castor oil and avocado oil, which contribute to healthy hair and amazing results.

FOR WOMEN INVOLVED IN HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORT or those who exercise for recreational purposes, she says: “Athletes can still maintain their natural hair with our products. Especially when they need to cover and protect it. We offer moisture masks, conditioners, sprays and moisturisers to help maintain hair. Alternatively, they can opt for protective styles like braids to protect their hair.”

SMERDON SAYS HAIR CARE IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO WATER SPORTS. “Swimmers, especially, need proper hair care due to pool chemical damage. Our masks and moisturisers will help maintain healthy hair.”

SMERDON STARTED HER BUSINESS IN 2016 when she was studying towards her bachelor of commerce degree at UWC. At the time, Curl Chemistry had only a handful of representatives, no website and just 120 jars of curl activating cream. Today, according to its website, Curl Chemistry has more than 40 representatives nationwide, a user-friendly website, and its products are available in salons around South Africa and online stores.

SO, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR ATHLETES TO LOOK GOOD WHILE PERFORMING AT A HIGH LEVEL? Smerdon says: “Confidence is key to success. Great self-esteem and self-worth make us do our jobs better and live our lives to the fullest. Looking good is also a representation of what goes on inside the heart and mind.”