The Voice Afro Hair Feature 2016

LIFE & STYLE

AFRO HAIR & BEAUTY LIVE The annual black hair and beauty exhibition is back for its 35th year!

FILM BUFFS Adam Deacon and Femi Oyeniran to host the 2016 BUFF Awards

SPRINTING ONTO THE SCREEN New film Race tells the triumphant tale of Olympic legend Jesse Owens

20 | THE VOICE MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2016

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SPECIAL GUEST: Irene Sinclair with some of the Inspirers

HERE COME THE GIRLS: Women on the Crossroads founder Sherry Dixon (centre) with some of the Awesome You Inspirers

Awesome You Online networking group Women on the Crossroads (WOTC) recently presented its second annual Awesome You motivational dinner and recognition awards. Hosted by actress Adi Alfa, the 2016 event honoured 10 young people – dubbed Inspirers – who are making a difference and raising the bar for people in their community and worldwide.

Launched by WOTC founder Sherry Dixon, Awesome You 2016 also featured a fashion show, stalls and a three-course dinner, and was attended by guests including 2015 Awesome You award recipient, 107-year-old Irene Sinclair.

ROCKING THE RUNWAY: A model wears a creation from British designer Karen Gold

PHOTO CREDIT: Tony Attille, Black Ink

GIRL POWER: A range of goods from inspiring children’s company Lela

CULTURAL CREATIONS: Fashion house Harique Vazi presented items from their collection

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS: Actress Adi Alfa hosted the event

Sleek

22 | THE VOICE MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2016

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CHAMPIONING BLACK HAIR AND BEAUTY FOR 35 YEARS Afro Hair & Beauty Live 2016 continues to showcase the ever-evolving trends in black hair, beauty and lifestyle DAVINA HAMILTON

A

RGUABLY the most iconic beauty event for black Britons, Afro Hair & Beauty Live returns this weekend for another celebration of black hair, beauty and lifestyle.

Now in its 35th year, Afro Hair & Beauty started off as a trade exhibition, bringing education and new products to the emerging black salon businesses.

Gradually, more and more consumers came to the show to buy products and learn about haircare from the manufacturers. The show continued to flourish, becoming a Mecca for black women, who want to discover new trends, get top tips and advice, and purchase products to suit their hair and beauty needs.

The two-day event has evolved into a lifestyle experience, showcasing hair trends for both women and men, as well as featuring numerous designers and fashion brands.

“The evolution of Afro Hair & Beauty Live has followed fashion trends and consumer demand,” says the event’s organiser, Grace Kelly. “Three decades ago, it was all about the jheri curl and shoulder pads.

Now, it’s about natural hair styles and Afrocentric clothing.

BEAUTY

FA S H I O N

LIFESTYLE

Sunday 29th – Monday 30th May 2016 BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE 52 Upper Street London N1 0QH

afrohairshow

“ Three decades ago, it was all about the jheri curl and shoulder pads.

Now, its about natural hair styles and Afrocentric clothing ” “We believe in moving with the times and giving choice to our visitors. Whether you wear your hair relaxed, weaved or natural, you’ll find a product to suit your needs.”

Revealing what attendees can expect from the 2016 event, which is held over two day, Kelly says: “Some of this year’s highlights include Luster Products looking for a new face of Pink, and a model search by leading model agency Mayura. Come and be discovered – it could change your life!

“We also have new make-up lines from Cache Cosmetics, Kitoko Cosmetics, Kiss Make Up, Mixed Chicks and Ayo Beauty.

Our Afropolitan Fashion Boutique returns again this year showing exciting summer fashion, with designers from the UK. And for the first time, we have six French-African designers presenting catwalk shows to inspire your look.” }Afro Hair & Beauty Live takes place at The Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London N1 on May 29 and 30. For more information, visit www.afrohairshow.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AFRO HAIR & BEAUTY ARCHIVES

HAIR

IN PICTURES: AFRO HAIR & BEAUTY LIVE THROUGH THE YEARS

MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2016 THE VOICE | 23

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Afro Hair & Beauty Live

A RANGE OF CARE FOR NATURAL HAIR Whether you’re a long-time or newfound naturalista, enjoy seminars and demonstrations at Afro Hair & Beauty Live

BY DAVINA HAMILTON

R

ECOGNISING the growing movement of black women opting to wear their hair naturally, Afro Hair & Beauty Live will deliver seminars dedicated to the care of natural hair.

A range of experts in the business of natural hair will share top tips, trade secrets, product advice and more over the two-day event.

Revealing what’s on offer, organiser Grace Kelly says: “Design Essentials will offer new tips, style secrets, answers questions and share experiences all centered around your crowning glory in their Curls and Conversations seminar on Sunday (May 29).

“In addition, Cantu Shea Butter will be busting the myth that natural hair is difficult to care for, with their Natural Hair Rock the Look Seminar on Monday (May 30).”

Kelly adds: “Brands including ORS, Mixed Chicks, Avlon, L’Oreal, Mixed Roots, Luster Products, TGIN and Palmers will all be demonstrating new products designed specifically for natural hair, as many women are now wearing their hair in its natural form, whether out or underneath weaves and wigs.”

Reflecting on the rise in women opting to ditch chemical treatments and go natural, Kelly says: “The natural hair movement has grown over the past 10 years and we have seen manufacturers listen to the demands from the consumers for products to meet their needs – hence the wealth of products that are now available.”

NATURAL HAIR SEMINARS: QUICK BREAKDOWN ◆ The Curls & Conversations seminar will see hosts from Design Essentials offer tips, style secrets, and answer your natural hair questions during a Q&A session. ◆ Get in line for Design Essentials’ professional masterclass and learn about the revolutionary 3-Step STS Express Smoothing System. For hair stylists, this session is not to be missed! ◆ From the USA, renowned natural hair specialist Taliah Waajid (left) will be selling her chemical-free line, Black Earth Natural Products. ◆ Are you thinking about transitioning and kick-starting your natural hair journey? If so, don’t miss Cantu Shea Butter x Pelumi Rae Natural Hair Rock The Look seminar.

Dispelling the myth that natural hair is challenging and takes long to do, join Anastasia and Maria’s Rock the Look in 20 Minutes style challenge! ◆ Courtney Adeleye, CEO of The Mane Choice will discuss the healthy hair essentials to growing natural hair.

◆ KeraCare Natural Textures will be on hand with their portfolio of brand new products. You can also take part in their hair scoping scalp analysis and pick up a personalised hair prescription of the perfect products tailored to your hair type.

Design Essentials Coconut & Monoi Collection & Quinoa & Bamboo Repair Kit sounds good enough to eat! ◆ Visit Senzeni Murau, founder of T444Z hair products and pick up one of the industry’s best-kept hair secrets. ◆ Mixed Roots and Shea Butter Naturals will both be available at the Pak’s Cosmetics super styling bar, where will you be able to try before you buy and sample products on your own hair. ◆ Curly hair favourite Mixed Chicks will be there to celebrate curls in all their natural diversity! ◆ Industry giants L’Oreal will launch Curl Nourishment, celebrating the United Colours of Curls.

TEAM NATURAL: Our Favourite Bloggers

Life & Style salutes the trusted UK bloggers and vloggers who have advised us on how to care for natural hair Name: Fiona Kolade AKA Love Your Tresses Skills: Finance worker by day who runs a popular natural hair blog by night, presenting easy-to-achieve, simple natural hairstyles and honest product reviews.

YouTube subscribers: 31,441 Instagram: 9,494 @loveyourtresses

Name: Laila-Jean AKA Neffy Fro Fro Skills: A natural hair transitioner who makes DIY hair products while exploring all things natural hair, lifestyle, beauty and a dose of London.

YouTube subscribers: 177.2k Instagram followers: 62.8k @neffyfrofro

Name: Jay & Tri AKA Curlture UK Skills: Natural hair duo with a passion for natural hair, culture and empowerment of the African Diaspora.

YouTube subscribers: 1.5k Instagram followers: 23.1k @curltureuk

Name: Davina Looker AKA The London Curls Skills: An English teacher who recently chopped off her shoulderlength natural curls for charity and now promotes the diversity of short, natural hair.

YouTube subscribers: 24.1k Instagram followers: 26.4k @thelondoncurls

Name: Nia AKA Fro Girl Ginny Skills: Creator of the hashtag #HappyFroday which celebrates the afro – no matter how big or small.

YouTube subscribers: 10.4k Instagram followers: 102k @frogirlginny

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24 | THE VOICE MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2016

Afro Hair & Beauty Live

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TEAM NATURAL: CELEBRITY STYLE

We highlight a selection of famous women who have shared their thoughts on being natural Jamelia, singer and TV presenter “I am in love with my hair and I’m just sorry I didn’t make the choice to return to being natural a looooong time ago. It’s something that has helped hugely with my girls and their sense of self.

They no longer want straight hair like Mummy’s...they now want to celebrate their curls like Mummy. That is all the validation I need to know this was the right decision for me.”

Kandace Springs, singer “I think it’s great to see so many women wearing their hair naturally.

It’s inspiring and I think natural hair is beautiful.”

Shingai Shoniwa, singer “I’ve done a lot of amazing front covers and I’ve had a lot of people tell me it was nice to see a cover featuring a woman with natural hair. Some people felt that wearing my hair naturally for a front cover was quite a brave thing to do, but I was just being myself.

I’m grateful to have been part of that conversation where we challenge the usual perceptions of beauty.”

Lupita Nyong’o, actress “I wasn’t sure if I could pull off [the bald look]. Almost on a whim, I was like, ‘What if I didn’t have it?’ And so I shaved it all off. It was shocking at first, especially for my mum. But I learned to embrace my features. And I like myself a lot more now that I’m not constantly fussing over my hair.”

V Bozeman, singer and actress “When I cut my hair I finally saw me – and I embraced me. That’s when everybody else did too.”

Solange, singer “I actually love my natural hair when it’s in a twist out and it’s been slept on for five days and revived by the steam of the shower.”

Zendaya Coleman, actress “My wearing my hair in locs on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of colour that our hair is good enough.”

Corinne Bailey Rae, singer “I think having that visibility of black women wearing their hair naturally and not feeling self-conscious about it is a great thing. It’s also great to see the different ways we can wear our hair.”

Thandie Newton, actress “Straight hair has been ‘on trend’ for years and years, so having big-ass curly hair means ‘I’m stepping outside the mould, outside what’s accepted and applauded.’ It takes a little courage to do that.

Mainly, I want to wear it natural because it looks amazing!”

VOICE RECOMMENDS: HAIR WONDER PRODUCTS

Some of the lovely ladies at The Voice share their favourite hair products

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Davina Hamilton, entertainment editor My hair is natural and it takes a considerable amount of oil to make it adequately moisturised.

T444Z hair oil does the job. Packed full of natural ingredients, it nourishes my hair and scalp, without being overly greasy.

Rykesha Hudson, entertainment reporter Like it says on the tub, this is the “best darn curl creme, period.” First off, Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding smells amaze-balls – like I literally want to eat it. It leaves my curls light, bouncy and defined, without leaving a sticky or stiff feel. It’s pricier than other products I buy, but totally worth it.

Dionne Grant, online editor My wonder product is Avlon’s KeraCare’s essential oils, which I use before I wrap my hair at night and before I style it in the morning. I have naturally thin hair and this product feels light after application, so it’s a perfect match.

Additionally, and most importantly, it leaves my hair feeling nourished.

Ade Onibada, news reporter I’ve used just about every edge control out there and this has to be my favourite. The formula is a good consistency and it contains argan oil, so it’s moisture rich. Best of all, it doesn’t leave a residue.

MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2016 THE VOICE | 25

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BEAUTY BRANDS GALORE Some of the companies exhibiting at Afro Hair & Beauty Live 2016

Afro Hair & Beauty Live

DIY BRAIDS

Applies in seconds

Cantu Shea Butter

Cantu is committed to providing high quality moisturising hair and body products designed to meet the needs of multicultural, multi-textural women. An innovative brand of skin and hair care products designed for multicultural women who desire high quality products at affordable prices, Cantu is a choice brand for those looking to maintain healthy, moisturised hair whether it be relaxed or natural. www.cantubeauty.com

MAMBO SATIN TWIST 22”

The Mane Choice

Founded by former YouTube sensation and bachelor’s degree registered nurse Courtney Adeleye (left), The Mane Choice is a premium multi-cultural healthy hair growth and retention company. The company prides itself on attentively and thoroughly listening to the voices of its consumers, and creating solutions for their hair problems. The Mane Choice offers a comprehensive methodology to achieving beautiful healthy hair, by infusing their hair care products with vitamins and essential nutrients such as Biotin, Vitamin A, B, C, D, & E and more.www.themanechoice.com

ORS (formerly Organic Root Stimulator)

With an easier-to-remember name and a fresh yet familiar new look, ORS still boasts the same great hair care products users know and trust.

The hallmarks of the company are exceptional quality, performance and integrity – qualities which ORS employ to develop and deliver the best hair care products for natural and relaxed hair. www.orshaircare.com

Continent Clothing

The comfy clothing brand aims to bring African colour and culture to the UK. The company designs and manufactures all its products in West Africa, using only African tailors and 100% African Wax Print. The beautiful cotton is bright, vibrant and completely unique to you! www.continentclothing.com

Mixed Roots

Affordable, great value and made with premium synthetic hair, Sleek Hair’s NEW Fashion Idol Express Crochet Braids range is purse-friendly, on-trend and versatile.

MAMBO SATIN TWIST 12”

Mixed Roots’ products have been created specifically for curly hair. Made with high quality ingredients, keeping the formulas as gentle and natural as possible, the products are free from parabens and sulfates, and packed full of vitamins, fruit oils and protein. Whether you have fine waves, thick kinks or a mixed curly texture that’s in between, Mixed Roots has everything you need to completely cleanse, condition and care for your hair. www.mixedroots.co.uk

USER BENEFITS

Premae Skincare

• SUPER SOFT TEXTURE

• NATURAL LOOK

• SUPER LIGHT

• FLAME RETARDANT

• EASY BRAID

• HOT WATER SEAL

• EASY BRUSH

• REDUCED TANGLING

• EASY LOCK ENDS

• HANDMADE

• 2 IN 1 STYLE

• PROTECTIVE STYLE

The blend of two words, Premium and Formulae, Premae is the brainchild of Dr Clare Eluka (left), qualified allergy practitioner and the UK’s Top 20 Natural Beauty Expert. With extensive knowledge of the scientific structure of Alkaline skincare, Dr Clare Eluka will provide good news about dealing with skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis and hyperpigmentation. www.premaeskincare.com

Kitoko

Defined as ‘beautiful’ in the Lingala language, Kitoko pre-

sents a luscious collection of cosmetics inspired by its Cogolese/Parisian roots. Providing a wide reange of make-up for black and mixed race women, Kitoko aims become the biggest African make-up brand. www.kitokomakeup.com

BOHO SATIN BRAID

BOHO WATER BRAID

JAMAICA DREDLOCK

For stockist details contact Sleek hair on 020 8502 7448 or visit www.sleek.co.uk facebook.com/hairbysleek

twitter.com/hairbysleek

MAMBO BOX BRAID

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18 | THE VOICE MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2016

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F F U B S A W O WH STED THIS s e i d e g a r t OR BU EEK? We look at hthseafter a busy p W m u i r t d n a n

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COMMON AE

JANELLE MON dinner combo, Common looks ready for a good evening out. However, something is not right. It starts and ends with those trousers, which are about two inches too short exposing those less than desirable shoes that r wouldn’t look misplaced on a waite at a top London restaurant. Sorry, Common. Plaudits for the white blazer though!

JIDENNA

LALA ANTHO

TRACEE ELLIS

ROSS

PREZ: Working with a classical

★ ★ ★✩ ✩

acNAOMI: An Oscar-winner, artist, tor, hip-hop veteran… Common has so many titles, but ‘common’ isn’t one of them. The musician looks r amazing in the simple white dinne jacket paired with a bow tie and tailored trousers. His winning acces sory is that smile ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ not TONY: Common by name but

by nature! The former suitor of tene nis ace Serena Williams is a pictur of suave health in this black and white combo. Although they are small items, the cufflinks seal the deal for me as does the bow tie. A good look! ★ ★ ★✩ ✩

TONY: The US recording artist has tigone back in time with this sophis cated ensemble. The suit looks classy of side the down seam and the red bag the trousers paired with the clutch and red rose, enhance the entire getsome, for manly up. Might be a bit too but she’s clearly given it all some thought ★ ★ ✩ ✩ ✩

t on PREZ: This is a great looking outfi htthe US singer, which has been thoug mastoo bit a It’s er. fully put togeth ly culine for my personal taste (slight reminds me of Charlie Chaplin), but style. al I guess it fits with her person Nonetheless - and I can hear the I feminists coming for me already think this event required a dress

★★✩✩✩ NAOMI: Yes it’s black, yes it’s a suit, r yes we’ve seen Janelle in a simila get-up time and time again…but it goes, adage works! Like the age-old ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ The tailoring, clean lines and the pop of red are exactly what brings this look together ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

the NAOMI: Giving me every inch is Classic Man, Jidenna’s clean look a lifestyle. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this him with a hair out of place and who time is no different. A risk taker mensthat us show to on I can count ✩ wear needn’t be boring ★ ★ ★ ★

PREZ: Whoaa! Talk about frills and she all! Gosh, Lala is making sure that escapes no one’s gaze in this busy up, floor-length gown. From the neck the actress and entrepreneur looks Big too bit a it’s , great, but on a whole Fat Greek Wedding for my liking

TONY: The daughter of Motown legend, Diana, looks supreme in this white dress. There’s a lot of material but the subtle display of arms, shoulders and stomach is appealing

★★✩✩✩

e TONY: Her figure is a little fulsom for the dress in my opinion; I like the thought process but it’s on the wrong body. Plus points are an easy smile and simple hairdo. Potential fails to

NAOMI: My best friend (in my head) d came to slay in this Grecian inspire gown, complete with a goddess braid just rocks and pearl clutch. Ms Ross is about anything well and her style always a mix and blend of fun and sophistication ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

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deliver here ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

TONY: The lanky Nigerian-American ing recording artist has an impos frame but I don’t like the skinny trousaid, That done. have sers look, never d his outfit and size will get him notice at whatever function he attends

r NAOMI: Basketball wife and forme MTV host Lala is giving me a lot don’t I while to work with here and entirely hate it, I definitely don’t love it. There are a far too many frills on the gown, which adds extra inches

a PREZ: A great looking dress….for Trayounger woman! I’ve got time for look cee and her mum Diana, but this just does not work for her. She’s lost dark the in all that white material and make-up is a bit to heavy for her dress colour too. It’s a no from me!

PREZ: Jidenna strikes a good pose limp in this outfit, which overall is quite r to say the least. Not feeling the slippe shoes, the skinny trousers, the pletho the ra of gold rings on his hand – or perm in his hair...Sorry, mate!

★✩✩✩✩

★ ★ ★✩ ✩

★ ★ ★✩ ✩

★★✩✩✩

SIFIED

MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2016 THE V