IMBO Magazine Issue 33: One Love | Page 136

F E AT U R E • Relaxed hair needs some extra care to counteract the damaging effects of the chemicals. When looked after properly, relaxed hair can thrive. When not looked after it usually becomes dry, brittle and breaks. Tendayi Kunaka • The ends of our hair are the oldest and most fragile part. They need extra care through conditioning and other products to help with sealing in moisture. A blogger at africanhairblog.com, doesn’t believe that your choice of hairstyle says anything about who you are. She has changed her hairstyle many times, at the drop of a hat and this is not indicative of a change in personality. IMBO: As a hair blogger, you obviously feel strongly about your mane. What do you think the state of one’s hair says about them? Tendayi: I think many of the issues we have with our hair come from a lack of understanding of how to care for it. Often with the appropriate hair care, the hair will respond. The state of your hair will often reflect whether you understand how to take care of it. Tenday’s top hair tips: • When relaxing hair, the process which produces the desired effect of “straighter” hair leaves hair weak and extremely susceptible to breakage and further damage. One must keep in mind that relaxers do not help the hair, but actually strip it of natural oils. • By applying chemicals to the hair, even if it is to achieve a desired effect, it is never really to the benefit of your hair. IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14 Maryse Bakomito Owner of Femina Hair believes that stereotypes are ridiculous. Too much time is spent judging people on their appearance. In her own experience, many were surprised by how smart she actually is - despite a perception based on something as silly as her choice of hairstyle. IMBO: As someone who sells quality weaves, you always keep your hair in impeccable condition. Why is this? Maryse: Taking care of my hair is not optional as a Congolese woman, I’ve been taught that 136