World Afro Day with Michelle Thompson Q&A

1. What are your top tips to care for Afro hair?

Caring for Afro hair is essential to keep it healthy and looking its best.

? Moisture is key: Afro hair tends to be dry, so focus on moisturizing. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for curly or Afro-textured hair to prevent stripping natural oils.

? Regular deep conditioning treatments can help retain moisture and maintain hair condition.

? Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase and use silk or satin scarves or bonnets to reduce friction and breakage.

? Trim regularly: Regular trims can help get rid of split ends and promote healthy hair growth.

? Patience and care: Afro hair may take time to grow and flourish, so be patient and consistent with your hair care routine.

Remember that everyone's hair is unique, so it may take some experimentation to find the products and routines that work best for your specific hair type and needs.

2. What is your ghd hair hero product for Afro hair?

It’s very difficult to say as I have a few… I work with a lot of curly and coily textures. Therefore one of my favourites is the Helios hairdryer as this is great for both smoothing the hair out with the nozzle or diffusing those natrual curls using the diffuser attachment.. However I do also love the thin wand !!

3. How have Afro hair styling trends have changed over the course of your career?

In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards embracing natural Afro-textured hair. Many people have chosen to wear their hair in its natural state, celebrating its unique texture and curl patterns. Because of this natural hair movement, people are experimenting with colour A lot more as they have more versatility with colour choice due to not using relaxer.

4. What advice would you give to anybody wanting to start a hairdressing career working with Afro hair?

Starting a career in hairdressing, particularly focusing on Afro hair, requires skill, knowledge, and a commitment to serving diverse textures but it requires dedication and ongoing learning. By focusing on education, skill development, and cultural sensitivity, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in this field. Stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and products for Afro hair. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to expand your knowledge and stay current in the industry.

5. This year for World Afro Day the focus is a workplace initiative to address hair discrimination at work. What advice would you give employers wanting to learn about and understand Afro hair inclusion?

Start by educating yourself and your employees about the diversity of Afro-textured hair. Understand the unique characteristics, challenges, and cultural significance of Afro hair. Provide training and workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion, specifically focusing on Afro textured hair education and its importance in the workplace. These programs can help raise awareness and reduce biases.