A peek into the world of amino acid based strengthening/straightening systems.

I love how the hair and beauty industry is constantly seeking to address the ever evolving needs of ladies (and men too actually) Once it became clear that a lot of women were seeking more natural alternatives in their hair and body products, it became normal to see things like 'paraben free' 'alcohol free' 'mineral oil free' etc. Shea butter, argan oil, Amla and coconut oil were the new 'It' ingredients and with the awareness of more and more women 'going natural' all of a sudden whole lines were created and dedicated to natural hair.

Seeing that the versatility of natural hair included the option to wear it straight one week and curly the next, we saw a rise in the Keratin and (a little more infamous) Brazilian blow out systems. Now these were products which helped straighten out curly hair - giving the client a chance to have her hair straight for up to 12 weeks before it reverted back to its curly state.

These systems began to gain popularity till it was discovered that a lot of them contained formaldehyde - a strong smelling gas that presents a health hazard when it is breathed in or comes in contact with skin; causing allergic reactions of the skin, eyes and lungs. If it accidentally gets into eyes, it can cause blindness! ( Na real wa!) The use of  the Brazilian blowout system has now been banned now in a lot of places.

Sights and Sounds at the Afro Hair and Beauty Live 2014 Show.

A few weeks ago I was flipping through the April/May edition of the Black Beauty Magazine and saw an article for the upcoming 33rd edition of the Afro Hair and Beauty Live show coming up on the 25th and 26th of May 2014 and I was determined to be there. Moreso because I had originally planned to be at the World Hair Show in Atlanta back in April but due to a few work issues, I couldn't make it.

Anyway, so after making sure the salon was running pretty well and had no issues that needed my immediate attention, I left for the UK on Friday the 23rd - wanting to give myself one day in between my arrival and the dates for the shows.

I found out later though that apparently the day before the show, there's usually another hair show that's targeted towards natural hair! I found this out by chance on the first day of the Afro Hair and Beauty show when I sighted, went up to, introduced myself and struck up a conversation with Mrs. Bukky George (MD Healthplus and Casabella) who had also come to the show to get great inspiration for products for her store!

As much as it pained me that I missed this years show, at least now I know and in the coming years I will definitely have it bookmarked in my calendar.