Eftal

Natural Hair & Beauty The Magazine 2007

Contents editor’s Features

Letter 4 In the beginning Welcome to So, you want to go natural but don’t know where to begin? Eftal! Follow our guide.

Whether you’ve been wearing 7 Natural Selections your hair natural for years or Check out our portfolio of styles you’re only now considering for men, women and children with putting the relaxer to rest, this natural hair. brief guide is for you. 9 Braids and Weaves

At Eftal Natural Hair we pride Alternatives for sisters who want ourselves in taking the optimum extra length in an instant. care of your hair, be it in locs, 11 Nappy Ever After braids or a weave. We use only the finest natural products and processes to ensure you leave our salon looking and feeling bet- ter than when you first came in!

Our reputation is such that we’ve grown rapidly, opening a new salon in Hackney to add to The best products for keeping our Seven Sisters branch. So why your nappy head happy. not come and experience Eftal 12 Ask Tosin for yourself? There’s never been Your questions answered. a better time. 13 Glossary Natural hair terms explained.

Tosin Talabi 14 Salon Focus Owner All you need to know about Eftal. Eftal Natural Hair EFTALEFTAL ISIS ALLALL ABOUTABOUT EMBREMBR

“Now, speak of resistance, we’re nappy heads Rhymes, kinks, braids and dreads The mother of creation, epitome of creativity, yeah And keep your heads nappy.” The , Nappy Heads

WHAT does your hair hard pressed not to notice creating a new economic say about you? If you the growth of a new base in the hair and sport a chemically-tamed trend. lifestyle industry. Chemical mane does that mean The natural is making a relaxers and straightening you’re culturally comeback. Be it an Afro, irons are rapidly being disconnected? And is dreadlocks, twists or replaced by essential oils wearing an Afro braids British people of and elegant headwraps. emblematic of your African descent are People of African political beliefs? wearing a multiplicity of descent the world over While these arguments natural designs, embracing are literally going back to may be symbolic of the not just a hairstyle but a their roots, spurred on by social and cultural lifestyle too. a generation of high- discourse of the sixties In recent years a quiet profile culturally-conscious and seventies walk down revolution has been taking artists making waves in any inner city street in the place in the collective popular culture. Think UK today and you’d be black consciousness, India Arie and Jill Scott,

4 │EFTAL ACINGACING YOURYOUR NATURALNATURAL SELFSELF

Maxwell and D’Aneglo, have traditionally crafted years Eftal has expanded and Erykah styles that are little short three times to cater for Badu, who was of works of art, with their demand. “Eftal’s not just ambassador for intricate creations making about hair. It’s about Adornment, the natural hair and lifestyle show earlier this year. “The whole way of thinking around natural hair and locs has changed beyond recognition and is not what is was fifteen or even ten years ago,” says Margot Rodway-Brown, director of Adornment. “There’s a sense of people reclaiming their right to look like themselves where in the wider society they’ve always been told they should be embracing a European aesthetic. Things have changed tremendously. And that’s not just in the UK but right across the Diaspora communities around the world, in the Caribbean, the USA, and in Europe.” Hair has always played an important role in African culture. In many their way from the streets embracing your natural African societies a of Accra, Dakar and Cape self—mind, body & soul.” woman’s tresses are seen Town to London, Paris as a marker of social and and Amsterdam. This is an extrapolation of political standing, speaking Tosin Talabi, manager of an article that originally both to an ancient history Eftal Natural Hair and appeared on the BBC Africa and the present state of a Beauty salons in North and Beyond website. living culture. East London says black Sylvia Arthur is editor of Hair has also been used people are experimenting What’s On Ghana as an expression of with their hair more than magazine available to buy at creativity. African women ever. In the last three www.whatsonghana.com.

EFTAL│ 5 The Men’s Room Whether you’re a professional brother or a man about town follow our tips for keeping your locs groomed.

and crafted locs so you EN, don’t feel left out M can trust us to keep your when it comes to taking look tight. care of your mane. W e c a n a l s o At Eftal we offer a recommend grooming range services and services to you through products to keep your our extensive network of locs groomed and your specialist styling partners, scalp in tip-top condition. including barbering and We can also style your other salon services locks, cornrow your specifically for men. natural hair or do just Maintaining locs is very about any other natural different from maintaining style you can think of. other hair styles. While With our highly-trained other hair styles require team of male and female combing to put stray locticians and stylists our hairs back in place, locs client list and portfolio is need to have stray hairs something to be proud tucked back into the dred of. Just drop by and ask so they can dred up and how we can assist your lock with the rest of the styling needs. hair. Eftal has experience of But like other hair maintaining both organic styles locs to need to be kept clean. Contrary to popular belief, clean locs lock up and tighten faster than dirty locs. So whether you’re going to the VIP lounge at the club or heading to the boardroom, don’t let the sisters upstage you. Let Eftal work our magic on your mane for that standout look that

will have all the heads turning.

6 │EFTAL Corkscrew curls or tightly coiled twists, the choice is yours Style Council

TOP TIPS FOR TIP TOP NATURAL HAIR GET READY to do the twist • Ensure your scalp is thoroughly conditioned and turn heads when you unveil your mane of corkscrew curls or • Use essential oils like Aloe to lightly grease the scalp twists. This popular style • Wash hair regularly with a herbal shampoo fashioned from natural hair is • Always condition after washing easy to achieve but the results • Indulge in a herbal steam every 3 months are truly stunning. First, wash your hair with a herbal shampoo ensuring you cleanse the scalp thoroughly. At Eftal we use our specially- developed hair build-up remover to get to the root of hair problems resulting from excessive product usage. Next, apply a deep conditioner to your tresses making sure the cream goes from the root to the tip of each hair strand. This will fortify your locks and allow the conditioner to get to work. Leave the conditioner on for at least two minutes after working through the hair. Then, wash out the conditioner and towel dry the hair. Eftal can apply a unique herbal rinse to your hair that will leave your scalp feeling ultra refreshed. Part the hair in to four sections then twist two strands of equal thickness together until you’ve competed the whole head. Finally, style in a sweeping up-do or let your hair flow free.

EFTAL│ 7 Kiddie style

doing yours. Check out our sure sign that the style is ITTLE people deserve L guide to the best hairstyles suitable for every great hair too and there’s for little people: generation. Locks are a no better styling option for good style for children young children than natural Cornrows This clean and because they can be worn in hair styles. Cornrows, twists classic look will take your a variety of funky ways and braid styles are versatile kids from the classroom to during the various growth and long lasting and are the playground and they’ll stages. perfect for the rough and

still come home looking Braids A favourite among tumble of school life. At fresh. Cornrows are quick little girls, braids are low Eftal we pride ourselves on to do and lasts from maintenance and can be our portfolio for children so anything between two to worn in a multiplicity of you can rest assured in the four weeks. Wear going all styles. The advantage of knowledge that you’re the way down or in a stylish braids is that kids can leaving your little ones hair up-do. Decorate with beads virtually roll out of bed and in safe hands. At our salons for an added touch of class. in to school with minimum we have a range of services hair fuss. For that extra especially tailored to Dreadlocks More and special touch, dress with children to keep them more youngsters are decorative clips, bands and entertained while they’re growing their hair in locks, a other accessories. doing their hair or you’re

8 │EFTAL Braids, weaves & twists For sisters who like to try before they buy, opting for a style using extensions is ideal for commitment-phobes.

for the faint-hearted. If OUR styling options are Y you’re a worrier then even endless if, like millions of the slightest gust of wind women, you decide to opt will set your heart racing! for braids or a weave. If Be sure to secure your wig you’re unsure whether to with slides and you’ll be set commit to the lengthy for any eventuality. process of growing locks then choosing a style that Human Hair uses extensions will give A hair that can be styled your hair a well-deserved using heat products like break and give you a taster tongs and blow dryers. of life without the Gives a more authentic look chemical dependency. and feel as opposed to the Here’ a brief list of what’s rougher texture of synthetic available if you decide to go Weaves Quick and easy to apply, hair. Best used for micro down this well worn route. braid styles and weaves. weaves are a firm favourite Braids among African-descended Choose your women because they can be preference, from micro manipulated in to a variety braids to jumbo plaits and of styles. Bonded to the everything in between. The scalp by sewing or glue, the beauty of braids is that they hair is then styled in a look can be worn long or short, of your choice. straight or curly, tied back or left loose as the whim Wigs takes you. Depending on By far the cheapest and easi- Synthetic Hair whether you use human or est option, the beauty of A cheaper hair that can’t be synthetic hair (see below) wearing a wig is that you manipulated using heat your imagination is the only can change styles every day styling. However, the limit to the number of styles if you choose without the benefits of synthetic hair is at your disposal. A great hassle of visiting a salon. that the ends can be burnt option for those who like to Invest in a well-fitting, well- for a neater, cleaner look. spend as little time as possi- styled wig to carry you Best used on jumbo braid ble in the salon, braids are through periods of tempo- styles and cornrows using perfect for busy women on rary hair drama. But, be extensions. the go. warned, wig wearing is not

EFTAL│ 9 Earth Sisters Choosing to go natural will mean you’ll be following in the footsteps of these beautiful and successful sisters.

LAURYN HILL (right) The multi-platinum star has sported afro-puffs, locs and wigs, inspiring women the world over to embrace their true beauty.

INDIA.ARIE The Acoustic Soul singer- has always worn her hair with pride and even composed an anthem liberating us from our hair struggles.

CASSANDRA WILSON The jazz diva’s trademark long blonde locs always look divine.

ERYKAH BADU The chameleon-like neo-soul singer has worn everything from locs to afro wigs to a close shorn mane.

FLOETRY The British soul duo made it Stateside staying true to remembered for her rows. coiled pink and blonde curls their roots, sporting locs circa 2000? and afros, repping UK style. JILL SCOTT Big, beautiful and TONI MORRISON ALICIA KEYS exceptionally gifted, Ms A long mane of mature locs The woman who bought Scott’s ‘fro is a winner. elegantly adorn the ac- cornrows back has recently claimed writer, a testimony switched up her look but Ms KELIS to her vast life experience Keys will always be Who can forget Kelis’ tightly and character.

10 │EFTAL Products for naturals

including shampoos, For touching up errant conditioners and daily locks: We recommend hair care treatments Stylin’ Dreadz Locking Gel, there are several £1.99. This gel should keep cheap but effective even the most stubborn options available in locks tidy. your local Afro hair store. For complete care of Check out our natural hair: We selection of the best recommend the entire mass market Dark & Lovely Naturals products for keeping your hair looking as NOW that you’ve made good as when you left the the life-changing decision to salon. go natural it’s all down to the maintenance. For shine: We Despite the common recommend Organic Root misconception that natural Stimulator® Olive Oil hair requires little attention Nourishing Sheen Spray, £3.99 455ml (above). compared to relaxed styles, range (below left), which the upkeep of strong, For daily conditioning: includes everything you beautiful locks takes as need for daily and intense much effort as looking after We recommend Better Locks Light Almond care of your natural hair. any other hairstyle at home. Try Honey Kissed Hair While Eftal stock a range Conditioning Oil, £1.99 for 300ml (above right) or Dress, £2.49 for 100g / of exclusive salon-only 3.5oz to keep your scalp in vegetable-based products Stylin’ Dreadz Hair Spray, £1.99 for 300ml. optimum condition and Tea Tree Oil Loc and Twist Butter, £2.49 for 114g / 4oz for re-twisting. For a refreshing shampoo experience we recommend Soothing Senna and Peppermint Shampoo, £2.49.

EFTAL│ 11

no softening products, no where from 6 months to 18 interference. This method months for hair to com- will create locs of different pletely lock, depending on sizes and shapes. It is a your hair and the method method preferred by Rasta- chosen. farians. Freeform Locs are started by Q: Can I colour or simply washing your hair bleach my locs? and leaving it alone to bud Yes! It is always best to visit on its own. Buds are the a professional hairdresser to characteristic "balls" and colour or bleach your locs, "folds" that form on sections but you can always try one of hair when shed hair is not of the commercial prepara- combed out. Once the locs tions yourself if you have Q: What are locs? begin to form buds, the buds the skill and confidence to In essence, locs are sections may be gently separated by do it yourself. of hair, which over a period hand until the desired thick- of time, mesh and entwine ness is achieved. Q: Once I have locs are together to form what is Cultivated Locs can be called a "loc". Eventually, started with two strand my styling options lim- the locked hair will mesh so twists, braids, comb twists, ited? tightly that it will be nearly single twists or palm rolls Just like loose hair, as your impossible to unmesh, at and all methods require locs grow, so do your styling which stage the locks be- maintenance when starting options. You can set them come permanent and must off either by a loctician in a on rods or curlers, you can be cut off if loose hair is salon or by yourself quite crimp them, spiral them, desired. easily. If you want your locs braid them and twist them. tight to the scalp, you will You can wear them up or Q: What are the different have to dedicate some time down. Your options are only types of locs and how to separate and re-tighten the limited by your efforts and locs at the base. If you don't creativity. are they created? mind the fuzzy base look, Organic you don't have to manipulate Q: How do I maintain my Locs are as much. It's up to you. started and locs? To successfully grow long maintained Q: How long will it take completely locs you will have to groom without ma- my hair to lock? them, just as with any hair nipulation. It all depends on how tightly type. It is a myth that mature Hair is coiled or bent your hair and rooted locs do not need washed and strands are. Usually, the routine maintenance. They left alone. nappier your hair, the faster will need to be kept soft, No combing, no separating, it will lock. It may take any clean and healthy.

If you’d like your question answered by Eftal’s natural hair expert, email [email protected]. 12 │EFTAL GLOSSARYGLOSSARY

locks or Locs) "synthetic hair" and base of the scalp. A A committed style that used for a variety of Silky (dread) Afro Twists can be achieved by low maintenance hair locks Two strand twists leaving braids in styles. Kanekalon hold A style in which syn- created by wrapping longer than the sug- up very well for braid thetic hair is wrapped one strand of hair gested time length styles requiring burn- around braided natural around another. while the hair locks at ing and it has a me- or synthetic hair. dium flame threshold the roots. Not all Sister Locks C dreads begin with (i.e. it with stands a Crochet fair degree of heat A thin interlocking braided hair -AND- technique used for A method that is braiding is NOT the before bubbling.) emerging all over the As with human hair, creating dreadlocks. best method to begin Visit country, by corn locks. Some dreads are Kanekalon is also braiding natural hair lended for bulk and www.sisterlocks.com begun by teasing the for more info. into a specific pattern. hair or simply leaving provides an alternative Then, synthetic hair is it uncombed. Some are feel when braiding. Y hooked into the corn- started and maintained braid using a crochet- S Yarn locks by using other locking This braided style con- ing needle. methods. Senegalese Twists A technique that origi- sists of wrapping yarn D K nated in Senegal that is around natural braided hair and finishing it off Dreads Kanekalon done by twirling and locking the hair at the by burning the ends of (also called Dread- Typically referred to as the yarn.

EFTAL│ 13

From locking and braiding to facials and waxing, Eftal Natural Hair & Beauty has it all... PRICE GUIDE

From Loc formation £35 Full head wash and retwist £30 Crochet Locs £70 Loc styling £10 Build-up remover in locs £15 Natural cornrow £20 Natural twist £35 Single plait extension £50 Weave £50 Herbal rinse £10 Wash and steam £20 Colouring (seaweed) £25

Beauty Services Facials Eye lash extensions Waxing Body treatments and much more...

SAVE £££’s ON YOUR NEXT VISIT 10% OFF ANY TREATMENT WITH THIS VOUCHER EFTAL NATURAL HAIR & BEAUTY, TOTTENHAM AND HACKNEY Voucher valid Monday—Thursday only, Only one voucher per visit Tel: 0208 809 4343 or 020 8533 6611 Expiration Date: 31/10/07

14 │EFTAL

This magazine was developed and published by Global Sable Publishing, ©2007. For more info, visit www.globalsable.com or email [email protected]. Telephone 0870 041 7937 or fax 0870 486 1824. 39 West Green Road 232 Graham Road Tottenham Hackney London N15 5BY London E8 1BP Tel: 020 8809 4343 Tel: 020 8533 6611

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