Expert Advice | Absa Ladies Beauty Salon, Dubai

Braids & protective styles

A good protective style should protect. A little care between appointments keeps your braids neat and your own hair healthy underneath.

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Sleep in a satin or silk bonnet or scarf, or on a satin pillowcase, to reduce frizz and friction.
Keep your scalp clean and lightly moisturised. A light oil or scalp spray is enough. Heavy products cause build-up.
Be gentle with your edges. If a braid feels tight or sore, tell us. Braids should never hurt.
Plan to take braids out after around six to eight weeks so your hair and scalp can rest.
Book a treatment between styles to put moisture back before your next install.

Silk press

A silk press is all about movement and shine. Moisture in the air is its main enemy, so a few habits make it last.

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Wrap your hair at night and cover it with a silk or satin scarf.
Keep it dry. Use a shower cap, and skip heavy steam where you can.
Go light on products. A drop of serum on the ends is plenty. Oils and creams weigh the hair down.
Avoid adding more heat every day. Re-wrapping does most of the work.
Regular trims and deep conditioning keep your hair strong enough to enjoy heat styling.

Scalp health

Your scalp is skin, and it is where every strand begins. When it is clean, calm and balanced, your hair tends to follow.

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Wash regularly, even in protective styles. A clean scalp is more comfortable and less flaky.
Massage with your fingertips, not your nails, when you shampoo.
Rinse thoroughly. Leftover product is a common cause of itchiness.
If you notice persistent flaking, soreness or thinning, speak to us or to a doctor or dermatologist.
A scalp-focused treatment every so often gives a deeper cleanse than you can easily manage at home.

Natural curls

Wash day does not need to take all day. A consistent, gentle routine matters more than a shelf full of products.

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Detangle in sections with plenty of conditioner, working from the ends up to the roots.
Apply your styling products to very wet hair for better definition.
Dry with a microfibre towel or a cotton T-shirt. Regular towels rough up the curl.
Deep condition regularly, especially if your hair is coloured or feels dry.
Once your curls are set, try not to touch them until they are fully dry.

Locs

Locs are low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. Clean, well-moisturised locs stay strong and look their best.

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Wash your locs regularly and let them dry completely. Damp locs can develop an odour.
Use light, residue-free products. Heavy waxes and creams build up inside the loc.
Do not retwist too often or too tightly. Give your roots time between maintenance sessions.
Cover your locs at night with a satin scarf or bonnet to prevent lint and dryness.
Book a detox wash if your locs feel heavy or dull.

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Nails

A little care between appointments helps your manicure last and keeps your natural nails healthy.

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Use cuticle oil daily. It keeps nails flexible and your manicure looking new.
Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning.
Do not peel or pick at gel or extensions. It takes layers of your natural nail with it. Book a removal instead.
Treat your nails as jewels, not tools. Use something else to open cans and parcels.
Come back for a refill or fresh set on time, so lifting does not lead to breakage.

Care that carries on at home.