Interview with hairdressers Eighty Hair to talk all things south Asian hair

South Asian hair is gorgeous! Typically thick and strong, it is often coveted. But it can have it’s problems like being prone to frizziness and oiliness. So we spoke to professional hairdressers and Eighty Hair salon co-founders Consey and Julie about some tips and tricks to have your hair ready for summer fun once lockdown ends!

BAWM: What are the common problems you see in south Asian hair?

CONSEY and JULIE: For many people who have a vegetarian/vegan diet with a high fat can suffer hair loss as they get older, this is quite common within the Asian community. It can also be hormonal because of menopause which can make it feel finer in texture. For younger ladies it can be unruly and have a frizz because it's thick.

BAWM: What's the best way to deal with oily hair?

CONSEY and JULIE: Oily hair is a tricky problem. There are shampoos off the shelves in chemists and supermarkets that strip the hair of all the oils . This isn’t the best solution because all the goodness is taken out of the hair. Less is best , try not to wash your hair too often and not too vigorously as it stimulates the sebaceous glands. It's hard to stop but it will be beneficial. We have a shampoo by Keune So Pure range, it's a cooling shampoo that gently cleans the hair and scalp. Care range has a shampoo called Derma active which also helps.

Keune So Pure range

BAWM: What are some easy steps to combat frizziness?

CONSEY and JULIE: Frizzy hair is a big problem in this climate especially in the damp. The ultimate way is the Brazilian blowdry which relaxes and smooths the hair and lasts for 3-4 months. Alternatively there are smoothing creams and serums in the Wella range that can help. When you dry your hair always make sure it's dry in the roots. That’ll help to make the ends smooth and the blowdry last. If you leave your hair to dry naturally then try leaving the conditioner on the ends, don’t rinse it out and it will help smooth it. As with all hair types we recommend a good quality shampoo and conditioner.

BAWM: How can south Asian women make their long and thick hair more manageable?

CONSEY and JULIE: You ladies have such beautiful hair. And obviously want to keep the condition as best as possible. We would suggest as  before a good quality moisturising shampoo and conditioner. When brushing out tangles always start from the bottom and work up to the roots.

BAWM: What are some tips and tricks to bring life back to dry hair?

CONSEY and JULIE: Dry hair often needs more than a conditioner, a hair mask from a salon that you can use at home or an in salon treatment like Keune Bond Fusion .This needs to be applied to the mid lengths and ends. It’s always the ends that are dry therefore it’s important to have them cut regularly.

BAWM: How can we enhance the natural curls in wavy hair?

CONSEY and JULIE: Don’t brush it when it's dry. Refresh every day with water with your hands and apply more product, even a bit of conditioner.

BAWM: What can be done to combat dry hair?

CONSEY and JULIE: Regular trims and use a thermal protector if you use straighteners.

BAWM: South Asian women usually have dark hair - black and dark brown in colour - what is your general advice on how they can go about dying it whether to something light but natural or light but not natural like blue, green and pink etc?

CONSEY and JULIE: We always recommend a consultation with our expert colourist. You have to be realistic with your expectations. A colour on social media isn’t always what you see. Remember there is a lot of upkeep and a commitment to keep it looking as it did when you left the salon.

If you have any questions of specific hair concerns that you want to ask Consey about, then please let us know by emailing britishasianwomensmagazine@gmail.com and check out our other articles on hair. We have pieces on what south Asian hair is actually like on a follicular level and therefore how to care for it and the best products for south Asian hair.

Eighty Hair Ltd

https://www.eightyhair.co.uk/

Tel: 01923 822 181 

Instagram: @eightyhairltd