Julie Oli, UK-based hair specialist, author and speaker is the Founder of Healthy Afro Hair. She teaches her knowledge and expertise to women in search of solutions to their hair growth problems.
When we first bumped into her Youtube channel a few months ago, we loved the fact that it was clear and exhaustive. It contains videos detailing the key steps of a healthy hair regime (ie: “How I wash my hair”, “How I condition my hair”, “How I detangle my hair” etc).
We were
delighted to hear that she would be holding a seminar at the Afro Hair &
Beauty Live Show in London this weekend (stand 25) and wanted to catch with her
before the event to let you know her hair secrets.
Well, I decided to cut my hair back in December 2011, due to the ends becoming thin and I wanted to bring it back to a nice manageable length with more thickness. So I am currently between Armpit length (APL) and back bra-strap length (BSL).
You
started your healthy hair journey in September 2007. What happened? Who
inspired you?
The turning
point was that I was sick and tired of my hair always breaking. I was
determined to find a solution so I went on hair care forums, blogs. I researched
for about a month and Ultra Black Hair
Growth by Cathy Howse made me decide to implement my own hair care journey.
Who is you hair inspiration?
Cathy Howse
because Ultra Black Hair Growth is the
first book I read on black hair care. When I saw her pictures online and how
she grew her hair I thought: wow! Let’s read her book and see what she has to
offer.
In
your opinion, what’s the biggest mistake black women make with their hair?
I would say heat appliances, because constant usage causes damage to our hair. Another point is moisturising the hair. Our hair texture is naturally dry, so we need to be moisturising twice a day to prevent breakage and this is not done often enough.
I would say heat appliances, because constant usage causes damage to our hair. Another point is moisturising the hair. Our hair texture is naturally dry, so we need to be moisturising twice a day to prevent breakage and this is not done often enough.
How
do you wear your hair on a daily basis?
Before I began my hair journey, I imagined I would wear my hair out on a daily basis. However, due to the hard work and effort I put into growing it over the years, I realised that it needed to be handled with care, so now I wear many protective hair styles to prevent my hair from rubbing against my clothes and causing breakage (which is a common problem).
Before I began my hair journey, I imagined I would wear my hair out on a daily basis. However, due to the hard work and effort I put into growing it over the years, I realised that it needed to be handled with care, so now I wear many protective hair styles to prevent my hair from rubbing against my clothes and causing breakage (which is a common problem).
What
protective styles do you recommend for people with short hair?
I would recommend them trying half wigs to help assist in growing and maintaining their hair on a daily basis. This way, they do not have a weave directly sewn into the hair and can therefore continue their hair care regime daily.
I would recommend them trying half wigs to help assist in growing and maintaining their hair on a daily basis. This way, they do not have a weave directly sewn into the hair and can therefore continue their hair care regime daily.
Doesn’t
it create a lot of product build-up to moisturise so often?
Not really, because I wash and condition my hair on a weekly basis to help remove the product build up on my hair and scalp, so that helps.
Not really, because I wash and condition my hair on a weekly basis to help remove the product build up on my hair and scalp, so that helps.
You
said on your website that the secret to hair growth is learning to understand
what your hair wants and being patient. Can you be more specific?
Yes, I recommend doing thorough research and listening to proven, tried and tested methods that actually work; using myself as an example. It's also about trial and error, in terms of trying various hair products on your hair. For example, if a moisturiser makes your hair feel dry, then you know it’s not for you. Everyone’s hair is different. But it's important to read the ingredients on the packaging and avoiding ingredients such as Petroleum/Mineral oils (which prevent moisture from penetrating the hair) and Short chain Alcohols (which dry out the hair).
Yes, I recommend doing thorough research and listening to proven, tried and tested methods that actually work; using myself as an example. It's also about trial and error, in terms of trying various hair products on your hair. For example, if a moisturiser makes your hair feel dry, then you know it’s not for you. Everyone’s hair is different. But it's important to read the ingredients on the packaging and avoiding ingredients such as Petroleum/Mineral oils (which prevent moisture from penetrating the hair) and Short chain Alcohols (which dry out the hair).
You provide one to one consultations and a 12 week coaching programme. What does it entail?
It’s
basically checking on the clients every week (by Skype or over the phone). On Week 1, we sit down and identify the problem, examine
their diet, the products they’re using
and create a regimen. Then on Week 2, they give feedback and we try to find solutions.
The programme lasts 12 weeks because that’s the time it took me to start
noticing some results. I believe people are more successful when they’re watched.
Do you have natural clients?
Yes. It’s
not about having natural or relaxed hair but more about finding the regime we
need.
Wash day can be quite challenging for naturals,
especially when it comes to drying the hair out without heat (air drying). What do you recommend?
If you have
natural hair, you need to be moisturing while you’re air drying otherwise it will tangle. You can tie it down or twist it to
keep it flat while it dries. Then take it down and moisturize again every
couple of hours until it’s fully dry.
I believe
that spray moisturisers are better than lotions because they allow to get between the strands. They are water based, quicker and more convenient.
Tell us a bit more about your seminar at
the London Afro Hair & Beauty Live Show.
Well, it's only for 45mins, so I’ll be going back to the basics and sharing my hair growth story and how it all started, as well as the MYTHS that have prevented us from growing longer, stronger, healthier hair.
Just to add that I have set up a Facebook group specifically for women (both relaxed and natural) to come together to discuss their hair problems, solutions and work together to successfully grow their hair. It's a private group for anyone to join. Details are below.
Well, it's only for 45mins, so I’ll be going back to the basics and sharing my hair growth story and how it all started, as well as the MYTHS that have prevented us from growing longer, stronger, healthier hair.
Just to add that I have set up a Facebook group specifically for women (both relaxed and natural) to come together to discuss their hair problems, solutions and work together to successfully grow their hair. It's a private group for anyone to join. Details are below.
Website: www.julieoli.com/
Facebook :
www.facebook.com/HealthyAfroHair
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