How to grow afro like a pro

THERE is something dashing about a man who knows how to groom his hair, especially if afro. Maybe it’s the level of responsibility that such style seems to present for the man, or the shiny curls that are a feature of afro, it’s a style that has lasted generations in the Nigerian fashion world, and still stays true to form in terms of trendy hairstyles.

For the men who dare, taking the decision to keep hair comes with its perks, and success is only attainable by sheer commitment. Makeover spoke with two male hair stylists, Sodiq Lawal and Olaiyde Egunjobi, who offered tips for ensuring the best when it comes to achieving full, rich, lustrous hair, for afro lovers.

Loosen the purse strings

While many may assume that men are not expected to spend so much to care for the hair, when it comes to the afro, Lawal advises loosening the hold on the purse strings a little, because it costs a little more than what would go for regular barbing to get the best from the hair, when it comes to men.

Seek expert opinion

It is not okay to assume that the same process works for everyone when it comes to the hair. Egunjobi advises seeking expert opinion before trying out products. According to him, “an expert hair stylist will be able to recommend quality products for the best results. The expert can make recommendations from the texture, colour and even length of the hair to know what would work for you.”

Accept limitations

For some people, genes play a major role in determining the outcome of an adventure into the afro world, and so, it should be understood that not all persons can conveniently grow afro.

Go easy on products

For persons who decide to go the afro way, there’s the dilemma of the hair colour, because as the hair grows, the ends gradually turn brown, while the roots may stay black. As such, one may want to invest in dye. For Lawal, while some persons may easily get away with dyeing their hair, seeing as the products are made largely from artificial products, it is important to do it with moderation. You could try it in small amounts first so you can still salvage the bulk of the hair, in the event of negative outcome. Egunjobi also states that some people apply some kind of plant extract to the hair, which ensures fast growth. In all, according to both stylists, reasonableness is important.

There are no off days

Lawal and Egunjobi advise men who choose the afro look to do so with decency in mind. Unkempt afro is a no-no. As such, there are no off days, else, you may end up scaring people you meet in public and it may even warrant suspicion from law enforcement officials. For best results, ensure to moisturise as appropriate and get regular trims.