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Hair & Fashion
Link here to SUMMER HAIR TIPS article
 November 2009 Beauty Focus:
Africa's 'Wonder Moisturisers'
For skincare this season, don't miss Africa's 'wonder moisturisers', including Shea Butter, Baobab Oil and other richly nourishing skin products great for people of all backgrounds, skin shades and skin types. (Note: These organic, natural, fair trade items are now available for on AfricanOz Shop)
How can you keep your skin in good health this season, with pollution, weather changes and party-going wreaking havoc on soft skin? For natural, organic skin treatments that deliver vitamins, moisture and protection, you can't go past Africa's 'wonder moisturisers': Shea Butter, Baobab Oil and other plant derivatives that have been part of African beauty care for centuries.
Shea Nut Butter is already in many high-end cosmetic and beauty aides in the West due to its value as an emollient and moisturiser aiding everything from dry skin, stretchmarks and wrinkles to psoriasis. It's used in moisturisers, soaps, shampoos and even to condition drums! The Shea tree is native to 19 African countries across the 'savannah belt' from Ghana in the West to Sudan in the North-East. It has been used in African skin and haircare for centuries, with references dating back to Cleopatra's Egypt.
The Women's Cooperative of Ghana produce a lovely unrefined shea butter fairly traded for use in the excellent Richesse de l'Afrique range, now sold in Australia on AfricanOz Shop. This is a lovely unrefined Shea Butter high in vitamins and moisture, great for your skin, and contributing to an income for Ghana's women's cooperative.
Baobab Oil is not so widely known in the West, but its nourishing properties make it an excellent moisturiser for many different skin types - without leaving a greasy residue. The golden yellow oil is extracted from the seeds of the famous African Baobab Tree (or "upside down tree"). It has been used by African women in the savannah to treat and prevent dry skin and hair, with its nourishing mix of vitamins A, D, E and F. Like the 'ageless' Baobab Tree, the oil helps rejuvenate tired skin and prevent aging. It's also said to be a good treatment for eczema and psoriases. Australians can now access this wonderful nourishing oil via AfricanOz Shop.
Other African plant derivatives excellent in skincare include the cocoa pod and banana leaf - two of the ingredients in the popular West African Anago ('black soap'). Coconut Oil is another popular African beauty treatment, particularly along coastal regions. You can find this now in hundreds of skin & haircare products available in supermarkets, pharmacies, healthfood stores and more.
To have moisturisers and cleansers delivered to your door - see AfricanOz Shop using Paypal/credit card, bank transfer or cheque/postal order. Supporting African Culture in Australia, with proceeds going to AfricanOz website.
 Some Summer Hair Tips...
(Published September 2009) It's almost summer in Australia - an important time to start thinking about the looks and health of your beautiful hair, and your children's hair. That includes men too! (Pictured: Dark & Lovely Relaxers)
Summer is great time for showing off those gorgeous African tresses. But with the sun beating down and plenty of outdoor activities to partake in, we all need to start thinking about protecting and restoring the condition of our hair and scalp
It's no fun when a great day out ends in brittle, dry hair and a flaky scalp. But with a bit of care and planning you can step out looking and FEELING fabulous in the summer sun.
Here's a few summer hair tips to keep you smiling:
1. Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise! You can use a simple home-based, natural moisturiser (some recommend olive oil under a plastic wrap), or purchase one specially designed for African hair (AfricanOz Shop delivers Australia-wide - hair products direct to your door).
- ADULTS and teenagers try a DAILY or leave-in moisturiser such as Elasta QP Recovery Oil Moisturiser, or H-Two Leave-In Conditioner, or men can try Men's Soft Hair.
- Make time for an INTENSIVE conditioning treatment such as Breakage Control Serum.
- Protect and restore moisture in CHILDREN'S hair with products such as Beautiful Beginnings Oil Moisturiser (which makes a great detangler, as well as protector and enricher)
2. Drink plenty of water! It may sound obvious. But how often do we forget to do this! It's free and replenishing and great for your whole body.
3. Don't use damaging shampoos and soaps. It's sometimes tempting to pick up cheap shampoos designed for non-African hair at the local supermarket, but shampoos especially designed for African hair are best such as ElastaQP Bodifying shampoo, or Creme Conditioning Shampoo.
4. Use Extensions to minimise sun exposure on your natural hair. Watch out for new Hollywood Zury, Remy ranges coming up on AfricanOz Shop
5. If swimming, wear a cap or conditioner/moisturiser - or wash/moisturise soon after your swim.
6. Watch what type of relaxer you're using. Some can really dry your hair out. AfricanOz recommends high quality no-lye relaxers such as Dark & Lovely Regular Relaxer & Elasta QP's Normal Hair relaxer
7. Minimise use of curling irons & wands.
8. Be happy! A few breakages here and there are not the end of your great day out. Just remember to protect those delicate tresses, and help them recover before the next round of fun!
 July 2009
Fashion Focus:
Fadzai Matambanadzo
She's petite but powerful, fashionable but forward-thinking... Meet Ms Fadzai Matambanadzo, former Miss Africa Perth 2008, and founder of Perth-based charity 'African Dream Benefit'. Originally from Zimbabwe, and just 22 years old, Fadzai has already found a way to turn her love and concern about Africa into a proactive fundraising scheme: 'The African Dream Benefit' is a charity designed to give African kids from low socio-economic backgrounds access to education, helping to alleviate generational poverty. To help her cause, and for a great night out at the Ball in Perth in August (09), see African Dream Benefit website. For more pics of Fadzai, see www.flickr.com [Posted 30 June 2009]
Previous stories:
Kenyan-born model Antoinette Ataaro ; African Australian model Abang Othow ; Former Miss Australia Nalishebo Gaskell ; Supermodel Liya Kebede ; Sudanese Australian model Akuol Diing ; African Australian model Yemma Christine ;
Treatment for dry hair
Iman's Beauty Tips at Your FingerTips Posted Nov 2007
Who can forget the stunning face of supermodel 'Iman', born in Somalia, and 'discovered' in the 1970s by a photographer, while she was studying political science at the University of Nairobi in Kenya?... The following years saw her propelled into a whirlwind modelling career in the USA, going onto become one of the most successful black models and stars in the world. She famously married musician/actor David Bowie, and by the early 1990s started her own cosmetic range for women of colour. Now the ever beautiful Iman has released The Beauty of Color (Colour) a wonderful, full-colour make-up and beauty guide that includes great advice on skin, eyes, lips, cheeks, special looks, as well as photo profiles on style icons such as Liya Kebede, Kiara Kabikuru, Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys and many more! The book is one of the first to address women across the spectrum, including Latina, black, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Native American.
Iman's 'The Beauty of Color' is now available in Australia from AfricanOz Shop
For more about Iman, see Iman's cosmetics website
FROM THE ARCHIVES:
PROFILE: A chat with model Yemma Christine
We had a chat with African Australian model Yemma Christine. For Yemma 'making it' in Australia has been not just about learning how to survive in the competitive modelling industry, but about remaining true to her roots and studying for a secure future.
Yemma Christine, originally from Congo, has seen a big transformation in Australian modelling in recent years - with girls of diverse backgrounds becoming increasingly popular in the fashion industry.
According to Yemma, "When I first started modeling in Australia in 1997, I was
the only black (African) model on the catwalk… Then in 2000 I finally
saw more black girls in the modeling industry - it was a very exciting
time because we have so much to contribute to Australia."
[Continued from front page]
Despite this, Yemma concedes there are still many challenges facing 'coloured' models
in Australia. Some models look for work abroad in New York or
London where there is a higher demand for models of African
background. Others need to work in different industries to supplement
their income.
Some, like Yemma, choose to study. She is now doing a Bachelor of
Science in Information Technology. "I love modeling," she says, "but I
need to build a career in IT to fall back on in the future."
She also
spends her time helping new arrivals settle into Australia - a subject passionate to her since her own difficult transition in 1997. Sponsored by her older brother, she arrived in Australia while still in high school. Even at this age, she had the responsibility of looking after her younger siblings while trying to complete her Year 12 and adjust to life in a new country. "It was quite difficult to adjust to the Australian culture," admits Yemma, "The culture here is totally different to the one we have in DRC. It was difficult shopping and finding where to get things for my younger brother and sister.
"Without enough information, new arrivals face challenges in where to get
things such as clothes and food – all these challenges make it hard
for them to enjoy the beauty of Australia," she says.
But luckily for Yemma (who grew up speaking French) she had learnt basic English in Kinshasa, enabling her to get by on her language skills. She also soon found her naturally tall, slim figure attracting the attention of fashion photographers and agents. This was a surprise for Yemma - who had grown up in a country where shorter, plumper women were valued as 'more attractive'.
Her 'lucky break' followed a chance meeting with a fashion photographer
while she was out exploring Sydney's exclusive Double Bay area.
"Excuse me, are you a model?" the photographer asked.
"No," said Yemma.
"Well, you look like one. Let me see you walk."
Yemma walked. And from there it was just a few short steps to a local modeling agency, who were similarly impressed by her striking appearance. One of her first catwalk jobs was for designer
Susie Mooradoof. But it wasn't all uphill. Yemma had some intensive training ahead of her – She worked in many shows for free in
her first couple of years to gain the 'personality' and 'experience' required for the competitive world of modelling. Eventually, she landed a job in France for leading designer Gucci. In Australia she
modeled for Chanel, Tigerlily, Akira Isogawa, Morrissey & DKNY. She now works with the Platform modelling agency in Sydney.
Yemma hopes to use her experience as a model to help promote African models to the world – an ambition
that has already seen her meet with representatives in New York and
other locations. Ultimately, Yemma hopes, people will realize the
untapped modeling talent in Africa, a discovery that will benefit both
the West and Africa.
In addition to promoting African modelling, Yemma saves hard to assist her family and others
in her homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo. "My mind belongs to
the children in Africa," she says. "When I finish my studies I'd like
to return to Africa and teach other Congolese how to use and repair
computers."
So, for Yemma, like many African Australian models and performers, 'making it' is as much about remembering her roots and doing good for others, as it is about personal achievement.
You can email Yemma at yemmachristine@yahoo.com
Unique African Styles Shine on Catwalk
 
There was some exciting talent on show for the 2006 Sanlam SA Fashion Week in South Africa in July. Designers showcased some striking designs, many inspired by African 'indigenous' clothing influences. This was certainly the philosophy of designers Vanya & Thando Mangaliso of Sun Goddess (and Sun God, designs pictured) whose work aims to contribute to the new South Africa's identity - with designs that "link our past, present and future". The popular designers will represent South Africa at next year's first World Fashion Week - a fashion extravaganza supporting humanitarian causes and showcasing leading designers from 38 countries, including Australia and the other African participant, Kenya. Browse through the links in this article for some great designs.
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QUALITY HAIR PRODUCTS FOR AFRICAN AUSTRALIANS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR - www.africanozshop.com
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AFRICAN HAIR LINKS
African Hair - useful site with tips, gallery, articles on African hair care
Black Hair Media - tips, styling, how tos & more.
Braids & Weaves - Looking after the health of hair & skin
 links, methods, info
Shaving Avoid razor bumps, for men
Hairdressers, salons, braids, dreadlocks, extensions & more
AFROZ HAIR with Lidiya
 Some Traditional African Hair Treatments
Nowadays there are a range of commercial products available to treat very dry hair or scalp. But there are also some natural formulas in use across Africa. The ingredients are rubbed into the hair, scalp and roots, wrapped under a shower cap and/or towel and left overnight or for several hours. They tend to work best if done once a week, just before shampooing/washing the hair.
- Pure olive oil is sometimes used as a good all-round treatment for the hair and scalp and can be left on overnight or for several hours.
- Egg and avacado is a nice treatment for softer African hair. Take one soft avacado, mush it up into a paste. Add the egg (both yolk and white) and beat it until creamy. Rub it over the hair and scalp and wrap it in plastic. Yes, it can be tough to wash out, but usually worth the effort! Egg is also great on its own. And the avacado paste makes a nice reviving face mask.
- In the African Horn region, women swear by the qualities of naturally made butter to provide nutrients and moisture for the hair and scalp. Although a little pungent on the nostrils, it is very effective when smeared generously over the hair and scalp and left under hot towels! But generally this is best left to the experts in Africa!
PROFILE: Ethiopian Supermodel Liya Kebede
 It is almost two years since stunning 25-year-old Ethiopian model Liya Kebede was named the newest face of cosmetic giant Estée Lauder – joining Carolyn Murphy and Elizabeth Hurley in a universal ‘model trio’.
Liya was raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She was studying at French school when she was 'discovered' by a film director who introduced her to a French modelling agent. After finishing her studies, Liya joined an agency in France. She then moved onto New York where American Vogue named her as part of the city’s fashion elite.
 Since her rise to fame, Liya has been on the covers of over 30 magazines including French Vogue, Italian Vogue, and V Magazine, and has been photographed by some of the world’s top photographers such as Ines van Lamsweede and Vinoodh, Steven Meisel, Mikael Janssen, and Bruce Weber. She walked the runways for over 40 of the Spring ’04 fashion shows for designers such as Ocsar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Narcisco Rodriguez, Michael Kors, Missoni, Gucci, Chloe, Fendi and Yves Saint Laurent.
Aerin Lauder, Vice President of Global Advertising Estée says Liya has a global appeal of interest to all ages and cultures: “Liya defines modern beauty," she says.
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