Anyways, my last post was about hair typing using a system made popular by Andre Walker, a celebrity hairstylist famous for styling Oprah Winfrey's hair. Now as much as this hair typing system helped categorize natural hair content in the beginning, it was built around a certain demographic, which meant some people's hair was left out/ not considered. Ironically, the original Andre Walker Hair Typing System didn't even include 4C HAIR, a hair type popular in the South African blogger circles, but was added later on to make the system more inclusive. Now ask yourself, 'How can a system that wasn't necessarily made with us in mind, be the only way we describe our hair?'

I know I say I have 4C hair, I even tag my post like that, but sometimes I will be watching video posted by a 4C natural and I will find myself shaking my head because 'there is no way my hair will ever behave like that'. My hair is coarser, its pattern more zig-zaggy and does not believe in a simple 'wash and go'.

Professor Nonhlanhla Khumalo, the brilliant doctor and researcher who published the first electron microscopy 'root-to-tip' scan of black African Hair has highlighted the fact that there is a lack of original data about African hair. According to her, there are as many as 8 (EIGHT!), not 4,  hair types in South Africa.

Funny enough, 8 hair types is in line with the Hair Type System used by Mizani which goes all the way to Type 8 hair, with type 7 and 8 being the type of hair more similar to mine. I say similar, because unfortunately even this hair type system was designed for customers in the United States which means that even though its more elaborate, its still might leave out a few tightly curled naturals eMzansi. The other issue about concentrating on hair that looks similar to yours, is the fact even though someone else's hair might look like yours, theirs might not respond to products in the same way yours does due to microscopic, yet important, differences.  Not sure why the picture resolution is different on Blogger than on the actual site, but you can click on the caption and it will direct you to the Mizani website.

Mizani: know your texture guide

Back in 2016, when I started blogging, I wrote a few posts around 'Understanding your Hair' and what you should know about your hair before even trying to to build a hair routine/regime. Since back in 2016 I wasn't consistent and neither was I promoting my posts, I thought it would be wise to rework and re-post those articles over the next month. Upon finishing the series, you should have a better understanding of your hair, making it easier to not only care for it, but easier to search for information about it. We will also use this information to build a hair regime that will help you reach your hair goals (don't worry, Ill write a post and guide you through that )

I hope that as the market grows and we become more knowledgeable, companies targeting the natural hair community in South Africa (and the rest of Africa) will fund more research into better understanding our hair, so they can not only serve the South African Market better, but better market their products, with all types being represented. 

So Renaud Dedi does not have much of a online presence. The last hair related post on Facebook page was back in September 2018 and their website does not work. Their only semi-active page is their Instagram page, with the last post being posted on 23 December 2018.  So how did I find them? Well my cousin lives down the road from them and I saw 'Ethnic Hair Salon' while on my way to buy bread (or was it wine?) and I decided they would be the most convenient salon to review. 

Well the salon is situated Douglas Village Shopping Centre which is clearly pinned on Google maps and very easy to find. Parking is plenty and it's free. 

Hair by Renaud Dedi was very clean when I arrived. It has everything a salon should have, adjustable chairs, movable hooded dryers as well as hand held dryers. I went on late on Saturday afternoon to book my appointment and on Sunday afternoon to actually get my hair done, and both times the salon wasn't too busy. Again, the photo below is from Hair by Renaud Dedi social media pages because I didn't get the opportunity to take a picture. 

When I arrived, my stylist, Loretta stated that she was going to use Mizani products on my hair. We started off with a wash, and I forgot look, let alone photograph the products she used then. We then proceeded to the treatment and this time I was able to ask her to bring the products, she was a bit hesitant when I told her I was going to take a picture (not sure why) but I told her that I like keeping track on everything that is used on my hair. For the treatment they used the products shown below. They are mixed together, applied on clean hair before wrapping the hair in cling wrap and having you sit under a hooded dryer for a couple of minutes.

My hairstylist was Loretta and she handled my hair from start to finish. She was friendly, introduced herself when I sat in her chair and was generally a warm person. She told me she was from Congo and also complimented me on my healthy afro. She did have me a little concerned when she said she tried keeping an afro but it was painful to comb and generally too much work. As much as this revelation was worrying, it prompted to give suggestions and instructions when I felt my hair was not being handled properly. One of the instructions I had to give was how to comb my hair from tip to root instead of the other way round. Loretta allowed me to demonstrate to her exactly what I meant and then followed suit. I must admit that I might have made Loretta a bit nervous because I was watching her very closely and for that I apologize. At the end,  even though I did not want to style my hair, she asked if she could braid two lines instead of just leaving it, and I'm glad I agreed. The lines were quick, the right tension and have me looking like I'm 18.

The price list cannot be found anywhere but at the actual shop and I managed to take a few pictures when no one was looking. Based on the price list you can tell that their specialty is more styling than it is dealing with Natural hair. As you can see their prices are very reasonable, especially considering their location.  

Generally my experience wasn't bad, but it also was not amazing either. Even though it is an ethnic salon, I do not feel like their staff has been properly trained on techniques (finger detangling, combing only when wet and from the tip to the root) used on natural hair. So would I go back there again? Only to get braids done with my hair already washed and prepped. The stylists was friendly and very open to taking instruction, so I believe with the right training, they could learn to work with natural hair. Mizani is a good brand which was developed with natural hair in mind, so I am always glad to see it.

Rating:  5.5/10 

I will tell you about how my hair looks and feels when I get around to undoing my braids.

Website: Renaud Dedi (its suspended)
Facebook: Hair by Renaud Dedi
Instagram: Hair_by_Renaud_Dedi