Can anyone recommend a hairdressers that's good with mixed-race (Afro/European) hair in South London?

[franch]

Easy to find, you'd think, but I haven't had much luck. I've taken my 2 girls, who have fairly classic mixed-race hair, to all the local hairdressers, both Afro and European (including several on Acre Lane), and they trim it ok but always leave the poor things looking awful so it's not a great experience for them.

I'm not interested in paying loads extra for braids etc. One Afro hairdresser tried to blowdry DD1's long, corkscrew hair straight and she looked like the 'before' picture in the Frizz Ease ads; another fluffed DD2's shoulder-length, tightly-curled hair into an Afro which she hated, but didn't seem to know how to define the curls. The European hairdressers, unsurprisingly, are no better.

I used to have a lovely lady recommended by MarsLady who came to our flat in North London, so I've been spoilt; I know realise it's more of a specialist skill than I thought.

Any top recommendations?

I have a salon I cannot recommend enough, but sorry you need to travel North of the River.

3Thirty in Old Street (ask to speak to Tiff)she is amazing with Mixed Race, European and Afro Hair. Explain what your previous issues have been and what your girls would like have when they leave as well as general aftercare issues.

Hope it all goes well :)

From the Root salon in Lewisham is very good.

Thanks MSDP, they sound great - actually though if I was going that far I'd use our old hairdresser who was wonderful.

I'll try From The Root vonnyh if I don't get any more suggestions although I thought there would be somewhere nearer Clapham! Many thanks.

I too am looking for a good hairdresser in South London to tend the locks of my mixed race DD (aged 6).Any recommendations would be very welcome.

I'm afraid I have had negative experiences with From the Root. Franch - have you tried it, and if so, how did you get on?

No, haven't tried it scary - I really need somewhere nearer to home. We're right next to Brixton and Tooting for goodness' sake, you'd think there'd be somewhere nearby!

oh I'm so glad my DC are all boys - I just take them to the barber and have it all cut off with the clippers (well most of it)

Hello there Folks,

If you'd like a one-off advice and help session I would strongly suggest you visit Junior Green, and his wife Joy Miller.

They are absolutley brilliant, and it might be worth the one off trip just to see what you should be doing and using.

Junior Green, Hyde Park, London.

Thanks KO - actually after much trial and error I'm really confident with styling my DDs' hair now. All that's missing is someone nice and local who can style it at least as well as I can after they cut it. I just want haircuts to be a treat rather than a trial for them!

Hiya, have you tried Hype? There's one in Balham and I believe there's still one in Clapham too.

No I haven't Madinitials - I see they have branches in Balham, Brixton and Battersea.

Can you tell me more?

My mate takes her kids to WWK on Bedford Hill in Balham

My friend who is mixed race introduced me to Hype and her hair always looks beautiful. They're not cheap but they are really good. I usually see Shalina, can't remember the name of the stylist my friend sees but I think it's a guy.

Sounds good Madinitials, thanks.

Good results with mixed-race hair at WWK EldonAve?

Yes I believe so, certainly for cutting, can't comment on styling

Hi there,

Do you know what products Hype use on mixed-race kids hair at their salon.

I've gone Paraben-free crazy since reading up about it.

What is the deal with parabens, knackered?

franch - hello again,

Well PARABENS are found in many beauty products and are bascially a form of preservative.
You'll find that many of the new ranges of well known brands are now advertising that the product is Paraben -free. They've had to move with the times.

For most parabens are safe and cause no reactions, but some people can develop skin rashes or irritated scalps from their use.

Concern is growing on whether some parabens could disrupt normal hormone function by mimicking oestrogen. It's thought that they're absorbed into the body through the skin. So far there's been no conclusive research into whether or not they increase the risk of developing cancer.

Some manufacturers have now started using natural preservatives such as Vitamin A,C and E, grapefruit seed extract, as well as essential oils such as tea tree, caraway, lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, rose, caraway and sandalwood.

Really it's been a case of, as we, the cosumers have become more clued up about ingredients, they've had to adjust and start using more eco/health friendly substitutes.

e.g. methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben or ethylparaben

Thanks KO!

I always end up trimming Dd's hair myself as I'm scared stiff of having a disaster in the hairdressers chair...Dd's only 4, has beautiful hair and I'm sure it needs a professional trim...not sure what to do for the best.

KO - what does Junior Green charge for kids? I've just been looking at his prices online but kids aren't mentioned.

Hello franch,

Got searching for Junior green when read this thread and i found this. i didnt know they did these i.e 'Masterclass Days' at hairdressers?

(Juniro Green how to section)
www.gidore.com/mixed-race-haircare/index.php/haircare/

(the blogs are interesting)
www.gidore.com/mixed-race-haircare/index.php/community/

I'd like to knwo about the products. anyone know anything about this website? still looks like it's being developed, but looks good. I might follow and see what they do.

My kids hair is becoming harder and harder to cope with.

great video:

Well, I took the girls to Junior Green yesterday and a stylist called Craig did a great job. He straightened their hair beautifully in order to do a good cut, and gave them the choice of leaving it straight or going back to curly afterwards. They enjoyed the novelty of the straightness so he styled it perfectly and they kept it like that for the day. (They had swimming later which I wouldn't have arranged if I'd known!) Only downside was the price: £55 each

I can't do that regularly so my quest continues. Might try Hype next. Does anyone know which stylist I should ask for?

Does anyone know any places near Surrey? Also just managing hair in every day life? I am thinking about taking trip to junior green as at treat. Currently use mixed chicks or motions but it's the brushing and knots??? Help???

I'm also looking for somewhere in Surrey, JayneIsabella. My DS is 5 and I've been lucky because his short hair cuts have been done by his uncle. My DS is only 9 months so I don't need to worry just yet but I will need to find somewhere to take her and there doesn't seem to be anywhere locally.

With regards to brushing and knots, when DS's hair is long, I comb it in the shower when it's got loads of conditioner on it. I then either use a tangle-teaser (best invention ever) or an Afro comb (I've heard Denman brushes are also good) and find the comb glides through (no tears). HTH