Afro and Taper: Owning Your Natural Texture

Natural hair does not need to be tamed into something else. It needs moisture, a good shape and a barber who understands how coils behave. Whether you wear a full Afro, a taper or something in between, the same care rules apply.

Afro or taper: how to choose

• Afro: keeps length on top and shapes the outline. Best if you like volume and have time to moisturise and detangle.
• Taper: keeps the top neat and gradually shortens toward the neck and ears. Easier to maintain and reads as smart in an office.
• Taper with a bit of length on top: a good middle option for a bold look that still fits in a boardroom.

Moisture comes first

Coily hair dries out quickly because natural oils have a hard time travelling down the curl. Use a leave-in conditioner or a light cream on damp hair, and seal it with a small amount of oil. Dry, brittle hair breaks, and broken hair will not hold a shape.

Detangle gently

Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, working from the tips up to the roots and only when the hair is damp and conditioned. Combing dry, coily hair is the fastest way to cause breakage.

Keep the edges sharp

A clean line-up around the forehead, temples and neckline is what makes natural hair look intentional. Book a line-up every one to two weeks, and a full shape every three to four weeks.

Protect it at night

A satin bonnet or pillowcase prevents moisture loss and friction while you sleep, so the shape is still there in the morning.