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How to get Viola Davis’ red carpet ready hair

When Viola Davis accepted her award for best actress at the Emmy’s – it wasn’t only her speech that moved us. She gets an award for her natural locks too!

Her personal hair stylist, Jamika Wilson reveals how they got her red carpet ready. 

GLAMOUR: What products did you use on Viola to create her red carpet look?

Jamika: My mainstay products are As I Am Curling Jelly which is perfect for two strand double twists – helping create definition without frizz. For shine and moisture I applied the Mizani Coconut Souffle Light Moisturizing Hairdress. These are the perfect combination of products for natural hair. 

GLAMOUR: Why do you think women are embracing natural hair?

Jamika: Women are embracing their natural hair for many reasons – self expression, being in their natural state, a fashion statement, cost and healthier hair. Natural hair is a movement: a movement of Black women choosing their own hair over the projected images of beauty by main stream society for over 40 years. Why women become natural is a personal choice and each has their own reason. And women stay natural because their hair is healthier and they embrace who they are and are comfortable in their hair.

GLAMOUR: What is the secret to going back to your natural texture?

Jamika: The secret to going back to your natural texture is the “Big Chop.” Cutting off the relaxed portion of the hair allows only the natural texture and you to start from the beginning. If you do not want to cut it all at once, shampoo and condition the hair weekly, do not use any heat on the hair and grow your natural texture. As your natural texture grows out you can trim the relaxed hair every few weeks until you are comfortable with the length of the natural texture to remove all the relaxed hair. During this process keep your hair moisturised and refrain from using heat. 

GLAMOUR: How can you keep your hair healthy?

Natural hair is not difficult to keep healthy. Shampoo and condition weekly using a moisturising conditioner. Keep your scalp clean to allow your hair to grow. If you don’t wash it weekly the scalp will have build up and clog the follicle. You will also need to trim your hair regularly (that means every six to eight weeks) by an experienced stylist. This is important as it keeps split ends away and maintains a style and shape. Finally, use oils to seal the cuticles, add moisture to the hair and add shine. I love Jojoba oil as it mimics the hair’s’ natural oils. Another is Castor oil which applied topically leads to thicker, faster hair growth.

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Missed out on the red carpet fashion? Check out the 10 best dressed celebs at the 2015 Emmy Awards.

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