LORETTA WITH THE GREAT HAIR

As a child I had great hair and then I destroyed it when I started chemically straightening (relaxing) it in my teens. The condition deteriorated further when I went to university and started relaxing it at any salon I could find, instead of my reliable hometown hairdresser. A lot of these salons were ill-equipped to handle my hair. This coincided with me buying my first pair of GHDs. I went over the same strands over and over and over again - it makes me wince to think about now.

It’s taken about six years for my hair to return to its original condition. I obviously stopped the treatments, and completely changed the way I treated it. I now avoid heat, use protective styles, and know what I I need to avoid, like sulphates which really dry hair out.

ON HER BEST HAIR MEMORY

I braided all the way through school and experimented with different coloured extensions. At one point, I had blue, yellow, purple and pink. One time in school, a boy was reprimanded for having too-short a haircut. For his defence, he pointed out that I had multi-coloured hair, which should surely be against school policy too. The teacher replied that I was allowed because it was my religion - news to me. I did, however, nod in agreement before strutting out equal parts smug and bemused at the sheer ignorance. I finished the year with green hair.

WORST HAIR MEMORY

My mum and I used to go to a lady called Gloria’s house to have her hair braided, it took 10 hours (on a good day!) Then, of course, the university years. Gah, broken, dry, weak, a terrible cut - the list goes on.

ON CUT AND COLOUr

I have an entire team for my hair. For my bi-monthly braids it’s Afi - I usually have thick box braids which takes around 5 hours. Afi is the best in the business - I get strangers come up to me to compliment her work. And for blow dries and trims, I go to Zateesha Barbour or Kemi aka Khairsforyou. I don’t colour my hair (I’m not sure I'd ever go bright again), but if I did I’d simply dye in black, as due to sun lightening, it’s pretty much brown.

THE SHAMPOO

Dizziak Hydration Wash, £20

This has completely changed the shampoo experience for me. Never before have I used a shampoo that makes my hair feel so clean, soft and hydrated at the same time.

THE CONDITIONER

Dizziak Deep Conditioner, £22

Even though I’ve used it for ages, every time I do, I am shook at how effective it is. It makes my hair feel incredible, and I love the fragrance, which is fresh and spa like - not fruity or too sweet. Post-wash I always try to finish hair washing with a cool rinse to add shine.

THE STYLING PRODUCT

EVO Curl balm, £19.95

I love how sleek it looks, how it glides on and the subtle but effective hold to my curls.

THE TOOLS

My hair dryer is about 18 years old and probably quite dangerous. I never use it – I always air dry. My perm rollers (also about 20 years old) are great for switching up my style. I put them on my hair when it’s dry and a few hours later, I’ll have a new look.

THE BRUSH

Denman D3 Medium Classic Styling Brush, £8

So good for detangling in the shower, which I only ever do with conditioner.

THE SUPPLEMENT

Viviscal Maximum Strength, £89.96

I’ve been using Viviscal for five years now. I really notice a difference to my hair, not in length but in thickness. The first time I used it, my hair became so thick that I couldn’t even get it into a bun.