Editorial Hairstylist Anike Rabiu Talks Spring Transitional Hair
This story first appeared on L’Oréal’s Hair.com.
Editorial hairstylist Anike Rabiu is the creative hands behind many of the curly hairstyles you see in designer brand advertisements, beauty campaigns, and so much more. You can catch her work in some of the biggest beauty and fashion magazines in the world. Her editorial images encapsulate how hair can have it’s own artistic sensibilities. She’s the auntie figure you want to have on set.
The cultural architect, hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, has been a hairstylist for eight years—and we wanted to get to know more about how she transitions her hair care routine from winter to spring. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Anike Rabiu’s spring hair routine, including tips and tricks curly girls need to know about. She also dishes on her career, how to know if a product is good for your hair, how she cared for her strands during quarantine, and the spring hair trends to follow for 2021.
EM: What made you get into hair?
Anike Rabiu: I initially went to school for nails, but I fell into hair by accident. My interest in nails was strictly to understand the business so that I could open a nail salon. That was my plan, but the universe had something more dynamic planned for me. I attended the School of Cosmetology in Soho, New York. By the time I’d realized that I enrolled in what I thought was the wrong program, I was incredibly fascinated. I was hooked, skimming through the text books seeing lessons about the science, structure, and the various roles that hair has played in human history, coupled with the idea of learning how to cut, color, and style hair. This excited me so much. It seemed as if everything in my life journey made sense and that I was on the right path.
EM:How have you transitioned from winter hair to spring hair care?
Anike Rabiu: I usually have braids to protect my natural hairstyles from the dryness of winter. In the spring, I keep the braids but spritz them with water to moisturize my hair. Water is such an essential element in the winter season because of the weather. Instead of using hair gel on my baby hairs, I also show them some love with water because it looks more natural that way.
EM: How did you take care of your hair in quarantine and what are some tips for natural hair girls?
Anike Rabiu: I let my hair breathe during the pandemic. Water is my favorite product, so I moisturized my hair a ton. I also did a lot of moisture masks. For natural hair girls, the twist out hairstyle is great. Just make sure your hair is not sopping wet. Only work with damp hair because it will dry faster. Create an oil to water mixture and moisturize until you see results.
EM: What kind of hair textures do you work with and how do you treat each hair texture?
Anike Rabiu: I work with all natural hair types. The theme of the fashion industry is to keep the natural texture of the hair, which saves on product. I like working on damp hair then using hydrating and moistening serum to complete the look. It’s also important to let your natural hair air dry. This helps hair keep its form and shape. In all hair textures, it’s best to keep it simple. If I’m working on an editorial project, I go off of the vision of the creative director to bring the imagery to life.
EM: What kind of styles are clients asking for the most right now?
Anike Rabiu: For commercials, beach waves are really hot right now. In the salon, mullets and curtain bangs are really trendy.
EM:What are your hair must-haves?
Anike Rabiu: The best natural hair product is water. A great primer and or a foundation like a mousse is also good. A favorite of mine is L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni. Art Volume Envy Extra Mousse.
Heat protectant is also essential. I carry two blow dryers in my kit when I style just in case one dryer malfunctions. I love to use my blow dryer with a diffuser for non-straight textured hair. I find I use my1-inch curling iron the most when creating beachy textures. To finish a style, my preference for product depends on the talent’s actual hair texture and what I desire that final look to be. I love a good dry texture spray. I also love nourishing creams, serums, or oil to help the hair look and feel healthy.
