This past weekend, Dark & Lovely, in collaboration with Black Wendy, the face and voice of their Relaxed Hair Care Range, and acclaimed hairstylist Bomzi, hosted an empowering Masterclass that celebrated individuality, self-expression, and the transformative power of haircare. The event, led by actress Wendy Gumede (the Face of Dark & Lovely’s Relaxed Range) and stylist Bomzi, known for her expert touch and unique styling techniques, invited attendees to embrace their personal style and see themselves as the main characters in their own stories.
With a focus on how every choice—from hairstyles to makeup and fragrance—shapes daily narratives, Wendy and Bomzi encouraged participants to feel empowered in their decisions. “Every day, we decide who we want to be,” Wendy shared. “Whether it’s the outfit we wear, the makeup we choose, or how we style our hair, we step into character daily. This Masterclass is about equipping you with the skills to create your best self using the Dark & Lovely Purple Range. Because YOU are the main character, and how you wear your hair is a huge part of your story.”
Highlights from the Dark & Lovely Masterclass
1. iPhondo Lodumo (The High Bun)
Bomzi kicked off the session by demonstrating how to achieve the sleek and snatched high bun, inspired by celebrities like Tyla. Attendees learned the step-by-step process:
- Using the Dark & Lovely Moisture Seal Styling Mist as a heat protector before blow-drying for a sleek finish.
- Applying Dark & Lovely 48hr Extra Hold Styling Gel with Aloe Vera for a firm hold and smooth look.
- Securing the bun with bobby pins or opting for a longer-lasting sew-in with a weave bundle for added volume.
- Maintaining the style with Dark & Lovely Waterless Cleanser, which removes dust and refreshes the scalp without disturbing the bun.
The participants learned how to adapt this versatile style to different preferences and keep it intact for up to two weeks with proper care.
2. Push Back 2.0
Bomzi demonstrated a modern twist on the classic Push Back hairstyle, complete with an elevated flick-up curl at the hair ends. The steps included:
- Prepping hair with Dark & Lovely Moisture Seal Styling Mist and Dark & Lovely Gro Strong Anti-Breakage Hair Food for added protection.
- Using a flat iron to create sleek strands with curled ends, resulting in a polished and elegant finish.
- Adding decorative hair clips to elevate the look.
Bomzi also shared tips for refreshing the style overnight using rollers and a silk bonnet, ensuring it stays looking fresh for longer.
3. A Classic Pixie
The Classic Pixie hairstyle proved to be a crowd favorite, offering versatility and ease of maintenance. Bomzi’s styling tips included:
- Prepping hair with Dark & Lovely Moisture Seal Styling Mist and mousse for a sleek, voluminous base.
- Using a small flat iron to curl and shape the pixie, then finishing it off with a wide-tooth comb.
- Maintaining the look for up to two days by wrapping the sides with a silk scarf and avoiding exposure to steam.
Wendy Gumede’s Message on Haircare and Self-Expression
“Hair is more than just a style—it’s a reflection of who you are and the story you want to tell. At Dark & Lovely, we believe that every day is an opportunity to step into your main character energy. Embrace your uniqueness, nurture your hair, and wear it with confidence—because when you feel good about yourself, the world can see it too.” – Wendy Gumede, Face of Dark & Lovely’s Relaxed Range
Looking Ahead
Following the success of this Masterclass, Dark & Lovely is thrilled to announce the next session will be held in Durban on December 8th, 2024. The upcoming event promises more opportunities to learn, create, and celebrate beauty while embracing individuality.