Featuring Tina Kapp
Photo by Tina Kapp
What is your name? Tina Kapp.
How old are you? I’m 40 years old
Where are you from? I’m Australian but was born in Hong Kong, grew up in Japan and lived in every continent except Antarctica. I’ve lived in Africa for half my life mainly in Zimbabwe, Uganda and now South Africa.
What is your background? In a few sentences, tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do. I have a beautiful daughter who was born in Zimbabwe and is in her 3rd year at university. I worked with NGO’s all over Africa and now run an entertainment company, Oriental Fire Entertainment, in South Africa which specialises in Bollywood and Belly Dance as well as perform as an aerialist which I love!
What are you currently doing for hair health and care? Are you using any natural hair products (if yes, what are they and what do you like or not like about them)? What works well for you and what doesn’t? I’ve always been blessed with a lot of hair due to my dad’s Jewish heritage (he had a proper afro in the 70’s) but living in Asia it was hard to find people who knew how to care for or style curly hair and it was a challenge learning to manage it.
I discovered hair straightening, irons and wands and loved being able to make my hair do whatever I wanted and I felt leaving it natural felt messy or looked ‘unprofessional’. As a dancer and aerialist I needed hair styles that wouldn’t look unkempt after hanging upside down or doing our high energy shows.
After getting regular blow outs as well as bleaching my hair for a few years I totally fried my hair and lost most of my natural curl. I discovered the Curly Girl method and stopped using sulphates, shampoo and heat on my hair in April 2019. I also got the ‘big chop’ which helped get rid of most of the fried straight ends and it was a dry curly cut which I highly recommend for any curly girls! Find someone who specialises in Deva cuts or similar and it will transform your hair.
A year later my hair is in the best shape it’s ever been in and I’ve learned so many great styling tips like finger coiling, DIY gelatine treatments, rice water rinses (both are very effective protein treatments to help get those curls back and to balance too much moisture) and my favourite short cut of styling curls with a Denman brush. I’ve learned a lot from fellow curly girls on YouTube and love the access we can get learning from the experience of others rather than just product marketing.
What do you like about your hair and what has taken some time for you to accept about your hair? I’m loving curly hair and being able to get glossy ringlets with all the volume and discovering fun up dos and ways to wear my hair. If I want to mix it up or give myself a curly hair holiday I use good old fashion rollers and it works like a charm without the damage. Focusing on my hair health has made me love and fully embrace my curls. Every time I meet someone with curly hair who is frustrated with their hair and doesn’t know how to care for or style it I want to show them their potential and get more girls to unleash their curl power.
What are some helpful tips you can share with other readers? Sleeping on a satin pillowcase or with your hair in a satin bonnet does wonders for your hair and allows me to keep my hair in good condition for days. I massage Jamaican Black Castor Oil into my scalp in the evening which is great for hair growth as I can’t wait to get my hair back to my waist length.
Please share something different, interesting, or funny about yourself. I speak Japanese and am currently learning hula hooping since there’s nothing like learning a new skill to keep your mind and body challenged. My performance specialties are dancing with fire and aerial hammock.
If you would like to link information about yourself and how to contact you please list your website for other readers to look at.
You can visit our website at www.orientalfire.co.za we’re so lucky that we get to travel all over to perform and be a part of our client’s weddings, milestone birthdays or corporate events.