Afro Saxons

Anyone used to spending 85 minutes or more at the hairdresser’s would probably take this no-budget documentary over a tatty copy of Cosmo.

But for those whose interest in hair and beauty extends no further than the two-for-ones in Boots, it’s like watching one of those items they use to end the regional news.

Filmmakers Rachel Wang and Mark Currie set out to present a positive image of black culture, free of drugs, rap, guns and gangstas. And so they have.

Unfortunately – and with all due respect to the featured stylists and their painstaking work - good intentions are no replacement for insight, enlightenment or even an entertaining anecdote.

Simply put, Wang and Currie don’t make the most of what they’ve got.

George and Apple are the hottest thing to happen to Afro hair since straightening irons – not bad for a Thai couple based in Peckham. Their awards at Black Beauty’s annual bash at the London Metropole are virtually nailed on.

And if Tottenham’s top braider Angela wins her class again, she’s heading for the Black Beauty Hall of Fame. She already has a number of celebrity endorsements.

Over at Brixton’s Hype Coiffure salon, manager Allan (who clearly thinks he’s a real charmer but is as genuine as a ten-quid wig) expects big things in the Best Newcomer category from young Wayne. If only the lad’s models would turn up.

Meanwhile, a family concern from Birmingham is about to make a serious challenge to London’s domination.

But while the gravity-defying creations, tonsorial trickery and intricate braidwork impress, the film is remarkably drab.

Learning nothing about the judging process, we don’t even have the fun of guessing who’ll win what. And in true hair-salon tradition, talk rarely rises above the mundane.

Anyway, what about this weather? Going anywhere nice for your holidays? Bring back Desmond’s, I say…
 

Elliott Noble