Hair Systems for Black Men

Why afro-textured hair systems need a specialist

Most hair system providers are set up for straight European hair. Put a straight-hair system on afro-textured hair and it fails exactly where people look: the curl doesn't match, the density is wrong, and the hairline sits on top of a fade instead of growing out of it.

Hector's is an afro and textured hair specialist salon first. We braid, colour and cut afro hair every day, so the texture work that makes a hair unit convincing on a Black man is our normal work, not an exception.

Matching curl pattern, density and base colour

A convincing afro hair unit is matched on three things. The first is curl pattern, from loose waves to tight coils, so the system moves and sits like the hair at your sides and back.

The second is density. Afro-textured hair reads fuller at a lower density than straight hair, and a unit that is too dense is the fastest giveaway.

The third is base colour, so the base disappears against darker skin tones rather than showing as a lighter patch at the hairline. We assess all three against your own hair, in natural light, at consultation.

Blended into fades, tapers and waves

Most of our clients want a short, sharp look: a skin fade or taper at the sides with texture, twists, sponge curls or waves on top. The skill is blending the unit so the fade runs into it without a line, and we cut the system in with the same fade work we do on every other client.

Hairline shape matters as much as the hair. We shape it to suit your face and age. A natural hairline that has receded slightly usually looks more real than a perfectly straight one.

Maintenance for afro-textured units

Afro-textured hair needs moisture, and so does an afro hair unit. We show you how to cleanse gently between visits and keep the hair hydrated so the curl stays defined. Maintenance every three to six weeks keeps the bond secure and the fade sharp.

If you train, sweat or swim a lot, we plan the attachment and cleaning routine around it.

Already have a unit?

If you have a hair unit from elsewhere that needs fitting, cutting in or maintaining, bring it in. We will check it suits your hair, then fit and style it.

Awards and recognition

Hector's is a certified Great Lengths salon. At the Great Lengths UK Awards we won Creative Innovation Great Lengths Stylist 2018/19, we created the winning hair look for the Great Lengths Consumer Awards 2013, and we were Colour and Bridal Great Lengths extensions finalists in 2017.

We were National Braid/Extensions Stylist of the Year three years running, in 2011, 2012 and 2013, which earned us a place in the Hall of Fame, and Bridal Hair Stylist of the Year in 2013, 2014 and 2015. We are repeat winners of National Colourist of the Year, National Weave and Extensions Stylist of the Year and Regional Stylist of the Year, and were national finalists 30 times between 2003 and 2016.

We hold 5 stars in the Good Salon Guide, are members of the Good Barbers Guide, and received 5 stars in the Phorest customer service awards 2016. The full list, with press coverage, is on our awards page.

Questions

Is a hair unit the same as a hair system? Yes. Hair unit is the term more often used for afro-textured systems, and hair system and non-surgical hair replacement mean the same thing.

Can a unit be blended into a skin fade? Yes. That is most of our afro unit work.

Will it look natural with waves or twists? With the right curl pattern and density, yes. We match both at consultation.

Where are you? 73 Lower Richmond Road, Mortlake SW14, easy to reach from Richmond upon Thames, Putney, Hammersmith and across London.