BEAUTY
CROWNING GLORY
Radio and TV presenter Clara Amfo on celebrating her hair and why the school curriculum needs a shake-up
INTERVIEW: KATE LOCKETT. PHOTO: AMANDA AKOKHIA FOR PANTENE
‘Kids should be learning about each other’s cultures, particularly when black culture is pop culture’
At 38 years old, broadcaster Clara Amfo can now reflect on how her hair was looked at with “intrigue and ignorance” during her time at school.
The BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge presenter grew up in Kingston upon Thames and tells hello!:
“Seeing people with my hair type – particularly thick 4c hair, not loose curls – was rare.”
As a new Pantene ambassador, joining the likes of Katie Piper and Lucy Edwards, Clara’s first port of call is supporting the Power of Hair schools programme, which is rolling out across around the country from the end of this month.
The educational programme, in collaboration with non-profit organisation Ideas Foundation, aims to empower young people to embrace their natural hair texture, with topics on hair empowerment and diversity through workshops and resources.
Here, Clara speaks about deep-seated double standards when it comes to styling black hair, and why we should celebrate all hair types – however it grows out of your head.