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Malinda Williams’ Healthy Hair Secrets (She Gets It From Her Mama)

Malinda Williams, best known from the drama series “Soul Food,” is one of those actresses who’s maintained her short crop for as long as many of us can remember. Even though her hair is consistently short, it can be styled in a variety of different, but always fabulous, ways.

Having been branded one of the “entertainment industry’s most well respected actresses,” this busy mom actually colors, cuts and styles her very own hair!

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Having a beautician for a mother has its perks, but the largest benefit followed Malinda into her adult life: learning the importance of hair health.

“I actually worked in a salon for five years when I left high school,” explained Malinda. “My aunt owned a salon and I did nails in another salon in New Jersey. I went to cosmetology school and really it was one of my dreams. I had two dreams; one was to be an actress and one was to be a beautician, so it was really ironic when I started playing the character of Bird on Soul Food. I grew up in a home where my mom was the neighborhood go-to lady. She did hair in her home, so she was also a cosmetologist.”

HH: Are there pieces of advice your mom taught you that you still use today?

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Here’s some great tips from the mother/daughter pair:

“I learned from my mom how to be fabulous at every age!! My mom always changed her hair while remaining fresh, fabulous and always age appropriate.” —Malinda’s lesson learned from Beverly

“A stressed mind can give you stressed hair.” —Beverly’s lesson learned from Malinda

“Always consider your face shape, lifestyle and texture. You’ll get the most mileage out of styles and textures that enhance and showcase your natural assets. Stick with what works for you, not what is the trend of the moment. Everything isn’t for everybody.” —Malinda’s lesson learned from Beverly

“Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase.” —Beverly’s lesson learned from Malinda

“Your hair is beautiful, but you are more than your hair. Never apologize for being smart AND beautiful. Choose both. My Mom and Dad taught us that.” —Malinda’s lesson learned from Beverly

“Healthy hair, just like a pretty face, comes from within.” —Beverly’s lesson learned from Malinda.

When Travelling
“I not only do my own hair, I pretty much do my own makeup when I’m out and about. Let’s say I am traveling somewhere, and when I land, I have an event. I can’t afford for the airline to lose my bag. I can always go out and buy a dress and some shoes, but pulling together a whole new hair and makeup kit is not gonna happen in one day. So, I have to make sure [my tools] can fit into my carry-on and is accessible when I land.”

Here’s 7 Tips how she keeps her hair so healthy…

1. Start out with freshly washed, conditioned, thoroughly dried hair.

2. Use a rat-tailed comb.


3. Use your mirrors. The more the better.  “I use at least three in order to see my hair at all angles,” Malinda says.

4. Never touch or comb  a section right after flat-ironing it.  The shape is only set once its cooled.

5. Rub in a little hair oil for for a little extra shine. Too much can weigh your hair down and make it look greasy.

6. Do not neglect your edges.  Edges can make or break your hairdo.

7. Just have FUN with your hair!

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