I'm currently in Ghana and everyone so far is right about the humidity. My roller sets usually last only a day after I do them so I generally were protective styles through out the week. My hair is still too short to bun so I wear phony ponies most of the time.
Braids and cornrows are dead cheap like everyone keeps saying... about $10 for cornrows and an average of $20 for most braid styles. Word of caution though - make sure you insist and insist again on them not braiding it too tight. They tend to do that a lot. And for those of us with fragile edges, we always pay. I have decided I'm done with braiding out here though, I've realized I just can't win with them.
I don't know too much about the weather in East Africa though... the weather in Africa is so diverse. My brother just came back from Kenya and says the weather there currently is comparable to "late spring weather" on the east coast (I'm originally from DC). So I guess u are in luck if that's where you are going.
That said, Africa is not as "bad" as some may think... U will always find an experienced stylist (American of European trained if u prefer) wherever you go - that's if you decide you need one... I know I always do.
I however do my own hair now ever since I met LHCF. It will take a bit of searching and they tend to be in the top class salons which cost a way more than the average local stylists do. But still not as expensive as it is back home.
My advice, just take with you your staples and be prepared to wear protective styles most of the time. like I said, u will most likely find a stylist if u happen to be in a bind. And u might even be pleasantly surprised cos in my experience, they tend to take their time more with you and are very open to doing things your way if u decide you want to instruct them every step of the way.
I have this lady who I go to when I'm feeling lazy or want to feel pampered and since she's gotten to know me, she's always like
"Now what do I do next" and "How do u want me to do that" after every step in doing my hair. I looooove her. Of cause now we both laugh every time she says that cos she mostly knows how I want things done. I really feel spoilt out here.
Have fun though, u'll love the laid back lifestyle around here. If you have the time, do what I do; I get a facial and massage once every month ($45-60) depending on the therapy I choose. Manicure and pedicure with parafin wax treatment every other week ($20). I sometimes let them roller set my hair if I'm feeling lazy ($10)...
I go to this place - its 15 minutes from my office - they are great. I if only you were coming to Ghana
http://www.allureghana.com/index_asic.php
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When I went, I wore cornrows. I didn't do many fancy stuff, because the resources and the knowledge was not there. Where I went, the air is dry, and I didn't want to be bothered. Braids are good to go, and spraying moisturizers or leave ins are good. It depends on why you are going, and how long you will be there, also.
Keep it braided, IMHO!
