Rihanna chooses dreads for her new film role

Rihanna’s hairstylist reveals why she asked to wear dreadlocks for Ocean’s 8

Cinemagoers will have the opportunity to witness Rihanna in action as the tech-savvy “Nine Ball” when Ocean’s 8 is released on June 8.

The singer’s choice of hairstyle was particularly integral to who she wanted her character to be.

Rihanna’s hairstylist Yusef Williams explained why it was so significant for Nine Ball to wear her hair in dreadlocks during the heist film.

According to Williams, Rihanna felt strongly about being representative of her Caribbean roots. ‘Her locks would maintain that tie to Africa,’ he told Refinery29.

‘She’d keep her accent. She wasn’t just going to be some American stiff wig girl in this movie. Nine Ball is still a Caribbean girl that just happens to be in America.’

? yusefhairnyc/Instagram

Williams stated that their aim was for Nine Ball to be ‘cool, chill and very minimal.’

‘When people have locs, it’s kind of like their crown,’ Williams said. ‘It’s their pride and joy.

“It’s like a flower… you gotta nourish it and watch it grow. Hair played a really big part in who Nine Ball came to be.’

Williams and his team of assistants wanted Rihanna’s dreadlocks to have a loose, reggae look, using shea butter and black seed oil to maintain her hair’s strength.

The locs had to be thinned out during filming, as Rihanna’s own hair wouldn’t have been strong enough to carry the weight of it otherwise.

? badgalriri/Instagram

Williams explains, ‘She was given the equivalent of  12 years of locs overnight.’

‘It was probably the easiest style she’s ever had, since she got to be free and cool and see herself differently,’ he said.

‘She’s a huge pop star, and then we kind of stripped her down and gave her locs that we didn’t make super, super pretty. She made them glamorous when she wanted, and then super casual when she wanted.’

Williams has assured that Rihanna will wear her hair in dreadlocks again in future.

(megara wig) (34 inch wig)

ghd pull an all nighter!

ghd hosted a 12-hour super shoot overnight in London, showcasing the limitless possibilities of their latest range; Nocturne.

 

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On Monday 2 October, ghd proved the infinite possibilities of their new Nocturne range by styling round the clock on a remarkable 12-hour shoot.

Ten cutting-edge stylists were invited to London’s uber-cool Crossrail Place Roof Gardens in Canary Wharf to style under the stars as part of a live, collaborative photoshoot.

Shooting on the night were session stylist Leighanne Regan, salon owner Sophie Laidlaw, F.A.M.E. Team member Jordanna Cobella, IT Guy finalist Jamie Benny, Headmasters art team member Chris Southern and Newcomer of the Year finalist Frazer Wallace. They were joined by Australian Hairdresser of the Year finalist, Uros Mikic, ghd’s Italian artistic director Igor Rago, German stylist Dashi Rasnici and Spanish stylist Jorge lace wig purple DeSancho.

Session stylist Leighanne Regan getting into the bight-time zone

Each stylist was assigned a model, then given 12 hours to create ten different looks each – resulting in an astounding 100 images produced overnight. With no basins and limited time, the stylists were able to maximise ghd’s kind-to-hair technology and optimum temperature to style, style and style again, transforming their models throughout the night to create optimum results without compromising the health of the hair.

The new Nocturne range is all about producing beautiful hair that blurs the boundaries between night and day and the shoot showcased that limitless style perfectly, with looks ranging from punk ponies and knotted mohawks to textured waves and beautiful breezy curls – all produced against the clock as the inky night sky gave way to dazzling sunlight.

Photographer Jack Eames and his team worked alongside the stylists to create the series of stunning images, with makeup provided by Max Factor and nails by OPI – all part of ghd’s new Coty family. The team started their shooting in the luscious, leafy open-air rooftop gardens, before adventuring into the otherworldly surroundings of Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers and penthouses for a shoot that told the story of girls seamlessly blending their night-time looks from party to afterparty and beyond.

As the stylists worked, a Facebook livestream united the British contingent with a simultaneous event in Sydney, Australia and Instagram blew up with #ghdnocturne shots showcasing the action as it happened.

ghd tools of every-kind on stand-by

No all-nighter is complete without a midnight feast, and neighbouring restaurant, Big Easy was on hand to provide belly-busting burgers throughout the night to fuel the troops. Endless coffee was also on hand to keep the momentum up, while DJ Charlie Banks soundtracked the shoot.

As the sun rose, Jack and his team produced first looks from the night, which were sent over to the ghd studio in Soho for a grand reveal in front of the press – many of whom had paid a visit to the shoot the previous night.

ghd global head of education, Jo Robertson, said: “This is the first shoot of its kind and the perfect way to showcase the infinite styling abilities of our new Nocturne range. All ghd products are designed to allow you to style and style again with no compromise to hair health, but this range is also about celebrating the blurred lines between night and day. Today, women wear their hair how they want, when they want and with these tools and our inspiring trend looks created by Zoe Irwin, stylists and clients alike will be empowered to create hair without limits. We’re so proud of the ten stylists that took part in tonight’s shoot and the work they produced against the clock – it just goes to show that with the right tools and teamwork, anything is possible.”


(rococo wig) (afro curl wig)

Shea Moisture Launch Event

Shea Love

The hit US hair care brand, Shea Moisture has finally landed in the UK! The cult brand which is well known both in the US and UK had officially launched in Boots so UK naturalistas will finally be able to stock up on their favourite items including the famous Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie and the new hit favourite, Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Renewable range.

Black Beauty & Hair went along to the launch event, which had a great turn out. Celebrity DJ Sarah-Jane Crawford was on hand to provide the tunes, while hair and makeup maestro Julia Carta was there to keep us looking gorgeous and selfie-ready.

The Shea Moisture top guns were out in full force and included chief operating officer Raja Kaul; senior VP of communications, Latraviette D. Smith-Wilson; chief marketing officer Tim Bunch; business consultant Chimole Williams; CEO at Sundial brands (Production Company) Rich Dennis and Emmitt Dennis; chief community officer. The evening started with a short introduction and presentation on Shea Moisture and the journey it’s taken to finally be here in the UK (apparently they’ve wanted to do this for ages!). Then it was the turn of natural hair blogger, UK Curly Girl, Shannon who shared her hair journey and her love for all things SM.

After the intros, we enjoyed cocktails and canapes, mixing and mingling with other bloggers, vloggers and beauty journalists.

Shea Moisture is now available in Boots and Boots.com

 

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Hair, style of historic Bill Pickett Rodeo in black and white

contemporary tresses, togs from the United States’ ‘Greatest Show on Dirt’

| pics by Jose Ibarra @joseibarrarizo

Jumbo belt buckles are a primary accessory of modern-day cowboys.

Heavy rain and lawless winds failed to stop thousands of attendees from witnessing the best horseback riders compete in August’s Atlanta, Georgia, leg of the national tour Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR).

 

Showcasing the top African-American competitors in barrel racing, calf roping, bull riding, bareback riding, bull doggin’, steer undecorating and relay racing, this year’s 35th annual event became an international, generational family affair from the crowds to the cowhands. And in pure rhinestone-encrusted country Western style.

 

“I would normally ride in the rodeo,” said Steve Usher, 54, a former team relay contender, “but this year I’m cheering for everyone with my family.”

 

With twinsie 2-year-old Jayce Hambright in his arms, Usher and the future cowboy wore matching black-and-white Western shirts and golden bolo ties to the show. They proudly represented black cowhands of the American West — the mass movement of gold rush settlers, explorers and outlaws toward California during the nineteenth century that often excludes people of color from history books, pop culture, arts and entertainment.Cowboy Steve Usher with twinsie Jayce Hambright sporting embroidered American West-styled shirts.

Held at the Georgia International dasha wig Horse Park (site of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games), Usher and Hambright joined black cowboys and cowgirls flossin’ in their most stylish regalia, hairstyles and outfits to experience the world’s only black touring rodeo and longest-running African-American family event around the globe.

 

Down-the-back box braids, thick to micro locs, summer highlights and bone straight extensions steered the show in cowgirl hairstyles.

 

“I’ve been attending this rodeo for four years now, and the atmosphere is just so much fun to see our cowboy culture,” said Doreen Fawkes, leisure horseback rider and creator of EasyLoc Hair Tool for dread- and sisterlock-wearers. “It’s one of those events you have to check off, especially if you’re interested in rural heritage and lifestyles.”

 

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo travels America from Denver, Colorado; Memphis, Tennessee; Oakland, California; Los Angeles, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and Washington, D.C., for the championship show in September.Loc star and leisure horseback rider Doreen Fawkes at the 35th annual Bill Pickett International Rodeo.

It’s where modern and traditional Wild West styles and black beauty of all ages converge. It’s also where the nation’s top horseback and bull riding professionals exhibit discipline with showmanship. The global gathering is named after legendary cowboy and rodeo performer Bill Pickett. Deeply documented in the Old West, Pickett was born five years after the Civil War ended.

 

He grew up learning the ways of cowboy living and the art of controlling cattle. Pickett mastered a skill — and now popular rodeo sport — called bull doggin’.  A technique of grabbing a steer by the horns, biting their upper lip and wrestling them to the ground. Yeah, you heard right. And the fastest cowboy to complete this task wins. Cash prizes or scholarship funds, too.

 

Dubbed the first black cowboy movie star, Pickett’s career lasted for more than 40 years as an expert cowboy and rodeo champion. He became an international performer, who displayed his horsemanship for the British Royal Family.The globe’s only black touring rodeo is home to some of the best African-American calf ropers.

“Like Bill, these cowboys and cowgirls are the best in the business,” said Adam Ezell Jr., 79, who bull dogged in the rodeo during the 1980s and now works as part of the touring show. “A lot of self-discipline and technique goes into their craft and understanding of how horses and cattle work.”

 

The rodeo established during 1984. Show developer the late Lu Vason organized BPIR to educate and entertain Americans about African-American contributions to country Western lifestyles and recreation on the range. He never imagined it would gain worldwide attention; inspire a new form of music known as “hick hop;” and attract celebrities like Jamie Foxx, Lisa Raye and Jesse Williams to experience the arena action.

 

“There’s nothing like what we do,” said Billy Ray Thunder, a 65-year-old veteran bareback rider known in the rodeo circuit as “The Living Legend.” “ We go all over America risking our lives for the horses and rodeo events we love. To see so many folks both locally and internationally support and enjoy what we do means everything to us.”Michelle Jones, riding trainer and owner of equestrian center Pure Horse Play, at BPIR 2019.

Loved this post? CLICK HERE for more hair and lifestyle coverage from Candace Dantes, a.k.a. Cowgirl Candace.bbh.com writersWorld Natural Hair Show marks 20th year of beauty5 beauty gigs for glamour-lovin’ graduates to pursueQ&A: Mz Lady Lox9 black Hollywood influencers redefining cowboy cultureBronner Bros. 2020: The ultimate beauty experience
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How to get Tinashe’s waved bob

80s wigsMarcia Hamilton uses KeraCare to create Tinashe’s sultry waved bob at the 2016 BET Awards

KeraCare Silken SealKeraCare Styling SpritzKeraCare Finishing Spray to create Tinashe’s sultry waved bob. ‘I love that KeraCare products are not greasy!’ says Marcia.

How To Get The Look:

KeraCare Silken Seal and blow dry hair.

Part hair on the right side and lightly flat iron hair.

KeraCare Styling Spritz.

Wrap hair twice around a 1” wand, holding it for a few seconds.

Work your way from the top to bottom repeating the same technique.

Let the hair sit for a few minutes before combing it through.

KeraCare Finishing Spray for lasting hold.

www.KeraCare.comTwitter @KeraCareInstagram @KeraCareOfficial

(pre made wigs) (wig beard)

TheBeginner’sGuidetoWigBuying

Many women who are experiencing hair loss for the first time feel overwhelmed when the time comes to select their first wig. They reach out to us asking for our recommended style. However, there is no simple answer to this question as it depends on several factors that are unique to the individual in question. Therefore, we’ve created this helpful guide to walk you through the selection of your first wig!

There are 4 factors to consider:

LifestyleFibersCap constructionLengthLifestyle

We recommend starting here before moving on to the other factors.

The main question you should ask yourself is “How active & busy is my lifestyle, and how much time will I have available to spend on my hair?”

You should consider how much time you spend exercising at the gym or outdoors. Also, think about how busy you are with your career or with parenting. These factors will affect how much time you have available to spend on your hair.

Fiber

The recommended fiber is directly related to your lifestyle. There are 3 fibers to choose from: Traditional Synthetic, Heat Resistant Synthetic, and Human Hair.

Each fiber has its pros and cons, which is detailed in the chart below. Familiarize yourself with these fibers and consider which would best suit your lifestyle. Again, the main factor to consider is how much time will be required for maintenance. Traditional Synthetic requires the least amount of maintenance while Human Hair requires the most.

Cap Construction

Next, it is important to understand how different cap constructions affect styles.

Ask yourself what features your ideal wig would have.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Are you looking for the most realistic hairline because you like to wear your hair pulled back? Or does this not matter much to you because you prefer to wear bangs?

Do you have a sensitive scalp and care about the softness of the base materials?

Do you like to change your part often? Or are you fine with wearing it the same way every day?

Are you looking for more volume at the crown or is the appearance of natural hair growth more of a priority for you?

All of these features are directly related to the cap construction of the wig. We will explore this more later in the blog.

Length

The last factor to consider is length. Length should be manageable to the wearer. For Human Hair styles, the longer the hair the longer the styling time. While Synthetic Fiber styles do not need additional care steps the same way that human hair does, longer styles will tangle more easily and require combing throughout the day. The rule of thumb is that the shorter the style, the easier it will be to maintain.

Style Recommendations

We have developed 3 very general but different scenarios to start the conversation, but of course it will vary from case to case.

Scenario 1

For the person who wants to constantly change up their style from day to day, a human hair style with a lace front/single monofilament/hand tied cap construction is the best option.

Here’s why:

Human hair: the fibers look and feel the most realistic to the wearer.Lace front: natural hair line great for the person who likes to keep their hair pinned back away from their face.Single Monofilament top: allows the wearer freedom to change the part from either direction while still maintaining a natural hair growth appearance.100%25 Hand tied cap: because each hair is hand tied to the cap, it gives the most natural appearance. Therefore, styles with this cap have the most natural movement.100%25 Hand Tied Stretch Section: This is the hug for your head we talk about. Having the stretch section, from ear to ear, allows for the most comfortable fit because it stretches to fit the wearer nice and snug like the way it feels to wear your favorite, most comfy leggings.

MargotorGwynethwould be great options for this type of person.

Scenario 2

For the person with limited time and prefers a ready-to-wear style, they might be searching for a synthetic with a wefted cap construction, and may or may not consider important other features like lace front.

Here’s why:

Synthetic fiber: This person might not be ready to fully dive in to human hair, for example maybe they might not have the blow drying skills that one would need to maintain the human hair long gray wig fibers so a synthetic piece will allow them to not have to stress over all the maintenance and learn to feel confident in their hair.Wefted cap: Having a wefted piece allows for breathabilityOptional: Lace front/Single monofilamentThe beauty of having a Lace front/Single monofilament cap is its durability because it has wefts that have been sewn to the base materials, the wearer will be more confident to wear their system.

MarionorMilawould be great options for this type of person.

Scenario 3

Lastly, there are those who are experiencing temporary hair loss due to medical treatments such as chemotherapy. The best recommendation would be a shorter style made of synthetic fiber, with a lace front hand tied or double mono hand tied cap.

We recommend this because medical treatments tend to drain a person’s energy, necessitating a simpler hair piece jolyne wig that will require less effort to care for and maintain.

A style likeIgnitewould work great in this situation.

It’s important for a new wig wearer to understand the benefits of each fiber, each cap construction, and how your lifestyle plays a role in the selection of a wig. Once you understand these factors, you will feel more empowered when choosing your first piece!

(black goku wig) (posh wigs) (wig in a box)

ColorBlend Makeup Takes On the Black Cosmetics Market

Kesha Williams, The CEO and founder of award-winning ColorBlend Makeup tells how her high-performance brand is making inroads into the little-served black cosmetic market

Founder and CEO of award-winning UK cosmetics brand ColorBlend Makeup, Kesha Williams launched her high performing makeup brand back in 2016. After completing her business degree and realising the 9-5 life wasn’t for her, she zoned in on the thing that she was most passionate about; creating a makeup brand that was tailor-made for the ‘brown beauty consumer’. We caught up with the all-round beauty expert and London-based mumpreuner to talk facing fears, being featured in Forbes, and why it’s taken so long for beauty brands to be inclusive of black customers.

Tell us about yourself

I’m the founder and CEO of ColorBlend Makeup – an award-winning high-performance beauty brand primarily tailored to the brown beauty consumer. I’m a makeup expert, makeup artist, entrepreneur, free spirit, lover of life and I love to laugh. The challenge and triumphs I have faced in business and life have made me the woman I am today – passionate, resilient and determined. I’m also a mother to a very charming nine-year-old boy.

When did you first realise that you were passionate about cosmetics?

I started enjoying cosmetics in my early teen years – I didn’t necessarily know what I was doing when it came to applying it, but I could definitely work a blue cut crease! I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup outside (at that age), but I enjoyed the creativity of it. Those were the days of high shine, scented lip-glosses from the beauty supply store. I went on to become a makeup artist for several well-known makeup concessions, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

When the first batch of ColorBlend Contour Palette was created and delivered to me, I was too afraid to do anything with them. Every day for a few months, I would open the box and look at them in awe and then close the box and do nothing…

How did ColorBlend begin?

The concept began in 2014. I was in my 2nd year of university studying a business degree after being made redundant from my central London office role. I felt the guilt of leaving my son at nursery for long hours while I studied, so, I decided I didn’t want to pursue a graduate role once I’d finished. I had experience previously as a makeup artist and beauty consultant, so I knew that was where my passion lay. I also knew there was a gap in the market for cosmetics for women with deep and dark skin tones, so, alongside my studies I did my research on the market, products, manufacturers, ingredients and legislation etc. I graduated in 2015 and ColorBlend Makeup was launched six months later in 2016.

Why was it important to create ColorBlend Makeup?

ColorBlend Makeup champions the underrepresented consumers. We know representation is important because realism matters. For a long time, women were not able to access suitable products because of limited availability and/or accessibility and we recognised this gap long before the major brands that jumped on the bandwagon did. We offer deep and dark shades that are not widely available on the high street. There are at least 1.3 million black women in the UK who spend 3x more on beauty than any of their counterparts. How can this be ignored? Our marketing and advertising efforts recognise this – realism is important as it impacts self-perception. Our core brand values promote self-expression, inclusion and individuality.

Did you experience any challenges in the creation process?

(￡30) and when the first batch was created and delivered to me, I was too afraid to do anything with them. Every day for a few months, I would open the box and look at them in awe and then close the box and do nothing. It was only when I found myself a mentor who gave me the fire that I needed to push them, was I able to do so and launch the brand.

Why do you think that beauty products for black women have been limited in the past?

I think there is the consensus amongst [major] retailers that investment in the ethnic market does not make enough return on investment – and low investment produces low levels of market growth. But the way I see it, how can the market grow if the investments aren’t made, and the products aren’t there to pique the consumers interest?

What are your biggest stand out moments as founder and creator of ColorBlend?

In the past few years, I have been blessed to have won an award for Best Cosmetic Brand and nominated for Best Premium Foundation, which was amazing as we won over the major cosmetic brands. I was featured on BBC Radio London, (thank you to the lovely Judi Love), and around the same time the brand had a Christmas event at House of Fraser, Oxford Street. I absolutely loved that event because when ColorBlend was created, it was one of my visions to see it in a department store. We’ve had features in The Guardian, Glam Africa and Glamour Magazine. More recently I was featured in Forbes, which was an amazing accomplishment!

What makes ColorBlend stand out from other cosmetics on the market?

We’re a niche brand catering to ethnic beauties – we’re not just about selling makeup, but we take our audiences emotions, lifestyles and values into consideration. Our products evoke a feeling with the customer when they wear it and we champion representation and inclusion through the use of high-quality products at an accessible price. Our foundations are non-transferable, meaning once it sets on its own, it won’t mess up your clothes and we stock shades that are harder to find. Our products have a premium look and feel and have multi-use features. For example, our concealers are 3-in-1, which is perfect for seasonal skin tone changes. 

What’s your most popular product (and why)?

(￡30). It was our first product and comes in Light and Dark, so customers of all skin tones can buy this product. This is because of its multi-use feature – the powders can be used for sculpting, setting, and highlighting, the finish is satin and silky smooth, and it comes with a generous sized mirror.

What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs in the beauty field? What’s the best piece of advice/ lesson you have learned? 

Don’t get in your own way. The worst feeling is when you have been sitting on an idea and then somebody else brings it to fruition. Whether it’s lack of support or resources, you can make it happen! You have been given your vision for a reason. Put the work in, do your research and take is as much as you can! Also, don’t be afraid to utilise the people around you.

What’s in store for ColorBlend Makeup for 2021?

Virtual 1-2-1 online classes for your convenience, exciting collaborations and new product releases. We’re working on making ColorBlend even more accessible with physical outlets, so stay tuned and sign up to our mailing list for all of the latest news and to stay in the know! Go to www.colorblendmakeup.com

Interview by Tamala Ceasar

Black cosmetic brands…The beauty in black businessBeauty alisa wig Companies Inspired By Coming 2 America SequelColorBlend Makeup Takes On the Black Cosmetics MarketGoing For GoldCarron Cosmetics makes its debutFlawless Shades: The new online beauty destination
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Red carpet bridal look by Hair Lounge

This beautiful chignon by Charlotte Mensah of Hair Lounge was designed to give her model a red carpet look. We also love it as a stunning bridal hairstyle

Krystoff KrychikCharlotte MensahSam LascelleJudith LambertGathering Goddess

More bridal hair…mozart wigBridal Stylist of the Year 2016Natural hair brides by Purely NaturalBridal styles by Junior Green Hair and BeautyLook of loveAfro Brides | Big hair for your big day36 Awesome Wedding Looks For Locs, elegant wigs Dreadlocks & Sisterlocks
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Cool combo hair oils by First Lady

Ready-mixed hair oils are set to work wonders First Lady hair oils range

 

 

First Lady Amla Jasmine Hair Oil is specially developed hair oil for coloured hair. This highly fragrant variant of the Amla Hair Oil family protects coloured hair from early fading and prevents hair damage.

 

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First Lady Coconut Hair Oil with the refreshing Rose perfume keeps your hair glossy, dark and healthy. The Coconut oil keeps your scalp cool and nourished. First Lady Coconut Hair Oil is the complete hair oil for all seasons.

 

 

First Lady Garlic Hair Oil with Rosemary makes the scalp very healthy which results in generation of strong hairs. It has garlic contents in it, which keeps the amazing ability of making the scalp very healthy. It also removes dandruff from the scalp. So it can be said that this oil removes all those problems, which become the reason of less dense hairs.

Garlic strengthens hair and prevents hair loss Rosemary restores shine  

 

 

First Lady Cactus Hair Oil contains extracts of Cactus, Aloe Vera & Garlic which nourishes and protects your hair and helps control hair loss leaving you with problem free hair. First Lady Cactus Hair Oil provides your hair & scalp complete nourishment thereby helps control hair fall. It prevents hair loss & repairs hair shaft. First Lady Cactus Hair Oil nourishes hair from root to tip & helps control hair fall.

Cactus helps repair the hair shaft and prevents sheddingAloe Vera helps prevent hair fall and promotes hair growth Ori Lifestyle Launches New Rose Of Jericho Hair Mist 

 

Over the years hair tends to become flat, limp & lacks volume. First Lady Coconut Hair Oil contains coconut oil & the nourishing extracts of Amla, Castor & Henna to vitalize the roots. Its unique formulation strengthens hair strands from root to tip giving volume & thickness you always desired. First Lady hair fall deepwave wigsolution deeply nourishes your hair providing resistance against external factors adding shine and loveliness to your hair.

 

All oils cost ￡2.99. To buy click here

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