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Maxine Harrison

Maxine Harrison is a SEO writer at The Independent. As well as having written reviews for IndyBest, she also acts as an SEO Executive on the team and has written opinion pieces for IndyVoices. From reviewing the best afro hair tools, to sharing her take on the lack of diversity in British publishing, Maxine enjoys informing audiences about topics that are not spotlighted enough in society.

<p>Ingredients, scent and how long the bars last were all considered by our testers </p>

Best shampoo bars 2025, tried and tested on all hair types

<p>We whipped our hair back and forth, in true Willow Smith fashion, to test the security of each ponytail</p>

Ruka Hair review: We tried the sustainable ponytails for afro hair

<p>We have featured plastic-free tools as well as those from award-winning natural hairdressers </p>

6 best detangling tools for afro hair that will keep breakage at bay

<p>We looked for bright and vibrant illustrations that would bring the story and characters to life</p>

Children's books

13 best children’s books with empowering black characters

Youth employment is a growing issue

Youth unemployment may turn state schools into glorified job centres

Malorie Blackman was a rare black author on the syllabus in my school days

British publishing still has a massive problem with diversity

Regeneration shouldn't just be about the middle class

Peckham's new hairdressing hub shows how gentrification should work

Sanaa Lathan in Netflix's Nappily Ever After

Why films like Nappily Ever After are still needed more than ever