Keep it Curly

Rachel True maintains a fun and flirty style by not fighting her naturally curly hair, at least not too much.

The keys to making curls like True's look great are having a great cut and using quality products. To get a look like True's, maintain your haircut with monthly trims that cut away the frizziest part of the hair - your split ends. Seeing your hairstylist regularly will ensure the ends are cut away before they can wreak havoc on your look. She can also give you deep conditioning treatments, to keep your hair in great shape. In addition, curl defining products, like those of John Frieda, work best when used together from shampoo to finished style.

If your hair has a curl pattern that is too tight to form pretty curls like True's, talk to your cosmetologist about a "reverse perm." This is a relaxing treatment that uses traditional perm solution, rather than a harsh relaxer. Your hair will be rolled on perm rods and the solution will change your super tight curls into loose spirals. Another advantage is that traditional perm solution is not as drying to your hair as lye relaxers. Keep in mind though, the perm solution may lighten your hair a little, and lye relaxers are not recommended after reverse perms. You will want to be certain that this is a style you want to keep, at least until your hair can grow long enough for you to have the permed part cut off.

To make your curls look pretty and polished, use curl defining spritz or mousse throughout. Scrunch the hair to make the spirals hold together, then use a laminate to enhance shine.

Rihanna's Sexy Angled Bob

Rihanna really updated her style recently with a sexy asymmetrical bob; with the hair cut shorter in the back and brought to longer points on either side of her face. In Rihanna's case her hair has been cut to different lengths on the right and left side. You can have it cut this way, or make it even on both sides.

To get this look, most black hair will require a chemical relaxer. Unless you are experienced with relaxers, it is best to leave this process to a professional, as relaxers are caustic and can cause your scalp to burn and if left on too long, your hair to basically melt.

After the hair has been successfully "relaxed," your cosmetologist will probably run a hot iron through the hair to make it even straighter. Then she will cut the hair while it is dry to ensure she gets the best possible cut. Once the cut is finished, a laminate adds shine.

To maintain this look at home, you will want to keep your hair in top shape. Use shampoos and conditioners made especially for black hair. (Also, see your cosmetologist for deep conditioning treatments as well.) At home, the right products, such as a styling pomade with essential fatty acids will help coax your hair into the straight style. Even then it is unlikely you will find the result to be what you like without using a flat iron. To avoid damage, set the iron to the lowest setting that works on your hair. Keep the flat iron moving. Holding it in one place will only damage the hair.

After your style is set, run a little laminate, like John Frieda's Frizz Ease hair serum, through the hair. It will add shine and keep those frizzy ends from getting out of control. Keep in mind too much laminate can make your hair look greasy. Never use more than the recommended amount the first time. You can always add a little more, but once it is on there, you can't get it out without washing.

Lighten Up and Lose a Few Years

While it's true that dark skin shows signs of age slower than its lighter counterparts, that doesn't mean black women can not also take steps to look younger. Take for example supermodel Iman, who has taken years off her look by lightening up her shoulder length tresses.

Due to the fragile nature of black hair, especially that which has been relaxed, you will need to visit a professional colorist to copy this look. Your colorist can test your hair to be sure it can handle the lightening process and work with you to find your perfect color. The deep honey blond that looks so wonderful surrounding Iman's face, may be a little too light or still too dark to achieve the desired effect for you. To ensure a happy result, take your time selecting the right color and put yourself in the hands of a cosmetologist who has experience with your type of hair.

Naomi Campbell's Beautiful Long Hair

The trick to getting gorgeous long hair like Naomi Campbell is you have to know how to treat it. Naomi wears her hair in a center part which makes wearing a wig virtually impossible. So you have two choices, one-grow it, or two-get some really good extensions.

If you are going to grow your hair, keep in mind that hair grows 1/4 to one inch a month, depending on the person. Most of us fall in the slower growing category. If you have particularly curly hair, like most African-American ladies, you will have to have it relaxed and use flat irons on it to get it to go stick straight like Naomi. With time, patience and good conditioners, your hair will grow.

Once you have reached the appropriate length, use a good flat iron on the lowest setting your hair responds to. When your hair is good and straight, use a laminate product on it to enhance shine and eliminate frizzies.

If you are going to get extensions, it is recommended you use bonded extensions, which can be very expensive, or simple clip-ins. Traditional glue-in or braid and sew styles tend to show with a style like Naomi's which is worn fairly flat to the head. The great thing about both bonded extensions and clip-ins is that the hair will already be colored and stick straight, so all you will need to do is maintain your natural roots to keep it looking nice. If you are getting bonded extensions, tell your cosmetologist that you are looking to wear your hair like Naomi's, she should be able to place the bonds strategically, so your hair does not bulk up at the crown. If you are using clip-ins, take some time and practice with them. You should be able to place the clips far enough down on your head to make your natural hair fall over them and hide the clips; also without adding too much bulk at the crown.

Regardless of the approach you use, you need to treat your hair gently and use good conditioners to keep it in tip top shape.

Beyonce's Sexy Tousled Waves

The first thing to remember about Beyonce's hair is that she can afford the very best extensions money can buy, and an arsenal of professionals to take care of it. Not to say that every single strand of hair on Ms. Knowles head is not her own; only she and her hairdresser (OK, and Jay-Z) know for sure.

But, if you want to get long sexy waves like Beyonce wore to the special screening of Proof to benefit The Film Foundation, you will probably want to visit your cosmetologist for some help in the form of added length.

To get this look, first make sure your hair is as straight as possible. Use a good quality flat iron on the lowest setting that is effective for your hair. Next, you will need to tease your hair just a little at the crown, a couple of inches to either side of your part. Then smooth hair over with a comb and flat iron. This will give gorgeous height to the style. If you have braid and sew-in style extensions, you may find the braids add the height automatically, and no teasing is needed. After that, use a large barrel (1 1/2 to 2 inch) curling iron to add soft waves that run about three quarters of the way up the hair length. Don't forget though to run the iron all the way to the roots when working around your face. Next, take a little piecing cream and work it into your hands. Grab a small section of hair in the front and work the cream gently through, then guide it so it sweeps beautifully across your brow. Finally, add some shine enhancing spray to keep it all in place and you are ready for your close up!

Gabrielle Union's Simply Sexy Style

Gabrielle Union has that girl-next-door quality that makes her so completely likable. One of the things that keeps Ms. Union that way is the fact that she never seems to need a huge fuss to be made over her. Her simple but beautiful hairstyle is the perfect case in point.

To get a look like Gabrielle you'll need a great haircut. She usually wears her hair in a long layered cut, with the layers beginning at her shoulders and trailing midway down her back. Another great thing about this cut is even though it is simple, it leaves enough length to put it up and it dresses up very prettily after just a few minutes with a curling iron

To copy Gabrielle's day-to-day style, wear your part to the side. If you need to add height at the crown, tease a little about an inch from the part, then smooth hair over. Straighten the hair all over with a flat iron, set at the lowest setting that is effective on your hair. Use a heat-protective pomade to help the flat iron do its job. When your hair is straight all over, use just a little hair laminate, like John Frieda's Frizz Ease Hair Serum. This will add that extra shine and control 'frizzies' between trims.

Note: Don't forget to get regular trims, even if you don't want to lose your length. Split ends should be cut off regularly. They don't add much to your length, but if left, they can cause frizz that detracts from the polish of your overall look.

Halle Berry's Cute Short Cut

If your face and personality can handle it, there are few hairstyles that can rival an adorable pixie cut like Halle Berry's.

This cut leaves very little to hide, so if you are having a breakout or other complexion crisis, hold off on getting this haircut until you've got it under control.

To wear a cut like this you need more than the will to chop your hair. You need confidence. Halle sports this look proudly, showing that a curvy physique and sparkling personality can make even this boyish hairstyle look incredibly feminine. To maintain a look like this, have your cosmetologist show you how to use molding creme to guide your short hair into place. Then make sure you go in for regular trims, every three to six weeks to keep the style fresh.

Black Hairstyles: The Razor Cut Bob

Black hairstyles can be low on maintenance and look ultra stylish by taking an ordinary bob hairstyle and making the ends wispy. To achieve Chante Moore's version of this style have your stylist cut your hair into a bob that's just above the shoulders. Next layers are added to the last three inches or so of the style with dramatic razor cutting that leaves the ends very wispy. The hair length is also shortened somewhat in the front to create a subtle step effect. The bang area is left long with the hair chin length and swept to the sides when styling.

Use a styling cream on damp hair to create this black hairstyle and enlist the help of a large vent brush to blow dry the top layers. Use a side part and make sure to concentrate the blow dryer on the roots of the hair to get lift. When moving down to style the bottom of the hair switch to a small round brush and bend the ends up, styling from underneath the sections of hair to encourage a flip effect. A styling wax applied sparingly to the ends will help define the flips at the bottom.

Finding Styling Options For African American Hair

For women with African American hair it can be a difficult task to find hairstyling options. Learning where to look can open up a new world for those wanting to change their hair.

 

The internet is a wonderful resource for finding African American hair styles. Simply type “African American hair” or “black hair” into a search engine and a multitude of results and resources become available. You’ll be able to find everything from hair care articles and tips to hairstyle photos. Use the photos to give you styling ideas and don’t forget to print out the pictures and take them with you when you visit your stylists.

 

Magazines are another great resource. Subscribe to magazines specifically tailored for African American women and chances are there will be a plethora of African American hair styling information.

African American Hairstyles: Beyonce's Glamorous Curls

Beyonce has hair that almost any woman would die to possess. This style, which is perfect for African American hairstyles, starts with clean hair that has been towel dried to remove excess moisture. Next add a volumizing spray for hold. Divide hair into one and a half inch sections and set in medium sized Velcro rollers.

Either let dry naturally or dry each roller individually with a blow dryer. Just be sure not to hold the blow dryer too close to avoid damaging your hair. Gently unravel the rollers and check to make sure your hair is completely dry. Rake your fingers through the curls to separate them. Use a light hair wax or styling cream to keep any frizz at bay but go lightly. Finish off this sexy African American hairstyle by misting with a light hairspray.

African American Hairstyles: Steal Alicia Key's Look

Alicia Key's long, gorgeous waves are a perfect example of African American hairstyles gone sophisticated. Alicia's hair is cut one length and colored a beautiful dark, chocolate brown.

Styling this African American hairstyle is fairly straight forward. Use a straightening balm and blow dry hair with a large round brush. Give the hair a side part for that sexy, retro look. Next use either a large one inch barrel curling iron or medium sized Velcro rollers to get great waves. If using the curling iron take two inch sections and curl sections up to approximately two and a half to three inches from the scalp. You'll want the top portion of your hair to lay flat to avoid a round look. It also adds to the retro chick of this style.

If you opt for using Velcro rollers for this African American hairstyle take two to three inch sections and wrap them around the rollers. When rolling the hair sections, make sure to aim them downward as opposed to straight up in the air to avoid the style going too puffy. Finger comb the curls out and spray with a light finishing spray to give a touch of hold but still enable movement.

Black Hairstyles: Tyra Banks' Model Perfect Hair

For those wanting a black hairstyle that blends the perfect cut with the perfect color then Tyra Banks is a great example. Get the cut by asking your stylist for hair that sits just at or past the shoulders in length. Next multiple layers are introduced via a razor cut. Layers start around chin length and add lots of body and movement. The addition of a sexy, light auburn hair color will make this great cut out of this world.

When styling you will want to accentuate those amazing layers so add a texturizing cream and blow drying with a large round brush. Be sure to give those layer's ends a little bend to make them stand out more. Enlist the help of a little hair pomade with shine enhancers to give extra definition to the layers of this black hairstyle.

Going To Great Lengths To Get Brandy’s Hairstyle

Singer Brandy has been sporting some fabulous curls as of late. Though Brandy’s hairstyle looks like it must take hours to accomplish the secret are Brandy’s new extensions.

Brandy has teamed up with a company called Ultima, which creates natural looking wigs, hair weaves and hair extensions. Ultima ( www.ultimahair.com) claims that its hair pieces style at lower temperatures, always look shiny and healthy, and hold their style for weeks.

To get your own version of Brandy’s hairstyle, if you have shorter hair, is to purchase a high quality wig or opt for hair extensions to give you the added length or ease of styling. Always be sure to follow styling instructions for wigs and weaves and extensions. You can style your hair, either your own or “added”, with a small curling iron by wrapping small sections of the hair around a small barreled curling iron. Once the hair is curled, add shine and definition to your curls with a small amount of pomade or styling wax.

African American Hairstyles: Caring for Hair Extensions

Hair extensions can make even the limpest of African American hairstyles full of body and length but they do require specific care to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips on caring for different types of hair extensions.

All human hair extensions used in African American hairstyles should be washed with lukewarm water and a mild, non-conditioning shampoo. Try and wash your hair while in an upright position, like in the shower, and gently run your fingers through your hair. Remove all excess water carefully.

For curly, wavy and corkscrew versions of African American hairstyles with braids it's recommended to spray hair lightly with braid sheen. For curly and wavy types comb with a wide toothed comb and let dry naturally. Corkscrew styles should be separated with your fingers and allowed to air dry.