BellaSugar

A Two-Step Trick For Enhancing Curls of All Kinds

BellaSugar — Fri, 28 May 2010 09:00:40 PDT

One of the interns here at Sugar has the cutest, most enviable curly/wavy pixie, while I, on the other hand, have the subtlest of waves in my pixie-esque cut. But with just the right product and styling technique, I have been able to coerce my normally wave-resistant strands to form soft curls thanks to tips from my stylist.

It's easy to do on any length hair, as long as you have slightly wavy strands, but also works wonderfully for those with super curly strands, too. Start off by applying a firm hold curl-enhancing gel to hair that's still slightly wet. I like Wella Hypercurl ($22), as it gives just the right amount of texture, but without the crunchy results. Then, break out the diffuser - a necessary styling tool that will soften your hairstyle, all while preventing frizz.

For a bit more customization, you can wrap individual strands around your finger to help give the curl more definition. But if you have barely-there waves like me, try scrunching and squishing hair into the diffuser.

Shine Boosting Hair Serums Outfitted in Red

BellaSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 13:37:06 PST

Have we mentioned it's red week enough times yet? Here are some of my favorite anti-frizz formulated serums that are packaged in...red! To apply: after washing and conditioning your hair, while it's still wet apply a few drops of serum starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots. After you blow dry, if you need to control any fly-a-ways, dab just a little bit into the palm of your hand and then use your finger tips to smooth out your already set hair. Keep in mind that too much product will make your hair limp and greasy looking, so use sparingly.

Glare Smoothing Serum, $15.95, is so shine enhancing everyone will be asking what you've done to your hair! Really, it's addictive. This serum is heat activated so apply when hair is wet and blow dry away.

Wella Color Preserve Seal & Shine, $12.31, smells great and believe it or not, this little bottle will last you a better part of next year! It helps to not only fight frizz but it shields colored hair from oxidization while adding shine.

For one last red-bottled serum,

read more Tattletales Rat Nest Head Smoothing Hair Serum, $15, helps to smooth the hair cuticle as well as reduce frizz and calm curls. It will leave you with a magnificent high shine finish!

Dress Up Your Ponytail in 5 Minutes Flat

Allure — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 02:30:03 PST

We're excited to present this story from our friends at Allure:

Looking for a party-worthy hairstyle that doesn't involve disco-ball accessories or spending so much time fussing with top of your head that your biceps start to cramp? Try moving your usual ponytail or bun down. "Wearing your hair at the nape of the neck looks smart and chic," says hairstylist Andy Lecompte of the Andy Lecompte Salon in Los Angeles. (Bonus: this look is very on trend. Spring runways including Carolina Herrera, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren all featured low-lying hairstyles.) We asked Lecompte for his tips on how to perfect the look. To see how, just keep reading.

A Variety of Hair at Narciso Rodriguez

Annie Tomlin — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:56:06 PST

As Narciso Rodriguez stepped away from his traditionally feminine gowns this season, he made one other notable change. While flowing dresses followed boxy coats down the catwalk, the models' hairstyles also made for a more individualized feel. Most wore rough, textured twists courtesy of Eugene Souleiman for Wella, but a few models sported boyish crops. In a time when many shows offer slight, if any variation in the way they presents their vision, a little hair diversity made the show just that much more compelling to watch.

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How the Season of Lent Can Motivate You

Leta Shy — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:20:08 PST

Today is Fat Tuesday, a time, it seems, to celebrate the excess. From alcohol-infused celebrations to indulgent feasts, Christians (and others) around the world take this last day to go all out before the pre-Easter season of Lent.

The gluttony of today will be gone tomorrow, however, since many will be fasting or otherwise giving up vices in honor of Lent. But even if you're not religious, Lent can be the perfect time to motivate or challenge your fitness routine or diet plans. The 40-day or so period is just enough time to notice the effects of a sacrifice or to form a habit, and being around three months into the year it can also act like a second chance for any resolution that's been forgotten from your New Year's list. And, much like New Year's resolutions, it can be comforting to know that other people are forgoing chocolate or vowing to run every day as well.

As a meat lover, I like to go vegetarian or pescetarian for Lent, but this year - after realizing that switching to decaf didn't make me any less addicted to coffee - there will be no more Starbucks runs for me! Instead, I'll be substituting that once a day au lait with water or green tea to stay hydrated, get some much-needed antioxidants, and hopefully form a new healthy habit by the end of it.

Readers, do you give something up (or make a resolution) for Lent? What's it going to be this year?