BellaSugar

Get Jennifer Lopez's 1970s-Inspired Grammys Hairstyle

BellaSugar — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:24:45 -0800

The majority of you were loving Jennifer Lopez's look at the Grammys, and I've got the scoop on the inspiration behind her hairstyle from stylist Robert Vetica, who worked with the multitalented actress last night. Inspired by the 1970s, Vetica focused on creating volume and texture to give Jennifer's one-length hair a throwback feel, and here's how:

First, apply Moroccanoil Treatment on wet locks and blow-dry until the hair is smooth, using a round brush to build volume. After making a center part, start curling. Use a one-inch iron, making sure you curl the hair downward in a spiral fashion. (Vetica started curling in the back of Jennifer's hair, working his way to the front, lifting her hair away from her face in the process.) Next, break up the curl with your fingers and apply Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream for texture and hold. Finish off by brushing out the hair, backcombing underneath for even more fullness, and then spritzing on hair spray for shine and control.

How-To: Rachel McAdams's Adorable Curls

BellaSugar — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:00:19 -0800

It's elementary, my dear Bellas! Rachel showed up to the Berlin premiere of Sherlock Holmes with her hair styled in finger curls so cute they'd make Ginger Rogers jealous. This is a great look for those of you who are growing out a bob, or have a shorter style and just haven't been able to get to the salon lately. It's easy, and they look great messy, so perfection isn't necessary. To find out how to do it, just keep reading.

Do You Like Taylor Swift's Hair Better Straight or Curly?

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:00:00 -0800

Holy wow! I'm not used to seeing American singer Taylor Swift with her hair ironed straight. Typically it's super curly all over, even if it's pinned up. I think this look is sophisticated and mature, although her signature hair brings out her fun-loving, youthful side. In any event, it's nice to see her trying something new. Which hairstyle are taking more of a liking to on Taylor?

View 4 Photos ›

Do You Prefer Taylor Swift's Hair Curly or Straight?

BellaSugar — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:00:08 -0800

While we're accustomed to seeing Taylor Swift with her signature curly hair, she showed off a completely different style last night - almost to the point where she looks like someone else. Actually, her hair was styled this way for a photo shoot, and she just happened to stick with it for the evening. We're used to seeing Taylor with perfectly formed spiral ringlets, and there's no doubt she looks gorgeous with these pin-straight locks, but do you prefer the country crooner with curly or straight strands?

Scientists Have Found the Curly Hair Gene

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:59:08 -0800

An Australian team of scientists has found that a gene known as trichohyalin is responsible for determining whether your hair is straight or curly. Now it's possible to tell what kind of hair suspects who leave DNA at a crime scene have, determine a baby's hair type while she's still in the womb, and perhaps even develop medications that change hair texture without perms or straighteners.

While the first application would seem to be the most important, a lot of emphasis is being placed on the last one - more specifically on making curly hair straight without using relaxers or irons. Am I the only one who feels a little weird that one of the first applications people have leaped on is a completely unnecessary pill that suppresses your genes? Straightening your hair for different looks can be fun, but straight-haired girls like to go curly, too, and there was no mention of a "make me curly" pill. What do you think? Would a pill like this be a godsend for chronic straighteners, or is it an example of societal bias against curly hair?

How to Get the Most Out of Your Hair Dryer

BellaSugar — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:00:27 -0800

Over the past two weeks, longtime hairstylist John Frieda has been solving our hair problems. He's already given us tips on taming frizz, and he's provided a simple way to achieve instant volume. Today, it's all about getting the results you want from your hair dryer. Have you ever left the house after blow-drying your hair, only to be stricken with limp or too-frizzy locks later in the day? There's a reason for these inflictions, but the good news is there are a few things you can do about it. To find out Frieda's suggestions for getting the most out of your blow dryer, keep reading.

My Natural Hair Journey: How to Do a Bantu Knot-Out

OnSugar Blog — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 07:00:53 -0800

Here are highlights from OnSugar blog Brown Suga Fashion & Beauty Blogazine.

So, last weekend I decided to style my hair after feeling like I was in a hair rut. After being fairly pleased with my twist-out, I opted to give a Bantu knot-out a try. Oh my gosh, I think I found my signature hairstyle. This style is perfect for someone that is transitioning or otherwise and is super easy to do.

Some people may attempt to do their Bantu knot-outs after washing their hair, but I actually did mine with my hair completely dry and the results were amazing to me. I seriously didn't think it would come out well and I just knew that my effort was going to be a waste. Boy, was I wrong! The results were more than I could have asked for. The only "dilemma" I had was trying to figure out how to fluff my hair up so that the parts that were made in my hair weren't visible, but I think I tackled that issue fairly well.

I took pictures of the process so that I could share with you all, and I will attempt to walk you through all the steps I took to achieve my desired style.

Read the entire post and see the rest of the instructions here. Want to see more? Start following OnSugar blog Brown Suga Fashion & Beauty Blogazine or start your own OnSugar blog. Maybe your stories will be featured on BellaSugar.

Relaxed vs. Natural Hair vs. Weaves vs. Dreads

OnSugar Blog — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:02:21 -0800

Here are highlights from OnSugar blog Krissy's One Stop Beauty Spot.

Women, especially black women, have the ability to change hairstyles like underwear. I support you ladies no matter what you do - just do it right and take care of your hair. For the most part we all practice the same principles when it comes to proper hair care (co-washing, ACV rinse, trims, deep conditioning, etc.). I'm always willing to help people with hair questions and concerns, or at least point them in the right direction. I know plenty of people in that area.

Where I stand on a lot of hair issues:

I'm anti kiddie perms and kiddie dreadlocks on children if they're at an age where they can't make that choice for themselves (unless, of course, it's part of your religion). It's not about the chemicals, it's about the fact that it's a permanent hairstyle on a child. What if your child decides they want to wear their natural hair? You'll have to either cut their hair to transition them to natural hair. Yes, you can remove dreads but unless someone can find me a "safe" method that doesn't damage the hair, then I won't be changing my mind about this.
I'm pro weaves and braids as long as it's done right and your hair is still being kept healthy. If your hair is being done too tight and coming out, it's time to find a new stylist.
I'm pro curly and natural hairstyles within corporate America. I hear a lot of natural haired beauties bragging about self-acceptance and mainstreaming natural hair, but they still search for corporate hairstyles because of their natural hair. A bun will always be conservative no matter what type of hair you have.
I've always encouraged hair dialogue among women of different nationalities. You'll be surprised by the things we all have in common. If your non-black friend is telling you about a great hair balm that she pays $15 for, take her on a trip to a local beauty supply store and show her where to buy it for $5.

Read the entire post here. Want to see more? Start following OnSugar blog Krissy's One Stop Beauty Spot or start your own OnSugar blog. Maybe your stories will be featured on BellaSugar.

Do You Ever Dry Your Hair With Paper Towels?

BellaSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:00:28 -0800

Recently, while perusing the Tabatha's Salon Takeover website (have you joined my We Love Tabatha group, by the way?), I came across a tip that I really hadn't heard before, although it seems to be reserved for the more frizz-prone or curly-haired set. Instead of rubbing water out with a towel, simply squeeze the moisture out with paper towels. The theory is that the softer texture of paper towels is less aggressive than than rougher-textured terry cloth towels.

It goes beyond paper towels, too. Often those with curly locks will opt for squeezing out the excess moisture with old cotton t-shirts or microfiber towels - a more environmental option, if you ask me. Sorry, Brawny Man. What about you? If you've got curly or particularly frizzy locks, do you go the nontraditional anti-terry-cloth route? If so, how's it working out for you?

Source: Flickr User edkohler

Tame Your Frizz With Tips From John Frieda

BellaSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:30 -0800

Lack of body or too much frizz: "Most people fall into one [category] or the other," explains hair guru John Frieda. The solution? "A product and a technique," he says. In the 1970s and 1980s, when Frieda first started out, the majority of the products available were just for body and volume. If you had any issues with frizziness, as 60 percent of women do, you couldn't turn to your favorite anti-frizz serum or cream to quell the problem, as those types of products just didn't exist quite the way they do today. At least there was disco, right? Frieda, along with stylist Harry Josh, recently spoke on the stubborn issue of frizz. To find out how to prevent your hair from looking as if it's been hit by a Van de Graaff generator, keep reading.