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Award Show Season Is Here

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:58:29 +0000

We're in the midst of award show season, where red carpet appearances abound. Besides talking about the best and worst of fashion, there's also a lot of hair talk.

As always, plenty of star power showed up at the 2012 NAACP Image Awards and I'm here to give a rundown of some of the more memorable styles, featuring faces such as Sanaa Lathan (pictured right), Keke Palmer, Jill Scott, Viola Davis and many more.

Other awards show hairstyles you may want to check out include the recent Grammys.

(Photo credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

CURLS Honors Vivian Malone Jones

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:44:26 +0000

CURLS CEO and founder, Mahisha Dellinger, is using her platform to honor her cousin, Vivian Malone Jones, this Black History Month.

Ms. Jones is being touted as the company "CURLoine." She is in this photo including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. -- she's the lady on the far right.

From the CURLS press release:

"...Vivian Malone Jones was the University of Alabama's first African American graduate and one of the first two African American students to first attend the University in 1963. After she graduated from UA, Jones joined the Civil Rights division of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Just as Jones broke the mold for African American Women in the education arena, Dellinger is changing the shape for African American women in the entrepreneurial market...Dellinger has grown CURLS into a multi-million dollar company...

One of the founding principles engrained in the CURLS hair care line is acceptance...join the CURLS platform and honor one of their founding curlies, Vivian Malone Jones."

What better time to celebrate one of our Civil Rights sheroes?

(Photo credit: Mahisha Dellinger)

KYNX Celebrates Black History Month

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:17:08 +0000

In celebration of Black History Month, KYNX is honoring a true icon, Dorothy Dandridge.

From the company's press release:

"Premium hair care line, Kynx, is honoring Ms. Dandridge this Black History Month. As the first African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress she defied all social labels and boundaries that surrounded her.

Dandridge embodied everything a Kynx girl should be-independent, sexy, strong, confident, resilient, free, saucy, unique, blessed, natural, and thriving. Join the Kynx community this Black History Month and strive to break down barriers; be bold, be fierce, be Kynx."

Want to know more about KYNX? Be sure and check out their site, and read my review of their products, which are a great addition to the hair care market.

(Photo credits: TLK Fusion)

Check It Out -- Jenni Rivera Ionic Blow Dryer

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:28:07 +0000

I do actually love this blow dryer for more than its looks, promise! But isn't it pretty?

I was able to test drive the Jenni Rivera Ionic blow dryer recently, and it is one incredible dryer. This is from someone who doesn't use a lot of heat tools, and approaches most of them with caution. When it comes to this dryer, I love the various speeds and the adjustable temperature (so important!).

Are you in the market for a new dryer? If so, read my review and see if this dryer should go on your wish list! It really is as powerful as it is pretty.

(Photo courtesy TLK Fusion)

A Chat With Asya Rahim of RemyKiss -- For All Your Hair Extension Needs

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:49:39 +0000

If you have a great set of hair extensions, you probably know it. On the other hand, if you have an inferior quality product, how do you know?

Don't make the mistake of buying extensions and weaves which fall apart soon after you apply them. To help you make a smart buying decision, please check out my interview with Asya Rahim, founder of RemyKiss, a provider of quality extensions you'll love to wear.

(Photo courtesy RemyKiss)

Advice for the Transitioners: Mind Over Matter

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:27:42 +0000

I hear from women going through the transition from chemically straightened to natural hair fairly often, and what I pick up on quite a bit is a feeling of frustration. Yes, handling two radically different textures can be a challenge, and if you're not up for the challenge or prepared for it, you may find yourself running back to the "security" of straight hair.

If you're struggling with that, let me give you some unsolicited advice: Transitioning (or even big chopping) is really a mental thing.

Until you let go of that "relaxed mindset," constantly expecting your hair to be one way when it wants to be something else, your new growth will frustrate you. It will seem dry and unruly in contrast to your straightened hair, which is "behaving" oh so well.

I'm here to tell you that black hair is not:

Bad
Rebellious
Thinking about you!

Your hair isn't your enemy, but your mindset may be. Returning to natural hair after years of wearing it otherwise will be easier once you come to terms with your unique texture and what it will and won't easily do. Some women have lots of frizz; others have tons of shrinkage. Accept your hair for what it is. Once your mind conquers that challenge, the rest is easy.

More advice for transitioners:

Black Hair Icons Slideshow

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:18:21 +0000

What better way to celebrate Black History Month than with a look back at some women who were creative and innovative when it came to hair?

YouBeauty has compiled a fabulous slideshow featuring some of our more memorable hair icons. Besides the lovely ladies pictured here (L-R: Diana Ross, Lisa Bonet, Tina Turner), you'll also find Grace Jones (love it!) and an unforgettable asymmetrical look at Salt-n-Pepa. But that's not all -- check out the slideshow for even more women who were and are truly fearless when it comes to black hair!

(Slideshow content credit: YouBeauty.com)

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Looking for Length? Try These Tips

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:12:48 +0000

With all of the hair forums currently on the Web, you've probably read (or are even a member of) at least one. You'll find "protective challenges," hair idols, growth regimens and much more for black women looking for hair care advice.

There's no mumbo jumbo involved in hair growth. Unless hair follicles have been irreparably damaged, hair grows, even if you abuse it to the point where it breaks off faster than that. Still, if you're looking for hair growth tips, I have 11 for you to check out. Maybe longer hair is in your future!

Clean Those Combs and Brushes

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:11:16 +0000

It's a new month, so why not do some housecleaning as far as your hair tools go? Cleaning combs, brushes and accessories on a regular basis will prevent build-up and transferring dirt and products back onto your hair.

Heavier products and those that are oil-based may require you to wash those combs and brushes more frequently, but consider making the first of every month the day you put everything in hot, soapy water and give them a good soak. After all, the cleaner your combs and brushes, the cleaner (and prettier!) your hair will stay.

Home Hair Care

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:26:03 +0000

While some women prefer going to their favorite hair salon, others choose to take care of their hair themselves, either out of financial necessity or because they're more DIY. No matter your reason, you can easily care for your hair several ways. None require a professional stylist or a lot of dough. Find out which ways you can care for your tresses at home.