And the Actor Goes To: SAG Awards Hair Standouts

I absolutely love awards season. The gowns, shoes, ridiculously expensive jewelry, but most of all the hair. Red carpet hair can make or break the most well intentioned look. At last night's SAG awards there were many good looks but here are my standouts:

Taraji P. Henson
I was SO happy to see her on point from head to toe. I can definitely see that she is getting her "Oscar" upgrade and it is very well deserved. She turned heads with a cute bob and full side-swept bangs. I would have loved a finishing gloss for her hair but overall she was so many steps up from some of her usual red carpet appearances that I am totally willing to look the other way.


Viola Davis
While Viola isn't a newcomer to the acting world(if you're an avid Law & Order watcher like me then you know), thanks to her multiple nominees this season for her role in the film "Doubt," she is definitely on to watch this awards season. Her soft, flirty curls were gorgeous and she was positively radiant in her yellow gown. To re-create her look try a roller set or pin-curls.

Eva Longoria-Parker
At first I was on the fence about Eva's look but as the night continued it won me over. She wore soft molded waves that recalled the Roaring 20's. Eva is having fun with her shorter hair and I appreciate that she is taking risks with her look. She also had one of the best accessories of the night: her husband San Antonio Spur Tony Parker :)

Teri Hatcher
No Teri hasn't cut her hair...she's rocking a faux-bob. Just take your long hair and roll it under, secure with bobby pins, and voila' instant haircut.

Rosario Dawson
My head-to-toe standout of the night. Veronica Lake waves, red lips, and a gorgeous Dolce & Gabana gown. Rosario has been so "movie star" lately and this Hairnista is loving it.


Some of my honorable mentions were: Anne Hathaway, Kate Winslet (her dress was FIRE), Amy Adams

Hairnistas, who were your faves?

Drugstore Diamond: Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil

In this latest installment of "Drugstore Diamond" I'd like to bring to your attention Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil. I found this on a quick CVS run and for the price ($2.99), I decided to give it a try. It has a combination of some of my favorite oils: jojoba, sweet almond, and of course castor oil. A great plus is that it is also petroleum and mineral oil free. It's touted as a scalp treatment as well as a moisturizer used to prevent split ends. I've found online that alot of moms like to use it on their little ones' heads and skin.

Now that my hair is getting longer I put it in multiple twists to dry after co-washing and used the castor oil to seal my ends. While my ends weren't dry, I found that the product left them a little hard. I would recommend this as a great sealant for the winter and for those of you in cooler climates. I did, however, love how it left my edges and nape very soft. I can definitely see myself using it regularly to moisturize those areas. So overall I would definitely give this a thumbs up...for price and quality I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Some Like It Hot

Let's be real Hairnistas, in our quest for fabulous hair we're going to incur some damage along the way. However we don't have to resign ourselves to a head of dull, lifeless hair. FHI's Heat Hot Sauce is just the thing to protect your tresses from the heat damage of blow drying, curling irons, and flat irons. Once you get past the adorable packaging, you will find an amazing product. From Folica's website (the creator):

Most finishing hair products are silicone-based, which means they simply coat the outside of the hair to leave it feeling smoother. This is a temporary effect and will allow unwanted product residue to build up on the hair. FHI Heat Hot Sauce is moisture-based - when used in conjunction with FHI Heat irons it will actually penetrate into the core of the hair to reconstruct and deeply condition the hair from the inside out!. FHI Heat Hot Sauce has heat-activated jojoba crystals that dissolve and deeply penetrate into the hair, thus dramatically improving the quality, condition and texture of the hair. This is not a temporary effect - with regular use of FHI Heat Hot Sauce, dry hair will be moisturized and damaged hair will be restored!

Product Benefits:

Moisture based thermal protection
Heat-activated Jojoba crystals repair, moisturize, and condition
Moisturizes dry, damaged hair
Directions:

On clean, towel dry hair, apply a small amount of FHI Heat Hot Sauce along the length and ends. Iron your hair as usual. With regular use dry, damaged hair will be restored.

FHI Styling tips:

Begin by taking a small section of hair and running a comb through it to separate the strands
Place combed section of hair between the ceramic plates of your iron starting as close to the scalp as possible
Close the iron with a light grip
Pull the iron away from the scalp and let the hair glide through the plates. You should not feel the iron gripping or pulling your hair
Repeat this process throughout the rest of your hair

Ingredients:

Water, cetearyl alcohol, amodimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Incroquat Behenyl, TMS, Shea Butter, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Cetrimonium Chloride, Silk Amino Acids, Algae Extract, Tetrasodium EDTA, Rosemary Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, Hydrozypropyl Guar, Jojoba Esters, DM Dm Hydantoin, Citric Acid, Fragrance, Contains Crystalized Jojoba.

I had the pleasure of having this product used on my hair for the first time two weeks ago. After my blowdry, press, AND flatiron (with the FHI Runway) my hair was shiny and soft. I waited until now to post because I wanted to see how well this would last. Well two weeks later my hair is still soft and I have no breakage or brittle strands. This will be a definite must anytime I use heat on my hair.

An Oldie But Goodie

Have you ever had a product that you loved but for some reason never replaced it or just stopped using it? Well Kemi Oyl is that one for me. I was first introduced to it years ago when its creators asked me to be a hair model for them at a hair show. I used it faithfully until about two years ago; I honestly cannot tell you why I stopped. It was perfect for keeping my hair and ends moisturized and soft, but without weighing them down or leaving me feeling greasy. I was in the BSS (Beauty Supply Store - more Hairnista lingo) picking up some other products and I saw it on the shelf. I grabbed a small bottle and as I sit here typing I am in heaven. It has a pleasant, light scent and it's also great for the body (i always rub the excess on my elbows lol) It is made from a combination of essential oils and here is some more info from the manufacturer:

Kemi-Oyl is for daily use on any type of hair. It can be used on dry or wet hair. It is excellent for blow drying, curling, and defrissaging (pressing) because it creates a thermal barrier which helps to prevent dryness, split ends, and damage. Kemi-Oyl provides body, bounce, and new aliveness on chemically treated, colored, or natural hair.

No matter your hair type, Kemi Oyl can be a welcome addition to your hair arsenal. For only $2.99 you really can't beat it. Try it as a hot oil treatment or as a pre-poo before your regular shampoo.

I heart you Kemi Oyl. Welcome Home :)

Ummmm....Part 2

Just when I thought Kitty Wigs were the strangest thing I'd ever seen, I have offically been outdone. Apparently dog-lovers have their own hair accessories for their pets. WigglesDogWigs.com is the place for all of you that want to take your relationship with your pup to the next level. They even have braid extensions and clip-ins like the pink ones shown above. With names like "Yappy Hour" and "Dollface," these dog wigs have become a favorite of celebs like Marissa Tomei and have also been featured on Late Night with David Letterman.

The Sarah Palin wig is absolutely a classic.

First Lady Hairnista Michelle Obama

Well I got this one wrong...I really thought that our new First Lady was going to switch up her hair for the balls tonight. But hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it :) Michelle continued to dazzle with her flawless hair from earlier today. The Internet is buzzing about her fabulous gown by designer Jason Wu. I think she looks wonderful--the look was unexpected from fit to color choice. The best Hairnistas know how to keep them guessing.

YES WE CAN, YES WE DID, AND YES WE SHALL!!

On a total side note...I am an absolute bangle girl and these are BEAUTIFUL!

Do We Love It: Angelina Jolie

Angelina debuted a new 'do at The Curious Case of Benjamin Button's Berlin premiere yesterday. It's seems to be a pin-up of sorts a 'la Old Hollywood. Since she tends to keep things pretty simple, it's kind of refreshing to see a change.

Hairnistas, do we love it?

Fab First Family Hair

The moment has finally come and now that I've wiped away all my tears of joy (for the moment) I can dish about how amazing our First Lady Hairnista Michelle and out First Daughters Malia and Sasha looked today at the swearing-in ceremony. True to my predictions, Michelle's hair was flawless and she wore it down...I definitely think that she will change it up tonight. The girls were age appropriate with Malia sporting a sleeker look than usual an Sasha with soft, loose curls. It is going to be wonderful watching the girls grow up before our eyes...and watching their personal style develop. More to come tonight...I can't wait to see them at the balls. Til then!

Must Watch Hair: The City

Not that this Hairnista needs another guilty pleasure...but when one of my favorite girls on "The Hills" made the move to the big city I had to follow. I'm watching and waiting to see how Whitney's laid back hair will change now that she's a Manhattan-ite. A sleek blow-out or a new chic cut? She's being joined on the new show by Erin...a cute brunette. I'm loving her 60's inspired look with the chunky bangs. I see that I will have a love/hate relationship with Whitney's "frenemy" Olivia. The self-described "social" aka socialite comes off catty but you can't deny that she is gorgeous and has GREAT hair. Lush, thick waves...and of course I'm wondering if she wears extensions or clip-ins--but who cares it looks amazing. The season is off to a slow start, but I love seeing NYC. I've been gone for almost a year now and watching "The City" cures me of my homesickness.

Chris Rock Talks "Good Hair"

Man this picture brings back memories! As a little brown-skinned girl w/ a head full of thick hair I can remember dreading "hair day."

Chris Rock decided to make this documentary after one of his daughters asked him why she didn't have "good hair." For my non-Black Hairnistas, this term is a hold over from slavery where your hair was considered "good" or "bad" by how silky and straight it was versus kinky and coarse. It is a debate that even in 2009 we haven't shaken and I can't wait to see this documentary. Rock traveled around the country and even abroad (India---all my fellow Indian hair wearers stand up!) to delve into the world of African-American hair and the hair industry. As a woman so much of your beauty is tied to your hair and as a woman of color the love/hate relationship we have with our hair starts very early in childhood. Hopefully this will be a chance to have a open dialogue and help all of us to love the skin--and the hair--we're in.

In the video below Rock talks more in detail about what drove him to make this film.

More Inaugural Hair: Jennifer Lopez

To wrap up a day of great celebration and fabulous hair is one of my personal style icons Jennifer Lopez. Tonight at the first ever Latino Inaugural Ball, Jennifer graced the red carpet with one of her go-to looks, the chignon. This is a great look for special occasions and formal events. It's great for strapless dresses because it draws attention to the clean lines of your neck and shoulders, and keeps the main focus on your most important accessory, your face. It looks like Jennifer added some pieces for fullness...this is important to give the look the proper drama (and you know we Hairnistas love our drama). Day 1 of the festivities has drawn to a close. See you tomorrow!

Snow Bunny Hair: Sundance Film Festival 2009

Every year celebs descend upon Park City, Utah for a week of party--i mean film screenings. Never ones to sacrifice hair or fashion for the cold, celebs know that as long as cameras are flashing then they must be ready. One of my favorite Celebrity Hairnistas is Kim Kardashian. She's rocking her new bangs with big barrel curls and lightly feathered a la Farah Fawcett. Maybe I'm biased, but there isn't much she does style-wise that I don't like.

There is a wig that I've been wanting that will recreate this look. It's by Bobbi Boss and is called Esquire. I keep looking at this pic and now I have to have it :) If you already have bangs but lack the length, clip-ins will give you the added fullness and length you need to pull this off.

Celeb spawn Zoe Kravitz was her usual slightly disheveled self. Pretty girl, for me the hair is just meh. I not a fan of hair being overly "done," but I do think that there is a middle ground. When she first came on the scene I really thought she was going to be the next big thing, time still will tell. She has fabulous in her genes so I will be patient and wait.

I just got a new human hair wig that is similar to her hair in this pic. Now I'm not feeling so sure about my purchase. I need to spend some mirror time with it and I'll let you guys know if it survives.

Her Fashion Highness Anna Wintour was also there. I give her much respect for having a look and sticking with it consistently. Her bob will go down in fashion history.

I also love that we share some of the same ideals: being skinny, big sunglasses, and wearing fur lol (i kid, i kid...ok well maybe not)

And finally the ultimate Snow Bunny...Mariah Carey. As a married lady she's been keeping her hair pretty simple and I likes. Here she's wearing a middle part and sleek hair. It also seems like she's taken her color a little warmer.



I'll be posting soon on a very interesting hair documentary that was screened at this year's festival. It was produced by none other than Chris Rock...so should prove to be very interesting.

We Are One Inauguration Concert: The Hair Perspective

This was an AMAZING show! Kudos to HBO for another well-produced event. Now let's get down to hair business. President-Elect Obama and First-Lady Michelle didn't disappoint. Michelle gave us effortless glamour...simple but impeccably styled. And my favorite girls Malia and Sasha had their "big girl" hair in effect. Malia had soft tousled curls and Sasha accessorized her lovely locks with a cute headband.





Every celeb you can think of was a part of this production. Some Hairnista standouts were:

Mary J. Blige


Shakira


How hot does she look in this pic?

Beyonce'


Bey kept the hair and the vocals simple and I loved both. A great way to close the show.

Is Whitney Back?

Well from the looks of these pics the answer may finally be yes. She made an appearance at the 2nd Annual BET Honors awards show in our nation's capital last night and I must say she looked great! Her trademark auburn locks were slightly layered and flipped, and she looked almost like her old self. I've loved her since she was a little girl and we here at THC can't wait to hear her new music!

Hairnista Inauguration 2009

I know I'm not the only one that can't wait to see what our fabulous First-Lady Hairnista Michelle and Hairnistas-in-Training Malia and Sasha have in store for us on Tuesday. These three have great healthy heads of hair and I know they will be ready for the eyes of the world to be on them. I'd love to see Michelle's hair down for the swearing in ceremony and a soft updo for the balls that evening. I'm sure the First Daughters "big girl" hair will be the look of the day for them. Many of you Hairnistas can remember waiting anxiously for a special occasion so that you could get your hair done and wear it down :) I will be parked in front of a television all day so be on the lookout for all of your Hairnista Inauguration updates right here!

YES WE CAN!

Do We Love It: Lady GaGa

The verdict is still out for me on Lady GaGa. Her songs are growing on me and I can always appreciate a woman who's style is heavily influenced by gay men :) but what has always kept me on the fence is her hair. It just never looks healthy...and at the end of the day how fab is your hair if no one wants to copy it? Well enjoy her latest "gift." Hairnistas, do we love it?


(Luv the red YSL tho)

My New Favorite Thing: Steam

I've always loved what steam does for my face and voice, and who doesn't love luxuriating in a sauna 'til you almost pass out? Well little did I know it has amazing benefits for my hair. One of my fellow Hairnistas had this done a while ago and couldn't stop raving about it. I was wearing a sew-in at the time but made a note that this would be one of the first things I tried when I took it out. Well two weeks ago I got my chance. After shampooing my hair, my stylist applied deep conditioner to my hair and placed me under a steamer very similar to the pic above for about 45 minutes. I wasn't hot and thankfully had a towel to catch the drippies. I couldn't resist the urge to touch my hair about 20 minutes in and it was so soft! Intrigued, I settled back under the hood and my latest copy of InStyle. At the end of the day the proof is in the pudding...and I wouldn't know until my hair was finished. Well all I can say is that I am a believer. My hair was shiny, bouncy, and soft. I've always thought of my hair as being pretty manageable and I'm usually happy with how my hair feels/behaves after I leave the salon. This was a whole 'nother animal lol. The actual strands felt different...stronger even. And here I sit two weeks later with the same soft hair and my press intact.

Not to lose my Hairnistas of other "persuasions," a steam treatment would benefit any hair type. The steam can help with common scalp issues like dryness and flaking, and even a super oily scalp. It also allows the conditioner to better penetrate the hair shaft, providing the deep conditioning that our hair craves, especially in these harsh winter months. I'm excited to add this treatment to my regimen and to see how my hair reacts over time. I may even splurge on a personal steamer of my own. Now to figure out how to incorporate it into my living room furniture...

Simply Fabulous

If there ever was a true Hairnista, then Victoria Beckham is it. From her fierce bob to her new pixie cut, she never follows the trends...she sets them. These amazing pics are from the ad campaign for Armani's Spring 2009 lingerie line. I can't wait to see what Hollywood starlet shows up on the red carpet with a look "inspired" by this one?

L'Oreal Presents: Behind the Scenes with Beyonce' and Solange

Here's a behind the scenes peek into the L'Oreal commercial featuring spokeswoman Beyonce' and her sister Solange. I am absolutely in love with the lush curls on Solange in this clip. You can re-create them with a roller-set on large rollers or using a big-barell curling iron and then pin-curls to set.

What Is Your Goal Length?

Here's a pretty cool growth chart that has made the rounds on many hair websites and blogs. I wanted to share it with those of you who haven't seen it before and hopefully it will be as helpful to you as it's been for me. I'm a visual person so it's been great for me to line up my own pictures with this one to see where I stand. My ultimate hair goal length is full BSL (that's bra strap length in hairnista lingo). The longest my hair has ever been is APL (armpit length-more lingo lol). Unfortunately due to poor hair practices I would always have some random breakage and have to cut it to shoulder length where it would hover there and try to creep to my collarbone. So frustrating! Now with the great things I've learned (no flat ironing every day, protective styling) I'm so excited to see where my hair journey takes me.

According to this chart I'm at about 11"...in 6 months I'll do a reveal so we can see my progress. I can't wait!

The Hair "Under There"

It's a new year, and with it brings 365 chances to have the hair you've always wanted. As many of you know I love to wear weaves, clip-ins, you name it...but you can't forget about the hair "under there." Here are a few tips to ensure that you own hair flourishes while you are experimenting with new looks.

1. Shampoo and condition your own hair regularly. Just because you're wearing a sew-in or a wig you don't have a free pass to ignore your own hair. Make sure to lift your tracks and cleanse your scalp and braids underneath. Also you still need to deep condition at least once a week.

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Use a plastic color applicator bottle and your favorite oil (i love coconut oil) to keep your scalp and hair healthy. A lack of proper moisture is the main reason for breakage and dry, brittle hair when women take down their sew-ins or braids.

3. Protect your edges. To prevent thinning when wearing wigs on a regular basis, invest in a silk or satin headband to protect your edges and nape from rubbing against the wig cap.

4. Wear your sew-ins for no more than 6-8 weeks. I know that some of you may argue with this one :) Remember that your hair is still growing and you risk matting and dreading if you wear your sew-ins for months at a time.

5. Take your clip-ins out at night. This my seem like a no brainer but you would be surprised :)

6. Wait a week after taking down a sew-in or braids to relax your hair. Give yourself time to deep condition and strengthen your hair before relaxing it again.

7. Never take out a weave and redo it the same day. (See #6)

8. Wear a mesh cap instead of a stocking cap under your wigs and half-wigs. The cotton caps suck much needed moisture out of your hair...the mesh will allow your hair to breathe.

These are a few tips to get you started. Feel free to add your own!

Are You Niko's Cousin?

If you've ever been out and about and seen a girl with a gorgeous head of hair, then chances are she's Niko's Cousin. If you're wondering what that means, then you should check out the amazing website Long Hair Care Forum. Here you will find a collection of women that have grown their hair to amazing lengths, and it is full of tips, advice, product reviews...if it's hair, then these ladies are dishing about it. I found it during a google search on hair care tips and my life and hair have never been the same. Thanks to LHCF, my hair has never been healthier and I've found something I will never live without: coconut oil. If you hair is curly, kinky, or silky straight, you will be able to find the products and advice you need to bring your hair back to life and grow it to lengths you never thought possible. A one year membership is only $6.50 and there are women from all across the world that post. Most members create usernames and it has almost become a secret society of sorts. Asking if someone is "Niko's Cousin" is a way to find out if a person is a fellow member. So if you want to crack the case of beautiful hair, then come join the family :)

This pic is of Xie Qiuping of China, Guinness World Record holder for the longest hair - 18ft, 5.54" in 2004. I wonder if she's Niko's Cousin too?

Drugstore Diamond: Pantene Relaxed & Natural Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner

Here at THC we believe that the best products don't always have to be the most expensive. While I do love to splurge on luxurious hair goodies from time to time, during these tumultuous economic times the savvy Hairnista knows that many unexpected gems can be found at her neighborhood drugstore. In the series "Drugstore Diamonds," we will highlight great products that will transform your hair for the price of your favorite latte.

I know that I am probably the very last person to get on the bandwagon about this product, but better late than never. Pantene's Relaxed & Natural line is geared toward women of "color" with chemically relaxed or natural hair. Usually I'm a little wary of so-called "ethnic" products because once you get past the pretty packaging, there isn't much there to benefit your hair. I had also tried this line's penetrating mask deep conditioner and wasn't bowled over by the results. So for the last year or so I would walk past them on the shelves without a second glance. Finally being the cheapie I am I bought a small bottle of the Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner that was on sale for a dollar to take on my new year's trip. I figured if I don't like it then I'm not stuck with a whole bottle. Well now I am officially a believer. From the moment it touched my hair I could tell the difference. It's as if my hair was transforming in my hands. I was able to detangle with my fingers and my Denman glided through my hair easier than it ever has. And a day later my hair is still super soft. Infused with some of my favorite oils: coconut and jojoba, this conditioner left me with baby soft curls. For $4.99 you can't beat the value...and it works!

No matter what "color" you are, I would reccommend this product to revive your dry or damaged hair.

My 2009 Hair Resolutions

2008 was a wonderful hair journey. I picked up some great new habits and tips and now plan to leave all the bad ones in the dust. Here are my hair resolutions for 2009:

1. Deep condition with heat at least twice a week.
2. Only use direct heat (flat iron/curling iron, etc) once a month.
3. Take my hair vitamin supplements faithfully.
4. Always seal my ends every time I co-wash.
5. Find the perfect leave-in conditioner.
6. Perfect my wash-n-go's.

What are your hair goals for 2009?