Sade: A Lesson In Signature Style

As I listened to Sade's new single "Soldier of Love" for the umpteenth time, I started thinking about the importance of signature style. When you hear her name you immediately think of her hair slicked back into a low ponytail or chignon, strong brows, and red lips. Iconic, beautiful, classic. All of the great Hairnistas of our time are known by their hairstyles: Cher, Anna Wintour, Audrey Hepburn, Farrah Fawcett, Diana Ross. While we all may not be stars on the big screen, there's no reason our own style can't be legendary. Here are a few tips to help you find your own Signature Style:

1. Just say no to crazy trends
A shaved head may work for Cassie, but unless you're a 20-something popstar this probably isn't the look for you. Classic looks work for a reason. Don't shortchange yourself constantly chasing different looks. At the end of the day the health of your hair usually pays the price.

2. Get a Second Opinion
Sometimes another set of eyes are better than our own. Ask a group of friends whose style and opinion you trust about their thoughts on your hair. There may be a look you've rocked that could be considered "signature-worthy" that you didn't realize. Hairnistas we can often be way to critical of ourselves and miss a good thing.

3. Classic doesn't equal boring
If you love a bob and want this to be your signature style, make it your own. It can be asymmetrical or even add a blonde streak for an edgy factor. Would you ever call Sade's look blah? Exactly.

4. Keep it Fresh
When you do settle on a signature style, every 6 moths tweak it just a tad. Love stick straight hair with a center part? Keep your center part but try soft waves (Demi Moore does this well). The essence of the style is still intact but your look stays fresh.

5. Who is Your Style Icon?
I love big curly hair a la Diana Ross, but I can't walk around looking like a 70's disco queen in 2009 :) So while she is definitely and inspiration for me, I have a look that is all my own. Flip through fashion and beauty mags and tear out pics of Celeb Hairnistas whose style you admire. You'll find after a few pages that there are is usually one that speaks to you the most. Take into account your everyday life and what you want your overall style to say about you.

Hairnistas as you get ready for the new year, your first goal for 2010 should be to establish your signature style. Unlock your iconic beauty within!

FAB CURLS HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!!

My lovely Hairnistas (and especially my Curly ones) have I got something great for you! One of my favorite lines CURLS has a great new product pack to get you ready for the holidays: The Peppermint Twist and Curl Kit
(Click here for more info)

If you're already a CURLS girl like me or have been searching for a great product for your own curls, here's your chance. Send me a pic of your fab curly holiday hairstyle (hairnista@gmail.com) and the Hairnista with the best pic will receive a Curls Souffle.


Hairnistas get ready for your closeup!!

To help you get ready for your holiday soiree, here are some holiday Do's and Dont's courtesy of Curls creator Mahisha Dellinger:

"Holiday Hair Do’s
· Go natural! Explore you hair and all of its glory. Go for the sexy, messy, “straight out of the bed” tousled look. Cleanse, condition, moisturize your curly tresses and follow up with a light curl lotion for the natural wave look. (CURLS Milkshake is recommended)

· STYLE TIP: Once your hair is dry, gently secure various ringlets tautly to your scalp with bobby pins. Allow a few curly tresses to dangle in your face.

· Give your hair a pre-holiday deep conditioning treatment with heat, especially if you plan to heat style your hair. Add a little olive to your conditioner to up the ante. This extra step will help protect the cuticle from damage. (CURL Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner is recommended)

· Nothing is more unattractive then sparse, stringy ends, especially on curly girls. Regular trims should be a part of your hair care regimen. Curly hair should be trimmed 1x every 3 months, and 1 week before a major event or party. NOTE: Don’t just trust anyone with your gorgeous locks. Ensure that your stylist is familiar with styling and cutting curly hair.


Holiday Hair Dont’s
· Avoid products that contain mineral and petrolatum oil or silicone. Mineral and petrolatum oil are synthetic oils that coat and suffocate the hair shaft blocking moisture out. Silicone acts the same way, while they temporarily add sheen, dryness is a long term affect. Furthermore, they clog pores in your scalp and can retard hair growth. Read your labels. Remember, the ingredients are listed in order of volume. If you hair requires an oil, use only natural oils that penetrate

· Avoid frequently shampooing hair. Over shampooing and under conditioning are common culprits for dry, frizzy hair. Winter weather further exacerbates the issue. Therefore, shampooing more than 1x a week is not recommended. I recommend shampooing 2-3x a month, for dry and/or damaged hair, and 1x a week for undamaged curly hair with CURLS Curlicious Curls Cleansing Cream.

· Don’t overdo the heat styling. Excessive blow drying, flat ironing and curly will perpetuate dryness and encourage breakage.


Let the sparkle and shimmer of the winter season inspire you to have fun with your hairstyle. A little red dress, stunning stilettos, and accessories to die for are just what a woman needs to turn heads at any bash. Top it all off with the perfect curly hairstyle and you’ve got a look that’s simply stunning!"


I can't wait to see your pics Hairnistas! Send them to hairnista@gmail.com

Like a Star: Corrine Bailey Rae

One of my favorite heads of hair is back on the scene! When she first made her mark stateside a few years ago Corrine's quiet, understated beauty and style stood out in a sea of over-the-top divas. I remember the first time I saw the video of her riding a bike down a dirt road with her adorable soft curls; I was immediately taken with her. You don't see many Celebrity Hairnistas of color with natural hair and she was a breath of fresh air. After some time away she has returned with her same gorgeous thick hair that has grown out considerably. Loving the longer hair and big barrel curls.

Want this look? Make large ringlets using a 1" barrel curling iron. Pin curl overnight to make this style last for up to a week.

Cover Watch: Lady GaGa for Elle Magazine

Fierce, Fire, Flawless, Fabulous...how many more things can I say about how hot these pics are?! Lady GaGa is one of my favorite artists at the moment and she is serving it oh so well on the cover and layout in Elle magazine. This chameleon and budding style icon has officially taken the spotlight from former platinum standouts Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani. Sorry ladies, but the torch has been passed. Lady GaGa is known for her androgynous style and I'm loving that Elle has softened her look for this issue. Mixing soft, tousled curls with edgy fashion is one of my favorite pairings and the mag's stellar styling team has outdone themselves yet again.

Want this look? Well early on Lady GaGa has been very open about her use of wigs, clip-ins, and extensions to change her looks (another reason I love her!). A great platinum wig is an easy way to have your own "Lady GaGa" moment without the commitment. Throw in the leotard and you're all set :)
Off to pick up her new album...

Splurgeworthy: PHYTO Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask

On my most recent salon visit my stylist told me she had a treat for me...well she didn't disappoint. For my deep conditioning treatment she used PHYTO Phytojoba Intense Hydrating Mask. This mask is formulated for dry hair and moisturizes, detangles, and softens. As you can probably tell by the play on words in its name, the mask is infused with jojoba oil...one of my favorites. This product is also free of sulfates and parabens which will make this a definite keeper in my book. This is a great stocking stuffer for your favorite Hairnista this season (or just for yourself!). Even if your hair isn't severely dry this mask is amazing to combat the harsh damage that winter cold can do to your locks.

So add this to your wishlist Hairnistas:)

Raising the "Bar"- Afroveda Carrot Ginger Shampoo Bar

I'm always one to try something new, and after hearing rumblings about a shampoo "bar," my curiosity got the best of me. Having only ever used a liquid shampoo, I wondered how a shampoo bar would actually work. But then being the common-sense Hairnista that I am, I figured if you can wash your body with a bar of soap then why not your scalp and hair? I've heard great things about Afroveda's Carrot Ginger Shampoo Bar so i decided to give it a go. After I used the bar, my scalp felt great. There was no build-up and my hair felt moisturized and clean, not stripped how regular shampoo usually makes it feel. So Hairnistas this is a definite addition to my stash and for only $7 you cannot beat the price or quality.

In a Hair Rut? Try these tips

Hairnistas, I didn't think it was possible, but I am officially bored with my hair. Now I know you all wonder how this is possible with my crypt full of wigs, clip-ins, falls, you name it, but I am :( My hair is the healthiest and longest it's ever been (which don't get me wrong, I am over the moon about), but I'm getting the itch to try a new look. I'm leaning toward a sew-in with the curliest bundle of Indian hair I can find...this way my own hair won't be damaged and it will also prevent me from doing anything drastic. If you're in the same boat, here are a few tips to keep you from doing something you'll regret:

1. Don't get the "I'm Sick of My Hair" haircut. You're not as sick of it as you think, and you're not as sick of it as you will be the day after this haircut. Sleep on it, if a couple days pass and you really feel like you're ready to make a change, go for it.

2. Throw on a cute hat. Sometimes just not having to look at it for a day or two makes all the difference. My go-to faves are a military style baseball cap or a slouchy crochet beret.

3. Get a new wig. This is for my wig wearing Hairnistas. I've fallen out of love with every wig I own and it is time for me to replenish my styles. Just like you have to clean out your closet, do the same with your wig stash.

4. Treat yourself. Whether it's a day at the spa or even with the hot salon in town that you've been dying to try. Having someone else pamper your tresses may make you realize that what you have isn't so bad after all.

I refuse to have a hair-tastrophe, so I'll be taking all of these tips to heart as I go through the holidays. What do you ladies do when you're feeling blah and want to switch it up?

Hairnista TV: Derek J talks "Good Hair" at Sunny's Hair & Wigs ATL

I was able to have a a fun chat with one of my favorite people, Celebrity Stylist Derek J. A friend to Sunny's and one of the few I trust with my own locks, Derek was a special guest at Sunny's Hair & Wigs Atlanta's Fall Shopping Event "Fall Into A New You." We dished on some of his upcoming projects as well as the great goodies from the event sponsors. I would like to give a huge thank you to Sunny's Atlanta and the event sponsors Creme of Nature, Sofn'free, and Curls.

Enjoy!

Hawaiian Delight: Frangipani Oil

Aloha Hairnistas!

I've been on vacay in sunny Hawaii and I'm so excited to share with you some amazing goodies I found. Now you all know I am all about oils..well I have a new one for you! While in Maui I found out about a scalp treatment using Frangipani oil. Infused form the Frangipani (or aka Plumeria) flower, this oil is renowned for it's soothing and healing properties for skin and hair. Its heavenly smell will immediately transport you out of your home and to the lush tropical landscape of this exotic locale. While it can be a little pricey ($48 for a 100ML bottle), it is definitely a splurge-worthy item. It is a must for your next scalp massage or hot oil treatment. My fine-haired Hairnistas need not be afraid, Frangipani oil is very light and won't weigh down your tresses. It also is a great pick-me-up for locks that are dry from winter weather and regular heat styling. So while I do recommend that every Hairnista make a trip to Hawaii, if you can't this oil will definitely bring Hawaii to you.