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David Babaii known for achieving red carpet perfection, created “Texture Infusion” for Sandra Bullock’s 2011 Oscar look. Sandra Bullock looked elegant and graceful in this chic and textural updo. Celebrity Hairstylist David Babaii, known for achieving red carpet perfection, created “Texture Infusion” for Sandra Bullock’s 2011 Oscar look.

To Achieve Sandra Bullock’s Oscar Hair

David started with a clean canvas by rinsing all the shampoo and conditioner from the hair. After gently towel drying, he applied Couture Colour Pequi Oil Treatment (now available at Sephora“> to the hair, using a wide-toothed comb to evenly distribute the product. The Pequi Oil tames frizz and mends split ends while providing hair with incredible softness and shine. Then, he dried her hair with a round brush for a smooth finish. Once dry, David applied additional Pequi Oil and brushed her hair straight back. With the IT&LY HAIRFASHION Digital Styling Iron, he took random half-inch sections starting at the front and twisted the hair. Once the strand is twisted, take your flat iron and press down the entire length of the strand to set a wavy texture in. Allow each strand to cool and release itself naturally. David continued taking half-inch sections throughout the front half of her head until he achieved enough texture. When complete, additional Pequi Oil was added to his hands to finger comb the hair back into a ponytail above the nape area. He then wrapped her hair around the band and secured with bobby pins, allowing any loose hairs to fall naturally.

And here they come, down the most-famous red carpet ever!

Oh, No, He Didn’t!

Russell Brand was asked what he did special for the night. The interviewer stated that many women spend hours getting ready and that hair is a huge part of that process. He was then asked what he himself did that was special. Brand stated that he went for a Medusa look that could be a style for all ages and eras. While we agree that curls are a style for all ages and eras, Russell, cut the curlies some slack! Be proud of your curls! Curlies melt others with their natural style—they don’t turn them to stone.

What happens when a world-renowned rocket scientist meets the owner of a haircare company? Amazing hairstyling technology is created.

Dr. Dennis Morrison devoted his life to research at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, home of NASA’s space shuttle program. He worked on microcapsules that were designed to deliver drugs to the body; this led to research on nanoceramic—ceramic materials produced by nanotechnology.

It turns out this knowledge proved most beneficial to Farouk Shami, founder and chairman of Farouk Systems in Houston.

The two men met at a NASA-sponsored nanotechnology conference in Texas. Shami was looking to improve the ceramic materials in the hairstyling tools his company produced. After talking with Morrison, Shami developed slick ceramic coatings that emitted negative ions when heated. He applied this technology to his CHI hairstyling irons. The technology proved beneficial to hairstyling when they discovered that the ions released when heated help to soften the hair and make it easier to manage and style.

“At Johnson, we were developing ceramic metallic components for triggering the release of drugs from microcapsules. I never had any idea that it might be beneficial to someone in the hair industry making a hair iron with ceramic plates,” says Morrison.

Shami didn’t stop there, however. He also was inspired by the research NASA applied towards disinfectants. Basically, NASA needed to discover new ways to keep surfaces clean and disinfected without the use of chlorine or alcohol fumes. So they turned to nanosilver particles, which act as a passive sterilizing component. Shami took these nanosilver particles and incorporated them into his hairstyling tools. By adding these nanosilver components, airborne microbes and bacteria died after they settled on the surface. This self-disinfecting characteristic made CHI tools appealing to salons and spas, where there is high traffic of germs.

Today, Farouk Systems uses nanomaterials in many of their CHI hair products, including flat irons, hair dryers, brushes, nail polish lacquers and curling irons.

And Shami was inspired once more by NASA technology and research—he created liquid formulations intended to accompany irons and blow dryers. You see many of these products on the shelves today: CHI Ionic Color Protector System, CHI Curl Preserve System, and CHI Organics Olive Nutrient Therapy Line.

Dr. Morrison retired from the Johnson Space Center in 2006 and joined Farouk Systems to further the development of hair styling tools. Using his research on the use of light and light emitting diode (LED”> devices, Morrison teamed with Shami to create LED devices that will stimulate scalp healing and growth by applying near infrared (NIR”> light. Using this technology, the two have been working to develop and market NIR CHI tools as well as skin products.

While Morrison didn’t begin his career developing hair styling tools, he definitely appreciates NASA ability to research multiple applications. “Alternate uses may not be envisioned for a certain technology, but once you understand the mechanisms of the technology, you can look for spinoff applications,” he explains. “As a NASA employee, I was encouraged to spread information about the concepts and results of our research, as well as talk to people about potential new applications of what we were discovering. The CHI hair iron is just a small example.”

Celebrity hairstylist Marcia Hamilton created Jada Pinkett Smith’s look for the 2011 Grammy Awards. To achieve this look, Marcia began by using White Sands Vegan Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner. She gently towel dried the hair and sprayed on The Fix from White Sands from roots to ends. Next, she sectioned the hair vertically from the center of the forehead to the nape. Each section was cornrowed straight back again from the forehead to the nape. The hair was allowed to dry thoroughly using the IT&LY HAIRFASHION Ionic Blow Dryer. When the hair was completely dry, Marcia applied IT&LY Pure Water Drops to her hands and then gently undid the cornrows. When all the hair was loose, Marcia had Jada flip her head down and over to create dramatic volume. To finish, she added additional Pure Water Drops to her hands and fingers, combing hair into the place.

British import Urban Therapy Twisted Sista soon will be making waves, kinks and curls on textured heads all across America.

The line of products, which will be carried by Walgreens beginning next month, can be used on all hair types and textures, says creator Stephan Durham. “Curly or straight, thick or thin, Twisted Sista’s high-performance products can be used on all hair types and textures to create everything from effortless, everyday styles to sophisticated and sleek hairdos.”

Durham, who has a degree in social science and economics but fell in love with hair as he finished his college education, founded London salon Urban Therapy in 1996. He soon realized that there was a gap in the hair care marketplace and a need for effective, performance-driven products that worked on women’s major hair concerns across all ethnicities. Surrounded by a multitude of hair care needs, London was the perfect breeding ground for the brand and the Urban Therapy Twisted Sista line was created in 2004 to fulfill the needs of the city’s urban women.

Durham says the products are easily accessible and affordable. “The line has developed a cult-like following,” says Durham.

“Harnessing the momentum and building on the obvious need for multi-ethnic hair care in London, I decided to bring Urban Therapy to the United States, where similarly diverse women were in need of a hair care line to address their many needs,” says Durham.

The brand was introduced in 2009 to the U.S., starting in New York at Duane Reade and expanding to 400 Target stores and select salons nationwide. This March will be the biggest expansion yet as it will be launching in 8,000 Walgreens, making the line accessible across the country.

Interestingly, Durham is not a hairdresser. “Although I am passionate about hair care, I’m not and have never been a stylist,” says the entrepreneur.

Taylor Swift was barely recognizable at this year’s American Music Awards. When she was sitting at her piano and performing on stage, you had to question if it was actually Taylor or some other country/pop blonde with stick-straight hair and new bangs.

When we did a survey asking if you preferred her hair straight or curly, 62% said curly, 21% said straight, and 17% had no preference.

We think that when Taylor straightens her hair, it takes away part of her personality and what makes her unique. Not every girl has those gorgeous spiral curls, and we love that she rocks them as much as she does.

Her straight look for the AMAs got us wondering how her hair has been styled for a few of the red carpet appearances she has made over the past 2 years. Take a look at the pictures and leave a comment telling us what you think of her straight look.

Check out these shampoos for their clarifying and rejuvenating properties! They thoroughly cleanse the hair and scalp leaving you with a fresh (and maybe tingly”> clean feeling!

1. Jane Carter Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo
2. Kinky Curly Come Clean Moisturizing Shampoo
3. Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo
4. Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo
5. Carol’s Daughter Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo

Curlies everywhere have had enough of Patti Stanger and her anti-curl attitude. This season, the star of Bravo’s TV series “The Millionaire Matchmaker” continues her theme that women need to straighten their curls to land a millionaire.

Stanger was quoted in Sunday’s New York Times as saying, “ ‘Today’s going to be tough love with her,’ Stanger said (about a client”>. ‘She needs to straighten her hair, for one. She can’t get arrested with her rat’s nest.’

“When the client arrived, she perched on one of the…chairs to wait while Ms. Stanger gave a phone interview. Dressed in flared jeans and brown wedge shoes, the client projected a ’70s vibe, enhanced by her hair, a mass of wild dirty-blond curls, and undermined by her French-manicured toenails. After a testy exchange about her hair — ‘Is it working for you, the curly hair?’ Ms. Stanger queried.”

Check out our other curly dating stories: Curly vs. Straight: Which Do Men Prefer? and Dating Dilemma: He Hates My Curls!

We could not disagree more.  Stanger’s attitude goes against everything we at NaturallyCurly, as well as the curly community as a whole, have worked so hard to change. Stanger appears to be living in a time warp where only one standard of beauty exists: the Barbie Doll. In today’s multicultural world, women are celebrated for their own unique beauty—whether it be straight, wavy or super kinky. Just look at stars like Beyonce, Shakira and Annalynn McCord.

She has a weekly platform where she could encourage women to accept and embrace their natural beauty, yet she chooses instead to fuel insecurities and spread a notion that you can only be attractive with smooth, straight hair.

If a woman chooses to go for a straighter smoother look because she wants a change, we support her. People should have options. What we don’t support is doing it because you think it’s the only way to get rich man to love you – the message Stanger sends loud and clear at every opportunity. What if she told women they had to change the shade of their skin or the color of their eyes to get a man? Why is okay to tell curlies they have to straighten their locks to find love?

Check out what others have to say about dating and curls: Is Curly Hair Intimidating?

We say, shut up already!

Other notable quotes from Stanger on her anti-curl philosophy:

Patti Stanger told Los Angeles’s Jewish Journal, “If you want to keep it curly, go to Israel.”

‎From her book, “Become Your Own Matchmaker, 8 Easy Steps for Attracting Your Perfect Mate:

“Men appreciate hair they can run their fingers through—and they don’t want to get them snagged in scraggly, frizzy, pubic-looking bird’s nests. The era of the perm is over, ladies. Wavy hair is fine, but a hair ball is definitely not a man magnet. The money you spend straightening and conditioning your hair might be the best, most profitable investment you’ll ever make.”

“And one more thing: I know I sound like a broken record, but if you have curly or wavy hair, get it blown out straight and silk for your photo shoot. It’s worth paying the money once a year to get it thermal reconditioned, also known as Japanese straightening.”

Initial response to Stanger’s inflammatory curl views already are drawing a strong reaction from NaturallyCurly’s community:

“Judging from Patti’s personal track record, I think it’s safe to say that she doesn’t have a clue about what men want!”

“I’m Black and my husband is White. When I cut my hair and decided to go natural he was behind me 100%, every time I feel like giving up and relaxing he gets upset.”

Read more about Patti Sanger’s anti-curl rants here and here. Also check out our Facebook campaign!

“I want a man to want me; not chemicals or a hairdryer.”

“I have PLENTY of men who tell me how beautiful my curly hair is! They’re always quick to say how they love natural women, and how my hair makes me look exotic. Its a definite conversation starter.”

“I turn more heads with curly hair then I did when I was relaxed so I disagree!”

“My husband HATES when I wear it straight…he actually gets upset cause he likes my curls sooo much!!! So, I hardly ever wear it straight anymore.”

“Well, MY man loves my kinky curls and prefers natural hair over straightened hair.”

Join our Facebook Group “No More Curl Bashing” to support our campaign to encourage society to stop bashing curls. And share your own stories about finding love with curls and kinks at a

press@naturallycurly.com.

Also please help us stop curl bashing on Twitter with the hash tag:#NOCMOREURLBASHING

Asked by an Internet video reporter how he keeps his hair so touchable, Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu says, “Well, I condition it every day. I also shampoo quite a bit.”

“It’s important for me to have strong hair in case somebody pulls it,” the famously maned player adds.

In other Polamalu hair news, Head & Shoulders recently announced that they were insuring the famous mop for $1 million.

“As a second-year spokesperson for the brand, Head & Shoulders recognizes the value of Troy’s extremely full and thick Samoan locks, so together with Watkins Syndicate at Lloyd’s of London, the world’s leading insurance agency, they’ve created the first ever insurance policy to protect his iconic mane for the entire NFL season,” says a press release.

Polamalu has not cut his hair in seven years; end-to-end, his hair would span 100 football fields.

For more Polamalu hair trivia and fun, check out TroysHair.com, and check out this Head & Shoulders video:

On Thursday night Alicia Keys and her husband welcomed their first child together. They had a baby boy, Egypt Daoud Dean, in New York.

After Egypt was born, the proud father, whose real name is Kasseem Dean, tweeted “I’m so thankful for everything I been blessed with in my life wowwwwww!”

The two got married back in July, a month after they announced that they were expecting. This is Keys’ first child and the fourth for Beatz.

We look forward to seeing the pictures of this new celebrity baby!

Award-winning colorist Mia shares her coloring tips for chemically straightened hair. “I get clients coming in all the time asking if they can color their chemically straightened hair. There are so many new straightening techniques out there that it can sometimes get confusing. So I’ve done my own sleuthing and compiled a list of a variety of treatments and the do’s and don’ts regarding coloring.”

Thermal Reconditioning/Japanese Straightening

Thermal reconditioning is a hair-straightening procedure that uses heat to change the shape of the hair. After the cuticle is broken down with chemicals, locks are ironed straight with a hot iron. A neutralization process then closes the cuticle, causing hair to stay straight. With this technique, your hair will remain straight for about five months to a year, depending on how fast your hair grows.

How long should you wait to color?

You need to wait at least four to six weeks before coloring your hair. If you decide to get this procedure done, be sure to protect your hair from ultraviolet rays by using products with UV protection.

Keratin Treatment

Keratin is a tough protein found in skin, hair, and nails, and is (you guessed it!”> the primary product used in keratin treatments. The chemical aldehyde, a derivative of formaldehyde, assists the keratin infusion into the hair. The keratin procedure reconditions the hair to prevent frizz while allowing it to wave, curl, or be flat-ironed straight. This procedure is not permanent. It lasts anywhere from eight weeks to four months, but the hair gradually returns to its original state without the awkward growing out stage in Brazilian hair straightening.

How long should you wait to color?

You need to wait two to three weeks before and after you do any other chemical treatments, including coloring. For best results, always do the coloring before the keratin treatment. After treatment, the keratin coats your hair like a thin layer of film, therefore colorants might not penetrate the hair they way it should.

Ionic Hair Retexturizing (IHR”>

IHR is the latest Japanese hair straightening technique, which works to lock in moisture and nutrients during the ironing process. It improves the condition of your hair as well as straightens it.

How long should you wait to color?

IHR works best on non-chemically treated hair, and lasts up to six months depending on the growth of your hair.

Always remember the healthiest hair usually has the fewest chemicals applied. Having both straightening and coloring is not the best option for everyone. The healthier your hair, the better results you have when coloring your hair.

OK, so at the request of one of my fave Curlys, I am posting this method. FYI: I have very, very thick, 3A (3B in spots”> medium porosity and medium texture hair.

Any who, I have A LOT of hair; I have always found that when I scrunch product in, while it does promote curl formation, it also breaks them up, resulting in massive volume, with thinner separated curls. Last summer I had success with the Denman as far as creating clumps, but they were generally “pulled out” clumps, due to the brushing.

I wanted both my coils AND my clumps — I have found that with this method, I can have both, and with pretty much any product combos that are “good” for my hair.

I suggest reading this through these tips and explanations before viewing the video at the end. OK, so here goes:

• Basically, I do my thing in the shower (co-wash, rinse out, conditioner”>.

• Next, I rake through my leave-in (if I am using one”> and then my curl cream (I refer to these as “base coats””>.
• This next step can be done either while still in the shower or out, standing by the sink. The sink method is messier, but I get better covergae and thus better clumps, the shower can be done, but you have to make sure you REALLY fill those palms with water.
• I step out of the shower and to the sink; I brush my base coats through my hair thoroughly with the Denman: first the nape, then the back of my head (some sectioning/lifting is required due to my volume”>, then the temples and crown.
• Always brush (whether with this method or otherwise”> with CAUTION: Use products with slip, good quality brushes and combs, and if you hit a knot/snarl DO NOT PULL. This is even more important for those who may be more prone to breakage (those with fine/dry/damaged hair, etc”>
• Next I use the Denman to “place” my hair (ie: Left Part, Right Part, etc.”>
• Next (this is important”>, I do a final brushing of the crown, OUT AND AWAY FROM MY SCALP. This is CRUCIAL to avoid the dreaded Flat-Top.
• Last step (this is where the clumps come in”>, I lean over the sink to one side, cup my hands under running water, and gently scrunch palmfuls of water into my hair. Repeat to the other side (those with bangs or shorter crown layers, get those too!”> Don’t scrunch firm and tight like you are creating curls, but slowly and softly to really soak the hair.

At this point my hair is more soaked than it would normally be when I step out of the shower, so it is kind of drippy. I scrunch in my gel of choice and plop. I guess you could towel scrunch, instead. I don’t plop long (5 – 10 minutes”>, but that’s just me. Then, I either air-dry for a few and then diffuse or diffuse straight away.

I find that the base coat I use affects my success. Please remember that I have A LOT of hair and can afford to uber-clump; this might overly clump those looking for volume.

The best base coats for me are those that provide light emollience. I have tried NO basecoat, I have tried heavy (I.E. butters”>, I have tried my gel as a base coat. While my hair WILL initially clump upon soaking with those, these clumps break up by or before drying, resulting in frizz of stringy/broken up curls. My greatest success has come with basecoats that are creamy yet light (think CJSG or CJCCC”>.

For those who find their hair gets so wet that it increases drying time: I have played with a double plop with great success. I saturated my hair excessively (after CJCCC”> and then went into a plop without scrunching in gel (thereby not squeezing out a DOT of water”>. I plopped for 5 minutes then came out, got a dry Curlease and went into a plop again. Plopped for another 5 then came out; my hair was no worse for the wear and much drier. My next trial will be applying a gel between plops.

I have found that certain areas of my hair, like the underside, that have always tended to clump on their own and can get overly clumpy with this method. I avoid this by gently running my hands thru those few areas before I diffuse (while still wet!”> But the best part is that I am getting consistent canopy clumps which I have never had before!

My kids call this the “Super Soaker” because they are dying for me to let them do it to my hair with their water guns.

Not happening…

I hope this was semi-clear. And I hope this helps someone!

— rudeechick

Nicole Richie recently shared her preferred brand of nail lacquers, SpaRitual. SpaRitual is a brand that is committed to creating eco-friendly products that promote beauty from within. Richie says she likes dark, sophisticated shades like I Feel the Earth Move, Health, Wealth and Happiness and Endless Possibilities. SpaRitual offers a wide range of shades, from sheers to bold metallic colors.

SpaRitual has amassed a committed following of women who are aware that the products they use affect their well-being and the environment, including Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, Eva Longoria and Hilary Duff.

The line embraces an ethical approach to beauty. They are dedicated to the environment by using eco-friendly packaging and printing processes. The bottles of the nail lacquers are also made from reusable glass and natural elements that are fully recyclable.

Emollient Esters provide conditioning to the hair and give a soft, smooth feel.

Butyl myristate

Butyl stearate

C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate

Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Cetyl octanoate

Cetyl stearate

Cetearyl stearate

Decyl oleate

Dimethyl Lauramine Isostearate

Glyceryl Stearate

Glyceryl adipate

Glyceryl arachidate

Glyceryl arachidonate

Glyceryl behenate

Glyceryl caprate

Glyceryl caprylate

Glyceryl caprylate / caprate

Glyceryl citrate / lactate / linoleate / oleate

Glyceryl cocoate

Glyceryl Diarachidate

Glyceryl Dibehenate

Glyceryl Dierucate

Glyceryl Dihydroxystearate

Glyceryl Diisopalmitate

Glyceryl Diisostearate

Glyceryl Dilaurate

Glyceryl Dilinoleate

Glyceryl Dimyristate

Glyceryl Dioleate

Glyceryl Dipalmitate

Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate

Glyceryl Diricinoleate

Glyceryl Distearate

Glyceryl Erucate

Glycol stearate

Isocetyl stearate

Isopropyl Myristate

Isopropyl palmitate

Isopropyl stearate

Isostearyl stearate

Octyl palmitate

Octyl stearate

Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Sorbitan benzoate

Sorbitan caprylate

Sorbitan isostearate

Sorbitan laurate

Sorbitan Tristearate

Stearyl stearate

Tocopheryl linoleate

The Clipper Guy, Ivan Zoot, shares another Curly Minute. Blot—do not rub— your hair to dry it. Have a look at this video. More information at Zoothair.com

What other subjects would you like to see a Curly Minute about? Share below!

Pint-sized Smith shows the world she’s serious about her singing career by announcing her recent signing with Jay Z’s Roc Nation. The music world is abuzz with this big move, but we can’t stop talking about her rockin’ hair!

At Sunday night’s Emmy awards, beautiful British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw showcases her natural hair with a simple updo. We can’t wait to see her (and her arm-candy”> on the new NBC series, “Undercovers”.

— Megan Dorcey

So I seem to have become the poster child for the joys of keratin treatments, and how you can use them to keep your curls and make them more manageable.

So when Ron King at Bo Salon in Austin offered me the chance to try La Brasiliana’s new Spruzzi Keratin Treatment, a spray-in treatment that replaces formaldehyde with aloe vera and lavender oil, I said, “Go for it!”

Mind you, I was terrified when I decided to try it out several months ago so I could speak to our curly community from personal experience. But I have learned that with an experienced stylist and good communication, you shouldn’t have any surprises. With so many keratin treatments out there and so many stylists jumping into the fray, please make sure you find someone you feel confident with because it’s still a chemical treatment and they are using a very hot iron.

I was in good hands with Angela Torres, who loves doing keratin treatments and seeing how they make her client’s lives easier. She assured me that this would not straighten my hair, but would make it softer, shinier and less frizzy.

Unlike the other treatments I have gotten in the past, I had to wait two days to wash my hair. So for two days, I had the straightest hair of my life. My husband and daughter didn’t recognize me when I met them at a restaurant.

I enjoyed the novelty of brushing my hair—something I never do. It felt like American Girl hair. It swished! But it wasn’t me. My 10-year-old daughter told me that the hair was pretty, but I look better with curls.

But come Monday morning, I was ready to wash it and get my curls back. So far, so good. I’d say my hair is a 3a now. It’s usually a 3b. It looks a few inches longer. And it’s super shiny.