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The Bewitching Waves of Hermione Granger
emma thompson

Emma Watson as a young Hermoine

From encounters with a three-headed dog to combating villainous Death Eaters, Hermione Granger has taken on seven years of challenges that the wizard world has thrown upon her. Being one of the most beloved characters in young adult literature, this young witch is now an icon for female heroism and bravery. Best of all, she sports curly, wavy hair.

Fans of the Harry Potter series are gathering at movie theaters left and right to watch the first part of the final film, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”. Fans have been following Harry and his two best friends, Ron and Hermione, since they were first years taking their first steps into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Since then, the trio has been in all kinds of trouble, from being out after hours to coming face to face with murderous villains. But perhaps what is most remarkable about the films is the way they capture the experience of growing up. Hermione Granger has certainly grown before our eyes, and her hair shows how she blossomed from a child eager to learn to a young woman ready to fight for mankind.

Hermione’s hair has seen many changes from the first film. She first appeared on the silver screen with a bushy head of hair that’s reminiscent of classic storybook witches. Its great volume and tangled state served as Hermione’s signature hairstyle. Fans of the books claim that this image of Hermione is most true to the novels, and expressed disappointment when they saw it change in the second film. In “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” she is first seen on Diagon Alley with long, shiny curls. Now well-groomed, her hair has corkscrew curls that seem to resemble the refined girl that Hermione is becoming. In the third film, Hermione’s hair is shorter and has less of a twist. Now shoulder length, her hair has a cute wave that is much more casual. It seems fitting, given that we begin see the students in jeans and casual attire.

emma watson

Emma Watson’s Hermoine begins to mature.

The fourth film is where Hermione’s hair is the most diverse. She begins to play with braids and clips that keep her hair out of her face, but doesn’t fail to wear her hair wavy as she makes her daily trips to the library. And of course, who could forget that elegant updo she wore for the Yule Ball? Lovely curls trail the side of her neck as she dances proudly next to Durmstrang Champion Victor Krum. In the fifth film, Hermione’s hair maintains its wavy texture. She parts it to the side, creating feminine looking bangs that sweep across her forehead as she fights alongside her classmates in Dumbledore’s Army. In “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”, Hermione seems to be returning to twists and curls. Her hair looks as if it receives more attention than her books!
emma watson

Emma Watson in “Dealthy Hallows.”

In the first part of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” Hermione’s hair is starkly different. It is much lighter than any of the previous films, and appears to be blond. But the biggest difference in her hair is the lack of wave or curl. Roaming the wilderness with her best friends who are trying to avoid capture, Hermione hardly has time or the hair products to maintain her curls. She is immersed in the elements, and is constantly on the run from Death Eaters and Snatchers (followers of the evil Lord Voldemort”>. Her hair shows it; it remains uncombed, windblown, and messy. So near to the end, we begin to see a rugged side of Hermione and her hair.

emma watson

Emma Watson in “Dealthy Hallows.”

Apparently Hermione isn’t the only one whose hair is representative of her blossoming character. Emma Watson, who has portrayed Hermione since she was ten years old, said goodbye to her role as Hermione by cutting off all her hair, leaving behind a fresh new pixie cut. Inspired by Mia Farrow in Rosemary’s Baby, Watson went to New York Stylist Rodney Cutler for that change she craved. Her new haircut has received all kinds of reactions, but many agree that it’s symbolic for Watson. As she moves on to the next stage in her life, this young star leaves behind the waves and curls that represent Hermione, and says hello to college life at Brown University.
Hair Relaxers: What You Should Know

By definition, a hair relaxer is a lotion or cream that makes the hair easier to straighten and manage. It reduces the curl by breaking down the hair strand and chemically altering the texture.  Most women who decide to get their hair relaxed have curly hair who want it to be stick straight without any frizz. The results vary depending on your hair type, but usually a hair relaxer will leave your hair straight for about six to eight weeks. Unlike other permanent straightening methods, relaxing your hair will require touch-ups from time to time.  You can go to a professional stylist, or you can purchase a hair relaxing kit to be used at home.

What are the benefits of going to a professional?

While getting your hair relaxed by a professional is expensive, it is the best option if you decide to relax at all. Putting any sort of chemicals in your hair is very damaging, and it requires careful attention that a professional can give. First off, a professional can perform a “strand test,” which will test the strength of your hair in order to further assess which type of relaxer is best for you. Apart from their years of experience, some professionals actually keep records of what treatments you have had or what procedures other clients had that will help them determine the best type of relaxer for you.

What are the different types of hair relaxers?

Hair relaxers, most commonly, are available in two types: Lye relaxers and No-Lye relaxers. Opinions on the two vary, but as with everything, it depends on your hair type and texture. Lye relaxers are known to work quickly on the hair, but as a result they might also rinse out of your hair easily. Their main ingredient is sodium hydroxide, and they are also known as “alkali” relaxers. No-lye, on the other hand, is mostly made of calcium hydroxide, which can dry out the hair. However, no-lye is better for people with sensitive scalps. When using no-lye, it is imperative that you use a “de-calcifying” shampoo to prevent calcium buildup.

What are some disadvantages of using a hair relaxer?

Hair relaxers are very powerful chemicals; they have to be if you want your hair’s texture altered so drastically. Depending on your hair type, hair relaxers might cause breakage, hair thinning, and stunt your hair growth. Some women have also complained of scalp irritation, scalp damage or hair loss. Remember that hair relaxers are stripping your hair of its natural oils, so be very attentive to your hair if you decide to relax it.

Depending on your hair type, hair relaxers might cause breakage, hair thinning, and stunt your hair growth. 
Should I get my hair relaxed?

Many people praise the magical abilities of hair relaxers, and return to their stylist over and over for it. However, achieving manageable, straight hair cannot be done without proper care. If you decide to get your hair relaxed, be prepared to pay special attention to it. Keep your hair properly moisturized, as hair relaxers are very drying to the hair overall. Use deep conditioners weekly, drink plenty of water, and utilize leave-in conditioners.  Be sure to use a reconstructing shampoo and conditioner the week following your hair relaxing, and stay away from heat that will further dry your hair. And of course, understand that if you get a relaxer, your hair will be damaged in the long run and will require special care to repair it.

Tabatha’s Salon Takeover Returns to Bravo

As part of Bravo’s previously announced five nights of original programming lineup, “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” returns with a brand new season on Monday, December 6, at 10 p.m. ET with the no-nonsense and smartly styled Tabatha Coffey, as she transforms the lives and businesses of salon owners across the country. In season three, Coffey hits the road and visits struggling salons in California, Massachusetts and Texas. For one week, she confiscates the keys to the establishments and takes over as boss, bringing her unapologetic, brutally honest approach to the salon owners and stylists who are in dire need of her skilled business direction.

Tabatha Coffey

Tabatha Coffey is qualified for the job like no other. Working since she was 14 years old, Coffey began her career in Surfer’s Paradise, Australia. Since then, she has been working with the salon industry’s top dogs in the United States, Great Britain, and Australia. Over the years, the edgy and energetic Coffey has sharpened her skills as a hairstylist and business owner, but she now finds her passion in educating others about the field. For ten years she has represented the company Artistic Team, traveling around the world to various hair and fashion shows, including Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Apart from being a hairstyling expert, she also holds a position as an editorial stylist for fashion and beauty publications. But when she isn’t rushing across the country aiding desperate salon owners, editing, or making it to fashion shows, Coffey manages her salon in New Jersey or works with clients in West Hollywood. Be on the lookout for her new memoir titled “It’s Not Really About the Hair: The Honest Truth about Life, Love, and the Business of Beauty.” The wisdom and charisma that Coffey illustrates in the show is sure to project through her book.

This season, no task is too big for Tabatha. Whether it’s moving into a salon owner’s house for the night to stage a family intervention, tackling five slacking owners in one salon, turning around a downtrodden children’s salon with stylists who don’t like kids or even doing hair, renovating a gay salon with questionable taste, or trekking a salon’s staff to the middle of the Mohave Desert to learn to survive as a team— Tabatha gives these struggling salons the major push they need to get back on track.

The salons Coffey will makeover in the California, Massachusetts and Texas areas include:

  • Mia Bella – San Bruno, CA

  • Christopher Hill – Brentwood, CA

  • Vendome – Houston, TX

  • West End – Provincetown, MA

  • Avanti – Boston, MA

  • Touch of Elegance – Tewkesbury, MA

  • Bqute – Palmdale, CA

  • A Star Is Born – Mission Viejo, CA

  • Concerto – Valencia, CA

Tune in December 6th to get some hairstyling tips of your own!  For more information about the show, visit Bravo’s website at www.BravoTV.com

12 Step Recovery for Flat Iron Addicts

Your hair is friend, and you know the problem: you use that flat iron daily, as if your life depended on it.  Here’s the thing: it doesn’t depend on it! There are plenty of things you can do with your natural hair to stay away from damaging hot irons. The key is feeling beautiful and doing what’s best for your hair!


12 Step Recovery

Top 10 Curly Cuties in Major League Baseball

Root, root, root for the cuties out on the field this postseason—especially the curlies. Even if our lineup didn’t all make the playoffs, we still like their curls! Whether or not you’re a fan, be on the lookout for these top ten curly cuties.

Matt Joyce

Tampa Bay Rays: Matt Joyce

A native from Tampa, Matt is an outfielder who made his debut only two years ago. Check out that hair flip!

Chad Durbin

Philidelphia Phillies: Chad Durbin

Maybe he’s an oldie, but a goodie! Chad not only pitches for the Phillies but has some cute crinkly curls to top it off.

Omar Infante

Atlanta Braves: Omar Infante

For all you Latino lovers out there, check out this curly Omar Infante.  Second baseman and shortstop for the Braves, Omar rocks the crinkles like no other.

Pat Burrell

San Francisco Giants: Pat Burrell

Keep your eyes peeled on the left field, because that’s where Pat is most likely to be! “Pat the Bat” not only plays left field, he also wears his waves proudly.

Armando Galarrga

Detroit Tigers: Armando Galarrga

Looks like he’ll be sitting out during the playoffs, but why not admire that hair flip? Armando not only looks great in a uniform but in this sharp suit.

Neftali Feliz

Texas Rangers: Neftali Feliz

Far from his home in the Dominican Republic, Neftali pitches for the Texas Rangers and made his debut only a year ago. It’s hard to keep your eyes on the ball with those juicy arms pitching!

Sam Fuld

Chicago Cubs: Sam Fuld

Check out those curls! Sam, a left fielder for the Cubs, has everything: blue eyes, awesome hair, and a degree from Stanford!

Robinson Cano

New York Yankees: Robinson Cano

He has a smile that any girl could spot in a crowded stadium. Robinson is a natural curly and second baseman for the New York Yankees.

Andre Ethier

Los Angeles Dodgers: Andre Ethier

You can’t miss those adorable curls coming out from under that batting helmet! Andre is a right fielder for the Dodgers whose curls won’t let him steal all the glory.

Ian Kinsler

Texas Rangers: Ian Kinsler

Ian is a second baseman for the Rangers, and rockin’ the playoffs with his full head of hair. Check out those thick, lustrous locks!

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