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Need to De-tattoo? Get Some Credit in the Straight World

BellaSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:15:08 -0700

There's no shame in having a punk-rock past (or present, actually). But unkempt dreadlocks, body art, and piercings may stop being so cool when it's time to get out and find gainful employment. If you're thinking of suiting up to pay some bills, here are a few ways to look more Mad Men, less Warped Tour.

Concerned about that tattoo of the unicorn smoking a hookah on your shoulder? Look no further than The Wrecking Balm Tattoo Removal System ($149.95), which promises to fade away your ink or your money back.
For those who thought those rubber ear spacers were a good idea, the EarLift Invisible Lobe Support Solution ($7.80) can help. A hypoallergenic gel disc sits on the back of your earlobe to provide support and erase the evidence. (I saw Ms. Jay use these on an episode of Tyra, and it totally worked.)
While neat dreadlocks (think Whoopi Goldberg) look professional and cool, the bead-adorned, I-am-a-Korn-groupie dreads might not fly in an office setting. But the Knotty Boy Emergency Dreadlock Remover Kit ($25) detangles even rock hard 'locks using - you guessed it - hempseed oil.

It might be time to send a care package to those members of the class of '08 who are just getting back from Burning Man and need their looks to be as polished as their resumes.

Hair How-To: Polished Dreadlocks

BellaSugarUK — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 07:00:00 -0700

A little bit glamour, a little bit grunge – this season's matted hair texture takes inspiration from hippie dreadlock styles, and gives a fresh look to summer hair.

Think full-on dreadlocks at Etro, matte hair at Lanvin, or just lots of texture at Balmain and Preen.

Like with the candyfloss hair trend, this summer, the polished dreadlocks look is about working with the natural texture of the hair, as oppose to creating an overly fake, super shiny look.

It's certainly a breath of fresh air, after seeing so many WAG-wannabes with ironed straight, glossy manes.

For one of the edgiest looks this season, just read more for my at-home how to:

Make sure hair is in immaculate conditioner. This won't look at all polished, if you have damaged hair. Try an intensive hair masque, or overnight treatment, the night before, such as Kerastase Noctogenist, (£20.40), which won the Cosmopolitan Beauty Award, for Best Leave-In treatment, this year.
Use a volumising mousse on freshly washed, damp hair, to provide a base that will hold texture. I like Trevor Sorbie Rejuventate Volumising Mousse, (£4.49).
Blow dry hair as usual but don't go too smooth. When hair is dry, take a small section and twist it from the root down. Hold onto the end, and with your other hand, rub your fingers – gently – up and down the strand to create texture.
Repeat this, randomly through-out the hair. Keep the look uneven.
Keep it in place by using a medium-hold hairspray, such as Pantene Sheer Volume, (£3.29).
For a more 80s look, lightly apply crimpers diagonally across a section of hair, from root to tip. Only crimp small sections though, just to add texture to the hair. Or try crimping the underneath layers of hair, for a subtle effect.

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Beauty Glossary: Dreadlocks

BellaSugarUK — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:00:00 -0700

Dreadlocks are interlocked coils of hair which tend to form by themselves, in all hair types, if the hair is allowed to grow naturally. So no brushing, combing, shaving or cutting for a long period of time.

It is common for wearers to perform thorough maintenance on their hair, including regular washing and various techniques of re-knotting or braiding with ribbons, in order to maintain the desired appearance. Although the term dreadlock is associated closely with the Rastafari movement and community, people of various cultures have worn, and continue to wear them.

Dreadlocks date back to the Egyptian time and have wide-reaching social and political associations. For some peoples of African descent, locks are a statement of ethnic pride. Some see them as a repudiation of eurocentric values represented by straightened hair.

In white counterculture, 'locks have become popular among politically activist groups, and there is still the sense that dreadlocks symbolise rebellion against conformity, as well as against political and social repression.

Recently, variations on dreadlocks appeared on the catwalks. Etro, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Balmain all showed a version of dreadlocked hair for Spring/Summer 2008.

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Relaxed vs. Natural Hair vs. Weaves vs. Dreads

OnSugar Blog — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:02:21 -0800

Here are highlights from OnSugar blog Krissy's One Stop Beauty Spot.

Women, especially black women, have the ability to change hairstyles like underwear. I support you ladies no matter what you do - just do it right and take care of your hair. For the most part we all practice the same principles when it comes to proper hair care (co-washing, ACV rinse, trims, deep conditioning, etc.). I'm always willing to help people with hair questions and concerns, or at least point them in the right direction. I know plenty of people in that area.

Where I stand on a lot of hair issues:

I'm anti kiddie perms and kiddie dreadlocks on children if they're at an age where they can't make that choice for themselves (unless, of course, it's part of your religion). It's not about the chemicals, it's about the fact that it's a permanent hairstyle on a child. What if your child decides they want to wear their natural hair? You'll have to either cut their hair to transition them to natural hair. Yes, you can remove dreads but unless someone can find me a "safe" method that doesn't damage the hair, then I won't be changing my mind about this.
I'm pro weaves and braids as long as it's done right and your hair is still being kept healthy. If your hair is being done too tight and coming out, it's time to find a new stylist.
I'm pro curly and natural hairstyles within corporate America. I hear a lot of natural haired beauties bragging about self-acceptance and mainstreaming natural hair, but they still search for corporate hairstyles because of their natural hair. A bun will always be conservative no matter what type of hair you have.
I've always encouraged hair dialogue among women of different nationalities. You'll be surprised by the things we all have in common. If your non-black friend is telling you about a great hair balm that she pays $15 for, take her on a trip to a local beauty supply store and show her where to buy it for $5.

Read the entire post here. Want to see more? Start following OnSugar blog Krissy's One Stop Beauty Spot or start your own OnSugar blog. Maybe your stories will be featured on BellaSugar.

Love It or Hate It: Jessica Szohr's Faux 'Locks

BellaSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:00:27 -0700

In the last few days, Jessica Szohr (that's Vanessa to you Gossip Girl fans) has been wearing her long black hair twisted in dreadlock-esque formations. (It doesn't seem like she's had long enough to actually perfect dreadlocks, which take months to cultivate). What do you think: sexy earth girl or just messy?

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How to Use Canned Air For Your Hair

BellaSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:00:32 -0800

Let's say you went on a beach vacay, decided it'd be fun to get cornrows (à la Bo Derek in the Acapulco-based film 10), and then get home to realize you have no clue how to care for them. Shampooing, conditioning, or adding your traditional product to the newly braided part can result in flakes no matter how well it's rinsed out, especially if they're only on a small section of your head.Take my tip from a pal with dreadlocks – use that canned air ($5) traditionally meant to clean computers to keep your hair flake free. Since it comes with a fine straw, you can get into the tiny crevices and blow the air through to remove dust and debris. Word to the wise: don't stay on one section too long because the icy air can freeze hair. . .and probably wait 'til your coworkers are gone for the day to avoid some crazy looks (wink wink).

Does This Woman Look Professional to You?

BellaSugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 16:10:21 -0800

When you look at this woman, what do you see? A young Air Force officer, maybe? Someone serving her country in the military? Someone who looks neat, polished, and put together? That's what I see.

But according to Treasured Locks, the military disagrees. This soldier, Kim Andrews, has been in the Air Force for seven years, but her mother says she's being threatened with a dishonorable discharge because of her hairstyle, which involves twisting her hair into cornrows, a style that's allowed in the Air Force. Dreadlocks aren't allowed, and apparently Kim's commander thinks they're dreadlocks. Here's an excerpt from the military code:

Braids, micro-braids, and cornrows are authorized. However, must be solid color similar to the individual’s hair color; conservative and not present a faddish appearance, be worn in an extreme or fad style, or violate safety requirements.

I've looked at a gallery of Kim's hairstyle, and I don't see any evidence of an "extreme or fad style." In every instance it looks natural, practical, and professional. Afrobella puts it best when she asks, "Don’t we need professionally-trained military officials now, more than ever? Why would anyone give sisters in the military grief over their hair?" Good question. What do you think?

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Trend Alert: 90's Beauty is Back

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 04:00:00 -0700

While we're basking in the tongue-in-cheek quirkiness of the 80's revival, (think scrunchies and big hair) the 90's renaissance is creeping up on us slowly but surely. Take The Wackness for example, or the recent comeback of 90's supermodels Linda Evangelista (the new face of Prada) and Claudia Schiffer who is fronting the Chanel campaign this season.

The Soft Goth look, which is essentially an 80's style, was revived in the 90's with bands like the Nine Inch Nails. Meanwhile long, wavy grunge hair, dubbed polished dreadlocks this summer, was a 90's staple.

I remember trying to make my hair look extra messy, much to the chagrin of Ma Bella who would try and flatten it down with hairspray. Even the 90's undercut is currently enjoying a revisit, thanks to model and girl about town, Alice Dellal.

Other hot 90's beauty trends include crimped hair. The sight of the models at Luella stomping down the catwalk in Doc Marten-esque boots, with teenage goth makeup and crimped pigtails took me right back to Sixth Form where a surly attitude, nose piercing and kohl-rimmed eyes were the hallmarks of status.

For more 90's trends that are hot now, read more

Alternating nail colours, a trend model Jodie Kidd has been snapped sporting, was also a 90's staple in the classroom. In addition the return of the bob – that 90's good girl hairstyle, as currently seen on Victoria Beckham, Katie Holmes and the longer version on Eva Mendes, seems to be just the first step towards the layered, grown out choppy Rachel cut; named after Jennifer Aniston's character Rachel in Friends, and undeniably the most copied hairstyle of the decade.

The Guardian cites 1994 as the key year for the pre-Rachel bob, following the release of Pulp Fiction, where Uma Thurman shows off a jet black version of the style. Perhaps the severe bob, which even Agyness's cut seems to be morphing into, plus skinny cigarette pants and an oversize white mens shirt is going to be the look of the season. Retro beauty here we come.

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Trend Alert: Crimped Hair

BellaSugarUK — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:00:00 -0700

In the wake of all the beauty chat about matte hair and polished dreadlocks, it's not surprising that the hair style of our school days is back – yes, crimping is the latest retro, 80s trend on the block, alongside scrunchies and head scarves.

Designers from Luella to Julien Macdonald, showed models sporting often oversize, big, crimped hair, for next season.

At Luella, the school-girl crimped hair was teamed with Goth Glam, dark punk makeup, for the coolest-girl-in-sixth-form vibe.

If you're having that 'I've been here before' feeling, then just go for a lightly crimped, wavy hair look, as at Richard Nicoll. Keep the texture mussed up though, to make sure you stay modern.

The key to pulling off this trend is having really healthy hair to start with, as damaged hair will only look (and become) more damaged if it's crimped. Try just crimping sections for an unstructured vibe, and remember to use a good heat protection spray first.

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Hair Master Guido Says Matte is Back

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Now, I don't know about you, but I've been obsessing about matte hair for a while now. Since seeing those first catwalk pics of Candyfloss hair, not to mention the polished dreadlocks trend – I've been trying to wean myself off the super-shiny look.

The man behind this trend is hairdresser Guido Palau. He kickstarted the look for bag-lady, dragged-through-a-hedge-backwards hair. Think the cloud-cuckoo, crazy birds-nest hair dos at Moschino, Peter Jensen and Marc Jacobs (pictured).

"We've seen all that red-carpet tonged hair," He tells the Telegraph, "so I went for a scruffy, big teasy thing that felt ladylike but a bit throwaway. I think people respond to feminine ease and a sense of humour."

Guido works with photographers such as David Sims, Mert & Marcus and Steven Meisel, and his editorial and advertising campaigns include Prada, Alberta Ferretti, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, and Balenciaga. Yet he still has a down-to-earth attitude to hair: Just read more

"I don't expect people to wear their hair exactly like that (the catwalk shows or shoots), just take note of, say, the dry texture, or accept that a little bit of back-combing is fine." He advises, in the Telegraph "At first when people saw it they were like (he pulls a scared face), but the more you do something, the more familiar it becomes. Not long after designers were saying, 'Give me that matte texture - it works so well with shiny fabrics'."

I couldn't agree more. Now that super straight and shiny hair is much easier to re-create – with decent straightening irons and shine serums – it's natural that we start craving something a little bit different. Even the poster girl for glossy hair, Jennifer Aniston, has been spotted working the textured look.

I think Guido's attitude to perfection in beauty is interesting too, he says

"People always want to know how to have perfect hair, but actually I'm always intrigued by eccentricity and imperfection. I find beauty in not such beautiful things. Sometimes what attracts me most is an awkwardness to hair."

The bad hair day never looked so stylish.

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