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Bella Quiz: What Does Your Hair Say About You?

BellaSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:26 -0700

From a biological perspective, hair is like a little diary giving clues about your personality, from where you live to what you smoke to what you tend to eat. But from a social perspective, hair can give clues about you in a whole other way. It might be stereotyping, but it is human nature for people to form impressions about other people within mere seconds. "Hair and identity are inseparable - whether you're consciously making a statement or not, your hairstyle does express something about you," anthropology professor David Coplan of Wits University in South Africa told True Love magazine. When it comes to hair, can you guess what general impressions people make based on the length and appearance of other women's hair? You be the judge.

Take the quiz

Trend Alert: New Year, Long Waves

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:00:22 -0800

OK, I know it's nothing all that earth-shattering since long waves have been in fashion long before the Farrah Fawcett days. But this New Year's Eve, it was all about the soft cascading curl. Whether it was a more-refined look like Ashlee Simpson and Eva Longoria Parker or tousled and undone à la Molly Sims and Chloë Sevigny, the look was still sexy - and a little more inspired than pin-straight locks. Want some loose waves? Keep a large-barreled (at least one inch or larger) curling iron open and wrap your hair around the barrel for a few seconds and release. Is this the iconic hairstyle of the 2000s? We have one more year to find out, but I'm betting yes.

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Is "Ginger-ism" Growing in the United States?

BellaSugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:00:08 -0800

If you've seen the South Park episode "Gingervitis," you know how Cartman feels about gingers, or fair-skinned, freckled redheads: they're less than human. While most people viewing the episode probably took it as, at best, a morality lesson about arbitrarily discriminating against others, and at worst a joke in poor taste (maybe both), it isn't so funny in real life.

A group of students in Calabasas, CA, instead decided to institute "Kick a Ginger Day" at their middle school, and proceeded to beat up some of their classmates. While this is an example of the worst sort of juvenile stupidity, it does point out the underlying prejudices redheads have to deal with, whether it's jokes about their "fiery tempers" or sexual harassment. Even Christina Hendricks's character Joan on Mad Men continuously gets called "Red" and has comments made about her. And in the UK, ginger discrimination is wel -known - to the point where redheads have been awarded settlements after workplace harassment tied to their hair color. What do you think about all this? Are there more pejorative connotations connected to having red hair these days, or are people just now paying more attention to a long-extant problem?

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.

2009 American Music Awards: Nicole Kidman

BellaSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:46:52 -0800

It's a rockin' night, and Nicole Kidman is dressed for it. She arrived on the arm of her crooner husband, Keith Urban, wearing her hair very differently than what we're used to seeing. Instead of an elegant updo or worn long and center-parted, tonight she let her hair cover half her face, a la Veronica Lake. Do you think the style worked as well on Nicole as it did on Veronica, or do you wish she hadn't gone for a remake?

Vote on all of my American Music Awards polls here!

2009 American Music Awards: Toni Braxton

BellaSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:44:29 -0800

Over the past few years, Toni Braxton's hair has gotten both longer and a lot lighter. Here, she's tossed her caramel-toned locks into a loose updo, letting her flawless skin shine through. As for her makeup, it's all about creating a dewy finish, with the emphasis on the eyes. What do you think about Toni's style this evening? Is it perfection or are you longing for more?

Vote on all of my American Music Awards polls here!

The Blind Side: An Unexpected Delight

BuzzSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:30:42 -0800

It's not that the trailer for The Blind Side isn't compelling; the problem is that it combines Sandra Bullock's twangiest, most-over-the top lines with a heartrending song, which makes it seem schlocky. That's exactly what I expected from the movie, but I have to admit that I was wrong - to my surprise, I found it to be a sentimental gem that's actually quite restrained.

The Blind Side is the true story (based on Michael Lewis's book) of NFL player Michael Oher, who grew up in Memphis's projects with his drug-addicted mother and landed in and out of foster homes. He ended up in a fancy private school and in the home of a wealthy family, the Touhys, led by tough-talking Leigh Anne (Bullock). The weaving of Michael's newfound life in the movie is effective, with sweet bits of humor and just enough emotion.

To see what I liked about the film, just read more.

The movie is full of many surprises: first, it looks like it's going to be mainly about football, but it's not all sports. There is proper attention given to Michael's life before he's taken in and the development of the relationships between the Touhy family members and Michael.

Another nice thing is how smoothly Bullock slides into her role. It's not just her wardrobe and hair that transforms her into the high-maintenance Southern matriarch; her manner as the tough mom who's not completely comfortable showing emotion is very natural - not what I'd expect from the laid-back actress.

Quinton Aaron is also impressive as a sad-eyed orphan turned well-adjusted student and son over the course of the movie. It's not an incredibly complex performance, but his teddy bear presence is irresistible. The supporting players are equally as enjoyable: Tim McGraw, whom I didn't expect much from, is charming, while the Touhy children win you over with their affection for their new brother. The late addition of Kathy Bates (whose role is basically an extended cameo) is hardly needed to bolster the movie, but she adds a nice touch as well.

At two hours and six minutes, the movie is a little too long; director John Lee Hancock seemed intent on fitting in nearly every detail of Michael's journey. Then again, at the end you're rewarded with the payoff: footage and photos of the real-life Touhys and Michael. It's an emotionally satisfying ending to a movie that makes no apologies for being so uplifting.

Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

Heidi, Miranda & the Angels Gear Up to Share Victoria's Secret

PopSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:24 -0800

The Victoria's Secret Angels were up early today to start prepping for tonight's annual runway show. Heidi Klum lead the pack at yesterday's press conference in Times Square, and she was front and center this afternoon getting her hair and makeup done. Her stay in the Big Apple won't be long though, and Heidi said she'll be heading back to her kids on an early flight tomorrow. Miranda Kerr was also there to show off her posing skills in a robe, though she'll apparently be strutting down the runway in a pair of wings - check out the behind-the-scenes photos from her fitting and stay tuned for all the photos of the big event!

Marisa Miller and Alessandra Ambrosio were also hanging around backstage as the show geared up to start. After getting primed for their appearances, they both headed over to a lounge area for snacks and drinks. The proceedings won't air until December 1, but we'll be reporting live from their afterparty this evening so make sure to stay tuned to us on Twitter!

LOTS more photos behind the scenes at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show so read more.

View 35 Photos ›

Easy Tip: Go to Bed, Wake Up With Curls

Bella Community — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:02:57 -0800

Check out what reader blondeyy had to say in the Do-it-Yourself Beauty group:

Wake up with gorgeous curls - seriously, fast and easy! Spend the morning making a nice cup of tea and watching CNN rather than working on your hair.

Wash your hair at night.
Put your favorite styling cream in damp hair.
Flip your head over (bending at the waist) and pull all hair into a scrunchie on the top of your head.
Section by section, roll hair into curlers and pin. ( I have very long hair and I only need about 6-7 curlers).
Everything stays on the top of your head so you don't feel a thing when you are sleeping.

In the morning: magic! Remove the curlers and scrunchie; either brush hair or finger tousle and you're done! Beautiful hair! I read this somewhere and do it all the time. It is a REAL time saver with fab results!

Have tips and tricks you'd like to share with others? There's a bevy of groups in BellaSugar Community, so join in the fun!

Hump Day: Sex Makes Her Uncomfortable

TresSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:30:23 -0800

Welcome to Hump Day, TrèsSugar's sex advice column. If you have questions about sex, send them to TrèsSugar, and our friend Dr. Charlie Glickman from Good Vibrations will offer his sound advice!

Today's Question:
I'm 24 and in my first relationship. I really like the guy, we've been going out for six months, but I get nervous whenever he slips his hand under my underwear. He gets the hint and stops. I don't mind him doing other things (we haven't slept together yet), but I wish I wasn't such a prude. I don't know what he expects and I worry that he will be grossed out, as I only shave/wax the bikini line but not the whole thing. What if he thinks it is ugly? I also don't know what I should expect; he knows I'm a virgin, but I don't know how to speak to him about why I get uncomfortable, and I don't know how to overcome it! I also have a few stretch marks and worry that he will be grossed out by them. Please help?

To read Dr. Glickman's response, read more.

Thank you for sharing this challenging situation. I know that it can be scary to talk about things like this, but these are all really common thoughts.

One of the things that can help when you’re on the edge of your comfort zone is to take it very slowly. It’ll probably help to tell your guy about your discomfort, even if you can’t tell him why it’s there. You could simply say "I have a lot of discomfort around sex." You also might want to do a little solo exploration. It takes the pressure off because there aren’t any partner expectations. Check out the wonderful book Becoming Orgasmic. If you’re looking for tips or ideas for techniques, Tickle Your Fancy is full of suggestions. Once you know a bit more about what you like or dislike, you and your boyfriend might be able to find something that you both like to do.

It’s worth mentioning that vulvas come in all different shapes. (The vulva is the external female anatomy. The vagina is the inside part.) There’s a long history of negative attitudes towards the vulva, but each one is unique and beautiful in its own way. A lot of women have the idea that there’s something wrong with their vulvas because they don’t look like what we see in porn or because they have hair, and I think that’s unfortunate. I strongly recommend getting to know your parts and Scarleteen has a great site about that. It’s geared towards teens, but there's lots of amazing info about sex, bodies, and pleasure.

Another option would be to explore some of these concerns with a therapist. When you have an itch on your back, you need someone else to scratch it. Therapists help us by reaching the spots we can’t reach on our own. Lastly, depending on where you are, you could join a body-image support group. While they tend not to focus on sexuality, they can be an incredibly helpful way to work through our concerns about our bodies and how we (or other people) feel about them.

Working through these challenges isn’t always easy, but it can be very rewarding. Whatever route you choose, I hope you find the pleasure and joy that you deserve.