Rihanna Debuts New Pixie Cut at VMAs

Between Fashion's Night Out, President Barack Obama's speech, and Rihanna's super cute pixie 'do, last night's Twitter feed was all abuzz.

While the R&B pop diva could never steal the president's shine, her newly shorn strands undeniably caught the attention of style and beauty fans around the world.

Rihanna at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles. 

I, too, was smitten by her cropped coif. It gives her a sweet, yet sassy and sophisticated look that she totally pulls off. When I spoke to her stylist Ursula Stephen a few years ago, she spoke to me about being responsible for styling Rihanna's original short 'do. 

“We’ve been talking about going short for a little while now. And we actually planned to cut it next week but, I just felt like - why wait?? Let's do it today! She was ready for her short hair again," Stephens, told reporters of Rihanna's current cropped look.

Are you loving Rihanna's pixie cut? 

Steal Zoe Saldana's Sexy Pony Look

At last night's The Words premiere, actress Zoe Saldana sported a show-stopping back-plunging gold, Ellie Saab dress, but all eyes were on her gorgeous low-hung pony.

Celebrity hairstylist Mara Roszak created this messy, yet polished pony in three simple steps that can be easily replicated with John Frieda products. Perfect for BGs who rock straight strands, this look is definitely a head-turner!

Get the deets below:

Step 1 – Prep and Texturize
"Achieving the undone quality of Zoe’s hair relies on creating texture while preventing flyaways. Start by evenly applying John Frieda Frizz-Ease Curl Reviver Styling Mousse ($5.99 at drugstores) through towel-dried hair to tame frizz, boost shine and build texture. For added volume, spray roots with a texturizing spray and rough dry."

Step 2 – Secure the Style 
"To create the perfect natural wavy texture, loosely braid hair and let it dry. Once hair is completely dry, take out the braid and break up the waves by running your fingers through your hair. Gently tease the crown for a bit of height. Next, pull hair from each side of the face to the back of the head, allowing one section of hair to overlap the other and pin in place with bobby pins. Continue this all the way down the back until all the hair is wrapped into a pony tail shape. Allow the pieces around the face to naturally fall out for a soft feminine look."

Step 3 - Polish and Perfect 
"To finish the look, mist a thin coat of John Frieda Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold Hair Spray ($5.99 at drugstores) in an even, all-around motion."

How do you make your pony standout?

Tracee Ellis Ross Reveals Her Hair 'Miracle!'

Last week, Soft-Sheen Carson Optimum Salon Haircare invited me and fellow beauty bloggers and editors to an event introducing their newest product launch — the Miracle Oil Collection, here in New York City.

Hosted by one of our fave "curlfriends," actress Tracee Ellis Ross, shared her personal experiences using the products (6-in-1 Miracle Oil, Miracle Oil Hair Moisturizer, Miracle Oil Hair Crème) on her coveted curls with the audience.

Tracee Ellis Ross sporting a summery ensemble paired with killer YSL shoes at the event. 

"I love that the 6-in-1 hair oil really goes into the hair and penetrates the cuticles," she said. "I put it (oil) in a spray bottle and I put it in my hair in the shower when it's soaking wet. I move my hair around my shoulders,  flip it over and squish it around with the water in my hair, and I don't need any other products," she continued.

Attendees were also treated to a funny video clip featuring Ross coming to the realization that she could eliminate several products with just one product — the 6-in-1 Miracle Oil.

Miracle Oil Collection available here ($5.99-$8.99).

After the event, I was most excited to try it to see if the multi-purposed  6-in-1 product would really live up to its claims of being a hot oil treatment, daily leave-in conditioner, scalp oil, heat protector, frizz controller, and dry skin hydrator. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised! I put a few drops of the apricot, argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba, and sunflower-infused oil in my hair and on my daughter's hair to see if it would provide sheen without feeling weighed down and it did! I then rubbed a little on my arms to see if it would absorb quickly without feeling greasy and it did!

I haven't tried the other two products, but the Miracle Oil seems to be a great buy. Plus, it doesn't have an overwhelming scent, which is always good for me. I used it all weekend and so far, it's well on its way to becoming one of my bathroom staples!

Have you tried any of these products? Are you a fan of Tracee Ellis Ross' curls? 

MUST-SEE: "Make Me A Naturalista" Web Series

If you're thinking about transitioning your crowning glory from chemically-straightened strands to natural styles, there's a web series that you don't want to miss!

"Make Me A Naturalista," is a brand-new online series hosted by editors Natasha Gaspard and Yardley Messeroux, of the natural hair websites: Mane Moves TV and The Coil Review.

The pair has teamed up to produce an online show that features women looking to make the switch from relaxers to natural styles, but are unsure of the proper steps to take in order to have a successful journey.

They provide styling tips, product advice, and personal anecdotes all while the guest receives a hair makeover from a natural haircare professional.

Bloggers Yardley (L) and Natasha Gaspard (R)

Charismatic and knowledgeable, both hosts bring an upbeat and refreshing vibe to the show, making it fun to watch. Whether you're a newbie or natural hair vet, this series is definitely one to add to your YouTube viewing list!

Do you watch YouTube for haircare or makeup tips?

Calling All Curly Girls: Carol's Daughter Launches New Hair Milk Collection

If you're a fan of Carol's Daughter cult-favorite Hair Milk, then you're in for a true treat! The natural hair and body brand is introducing a new 4-product collection of the curl-perfecting system. While they've improved the scent and slightly reformulated the classic moisturizer, they've added three additional products to keep our curls clean, conditioned, hydrated and in place.

The collection includes a Co-wash Cleansing Conditioner, Original Leave-in Moisturizer (Hair Milk), Lite Leave-in Moisturizer (Hair Milk) and Pudding (Hair Milk that holds, defines and styles).

Hair Milk 4-Product Collection Starter Kit available here, $24

In celebration of the new launch founder, Lisa Price, is hosting "Curly Parties"across the country. Kicking off the festivities on July 27th at Macy's (State Street location) in my hometown, Chicago. During the event, attendees will be able to speak with on-site curly hair specialists and mingle with other curly girls. Plus, some who make a qualifying purchase will walk away with a limited edition goodie!

Sounds like a win-win to me!

Are you a fan of the original Hair Milk? 

GIVEAWAY: Mixed Chicks Prize Pack

Like many BGs, I have various hair textures. For instance, the hair in the front of my head has a looser curl pattern, while the back tends to be a bit coarser, tighter curl. Having combination hair can make finding one product to speak to all of my strands difficult. That's why I've been tempted to try Mixed Chicks to treat my "mixed-up" hair, but haven't had the chance. 

Now that the cruelty-free, vegan natural hair care line is launching its full adult line in over 700 Target stores, I just might get that opportunity (check back for a full review). I'm curious to see how well the products work for a non-"mixed chick."  

Ideal for multicultural women seeking a one-stop shop for all of their hair care needs, Mixed Chicks boasts a bevy of products for curly, kinky, wavy-haired, or somewhere in-between BGs. 

Mixed Chicks founders Kim Etheredge (L) and Wendi Levy (R). 

In celebration of their Target partnership, I'm giving away the following products: Mixed Chicks Sulfate Free Shampoo, Mixed Chicks Detangling Deep Conditioner, and the Mixed Chicks Straightening Serum. 

Mixed Chicks line available here. 

To learn more about the products and the BGs behind the brand, click here for an exclusive Q&A with founders, Kim Etheredge and Wendi Levy. 

Who's your celebrity hair icon? Simply leave a comment and one winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, July 9th. Again, the prize pack includes a shampoo, conditioner, and serum. 

5 Surprising Facts About Miss Jessie's

I had the awesome pleasure of attending AMBERmag.com's Survival Secrets of Game Changers event on Tuesday featuring textured hair product trailblazers: Miko and Titi Branch of Miss Jessie's.

Moderated by Tia Williams of ShakeYourBeauty.com and co-owner of The Fly Cut, the masterminds behind Miss Jessie's shared very candid and incredibly personal accounts of how they reached mass-produced success.

Being an aspiring entrepreneur, it was refreshing and enlightening to hear first-hand how these BG game changers paved the way for countless other curly hair care product lines.

Titi and Miko Branch of Miss Jessie's

Here are a few facts that I learned about the curly 'do dynamos:

• The sisters lived together in the brownstone that housed their first salon in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. 
• They didn't take out any loans to finance their hair care product line. Instead, they used their salon to finance the launch of their products. 
• From 2006-2008, the sisters were in a bitter dispute that resulted in litigation. In fact, Miko was legally restricted from working within 200 miles of New York.
• They fought against being placed in the the "ethnic" beauty section of Target, which negatively affected their sales.  After a lot of convincing, the products were ultimately placed in their desired professional styling section of the store.
• The sisters are currently shopping a book that will give their fans and aspiring entrepreneurs an in-depth look into what it took to create their curly hair care empire.  

Have you ever used Miss Jessie's products? Which entrepreneur do you admire most?

Carol's Daughter Launches New Smoothing Collection

Just when you thought Carol's Daughter couldn't possibly get any better, founder Lisa Price, proves that there's no plateauing in sight. Her latest concoction, Chocolat Smoothing Collection, claims to keep strands soft and smooth without altering one's natural curl pattern.

For example, since I have non-chemically treated hair, but use a flat iron to periodically straighten, this product would be ideal. It's supposed to keep the dreaded "poof" and frizzies at bay even in high humidity.

Since I just received the samples at the launch last night, I have yet to try the 3-step system (shampoo, blow dry cream, and conditioner), I plan to try it soon so please stay tuned for my review.

Oh, in case you're wondering if the products smell like chocolate, they don't - thank goodness. The name actually comes from a blend of cacao extracts.

Available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $54 (a $60 value)

Would you try this new smoothing system? What products do you use to keep your hair frizz-free?

Review: Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Line

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of trying out the shampoo, conditioner and repairing mask from the new Carol’s Daughter Monoi Reparing line. I was excited about the Monoi line because of the unique ingredients each item contained. Monoi oil, coconut cleansers, hibiscus extract, and bamboo water are just a few of the natural ingredients used to help undo and prevent future damage.

Although I only shampoo my hair about once a month due to the excessive drying ingredients found in most shampoos, I was pleasantly surprised with the Monoi Repairing Shampoo. It’s sulfate-free, which made my 4B natural strands very happy. This shampoo not only smells good but my hair didn’t feel dry and brittle after my first use.

The one thing I noticed most about the Monoi Repairing Conditioner was its ability to moderately detangle and moisturize my hair. I wouldn’t necessarily purchase or use this particular conditioner on its own, but it does work well in conjunction with the Monoi Repairing Shampoo.

Lastly, I really enjoyed applying the Monoi Repairing Mask. Used as a deep conditioning treatment, this mask is very buttery, thick and smooth with a light floral scent. The mask claims to put back your hair’s natural softness and conditions for better manageability. I kept the mask on my hair for about 10 minutes before rinsing out. So, did I notice a difference? Unfortunately, I think it’s too soon to tell. I will need to deep condition more often to see if the claims hold true.

Invincible Hair Set (includes, Monoi Repairing Shampoo 8.5 fl oz., Monoi Repairing Conditioner 8.5 fl oz., and Monoi Repairing Hair Mask 7 oz.) available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $67

So what’s the verdict? Overall, I do like many of the products in the Monoi Repairing line. However, if I was to actually purchase any of these products, my money would definitely go to the Monoi Repairing Shampoo.

Will you be trying the Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing hair care line?
Submitted by Khadijah C.

Natural Hair Wonders

Now that I've been wearing my hair natural (no longer relaxing) for the past 3 1/2 years, it's exciting to see so many products on the market available for women who have kinky/curly/coily hair like mine.

A photo of me taken via Instagram during a recent trip to Miami. Btw, I know I'm late, but don't you just love that app?

I'll admit, it took me some time to find the right products to complement my coarse curls. But, after trying scores of puddings, potions, and more, I've finally found a few products that can transform my dull and dry strands into lush and lovely locks.

From Carol's Daughter to Ouidad to Miss Jessie's, there are countless lines that specialize in naturally curly hair.  Although the search can be frustrating, just be patient until you find the products that suit your tresses best.

Here are a few of my top picks:

This deep conditioner smells as good as sounds. I only use this once a month, but it moisturizes my strands to perfection.

I've been truly loving so many L'Oreal products lately! This entire sulfate-free system makes my strands frizz-free, which helps to accentuate my natural curl pattern.

Talk about a heavy-duty curling gel! This pleasantly scented curling custard turns drab curls into intensely sleek, defined ones.

There are many Carol's Daughter products to covet, but the Hair Milk line is by far my favorite. The light-weight formula adds a bit of shine and moisture without weighing down hair. Plus, it has a fresh, lemon-like scent that livens up your locks.

Do you wear your hair natural or relaxed? If you wear your hair natural, what are your favorite products that help bring out your natural curl pattern?

Creme of the Crop

Ever since giving birth to my daughter early last year, my hair has gone through a major transformation - and not a good one. It's been extremely dry and brittle like never before. So when I learned that Creme of Nature, a brand I've been using since my high school days had added five new products to their highly popular Argon Oil from Morocco line, I was anxious to see what the shine-enhancing nutrient-rich oil products could do for my parched tresses.

The new products are also made with Certified Organic Argan Oil from Morocco, which includes an Oil Treatment, Moisture and Shine Shampoo, Intensive Conditioning Treatment, Strength & Shine Leave-In Conditioner, and an Oil Moisturizer. So far, I've only used the oil moisturizer and have been raving about the results to all of my friends. It's light-weight, has a pleasant yet non-overwhelming scent and most importantly - left my hair shiny, frizz-free and not-weighed downed like so many other moisturizers on the market. I plan to use the rest of the 4 products this weekend and will let you know how it goes!


Available at drugstores and beauty supply stores nationwide.


Would you like to try all FIVE of the new products from the Creme of Nature with Argan Oil from Morocco line? If so, tell me your hair woes and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week.

New York Fashion Week's Mane Event

Obviously, fashions are at the forefront of the runway during New York Fashion Week. But, the fun doesn't stop there. In order to fully showcase their fashions, designers have to work with top hair stylists to develop eye-catching looks that will complement their couture creations.

From Frédéric Fekkai's Flamenco Dancer-inspired sleek, yet voluminous chignons at Marchesa to Rita Hazan's salon stylist, Eddie Ngai's elegant and seductive, polished French twists at Farah Angsana to ravishing, ribbon-intertwined braided updo's at Rachel Roy, this year hair is taking center-stage at shows.


Models donning elegant, braided updo's at Rachel Roy.



A model struts her stuff down the runway with a French-inspired do at Farah Angsana.

Whether it's a funky mohawk, red wig or a classic, simple style it's always a treat to see what talented hair stylists create to grace the catwalks.

What's Your Zodiac Sign?

What do the stars say about your strands? Motions has created a fun and super cute star-studded astrology chart that you can match with their products. Since I'm a Taurus like hair chameleon Janet Jackson, it says that we appreciate beauty - well that's obviously true!

From relaxers to Oil Sheen & Conditioning Sprays, Motions is a brand that we BGs can trust with our tresses. You guys know that I've tried scores of hair care products throughout the years and Motions is still one of my favorites.



What's your sign? Tell me and one lucky reader will win 5 Motions products including: Light Hold Working Spritz, Shine Enhancing Pomade, Foaming Wrap Lotion, and the Silkening Shine Relaxer System. The winner will be randomly selected and announced next week.

Pantene Puts the Pretty in Precision

When it comes to hair care products, we BGs have a seemingly endless amount of options. Sifting through the scores of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products makes it difficult to find the right solutions that best suit your hair type. That's why Pantene ProV recently launched, Customized Solutions, to make things a bit easier.

Since most women's hair fall into four distinct unique hair structures - Fine, Medium/Thick, Curly and Color-Treated, Customized Solutions will provide the best product performance for your individual hair texture. We BGs, have been fans of their popular Relaxed & Natural products, but since our hair textures vary greatly - this new line allows you to choose with more precision.



If you're like me and have lathered your locks in Pantene products before, your tresses are in for a special treat with this incredibly innovative new line.

**One lucky winner will win one entire Pantene Customized Solutions collection. The winner will choose the texture that best suits her hair type.

BGG FYI: Essence Event in NY

If you think you've got what it takes to be cast in a Dark & Lovely ad in Essence, come out and strut your stuff at the SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely and Essence Magazine's Ultimate Fashionista Event and Model Search, tomorrow, June 24th from 5-8pm at the Eventi Hotel, located 851 Avenue of the Americas.



The winner will not only be featured in a print ad in Essence, she will also win a $5000 shopping spree with celebrity stylist Carlton Jones, a personalized hair makeover by celebrity hair stylist Johnny Wright, who has styled the First Lady's tresses. 10 Runner's Up will receive $500 and a year's supply of Dark & Lovely products.

Take a Walk on the Dyed Side

Summer is the time to switch up your hair hue. If turning your tresses fire-engine red like Rihanna might be too daring, there is certainly a color that will suit your style.

From soft highlights to bold golds, we BGs are never afraid to play with different shades for our strands. Several years ago, I even took a brief walk on the dyed side, but I'm not sure if I'd get up the courage to color again!

Have you ever colored your hair? If so, did you regret it? Take a peek at some of these recent dye-jobs.


Gabrielle Union

Rihanna

Mel B.

BGG Chats w/Celebrity Hair Stylist Ted Gibson!

From magazine spreads to red carpet looks, Ted Gibson has styled the hair of some of today's hottest celebrities, including Gabrielle Union, Angelina Jolie, Zoe Saldana and more.

Ted's effervescent attitude and knowledge of hair has made him one of the country's most sought-after stylists. He's appeared on a number of shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and most recently as the resident hair guru on TLC's hit series, What Not To Wear. His mantra, "Beauty is Individual," is a testament to celebrating every woman's uniqueness.

Click here for our Q&A!

What's styles are you wearing this summer?

BGG Chats w/Beverly Johnson!

Photo by Fadil Berisha

Before Chanel Iman, Tyra or Naomi ever thought about walking down the fashion runways, there was Beverly Johnson - one of the original "supermodels." Paving the way for countless African-American models, Beverly has strutted her stuff on hundreds of runways and graced a myriad of magazine covers. Not only has this true beauty modeled, she is also an actress and author. But for all of you hair and beauty buffs, Beverly is a businesswoman who owns a line of wigs and most recently a restorative/conditioning and styling product line called, Beverly Johnson Hair Care.

Available at Target, Beverly Johnson Hair Care, has the perfect products to help protect heat and chemically treated hair. I've been using several of the products for a few weeks now and have been thoroughly pleased with the results and I'm sure you will be too!

Check out our Q&A:

BGG: What inspired you to start your wig/hair business?
Beverly Johnson: In 1996, I discovered a wig and hair extension company that was on the verge of bankruptcy. I was presented with the opportunity to partner with the company and against the advice of my business manager, agents and attorneys, I decided to invest in the company. One year later, the company not only was in the black but we were showing record profits. I was grateful that I had found an outlet for my vast beauty expertise and desire to help ethnic women look their optimum.

BGG: What can women expect when they wear your wigs and use your hair products?
BJ: Women can expect to indulge in wigs that truly have been stylized to maximize their specific hair style needs. As for the hair care products, they have been specifically designed for ethnic hair needs.

BGG: What's your favorite product from your new hair care line?
BJ: The Conditioning Pomade--this is a highly effective pomade that smooths edges with optimum results. I think it's the best pomade ever formulated in the history of hair care!

BGG: Do you remember your reaction when you first saw yourself on the cover of a magazine? Did you go out and buy a ton of copies?
BJ: I was on location on an island when my first Glamour magazine cover hit the newsstands. The editor brought the issue with her and showed it to me. When I first saw it, I thought is that really me? I was excited beyond belief. Upon arriving back home, I saw the row of magazine covers in the airport newsstand; it was awesome.

BGG: Why do you think there's been a regression of women of color being represented on today's runways?
BJ: Fashion is cyclical. If you notice all things in fashion have cycles. During the seventies, there was an enormous surge of black models on the runways. Then it lessened. Then the nineties saw another resurgence. Now we are in a holding pattern. It's heartbreaking to see so many stunning black models being under used. As usual, the solution is about having our own outlets to provide employment.

BGG: If you could give only three words describing what it takes for a young woman to have a successful modeling career, what would they be?
BJ: Stunning beauty, tremendous drive and fortuitious LUCK.

BGG: You are not only a phenomenal supermodel, author and actress, but an outstanding business woman too. What do you think you has been the key to your success?
BJ: Nothing comes easy for me. But I do notice that I have tremendous perserverance. I simply keep going and ride each wave of reinvention with dignity, grace and humor!



**One lucky reader will win the entire Beverly Johnson Hair Care line, which includes an Extra Strength Serum, Anti-Breakage Serum, Light Polishing Shine Spray, Strengthening and Smoothing Treatment 2 Vial Pillow Pack, Combing Spray, Relaxing Mousse, and Conditioning Pomade. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be selected randomly and announced later this week.

Brush Stroke

Even though I'm not a big hair person, there is one styling tool that I just can't live without - my paddle brush. Because I wrap my hair, using a paddle brush to smooth my strands is essential to keeping my hair looking healthy. Brushes in general are such important grooming tools for most hair types, especially for those of us who wear longer styles. A good hairbrush can de-frizz, tame flyaways, smooth, detangle and even make hair shinier! From ceramic thermals to boar bristles, every BG should own a great hair brush.

Do you use a brush to style your tresses? Check out some of these:


2-Tone Soft Grip Large Hardwood Round Brush available at www.sallybeauty.com for $7.99


Contour Oval Cushion Brush available at www.sallybeauty.com for $3.99


Prego Ceramic Round Brush available at www.ulta.com for $6.49


Detangler All Nylon Hair Brush available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $82


Ion Titanium Paddle Brush available at www.sallybeauty.com for $5


Kent Natural Shine Large Cushion Porcupine & Bristle Brush available at www.smallflower.com for $24.25


Olivia Garden Pro Thermal Round Brush available at www.ulta.com for $14.36


Spornette Spiral Ceramic Brush available at www.ulta.com for $14.99

Butter Up!

From Beyonce to Vanessa Williams, Kim Kimble has styled and trimmed the tresses of some of the hottest celebrities in the business. Being one of the premiere stylists to the stars, a few years ago Kimble decided to share her expertise with the everyday woman by creating Kim Kimble Hair Care Systems available at Target. The line includes scalp treatments, shampoos, styling creams and everything in between. My favorite is the Hair Butter. This moisturizing cream softens, strenghtens and smooths strands while providing a slight sheen. Plus, one of the key ingredients is olive oil, which is always beneficial for hair.


Kim Kimble Hair Care Systems Hair Butter available at www.target.com for $11.99

Have you tried any of the Kim Kimble Hair Care Systems? Have you tried any new hair products lately? Please share.

**The winner of the Borghese Nail Polish is Nerd Girl! Congrats and please email me your mailing address.