Cover, June 2010

The heat is on!  And if you have not already started preparing your hair for the upcoming season, your curls might be in for a long, frizzy summer. Thank goodness that Ouidad’s exceptional Sun Shield Leave-In Conditioner is here to help! In fact, the conditioner is so good at safeguarding those spirals that it’s being touted as an absolute must-have for outdoor hair protection, featured in the June issue of Ebony Magazine. Check out the article – 4 Fabulous Ways to Fight Fading and Defy Dry-out.
Because smooth, shiny curls can be your most desirable asset this summer, as you lounge poolside or on the beach, you’ll want to be sure that you’re doing all you can to protect your delicate tresses from the serious damage that the sun can cause. Sun Shield Sun & Sport Leave-in Conditioner contains effective UV blockers that nourish hair and protect it from environmental factors that can dull and dry out curls. The spray on formula creates an invisible shield that locks out elements such as wind, salt and chlorine.
It’s the perfect time to make sure that this summer is the best season yet for your hair, no matter what your curl pattern. With Sun Shield’s help you can be sure that all eyes are on you – and your fabulous curls – when the temperatures soar!

It’s no surprise that gorgeous curls are “in style” this spring and summer. Nonetheless, we were thrilled to see that the magazine InStyle devotes several pages to curls—and to Ouidad products!—in its special Spring 2010 Hair issue.

Photo via justjared.buzznet.com

Inside the publication, there’s a ton of great advice on keeping curls looking their best, including suggestions on proper cuts and easy styling tips.  And, when it comes to curl-focused products, the editors point out that Ouidad’s Curl Quencher shampoo and conditioner are the perfect duo to keep curls hydrated. The magazine also recommends Ouidad’s Double Detangler for styling longer hair.

Their advice is sound. Ouidad’s Curl Quencher shampoo, when used every couple of days, soothes thirsty curls and leaves hair shiny and manageable. (Ouidad advises not to shampoo every day. This allows the hair’s natural oils to lubricate and protect the hair. Her suggestion: On days you don’t shampoo, use a light spritz of Ouidad Botanical Boost to refresh hair.)

As the InStyle article notes, Ouidad’s Curl Quencher Moisturizing Conditioner is the perfect companion to the shampoo. Its vitamin and botanical-rich formulation softens and moisturizes even the driest and most unruly curls, while detangling, making hair more manageable and helping to repair damage from excessive heat styling and chemical processes. Finally, if you want to define and hold your curls, use a dollop of Ouidad’s Curl Quencher Gel, a holding gel rich in botanical emollients and Pro-Vitamin B5.

With InStyle’s tips and Ouidad’s products, your curls will be stylin’!

In the late 60’s and early 70’s, the afro was the hairstyle of choice for many African-American men and women.  For those looking to make a fashion statement it was a funky, new look. And for those who wanted to make a political statement, it was a symbol of power and pride. But for both camps, the afro was a bold statement about self-acceptance and embracing your natural beauty.

Recently, Essence Magazine paid homage to the classic hairstyle in the Beauty/Strands section of the May issue spotlighting modern-day versions of the timeless look

The really good news is that whether you wear your afro asymmetrically, as a low ‘fro, or in any of the myriad of modern ways, both Ouidad and Essence agree: Ouidad’s Double Detangler is a fantastic way to achieve your perfect look! The comb is designed to slide through your curls without ripping, tugging or disturbing the natural curl pattern so you’re ‘fro always looks perfect. Maybe the ‘fro is ready for a major comeback!

Cover of the May 2010 Issue

Good Housekeeping Magazine has been known for 125 years for its attention-grabbing articles, great recipes and their famous “Good House Keeping Seal of Approval.” It may come as no surprise then that they know the quality of Ouidad’s Double Detangler, and in fact, in May’s 125^th anniversary edition, they give an enthusiastic recommendation for the Double- Detangler as a top choice product for its faithful readers. (And that’s over 4.6 million faithful readers!)

Good Housekeeping highlighted the specialized Double-Detangler in their “Good Looks” section as a “Fast Fix for Sparse Strands.” It certainly gets all the attention that it deserves! It’s the perfectly designed comb for curls as you can feel it gliding through your curls to detangle with no tugging or tearing. The Double Detangler is more than a Comb as it’s designed with two rows of rounded teeth that help reduce the amount of brush strokes needed in your hair, effortlessly eliminating knots and helping to prevent curls from springing back and re-tangling!

And the Double Detangler isn’t just perfect for fighting through those tough curls in the shower or when you condition–it’s also the perfect tool to help style your curls. You can use the comb to weave through your hair as it dries, to help create perfect wave pattern for perfect curls. Take Good Housekeeping’s Best-Ever-Hair Advice, and don’t let those curls tangled–show them your approval with our Double Detangler!

Ouidad has been getting some serious face time behind the camera. So by now you’ve probably caught one of our fantastic videos, whether you’ve watched it on YouTube or here on our blog.

(Who is Ouidad? Ouidad Answers Curl Questions in New York,  Four Minute Curls, or Curls for a Cure!)

We want to hear what you think!  Just like our last survey about your favorite curly-haired celebrities, tell us which video you enjoyed the most: Who is Ouidad?, Ouidad Answers Curl Questions in New York City, 4 Minute Curls, or our latest video about the Curls for a Cure organization.

Vote now and help us figure out what you want to see next!

Are you constantly getting complimented on your fabulous curls? Do your curls get the lion’s share of the attention at parties, and when you’re out with friends? If so then we want you to submit your photo for our “Calling All Curls” model casting call.

What is “Calling All Curls?” It’s Ouidad’s new project – we’re looking for models with beautiful waves, kinks and curls for an upcoming photo shoot that we will be doing in New York City! Think you have what it takes? And do you think your curls have what it takes!?  Then submit your photo by Thursday, January 21st, along with your name, age, phone number, email address and home address to modelcall@ouidad.com.

And share the fun – do you have a friend who might be interested also? Tell them about it with our share button below!

Good luck to all of our curly contestants!

“First there was Cher, then there was Madonna and now there’s Ouidad!”

-          From the video “Ouidad Celebrates 25 Years!”

Twenty five years ago, Ouidad and her husband Peter started a phenomenon with their now famous salons and curly-haired viewpoint. Over that time Ouidad’s work has transcended to an empowering lifestyle and a positive (curly) outlook. Now with this pioneering philosophy of curls and care, Ouidad has celebrated a major milestone: 25 year at our New York city location.

Want to take a behind the scenes look at the event?  In this great video, you’ll hear from Ouidad herself, her first clients and many other really fantastic testimonials. Take a moment and watch Ouidad celebrate her 25^th Anniversary!

If you’re going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

- Scott McKenzie

It’s been four decades since the  hippie culture invaded San Francisco, and flower power was the call of many in the youth culture. While you might still find some groovy, incense-burning, tie-dye-wearing styles in Haight-Ashbury, the flower-power days are pretty much gone. However, the love affair with loose flowing curls, decorated with a well placed flower will never fade – this is even truer at weddings and special occasions.

Image compliments of projectwedding.com

Ouidad works hard to help keep those curls looking their best while promoting the easy-going feel of the ‘60s with her easy, no-fuss curl care. And in California at Ouidad’s Santa Monica salon, natural curls are living it up and looking great, thanks to her never-ending quest for the perfect products for each type of curly hair!

Ouidad’s Santa Monica Salon

Today’s curls have moved on, and are much more kept and coiffed; in the 2000s curls are healthy, shiny, and beautiful – decorated with a flower or not.  The Haight has moved on, featuring high-end clothing and Internet cafés, and so have curls – and they look better than ever. Tie-dye and incense may go out of style, but healthy, beautiful natural curls will stand the test of time!

I love Ouidad for the amazing way it makes my hair look and feel.  I also have another special reason for loving it…  Vincent Voorhees.

A very good friend told me about Ouidad when I went to visit her in New York many years ago.  She, having gorgeous curls herself, told me I HAD to go and get my hair cut by her Uncle Vincent at the curly hair salon.  I have A LOT of thick, curly hair.  No one has EVER been able to manage this beast.  I wore my hair in ponytails pretty much all through Junior High and then most of High School.  If it wasn’t up, I would straighten it.  In college, I got braver and let the curls show here and there, but I never knew how great my hair could look until I met Vincent at the Ouidad salon.  After my cut that day my new husband looked at me with awe and told me I looked like a movie star.  I didn’t wash my hair for a week after that!

So, fast-forward a few years later…  I found out my mother had cancer.  After going through chemo, she lost all of her hair.  She felt much better after someone gave her a wig to wear.  I wished so badly that I could have given her some of MY hair to wear.  So, I decided to cut my hair and donate it to Locks of Love.  I couldn’t give my own mom my hair, but I COULD give it to someone else’s mom.

The only time I have ever had my hair cut shorter than my shoulders was in elementary school when my mom cut it when it became uncontrollable, or there was gum stuck in it from my habit of falling asleep while chewing.  I could not trust just anybody to cut a foot of it off, even for a good cause.  I knew a bad cut could (and has before) frizz out and make me look like a big porcupine!  So, when I planned another trip to New York with my girlfriend, the second thing I did after I got my plane ticket was call the Ouidad salon and schedule an appointment with Vincent.  Although I was nervous about having my hair cut short, he made me feel comfortable and relaxed.  I felt confident that he would make my hair look great.  And he did.

As you can see from the pictures, I was a bit weepy near the end of my visit.  Not because I didn’t like the cut or style, but because I had cut off a part of myself.  To me, my hair was a part of my identity.  Everyone that saw it short, liked it, but it took a while for me to get used to it.  I even cried the first time I washed my hair and my hands automatically rinsed all the way down where there was none to rinse!  Vincent made my curls look and feel amazing though, and it turned out to be a very special day for me.  I am very happy that I did it!  I taught 1^st grade at the time and two of my students decided to give their hair to “locks of love,” too.  It was an incredible experience but I could not have done it without Ouidad.

Thank you Vincent, and thank you Ouidad, for helping me to give back and for helping to make my hair beautiful!

Sincerely,

Sara Satterfield

You can find the additional winners here

Help us commemorate 25 years of curly beautification, by entering Ouidad’s 25 Days of curly celebration!

Each day from August 24^th through September 25^th we will offer a new opportunity to snag some of your favorite Ouidad products, receive gift certificates to one of our salons, or even meet the Queen of Curl herself!

The best part? All you have to do is show what you know about Ouidad and the products you already love and use!  Check our calendar here each day for new contests!

So in honor of the 25^th Anniversary of Ouidad we want to thank you for helping to make us the success we are today! Good luck to all of our curly friends!