Out of the blue recently a client of mine asked “What has changed at Ouidad since you first started 12 years ago?” Ah, for me every day is the opportunity to transform women’s lives and feel the difference I make on the planet. Really! Women’s hair is their first real relationship.

Some more thoughts… 12 years ago our technology and experience didn’t contain the options and possibilities that we offer today. We now have the mastery to create style and provide solutions that yesterday’s hard work and research presented to us. There were no curly hair cutting, styling, products, or anything 25 years ago. From nothing but vision, determination and passion, Ouidad developed creations, which turned into curly answers.

Today we are able to communicate with the level of expertise and concern that only curly haired clients can relate to. I listen to my clients, I can see and literally feel her hair’s history and shape the curls into a style she loves and can care for by herself. Now, my clients can understand their curls and achieve the look that is best for them!  Today’s curly women can have ease and speed with certainty, which life often demands on Saturday at 9pm…..they know that their hair will be stunning.

Vincent stylist, 57th Street Salon, NYC

I had a client in my chair that had a problem that many have – gray hair.  She wanted to cover the gray but didn’t want to be chained down to a color regimen just yet.  My advice to her was the option of adding in some low lights to her hairline.

By doing this, you will not only cover the gray but add depth and dimension into your hair.  Since you are going a little darker, you won’t be forced to keep up a schedule of coloring and you won’t notice any outgrowth.

This is a great option for hiding your grays and stepping into the process of coloring.

Virginia, Stylist, Ouidad Salon, NYC

Every couple of years I get THE question, right out of the blue….”Why do you cut curly hair wet?” Or “What’s the difference between cutting curly hair wet or dry?”  Are they asking because they’re interested in what makes curly hair look good or are they questioning our expertise? As the clients have entered into the inner sanctum of beautiful hair at Ouidad….I assume that they really want to know why is it so hard to figure out curly hair?

I explain that hair stylists are not trained for curls because hair fashion has little to do with natural hair texture unless it’s used as a passing look. And curly hair has to be handled on its own terms including the cut that works for curls.

When you really look at a curl, it’s a miracle of individual hairs gathering together in a pattern forming the Curl. Disrupting the pattern, breaking up the curl shape is what a “bad cut” gives you. The successful curl-cut follows the form and shape of the curl, recognizing its character by sight and feel.

Years ago eager to establish a successful reputation as a master cutter, I finally had to face the feared head of curly hair. With no guide, I experimented and practiced, choosing dry hair as my medium. I discovered the best I could do was clipping off the problems and avoiding what I couldn’t control. I was trimming hedges.  Ha! Cutting dry left the curls incomplete. I could manage some of the problems but the look and style was non-existent.  Dead end [appropriate pun.]

I knew the solution was within the curl…following its design and understanding its character. I watched Ouidad demonstrate her “carving and slicing,” I watched the curls flow and spring together, and for the first time I realized the inner workings and harmony of curls….years ago and on my own, I just couldn’t get it.

When properly conditioned wet hair can be analyzed by sight and touch, it’s amazing to see scissors carve into the curl, slice out the weight, giving it body and style. This is a skill brought by education and experience….wet hair reveals the curls and glides the shears within and through curls completing its own beautiful structure. It takes patience and love.  Sounds nice right?  Well it works like a dream!

Vincent, Stylist, 57th Street Salon, NYC

Image Via Hair & Skinology

Who doesn’t enjoy the wind blowing in their hair on a beautiful sunny California day? If you think having natural curls means you can’t enjoy such simple pleasures, think again! Ouidad has spent her life learning and teaching how to enjoy curls naturally, so we all can let down our curls and enjoy a beautiful day outside. Whether driving the coast, walking, cycling or spending time at the beach. It’s like California curly star Sheryl Crow sings: “I’m gonna soak up the sun!”!

Fear not, tangles, heat, sun, surf or damage – Ouidad’s got you covered with everything you need to let your curls wave and shine brilliantly! And when you need more help with those radiant curls, cruise by our Ouidad salon in Santa Monica and get exclusive expertise from the curl specialists. Like the original 57th Street Ouidad Salon in New York City, our Santa Monica location has an expert staff that utilizes Ouidad’s trademarked Carve & Slice® cutting method, providing the foundation for beautiful curls and helping them embrace and adore the California curls way of life!

Photo by Eric Livingston

Having out of this world ringlet is no reason to avoid windy days or your active schedule at work and play. Like another song made famous by the Bellamy Brothers – “Let Your Love Flow” – they could have added “let your loving curls flow”, too!

When it comes to curly hair care, only one expert is recognized as the gold standard.  And that is our very own Ouidad, the Queen of Curls!

As we curly fans all know, Ouidad’s passion for education has catapulted curly hair to the forefront, making the internationally recognized stylist the most respected curly hair leader in the industry. Her trademarked Carving & Slicing technique, Rake & Shake styling, and her award-winning product line have acquired a dedicated following.

And that’s why Ouidad works to create a network of salons that curly haired clients can rely on for expert cuts, styling and curl-specific products–without having to travel far. So, along with her handpicked team of A-list stylists, Ouidad has created an intensive certification process that guarantees that curly girls and guys will get the care we deserve.

Once accepted, stylists are invited to Ouidad’s flagship salon in NYC where they learn about the various types of curls, curly hair products, and techniques. Ouidad uses hair models to demonstrate her signature techniques, so stylists gain hands-on experience to learn Ouidad’s cutting and styling techniques—the key to success with curly hair.  “Curly hair can be impossible to manage,” says Ouidad.  “It’s all about precise cutting and styling techniques.”

Beauty blogger Joey Alycia was recently a Ouidad hair model, and she tweeted her way through her eye-opening salon experience and the Ouidad difference: “Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime! I have never been so in love with my hair as I am right now!  I can’t wait to return!”—More proof that Ouidad certification puts salons a cut above the rest.

Salons interested in certification can apply here. Or to refer a salon for certification, please click here. A world of curls awaits you!

I don’t know what it is like to be a teenager with curly hair and to not like it. Growing up as the daughter of the Queen of Curl (Ouidad), I never had the chance to experience a bad hair day. I never had the frustration of frizzy, big, out-of-control hair. I never fell to the pressure of straightening my hair because I loved the spring and bounce it brought to my life. I was always asked why I don’t straighten my hair and I always replied with the same answer . . . “Because I love my curls!”

When I was in High School, I was envied because my hair always looked good. It looked good because I knew how to work with it. During school and in between classes, I would go into the bathroom and style my classmates’ hair and teach them about the Ouidad techniques. This was always easy because I had great products like Climate Control and Botanical Boost. When prom came around, I did a lot of curly styles and I realized that I was taking away my friends’ frustration with their hair. Some of the girls said that I inspired them to love their curls! What a compliment!!

Now I am in the salon working and listening to clients talk about their own hair frustrations from over the years. I think how lucky I am to not have this anxiety with my hair. I work with teens and college-age clients and show them how to work with their hair. I am very lucky to do something I love!

Sondriel, Teen Stylist, 57th Street Salon, NYC

Upon finishing a brand new cut and style for a first time client she reiterated a familiar request,  “If I had to choose just one product what should I pick?” And to make an additional note, this client claimed, she has tons of hair products in her bathroom and she doesn’t need one more…same old story.

Curly hair though has two faces to make it beautiful – inside the curl and out. During the summer months with high humidity and active lifestyles, I recommend deep treatments to get curls in conditioned shape.  Curls also need curl enhancing styling and finishing products to perform easily.  I use Ouidad’s complete product line.

But what’s the one thing most important for your curly hair? Attitude. When you finally see the results you love and understand….the rest is just practice. Fast and easy comes after getting the curls of your dreams.

Vincent, Stylist, 57^th Street Salon, NYC

During my day at Ouidad, I have plenty of clients that are actresses who love wearing their hair curly because they are what directors want – ‘every day people’ who don’t want ‘blown out, curling ironed perfect hair.’  Sounds great to me!

I had an actress in my chair yesterday who is never afraid to try a new look. She has kinky hair and wears it anywhere from long to a short bob, to very layered or bold curly bangs.  She also plays up her looks with lots of color! She says she never lets a hair stylist on set style her hair. She always does her Ouidad “rake and shake” at home and let’s them spruce it up later if they need to, because she’s seen how frizzy and fried it can look with all the irons and harsh blow drying.

This actress wears her hair confidently and proudly and lets her personality shine with her curly do.  We love it when she’s in the salon because she’s always raving about curly hair and complimenting all the clients too!

Kate, Stylist, Santa Monica Salon, California

Photo Courtesy of marieclaire.com

All you lucky, curly, California desert dwellers don’t have to worry so much about the humidity undoing your tamed tresses! At least for those located in the hot, dry interior,you always know just how important hydration is – not only for the body, but also for those courageous curls that get all the direct heat from the scorching sun.

Recognized as the hottest, driest place in the United States, it isn’t uncommon for Death Valley temperatures to soar over 115 degrees, sucking every ounce of humidity out of your skin and hair.  These temperatures are caused by super heated air continuously blowing through the valley.

So just take a minute and imagine what that blow dryer can do to your hair!

So what can be done about keeping your California curls hydrated in this climate? If you’re located near Palm Desert, the Salon D’Arcy has Ouidad Certified Curl Experts who know exactly how to handle your desert mane.

Ouidad also suggests shielding your hair from the elements with Sun Shield, which contains UV blockers to protect against more sun damage.  So when you and your curls are in the middle of the desert, simply remember: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

The song California Girls has lived on in music history long after it first hit the airwaves in 1965. While the Beach Boys (who hail from Hawthorne, California) wrote the song for all you west coast gals, Ouidad wants to also celebrate the Curly Californian guys too!

Thanks to menshairstyles.net for the Image

We’ve given the girls pointers on how to keep curls looking fabulous in the warm California sun. Guys however, have a different set of concerns. Here is some advice for dudes with curls, because Ouidad knows that men can wear their curls long or short, and still look great. Especially while out enjoying the surf! (We know surfers start pretty early out west.)

Whether you’re taking a trip to Venice or hiking the Half Dome in Merced, you need to keep your curls from becoming too frizzy. Use our Climate Control, a product that works with the temperature to maintain your locks. Or, if you’re looking for a classic pomade, try our Clear Control Styling Glaze, which is packed with conditioners to control frizzy, fly-away curls!

Want more guidance or looking for a new curly look? Visit us at our Santa Monica salon where we, of course, also cater to men! Actually, ‘we wish you all could be California curlyyyyy-men!’