Ouidad Fan Image via Flickr.com

If you have an active kid with spunky curls, Ouidad knows that it’s probably hard to get him or her to sit still for much of anything. However, getting your little one into the right hair stylists’ chair is super important for curly kids. Not only will the proper haircut make your child look cuter (can that be possible?!) but it will help with those tangles, frizzies and all sorts of curl-issues. Your child will feel better too!

The very best haircut for curls, even on children, is Ouidad’s trademarked Carve & Slice cut. This is Ouidad’s method, created 25 years ago specifically with curls and waves in mind. In a nutshell, Carving & Slicing removes the bulk associated with the dreaded “pyramid” look, while preserving and enhancing your natural curl patterns. This combination produces well-defined ringlets that fit gently into each other like the pieces of a puzzle, creating healthier, more manageable curls.

And, this technique can work on all hair lengths, so whether your young one prefers their hair in a long or short style, you’re in luck! Ouidad recommends haircuts for kids (and adults!) with curls every 10-14 weeks to keep the style intact.

One thing to keep in mind: the unique Carve & Slice method is only available at Ouidad-certified salons, so beware of stylists claiming to “Carve & Slice” without the intense training and understanding of curly hair that only the Curl Experts at Ouidad salons receive.

Good luck with your child’s haircut … and be sure to take a few photos to post on our Ouidad Facebook page!

Ouidad Facebook Fan Photo via Flickr.com

They say you are what you eat, and when it comes to healthy hair, Ouidad knows that this old adage to be true! So yes, for strong, shiny curls, shampooing, conditioning and routine maintenance are truly important, but it’s also what you eat each day can make a big difference.

Doctors have stated that diets with plenty of growth-promoting protein and iron can strengthen and improve your hair. “Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the foundation of all of our new hair … growth is the nutrients we eat,” said Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago-based dietitian. “If you eat a healthy diet, you will grow stronger and healthier cells throughout your entire body—inside and out.”

Here are the top ten foods recommended for healthy hair: (1) salmon; (2) dark green vegetables; (3) beans; (4) nuts; (5) poultry; (6) eggs; (7) whole grains; (8) oysters; (9) low-fat dairy products; and (10) carrots.

Photo via Christmasstockimages.com

So, in addition to using your Ouidad products, treat yourself—and your hair—to a bounty of healthy foods today! And just in case you’re not sure what to make, here’s a recipe for sautéed chicken with stir-fried spinach and carrots that incorporates a number of these recommended foods.

Enjoy your dinner … and your strong, radiant curls!

Whether you live in a large coastal city like San Francisco or at a mountainous retreat like Lake Arrowhead, curls are always in style. It’s important to treat those voluptuous locks with love and respect. After all, your curls speak volumes about who you are as a person!

To give your hair a loving lift, Ouidad’s PlayCurl Volumizing Foam creates volume while moisturizing and creating long-lasting volume, shine, and manageability. Don’t forget to use our Duckbill Clips to help style and shape your curls at the roots as they dry.  Let Ouidad Show you!

Click here to view the embedded video.

You know, when your hair has a gorgeous sheen, it looks vibrant and healthy. That’s why mountain and city girls alike love Ouidad’s Shine Serum because it fights frizz while allowing your curls to play their own starring role.

Take care of those fashionable California curls and they’ll love you right back!

Image  via picasaweb.com

Waking up to a head full of perfectly pretty curls after a good night sleep sounds like a dream.  Especially when you just don’t have time to redo your ringlets every morning.  Here’s how a little preparation before bedtime —and a little Ouidad—can help you get gorgeous curls by morning.

Well-moisturized hair will keep its curl better while you sleep through the night. So try applying a moisturizing conditioner, like Ouidad’s Curl Quencher, to your hair before going to bed.

Then arrange your curls so that you do not accidentally flatten them as you sleep; try securing your hair into a loose ponytail high on the top or your head, also called a pineapple.  And remember that satin and silk can be a curls best friend! These hair-friendly fabrics allow your curls to stay smooth while they slide on your pillow, rather than catch to the fabric and cause your curls to frizz.  Perfect for keeping your ponytail in place while you sleep.

In the morning, you might be able to revive your curls with little more than a simple shake, style and finish.  So you can finally put an end to messy bed-head forever and maintain your curls while you rest.  Imagine that!

The beloved pompadour always makes a big style statement, no matter who wears it. It’s simply one hairstyle that has managed to successfully transcend class and gender over the centuries. From the legendary Queen of France Marie Antoinette, wearing her pompadour sky-high along with her cascading curls; to the one known simply as “The King,” who preferred his slicked back with just a bit of a poof – the pompadour has always been in vogue.

So while it’s safe to say that pompadours are not a new trend, the hairstyle has recently been rising above many curly hair patterns and textures: kinky hair fans love that extra oomph at the top of their ‘dos! And singers like Janelle Monae, Jill Scott, and Shingai Shoniwa are leading the pompadour’s popularity, showing that they fit well into the curly set!

The pompadour’s history with both long and short curls alike has proven that it is a seriously fun style that’s never out of style. And since it’s a look that can be beautifully achieved whether your curls are wavy, kinky, or any curl pattern in between, it’s a style that is always sure to make a big statement. And that’s the kind of curl confidence that makes Ouidad proud!

Ouidad’s Facebook friend shows off fabulous curls and cute dog!

Photo via Flickr.com

It’s hard to believe, but the sizzlin’ summer sun and fun is here! The heat waves have started, and Ouidad is already getting questions from chicas around the country about how they can turn up the heat up on their own Latina waves this swim season.

The first thing we recommend is to put away that hair dryer for the summer! Heat from a hair dryer can damage your curls. Instead, towel-dry your hair and use the Rake & Shake technique for beautiful, defined rizos.

Another key component in maintaining beautiful summer curls is protecting your hair from the sun, salt, and chlorine. Ouidad’s Sun Shield Sun & Sport Leave-In Conditioner creates an invisible, breathable shield to lock out the elements while leaving your hair shinier and smoother. Make sure you spray some on before your next trip to the pool or la playa.

Whether you’re headed out on a hot summer day or stylin’ those Latina locks for a fun night out on the town, you’ll want to get rid of frizz and flyaways. Ouidad’s Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel leaves curls cool, calm, and collected while your amigas wonder how your hair can look so good after a day at the beach.

Enjoy the heat … and your seriously hot hair!

Image via nydailynews.com

Check it out – Ouidad stylists Ayanna and Mirsada were just featured in the New York Daily News, in an editorial titled “Dancing Queen!” These Ouidad stylists jumped at the chance to do the hair for this group of five amazing teenage girls and their write-up in the Daily News that featured various prom looks and hairstyles. But the story also featured the efforts of these five New York City high school girls, who take pride in helping others by volunteering their time for various charitable organizations.

Among the featured high schoolers was Janus Chan, who is co-vice president of her school’s China AIDS Fund chapter and who went to China to work with children affected by AIDS. Other girls participated in activities that ranged from the Girl Scouts to supporting leukemia patients at local hospitals. An impressive group of young ladies.

For the article they were photographed in full prom attire and styled both beautifully, and age-appropriately. Ouidad styling products helped our curl experts of course, in creating the various prom hairstyles, including up-dos, bows and long, loose curls. Once the styles were in place, finishing products including Ouidad’s Styling Mist were applied, to help hold and look of the hair while still allowing freedom of movement. Well done all around!

It was a wonderful day for all involved, and Ouidad stylists Ayanna and Mirsada were thrilled to be a part of this inspirational photo shoot.  These prom girls and their curls rock!

Ouidad’s Clear Control Styling Glaze Pomade is featured in May’s Essence Magazine’s, recognized for creating perfect curls. But are Ouidad fans too surprised?  After all, we’re very familiar with Ouidad products that excel at creating soft, perfectly defined curls with lots of body.  In fact, Ouidad products are even great those who prefer the help of a curling iron or roller to set and style their curls.

So when you want to go from straight to spiral in just a matter of minutes, remember these important curling tips from the May article, everything from rollers to gel:

Start Clean

If you’re styling with heat (for example, from hot rollers or a curling iron), your curls will look better look if your stands are freshly shampooed.  Otherwise, your hair is at risk of splitting.

Finish Clear and In Control

To tame frizzes and fly-a-ways, apply Ouidad Clear Control to set your curly style in place.  It seals in much-needed moisture.  Even Essence Magazine agrees it’s the perfect finish!

Curl it up with Ouidad!

Photograph: Hannibal Hanschke/EPA via The Guardian

If you’re a dedicated triathlete, chances are your training is picking up as the competition season gets into full swing. You work hard, and as you’re doing your training it’s important to remember that running, biking, and swimming can be as hard on your hair as it is on your legs and arms!

So in order to keep your curls in tip-top shape this season, here are a few winning product suggestions to get you through your tough triathlon training:

Swim

Swimming can be tough on your hair, whether in the ocean or the pool. Be sure to keep Ouidad’s Water Works Clarifying Shampoo in your gym bag because it will help rid your hair of salt water, chlorine, and mineral residue.

Bike

Forget putting up with the dreaded “hat hair!” Bikers know all about annoying helmet hair that flattens otherwise bouncy curls. Ouidad recommends our Botanical Boost to revive curls post-bike ride. No re-washing necessary!

Run

Are you spending a lot of time running in the sun as you train for your next triathlon? Remember that Ouidad’s Sun Shield & Sport Leave-In Conditioner will protect against damaging environmental factors such as sun and wind while creating softer, shinier curls!

Work hard and good luck with your training and with your curls!

The longer and warmer days mean a sunnier outlook and a curly outdoor lifestyle. Latinas across the United States are taking advantage of la vida bella by heading outdoors for their workout routines. And Ouidad is here to remind these mujeres activas to keep those sporty spirals in mind as they head out the door.

Here are a few ways to make curl care effortless on the run:

Rinse

Ouidad recommends shampooing your locks just a few times a week. However, if you feel the need to after a workout, consider simply rinsing your hair.

Avoid sun damage

The sun can damage your hair, causing dryness and the fading your color. Our Sun Shield Sport Leave-In Conditioner isn’t just made for the beach – it’s also perfect for your active lifestyle. Spray it on before an outdoor workout and your curls will be softer, smoother, and shinier!

Forget the hairdryer

What’s the best way to dry those curly locks? Naturally, of course! It’s also the fastest way to get out of the house on busy days. You love saving time, and your curls love being treated with R.E.S.P.E.C.T.!

Keep that body of Latina curls beautiful!