Ouidad: The Curl Experts

Those with dogs and pets of sorts are most definitely familiar with the “Sit and Treat” cycle.

1. Make dog sit: “siiiittt, c’mon, siiitttt” (said in odd human-to-dog voice)

2. Paw: “Gimme, paw, c’monnn gimme the paaaaaw” (said in even stranger human-to-dog-voice)

3. Reward with treat: “Who’s a good boy/girl!?!? YOU ARE, YOUR ARE!!” (hand treat to dog in return for playing our stupid human-to-dog-games.)

I find the “Sit and Treat” cycle comparable to the way we deal with our hair. Minus one very important and very crucial step; “Reward with Treat.”

All day errryday we tell our hair to “be tame,” (yet natural looking) and “have personality” (without looking like Dolly Parton). In short, we tell it to “sit, stay, and be good.”

Which leads me to my next point: give your hair a treat. Lucky for me, two weeks ago I found myself giving my hair the best treat my poodle (my hair’s “pet name”- pun intended) could ever receive: Ouidad’s Luxe Mediterranean Bay Leaf Hair & Scalp Treatment.

Ouidad NYC's Mirsada and me!

When asked to try out Ouidad’s newest service, I was admittedly skeptical. However, after a brisk power walk in the 100-degree heat (the 6 train was delayed for the umpteenth time this summer) I arrived at the salon sweating like a dog (pun intended, again) and ready to see what my lovely stylist, Mirsada, had in store.

Before applying a thick coat of the treatment to my scalp, Mirsada explained that in order for us curly girls to end up with more good hair days than bad, we need to give our scalps a little TLC to open up the follicles and let our curls breathe.

Made with all natural ingredients, (including crushed almonds), Mirsada applied the mint green paste to my scalp with what appeared to be a big paintbrush. After satisfied with the heavy coating, Mirsada then massaged the Bay Leaf Treatment into my scalp to remove all of my product build up. After sitting under the dryer for about 20 minutes to let the all natural concoction do its magic to my suffocated scalp, Mirsada used some Water Works shampoo on my hair to really seal in the paste and let my follicles breathe in the (questionably) fresh city air!

Luxe Mediterranean Bay Leaf Hair & Scalp Treatment

In return for the treat I gave my poodle, I received three glorious days of clean, shiny and well-behaved hair. (Someone at work noted how good my hair smelled and I giggled like a school girl). Better yet, I noticed a positive difference during my next few washings and stylings.

In essence, it felt like my hair could breathe again.

For those of you constantly treating your hair like a dog without giving the incentive of a good treat in return, I suggest you make yourself a Luxe Mediterranean Bay Leaf Treatment appointment at the Ouidad NYC or LA Salon.

So, let your tail wag and your curls breath-they deserve the treat(ment).

Me Three Days Post Treatment!

Ouidad [Puppy] Love,

J

Family weddings, holiday celebrations, school dances … there are so many times when girls with curls like to dress up and look their best! At Ouidad we know that curls on girls look lovely all the time, and that it’s also nice to try something different on special occasions.

Photo via Fantastichairstyles.blogspot.com

One of the best and most exciting things about curly hair is that it’s so versatile for any and all occasions.  In fact, a special hair accessory can take a style from ‘fine to fabulous!’ We love seeing flowers woven into long, flowing curls, or a tiara atop simply styled curls. For something more elaborate for your curly clad girl, a bun or any similar up-do can look simply glorious with a few curly tendrils hanging down! And what about a big, beautiful bow with a side part—classic and lovely!

There are so many ways to make curly hair special, but it all begins with the right products. Cleansing with a shampoo like KRLY Kids No Time For Tears Shampoo—which makes curls healthy and strong—is the first step. Following with a good conditioner like KRLY Kids No More Knots is step two. (This conditioner helps prevent breakage and moisturizes the hair.) Then, try some KRLY Kids Pump & Go Spray Gel and begin styling!

The final step? Take tons of photos and share them with your family and friends!

You know that Ouidad loves curls in all their glory. So it’s no surprise that Keri Russell’s endless curls have had our attention since her early days on the television show Felicity.  (Sporting the kind of curls that always make us happy!)

2010 Emmy Image via becomegorgeous.com

So when Keri walked the red carpet at this year’s 62^nd Los Angeles Area Primetime Emmy Awards, her elegant and easy up-do was a fresh take on California cool. And the look made quite the wave.

In the past, Ouidad has shared some important tips for getting your curly up-do ready for a formal affair:

• Plan your hairstyle in advance. Russell, who now stars on FOX’s Running Wilde, completed her formal look with a floral hairpin that is soft and feminine.
• Use products that make your hair soft, shiny and healthy. For a hold that leaves your curls loosely styled, try Ouidad’s Styling Mist.
• Wear your curls with confidence.  When your curls look good and feel good, you can’t help flaunting them.  And Ouidad wants you to wear them proudly

Looks like Keri Russell well knows who the Queen of Curls is and followed Ouidad’s advice for the Emmy’s – and you too can be sure your next red carpet-worthy look will be just as stunning.