For bouncy, defined curls, start by applying a heat protecting defining gel like Ouidad Climate Control Gel, $22 to damp hair. Diffuse until dry then wrap quarter-inch sections of hair around a small-barrel curling iron. Curl sections of hair in different directions to create texture. Then, once your entire head is curled, rake in a small amount of hair cream like Hamadi Beauty Shea Hair Cream, $24 to individually piece out curls to add further definition, says Pohl.
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Amber Riley
To get sleek strands, start by applying a teaspoon or so of a conditioning mask to clean, damp hair (try Kerastase Oleo-Relax Daily Treatment Masque, $26) -- don't rinse it out. Then, blow dry your hair straight with a large barrel brush. Next, use a one-inch flat iron and run it through small sections of hair, making sure that you keep the tool moving briskly along your strands. Finish by spraying with a shine enhancer like Redken Vinyl Glam 02 Mega Shine Spray, $17.99, says Pohl.
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Tatyana Ali
To get this glam, curly updo, start by applying a gel that will relax your hair and protect it from heat styling like Davines Defining Relaxing Fluid, $19.99. Next, blow dry hair using a round brush, making sure to lift it at the roots while directing hair flow from the dryer downwards to create mega volume and shine. Once hair is dry, start wrapping small sections of hair around a small-barreled iron (try Amika Tourmaline Clip-Free Curler, $128). To create the updo, spin individual curls around a finger and start pinning them to the back of your head, leaving front pieces out to frame your face. Finish by misting with a strong-hold hairspray, says Pohl.
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Jordin Sparks
To copy this sleek low bun, Pohl says to start by applying a hair smoother and heat protector like Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide, $16 to damp hair. Blow dry hair straight with a boar bristle brush then run a flat iron over it to remove any kink or curl. Create a middle part and comb hair back into a low ponytail. Wrap the tail around the base of the bun and secure with pins. Rough up the back a bit with your hands and pull out two face framing strands.
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Shaun Robinson
To get this chic curly pony, Pohl says to start by applying a relaxing fluid or lotion and blowing out the hair straight with a large barreled round brush. Curl just the lower section of hair (below the ears) with a small one-inch curling iron, spraying each section with a non-sticky hairspray like Sebastian Shaper Plus Hair Spray, $14.99 before wrapping it around the curling barrel. Apply a bit of shine enhancing pomade like Motions Shine Enhancing Pomade, $3.99 to your crown and brush hair back with a boar bristle brush. Secure hair into a high ponytail with an elastic.
You know when you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and think, "It's time for a change"? Yeah well, if you're like us, you pretty much have that fun little pre-coffee epiphany almost every day.
Luckily, a hairstyle is one of those things that is easy to change up in an instant. But, as you probably already know, just because it�s easy to want the change, knowing how to actually switch things up is a whole different story. Even the most style-savvy women need a little inspiration once in a while -- and especially when stuck in a same-old-'do rut.
That's where our favorite black celebrities, or really, their hairstylists come in. There are gorgeous and functional, on-trend African-American hairstyles being created and worn by the stars on a daily basis. Seriously, the red carpet is an inspiration gold mine.
