To avoid damaging your hair, stay away from the crimper (and any other tool that exposes your hair to extensive heat), Shorter says. "African American women have naturally drier hair than most women," which means it is more prone to heat damage.
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Best: Aisha Tyler
Who says ponytails have to be casual? Tyler's low, side ponytail and side-sweeping bangs are perfect for a swanky night on the town. To get this piece-y look, rake styling wax (try Redken Rewind 06 Pliable Styling Paste $16) through the ends of your ponytail.
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Worst: Queen Latifah
If you have dry, brittle hair, Queen Latifah's stiff hairstyle is one to avoid as it may cause breakage. Instead of loading your hair with tons of product and slicking it, try a natural, sleek chignon, which Shorter says is "quick, easy and works for both textures" (relaxed hair and natural hair).
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Best: Rihanna
If you decide to dramatically tweak your natural color like Miss Rihanna did, make sure you wait at least two months between relaxing hair and coloring it to avoid excessive damage. If Rihanna's rockin' style is what you're after, ask your stylist for a cut that's cropped short in the back with long side-swept bangs.
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Worst: Eve
We're not sure if Eve went to the salon for this wacky cut and style, or if she did it herself. Either way, the look may have worked if she stuck to just one of the three styles she's sporting. Wearing a long, straight style, a choppy pixie and a braid all in one is just too much.
African American celebrities are some of the biggest hair trendsetters -- from Rihanna's short, edgy style (that is forever evolving) to Tyra's long, sleek strands, these ladies are known for their signature styles. And while many women attempt to recreate their looks, they never truly succeed at pulling them off quite as well. Why is that anyway?
We think it is because we see celebrities like Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey and Halle Berry rocking gorgeous hairstyles on the red carpet, but we never really learn how their hairstylists actually created them. Are the styles as easy as they look, or are there many more complicated steps to them?
We spoke to Tippi Shorter, celebrity hairstylist whose clients include the fabulous Alicia Keys and Lauren Hill, to find out. Here she weighs in on how to recreate these amazing African American hairstyles, and explains why certain styles work and why others should be avoided. Scope out the hairstyles in this photo gallery and make note of the looks you want to try. Then be sure to steer clear of the ones that might not flatter your face shape, or worse, damage your beautiful, but fragile hair -- eek!
