9 Ways to Sleep with Curls

You had a glorious hair day, all of your products did what they were supposed to and frizz stayed away. Your curl definition could not be beat. But the big question for every curly girl is - how can you make this last until tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, without having to shampoo and style all over again?

We have the answer, or rather, we have 9 answers. There is no one way to sleep with curly hair. It's all about finding a way to wear your hair to sleep that won't leave you with dents, frizz or flattened curls the next morning. Depending on the length of your hair, how loose or tight your curls are, and whether you wear your hair wet or dry to sleep, you just have to find the way that works best for you. Here are 9 ways to sleep with curls, but you can mix and modify these for your unique situation.

1. Loose bun
Many curlies opt to sleep in a loose bun in order to cut down on frizz. Apply a leave-in conditioner and scrunch gel into hair before flipping it over and securing it into a bun. Make sure to keep your bun fairly loose so curls are not stretched out too much. Avoid a dent by twisting and tucking your bun very loosely and securing with a scrunchie.

This method allows for many morning styling options. If your hair is still wet, you can add more curling products and either air-dry or diffuse.

2. Plop
A popular curl drying method that helps you avoid hair being weighed down by gravity is “plopping.” This technique requires you to apply gel to hair and then lay a microfiber towel on a flat surface and flip hair over, allowing it to pile on top of itself into the towel. Tie the sides of the towel so that it will remain securely on your head. The towel will speed up drying time, and the “pile” of curls will set nicely. For a full tutorial on how to plop with either a t-shirt or a microfiber towel, check out our guide to plopping.

3. Two-strand twist
Another unique way to style hair for bedtime is to do a two-strand twist. This can be done on wet or dry hair, but curls will turn out tighter if hair starts out damp. This method allows you to target specific sections of hair to shape them in a manner that will not flatten as you sleep. To two-strand twist, simply take a section of hair and divide it into two, then wrap the two sections around each other from roots to ends. This works best for tighter curls and coils.

4. Pineapple
Many curly girls like to “pineapple” their dry hair as they sleep.

Flip your dry hair all the way over, and secure into a very high and loose ponytail. Use a scrunchie or fabric covered hair tie in order to avoid breaking or denting the hair. Stand back up, and separate the ponytail so that half is on each side of your head. In the morning, a quick spritz of water or curl refresher will do the trick!

5. Multi-pineapple
If your hair is too short to pull into a pineapple on top of your head, that does not mean a pineapple can't work for you. There are many modified versions of a pineapple, like the multi-pineapple which consists of 2 or 3 pineapples. If your hair is still too short for that, stick to a satin bonnet.

6. Mini braids
Braiding hair at night is a very popular way to keep it in place. Experiment with one loose braid, a French braid, or multiple braids to find what works for you. Looser braids will help maintain your natural curl pattern, while tighter braids will add more of a crimp. If you don't know how to French braid, divide your hair into 6-8 sections and do regular braids. For loose wavies this will give you tighter curls, and for tighter curl patterns this will stretch your hair.

7. Sleep on a satin pillowcase or bonnet
In order to prevent friction on hair while sleeping, use a silk or satin pillowcase or bonnet. Hair will glide smoothly over the pillowcase without creating frizz. You can use this method in combination with any of the other techniques on this list, many women pineapple or braid and sleep on a satin pillowcase. Some women even double up by both wearing a satin bonnet and sleeping on a satin pillowcase, to protect the hair that slips out of their bonnet as they sleep. Find the combination that works for you.

If you don't like the look or feeling of sleeping on a satin pillowcase, you can tie a satin scarf or wear a satin bonnet instead to protect your curls. This will also prevent your loose hair from getting in your face (if that's something that bothers you) and can prevent knots and tangles. This is mostly a matter of preference.

8. T-shirt turban
If pineappling leaves a ponytail dent in your hair or loosens your curls, you can try this t-shirt turban method instead. CurlTalker serasgf came up with the method for her short hair, which keeps your hair from getting flattened while you sleep. I tried it out myself and it felt secure and stayed put.

9. French Braid
You may find different results between many mini braids and the French braid, particularly at the roots. The French braid method will give you a more stretched curl pattern at the roots. It pays to experiment with one or several braids to see which gives you the best results.

Top 10 Blonde Hair Color Ideas

Most of us have at some point wondered what we would look like sporting blonde tresses. Whether it is to spruce up hair that is already blonde with some highlights or ‘go blonde’ by bleaching your brunette locks, there are so many different colors and coloring techniques to choose from. This variety of shades is the best part about dying your hair blonde because it’ll leave you spoilt for choice.

Below, we have put together a list of blonde hair color ideas to help you make heads turn with the right shade.

1. Dark Blonde Hair Color

Dark blonde is a great color to sport if you have a medium to fair complexion. This warm color looks natural and effortlessly gorgeous. Dark blonde is the perfect shade for you if you are a brunette looking to lighten up your hair color.

2. Blonde Highlights

Cool blonde highlights are perfect for sprucing up light colored hair. They add dimension and make your hair look textured. To try this undeniably classy look, get your stylist to add cool tones to the midsections of your hair.

3. Ash Blonde Hair Color

The perfect transition color for cool-toned brunettes. This silvery shade is perfect for women with medium to dark complexions and darker eyes. If you were looking for a summer shade to sport with your perfect tan, this is it.

4. Honey Blonde Hair Color

Few things can compare with the luxury that the color of thick, pure, unadulterated honey brings in. Having a mane in this breathtaking shade of blonde is only going to up your diva status, so be prepared to get a LOT of attention!

5. Light Blonde Hair Color

The best thing about this gorgeous color is that it looks great on any complexion. For this shade, get your stylist to add cool tones to a golden blonde base. Sport this lovely color by adding texture to your hair, making it look thick and healthy.

6. Golden Blonde Hair

This natural looking shade is a mixture of warm honey and gold tones.It is just the color you’ll need to get your divamode on. This natural, warm, and soft look is perfect for women with darker complexions.

7. Caramel Blonde

This is one of the warmest blonde shades out there, making it the ideal hair color for medium and dark skin tones. With a few babylights, it can also be sported on lighter skin tones.

8. Medium Blonde Hair

If you have eyes that are green or brown, this shade is a must try. It is the perfect shade for women looking to dive into being blonde than transitioning slowly. To get the perfect medium blonde, use a light golden base with cool wheaty hues.

9. Strawberry Blonde Hair Dye

Strawberry blonde is a lovely color to sport if your hair is naturally warm-toned. This color complements short as well as long hair, so the length is not going to be a problem. You’re just going to have to figure out what to do about the envious looks your locks will garner.

10. Natural Blonde Hair

Natural blonde hair is dyed in a way that your hair looks like you were born with it. Depending on your skin tone, you can go lighter or darker for a more natural look. Adding some cooler tones will keep it looking textured.

African-American hair: Tips for everyday care

Unique in appearance and structure, African-American hair is especially fragile and prone to injury and damage. More than half of African-American women will cite thinning hair or hair loss as their top hair concern. Fortunately, there is a lot African-Americans can do to help minimize damage and keep their hair beautiful.

To help African-Americans keep their hair healthy, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

1. Wash hair once a week or every other week: This will help prevent build-up of hair care products, which can be drying to the hair.

2. Use conditioner: Use conditioner every time you wash your hair. Be sure to coat the ends of the hair with conditioner, as the ends are the oldest and most fragile part of your hair.

3. Use a hot oil treatment twice a month: This adds additional moisture and elasticity to your hair.

4. Use a heat protecting product before styling: Adding this to wet hair before styling will help minimize heat damage.

5. Use caution with relaxers: To minimize hair damage, always go to a professional hair stylist to ensure that the relaxer is applied safely. Touch-ups should only be done every two to three months and only to newly grown hair. Never apply relaxer to hair that has already been relaxed.

6. Use ceramic combs or irons to press hair: If you would like to press or thermally straighten your hair, use a ceramic comb or iron and only do so once a week. Use a straightening device with a dial to ensure the device is not too hot. Use the lowest possible temperature setting that gives you the style you want. A higher temperature may be necessary for thicker, coarser hair.

7. Make sure braids, cornrows or weaves are not too tight: If it hurts while your hair is being styled, ask the stylist to stop and redo it. Pain equals damage.

See a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any changes in the texture or appearance of your hair. Even the slightest bit of noticeable thinning can be the start of hair loss. The earlier hair loss is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be treated.

8 Haircuts that look gorgeous on older women

There are a lot of not-so-awesome changes that come with getting older. Wrinkles, a slower metabolism, and health problems don't exactly sound like things to look forward to. However, there's one department that doesn't have to change as you age. Regardless of your age, a gorgeous, vibrant haircut is your right as a strong, sexy woman. Don't think you have to kiss your long hair goodbye or give in to the gray hairs taking over. We talked with some of our favorite hairstylists about their tips for the most beautiful styles for their maturing clients.

Change it up

All of the stylists I spoke with agreed that the key to a great cut is being brave enough to try something new. One of the fastest ways to look older is keeping the same haircut for decades. As the times and styles change, don't be afraid to update your look. Hairstylist Jenna Mast has seen clients age themselves by hanging onto the same style for way too long. She recommends talking with your stylist about how to update your look.

1. Long Bob

Our stylists could not stop raving about a clean, classic bob. It's simple, low maintenance, and always in style. According to celebrity stylist Mitch Stone, anyone can rock a long bob, regardless of your age. "A cut like this adds instant style and sexy sophistication," he told us. "You can't go wrong."

Hairstylist, Jenna Mast recommends a modern bob with long layers for her mature clients. "This will give you more movement and an updated look," she told The List. "There is nothing more dating and high maintenance than a stacked bob that needs to be cut every few weeks to keep it's shape."

2. Go for Bangs

Celebrity stylist Mitch Stone recommends bangs for any age, but especially for his more mature clients. Bangs are always in style and can complement any face shape – but make sure your stylist understands your face shape first. Stone explains that bangs can immediately change the look of your face, so it gets a little dangerous if your stylist isn't experienced. "They (bangs) can make you look really young and sexy or make your nose or forehead look twice the size," he explains. "It's important to make sure you trust your hairstylist before going for it."

Stylist Ruth Roche often suggests her mature clients go for bangs that are long and wispy. "Have them trimmed often rather than cutting them shorter so they last longer," she told The List. "Fringes that are too short can look utilitarian and boring.

3. Don't be afraid of length

When it comes to our hairstyle, so many of us feel that we have to go short as we age. That's what we see all around us, so it can feel like the only option, but don't be afraid to hang on to some length. Jeff Stump, owner of Artkiteks salon explains, "Many people feel that they need to have short hair as they get older. This isn't always the case; it really depends on the texture of the hair and how their hair ages."

4. Super short can be super cute

If you're ready to get rid of some of your length, our stylists said go for it! Celebrity stylist Mitch Stone loves it when his brave clients want to ditch the length. "If you want to go short, say, Audrey Hepburn, Halle Berry or Mia Farrow, I love that," he says. "It is an instant style."

Damian Santiago, co-owner of mizu new york salon, agrees. "I have many mature clients that wear everything from cool pixies to razored bobs," he told The List. "A mature client with a strong inner confidence can rock any cool and modern look."

5. Layer it up

To keep hair from looking and feeling too bulky, our stylists recommended incorporating flattering layers into any cut, regardless of the length.

Judy McGuinness, senior stylist at Mizu New York salon, likes a light, layered look on her more mature clients. "In general, softer haircuts look good on older women," she explains. "Any length you like, but be sure to incorporate some soft face framing layers!"

Hairstylist Jenna Mast agrees that layers are always flattering, but recommends getting really specific with your stylist before taking the plunge. Be sure explain exactly what you're looking for with new layers. "Do you want layers to help with movement? Do you want to see more texture? Does having more layers (essentially less hair) help you with styling?" asks Mast. "Hairdressers speak a more complicated language than 'a few layers' so it's easy to have miscommunication if you're trying something new for the first time."

6. Up the volume

Adding layers to your cut can also give a gorgeous volume. Our hair tends to thin as we age, so adding volume is a great way to keep a healthy, youthful look. Stylist Ruth Roche recommends using the right products to keep hair looking fuller. She recommends Pureology Fullfyl, a "3-step system that creates full-bodied hair, with lived-in texture that actually looks and feels like more hair." Talk with your stylist about the best product for your hair type and thickness.

7. Tame your frizz

As our hair ages and thins, frizz can become an issue, even if you've never had a problem with it. Maintaining shiny, sleek locks keeps our styles looking youthful. Stylist Ruth Roche recommends her clients use a smoothing product to tame any frizz happening. Roche uses Pureology Colour Fanatic 21 benefit spray. "Always blow dry with the nozzle moving from roots to ends to smooth down the cuticle and increase shine," Roche tells The List. "Youthful hair is shiny!"

8. The right color

Perhaps even more important than the cut is a youthful color. Stylist Ruth Roche recommends changing up the color as your hair changes with age. "Color is key; keep it dimensional with subtle highlights," she recommends. "Solid colors, especially dark, can lack dimension and vitality and tend not to complement skin tone."

When choosing the right hair color, keep in mind the upkeep. Jeff Stump, owner of Artkiteks salon recommends, "blending the color with highlights or a demi-permanent color, so that the color with grow out much better than a solid line and achieving a more natural look."

No matter what color you choose, going a shade or two lighter could instantly give you a younger look. Celebrity colorist, Kelly Cardenas recommends framing your face with highlights to brighten your skin tone. "Tonal change is also important — you want to stay within 2-3 shades of your target overall color as a higher contrast creates the opposite effect," he explains. "Lastly, the highlights need to blended in almost an ombre effect opposed to large, chunky pieces."

Dull Hair

Adding Polish to Dull Hair

The biggest difference between the average woman’s hair and the hair you see in the fashion and beauty magazines is the way it shines. Those magazine images always feature long locks of shiny hair that seem to glow with a light all of its own. It can leave you feeling that you’ll never have hair that looks like that. Well, the first thing to remember is that unless you are a model and regularly have your hair photographed under professionally-set lighting, the level of shine and glow seen in magazine photos is not likely to become part of your daily life.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t make your hair appear shinier and healthier. It means that you have to remember which are real and which are special effects. Dull hair looks less healthy, and absorbs light rather than reflecting it. It can also make the color appear lifeless and leave you feeling that your hair is unappealing, when in fact it can be beautiful with just a few simple tips.

There are many causes of dull-looking hair – chemical damage, heat styling damage, improper styling techniques, and even environmental soils and stresses. Fortunately, there are a lot of tricks and tips to make the hair look shiny again. Here are some simple ways to make your hair look shinier:

Cool Rinses

We know from previous discussion that heat and moisture affect the shape of the hair shaft and that heat can cause the hair shaft to swell and the cuticle to open up. An open cuticle reflects light less effectively and can leave the hair looking especially dull.

Yet one of the easiest ways to restore shine to the hair is by rinsing it in cool water. You don’t need to endure a cold shower to get the benefits, either. Simply remember at the end of your shower to switch the water to cold and chill your hair under the spray. The cold water helps the hair shaft contract and the cuticle close up. This leaves the hair looking smoother, shinier and more light-reflective.

Just remember not to undo the benefits of the cold rinse by roughing up the hair while drying it. Squeeze the hair in the folds of a towel to remove excess water, and pat the hair at the scalp.

Natural Rinses

There are also natural products that can be used to give the hair a little added “oomph” when it comes to shining the hair. The cold water rinse is great, but there are other simple techniques that can make a big difference as well. One such trick is to use vinegar as a finishing rinse after shampooing and conditioning the hair.
You can add ½-1 cup of white vinegar to a gallon of cool water and pour that over your freshly washed and conditioned hair before you leave the shower. The vinegar is acidic, and works to counter the slight alkalinity of the shampoo and conditioner products. This helps to tighten the cuticle layer of the hair and makes the hair look shinier and healthier in the process.

Shampoo Choices

The correct shampoo for your hair goals is another key element to making the hair appear shinier. Dry hair tends to appear dull, so be sure to use a shampoo that will add moisture and clean gently. Follow it up with a moisture rich conditioner and you can soon see dramatic results in the healthy look of your hair. Fortunately, modern advances in hair care products has brought us a wide range of shampoos from many makers that are geared toward improving shine by smoothing the cuticle layer and helping to maintain a smooth and silky look in the hair.

For many women, there are few things more alarming than a noticeably sparser hairline or lackluster locks that seem to have lost their volume. While it’s normal to lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair a day, more than that can indicate an issue. The culprit is usually harmless and can be caused by anything from genetics to how you are styling your hair. Luckily, thinning hair is usually more of a cosmetic concern rather than a healthy one.

Because this is an issue that increasingly affects women as they get older, there are also a variety of products and tips that can help combat hair loss in women. If you’ve noticed your hair seems to be on the thinner side lately, try using some of the tips below to remedy the problem. If you don’t start seeing results within a few months, a simple blood test by your doctor can determine if the hair loss is caused by an underlying health condition.

1. Avoid hairstyles that pull on the hairline

Tight ponytails, cornrows, braids, and anything else that pulls on the small hairs that make up your hairline can cause hair loss. The stress caused by these tight hairstyles pulls too strongly on the delicate hairs of your hairline and hair loss/thinning can occur. If you do need to put your hair up in a ponytail, use an elastic that doesn’t have metal like the Goody’s Ouchless line of hair products. It helps ensure your hair won’t get tangled in the elastic and pull out your hair when removing your ponytail.

2. Ditch hair tools that use high heat
Heat is always hard on hair. It causes bonds within the hair strands to fracture, causing brittle hair that breaks and falls out. If you decide to use a hair straightener or curling iron, make sure not to leave it on one area of your hair for too long and move it every ten seconds or so. Also keep in mind that if you hear sizzling or burn your fingers, the heat setting is too high and you are also burning your hair. Try to let your hair dry naturally as often as possible and when you do use styling tools, make sure to use a heat-protecting spray that will lessen the damage the tools are inflicting on your hair.

3. Be wary of chemical processing
Just as heat is very harmful to the hair, so are a variety of chemical processing treatments offered by salons. Chemically straightening your hair, bleaching, and lightening your hair can all cause damage to the hair shaft, weakening the hair and causing hair loss. Always try to stick to your natural style and color as closely as possible if you are experiencing hair loss or thinning or the problem will just get worse. If you regularly use chemical processing, make sure you treat your hair to a deep-conditioning treatment at least once a week for optimal results.

4. Peruse your pantry
Foods high in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 can all help revitalize thinning strands. Make sure your diet includes plenty of leafy greens, nuts, beans, fish, and lean meats. If you’re having a hard time getting enough nutrients in your daily diet, a good dietary supplement can help cover whatever your diet is lacking.

5. Use hair products targeted to restore hair growth
Because thinning hair and hair loss is a huge cosmetic concern for women, many companies are now creating products
specifically aimed at restoring hair growth. This list of hair loss shampoos offers a variety of products that contain numerous oils and minerals that may aid in hair growth, destroy bacteria that can cause hair breakage and loss, increase blood circulation to the scalp, and more.

6. Consider a topical medication
Minoxidil, the active ingredient in Rogaine, is an over-the-counter medication that can be applied to the hair in liquid or mousse form. The medication works by stimulating the hair follicles and promoting regrowth in as little as six months. If six months seems a little long for results, you can also use a hair-thickening spray in the meantime that coats the existing hair and gives the appearance of a more voluminous mane.

7. Don't skip the scalp massage
An easy way to incorporate a scalp massage into your hair care regimen is to perform it while in the shower, after applying shampoo or conditioner. Scalp massages have been found to improve circulation to the scalp, stimulating hair growth. By moving your fingertips in a slow, circular movement around the whole head, you’ll reduce stress and promote hair regrowth at the same time.

8. Consider essential oils
Essential oils have long been touted for their natural benefits and they might just be the ticket to help your hair. Oils such as carrot seed, cypress, lavender, and rosemary - just to name a few - all have regenerative, soothing, and balancing properties that can improve the condition of the scalp and promote hair growth. Because essential oils are increasingly popular as a healthier alternative, these are easy to find online or in health stores. A few drops added to your scalp during your scalp massage is a great way to enhance your massage’s effectiveness and take advantage of all the benefits the oils have to offer.

Shoulder-length hair gets flack for lacking gumption. It’s often dismissed as a transition stage between, say, a blunt bob and long flowing locks. But, there’s a reason why you see shoulder-grazing strands around every corner, whether at the grocery store or on the Red Carpet—and it has nothing to do with settling. Shoulder-length hairstyles are both functional and stylish, striking the perfect balance between the ease of a short cut and the versatility of a long style. To layer or not to layer, to stack or not to stack, to bang or not to bang? These are all decisions you can make to create the best shoulder-length hair for you, which is not something you can say about a pixie cut or ultra-long (Cher-esque) locks. The dry winter has made our hairstyle feel less than inspiring, and springtime always brings a desire to embrace a new look. We’re thinking a shoulder-length haircut might be the lucky ticket. When heading to your next hair appointment, tuck one of these gorgeous shoulder-length hairstyles up your sleeve and leave feeling fresh and stylish!

1 Blunt Ends
This cut is all about simplicity, keeping ends blunt and layers minimal. You can opt for a few face-framing layers, but keep the length all the same to promote easy styling and your thickest looking ends. This cut works great for thin hair!

2 Full Bangs

Keep a shoulder-cut simple, but stylish with full bangs. This hairstyle has only long layers, letting the bangs shine. If you’re looking to switch up your hairstyle for the spring, bangs might be your answer.

3 Angled
This hairstyle is another that limits the amount of layering, but it stacks the back a little shorter to create an angled look. The angled cut lets you ramp up the volume more than an all-around uniform cut. This style works well with thick hair.

4 Natural Volume
If you have more compact curls like these, layers are essential to make a short cut more voluminous and shaped. Layers should start mid-way down your hair shaft, which will help you avoid the awkward “triangle” shape that curly-haired girls sometimes struggle with.

5 Flippy Layers

This straight hairstyle is sassy and layered to perfection for the lady who likes styling her hair and isn’t afraid of some hairspray! The layers start at around midway down the shaft, and this style looks equally as good with or without bangs.

6 Shag
This classic cut is back in a big way, and we love the layers, bangs, and overall shagginess of the look. It should always graze the shoulders and have layers that start just below eye level.

7 Stacked Layers
Unlike a blunt angled shoulder cut, this style gets ultra volume in the back from layering. It lets the back layers pump up the body, while angled layering around the face adds definition.

A bob haircut is a fairly decent and relatively low-maintenance solution for fine hair. A collarbone, chin-length or cropped styles are equally beneficial for hair that lacks body. It can always be added with simple styling techniques and available hair products. The following are some of the cutest examples of bob hairstyles for fine hair. Even if you have been sticking to this cut for years, view them with ideas for a seasonal update in mind.

Best Bob Haircuts for Fine Hair

If you have fine hair, you must always learn new tips and tricks how to make it look thicker. Bob haircut is a marvellous solution for thin locks. You just need to choose the right type of this cut. Draw attention to texture and edges, make it messy or wavy, ask your hairstylist for highlights, and you will never have the bad hair day again. All those tricks in our article!

#1 Bob With Long Bangs

If you have been blessed with straight hair, consider your mane to be a blank canvas. Use highlights to your advantage to create dimension in short bob hairstyles. Her chunky blonde and brown pieces complete a chic hairstyle with depth and sufficient volume.

#2 Bright Blonde Bob Cut

Fine hair is marked by strands that have a lack of body. One of the best tricks to make short  bobs look fuller is with the useage of highlights and low lights. The former is usually two shades lighter than your natural hair, while the latter is two shades  darker.  The mix of colors creates the illusion of depth.

#3 Layered Short Hairstyles

Layers are a great way to create volume in fine hair.The bob haircut shows how shorter pieces work together with the longer pieces to retain the kength while adding the bounce. To create this textured look with  your own similiar cut, uses a quick spray of dry shampoo at the roots of clean hair.

#4 Wispy Short Bob

Achieve texture in short bob straight hair by bumping the ends. The result is wispy curves that develop movement throughout the layers and result in the overall flirty and fresh hairdo.

#5 Stacked Short Haircut

If you're an active person, it can be difficult to find the time to style your hair, which is why short hairstyles are so effective for athletes. This look is easy enough to pull back with a headband when you've got to run, figuratively and literally speaking, and short enough to style in the morning without losing any sleep.

A pixie cut can seem intimidating at first, but trust us, once you go for a shorter hairstyle, you may feel you never want to return to longer hairdos.

The perfect hairstyle to rock whether you have dark, blonde, red, brunette or rainbow hair, it will frame your face AND make your cheekbones pop.

There have been many great pixie cuts over time, from Katy Perry's stunning cut to Scarlett Johansson's impressive quiff and Jennifer Lawrence's sweeping style.