HAIR OSH

What is it about blonde hair that gets more attention, more appeal, more of everything? We’re not sure, but we do know nine blondes that have it all and are blessed with the golden locks. Let’s take a look at the top nine blondes in music.

1. Taylor Swift - this country starlet is on fire. Fresh off the Country Music Awards circuit, where she sang a beautiful rendition of Back To December, her latest single she wows the crowd everywhere she makes an appearance and is popular among the teen set for her gorgeous (sometime curly) sometimes straight hair.

2. Carrie Underwood - another Country music sensation, Carrie got her start on the wildly successful American Idol when she was crowned the winner on Season 5 of the hit TV series. Since then there’s no magazine cover she hasn’t been on and no music award she hasn’t won. Absolute mind blowing success has followed since 2005 when she wore her hair curly and wavy. She now has nothing but the top stylists tending to her mane and as such has never looked better.

3. Eminem - we can’t give all the attention to the ladies, right. The mouth from Detroit is worthy of making it on our list of hot blonds in music for 2010. Eminem has been around more than ten years now, making him a bona fide icon in his own right and a gifted musician as well. A self taught rapper since he was a wee bit boy, Eminem made it big after his self titled debut album hit the scene over ten years ago, since then teen white boys across America have flocked to see him in arena after arena. He wears his hair super tight and with plenty of attitude.

4. Mariah Carey - one of my all time fave Christmas songs is by the multi-talented and multi-award winning dynamite known as Mariah Carey. All I Want For Christmas which she first sprang to the world in 1994 has gone on to become one of the most sought after and best selling Christmas singles of all time. It’s a spirited, fun and jolly good song. As for Mariah’s golden locks, she tends to wear it on the honey blond side.

5. Madonna - the queen of blond ambition. Madonna has worn it blond since way back in the 80’s when she first came out with her debut album. Although it has taken on several shades since then and many different cuts, she’s kept it sexy and light till 2010. We love Madonna because she has survived the limelight for decades with awesome style, fierce dedication and great hair.

6. Christina Aguilera - fresh off a hot movie with Cher, this Latina beauty is no slacker in the music business. She came out at a similar time as Britney Spears and at first drew comparisons to her, yet came out victorious with her sultry charm and over the top powerful vocals. Unlike Britney she’s known more for her music ability, than tabloid fodder. Since her debut, she’s had a string of big hits and has appeared on numerous magazine covers and won much acclaim with critics. However she’s nowhere near her pinnacle, she’s just getting started on what we hope is a long and lustrous career. As for her hair? She wears it many times old school 40’s style - wavy, long and very sleek.

7. Mary J Blige - aside from having excellent hair, Mary is as usual on top of her game. Ever since she graced us with her presence in the music scene, she’s been able to hold her own in the tough, highly competitive and mostly male dominated R&B niche. Many dub her the queen of R&B and we have to agree with hit after hit and numerous music awards to her credit. We have nothing but “Real Love” for Ms. Blige and her sexy hot golden locks too.

8. Shakira - a free spirit by nature, this Columbian born songstress has taken the US by storm. She started her musical career in Latin America with soulful ballads and charismatic performances that led to her American arrival and ascension. Originally a brunette (sshh!! - like many on our list) and Spanish song bird, she has catapulted herself into a major international diva with her own hair and makeup entourage. Her hair is magnificent long or short, but we heart it long and apparently she does as well, since she tends to wear it practically down to her knees.

9. Your pick? - Did we miss your fave blonde in music today? Tell us below in the comment area. Male or female doesn’t matter, let us know who we missed and why.

Holidays bring upon us a festive mood and a need for “looking our best” while we entertain and enjoy the festivities. Hair straightening can help you manage those holiday stresses by creating a look that can vary in many ways, giving you different styles beginning with one technique. Not only is it something that helps you look your best but it keeps your hair from being unruly and wild.

The last thing you need as your putting on the finishing touches going out the door to that holiday event is hair that just goes wild! Note: ALWAYS tell your stylist if you have treated hair (coloring, perms, etc.) as these require special techniques and products to get the best and safest results!

Having your hair straightened can truly help make your holidays less stressful and here’s how:

1. A Simple Sleek Look that lays flat, sleek and shiny throughout the holiday season

2. The ability to place added festive hair accessories can turn your simple plain look from daytime business to evening savvy in no time – and it’s no longer hidden by frizzies or unruly curls

3. Proper techniques give your hair a shine and glow that is unmatched by other simple techniques such as hot oil treatments, constant trimming of split ends or using conditioners that can build up

4. Hair is no longer unruly – getting caught in a snow storm, rain storm, high winds and horrible weather no longer end up causing a frizz attack on your head! You can go out without worry looking glamorous from head to toe. Don’t forget to use the proper product though!

5. When your hair looks good you look and feel good! Taking the time and effort to have your hair straightened not only will make you feel beautiful as you enter those office parties and family gatherings this holiday season but it’s going to last well into the New Year…. making that resolution of a “new you” seem even more realistic!

6. Sometimes a “gift” to yourself is just needed! You’re important and making yourself feel good with the treat of a good, quality hair straightening can truly bring you into the holiday spirit all through the season! Of course you can always put a complete spa and hair straightening treatment on your list for someone to gift you!

Common Hair Straightening Terms:

* Japanese Straightening – (One of the best, probably most expensive but also best quality techniques out there when done by a properly trained hair technician)
* Thermal Reconditioning – (An excellent conditioning technique that leaves your hair in great condition AND beautifully straight)
* Straight Perm – (Be careful here, using the improper chemicals and an untrained staff can give horrible results of damaging hair extensively! Use a professional!)
* Japanese Straight Perm – (One of the best, probably most expensive but also best quality techniques out there when done by a properly trained hair technician)
* Keratin Treatments – (Less expensive & slightly less time intense technique, also available by many salons and a lot less exclusive to special training)

Hair straightening is known as many things but one of the most recently popular and well known versions is called Japanese Hair Straightening. This technique is offered at many salons and is a long, drawn out process; but the results are just short of miraculous and in most cases last for a lengthy period of time.

It is HIGHLY recommended you have your Japanese Hair Straightening done in an experienced salon.

What to expect:

Cost: $80 - $100 per hour (Japanese Straightening is a 5 to 8 Hour Process ) this does not include tip or extras such as special shampoos you may wish to purchase to get the most out of your new “do”. Don’t skimp, get the proper shampoos, conditioners and products for your hair

Time: On average the entire Japanese Straightening process runs about Six Hours (less for shorter hair, longer for much longer hair – and it’s also dependent upon which type of straightening you are going for)

Other processes, such as the Keratin treatments take much less time but are still time consuming.

Benefits: While some may consider the process costly (running anywhere from $500 - $800 total after you add in tips, special shampoos and conditioners) this technique generally lasts up to 6 months or more before you need a “touch up”. Japanese Straightening techniques are the crème de la crème and will generally last longest (6 months or even longer when treated properly)

Cons: The biggest deterrent would have to be the cost and time involved in getting your hair professionally straightened. Other cons include the fact that treated hair is very touchy and must be done with an experienced hair technician can all be factors you must consider. You can find less expensive techniques but they won’t last as long as the more expensive techniques and may be slightly more damaging to your hair, especially if done improperly or the wrong chemicals are used. Special product is recommended to maintain your hair (shampoo, conditioner, etc.)

Things like beach days, pool water and windy days can make your hair unmanageably tangled or damaged. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of products on the market today to help de-tangle your hair, that will leave you pain free, worry free and make your hair great. We decided to seek some of the best products for de-tangling your hair and we have it narrowed down to the best three which we profile briefly below.

Paul Mitchell The Detangler

Paul Mitchell is a well known brand known for some of the best hair care products, so rest assure that they have put tons of research into bringing you the best formula around. This product comes in a variety of sizes from 10.14 oz to 33.8 oz. The detangler is designed with people cursed with dry and damaged hair in mind. If you have tried every other product out there and still have problems with tangled hair then this is the product for you. This Detangler instantly detangles your hair and when used daily can revitalize your hair to be as silky and healthy as ever.

Circle of Friends Abebi’s Safari Detangler

Circle of Friends is well known for its safe and gentle formulas. This Product only comes in one size (8 oz) but at eight dollars it is also one of the least expensive on the market. Abebi’s Safari, like many other products under the Circle of Friends brand smells amazing this detangler has a sweet pineapple smell. Their products are originally intended for children but work just as well on adults with any type of hair. Definitely give this a look if your kid has the same problem with damaged or tangled hair as you do, or if you have a sensitive scalp.

Sexy Hair Concepts Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Detangler

Definitely the best smelling of all the detanglers we’ve tried. The Volumizing Detangler is great for any length of hair - long or short and can be sprayed in your hair anytime but works best after a shower. The effects of this detangler are pretty long lasting but with most detangling products works best when used daily. The Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Detangler comes in a 8.5 oz spray bottle. Sexy hair has possibly the largest selection of hair care products ranging from hair gel to frizz control product so they do know hair. This detangler has an eight dollar price tag, maybe the biggest bang for your buck.

That completes our round up of three good hair detangler products found on the web. As usual, let us know what you think and feel free to share your own good finds below in the comment area.

We love to hear about your favorite hair products, so chime in below.