Hair Stories: Make It Shine

Amerie, Porschla Coleman and Jessica White brighten the red carpet with ultra shiny tresses.

1. Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Conditioning Wrap & Set Lotion, $4.99, www.walgreens.com; 2. Phytospecific Beauty Styling Creme, $24, www.sephora.com; 3. Platinum Silkening Gloss by Kenra, $12.35, www.brightonbeautysupply.com; 4. Tui Hair Oil, by Carol's Daughter, $18, www.sephora.com; 5. Tui Jojoba & Shea Butter Sheen, $17, www.carolsdaughter.com; 6. Silken Seal Liquid Sheen by KeraCare, $18.70, www.thebeautyauthority.com; 7. Silk Finishing Gel by Mizani, 411.49, www.mountainbeautysupply.com; 8. Serious Shining Spray by Elucence, 48, www.curlmart.com

Black hair can be dull and lack natural shine compared with other ethnic groups, but that doesn’t have to become the story of our lives. Encourage a natural state of glow by regularly conditioning your hair. Just slather on a crème conditioner after washing your hair in the shower and leave it on for ten minutes. Remember to rinse your hair afterwards with cool water to close the hair cuticles. For a little extra gloss after styling, avoid products with mineral oils. If you see it listed as one of the top three ingredients run for the hills! Products with a high mineral oil content are purely cosmetic and just sit on top of the hair shaft instead of nourishing it – which should be the objective. If you like using a particular product with minerals oils be sure to wash (and condition) your hair once a week. Silky smooth hair is only a healthy regimen away!

Going Ga Ga for Argyle?!

Porscha Coleman, Russell Simmons’ girlfriend, attending the 8th Annual Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's Youth Holiday Party on December 11, 2007 in New York City & Christina Milian during the filming of ABC’s family movie “Snowglobe.”

Left to right: Argyle Sweater Vest, $22.80, www.forever21.com; Argyle Babydoll Sweater, www.alloy.com; Argyle Cardigan, $24.80, www.forever21.com; V neck Argyle Sweater, $29.90 , H&M

Left to right: Jones New York Collection Argyle Cowl Sweater (Comes in plus size), $99, http://www.nordstrom.com/; Charter Club Cashmere Argyle Pointelle V-Neck Sweater, $59.99, http://www.macys.com/; AdamPlusEve by Adam Lippes, $177, http://www.bluefly.com/; Argyle Sweater Vest, $22.80, http://www.forever21.com/

Who would have thought fashion would look to golfers for inspiration? Hard to believe huh? But if you browse through the knitwear section of your favorite boutique, you’ll notice a sudden upsurge in argyle, female sweaters. Though you can find plenty of traditional argyle sweaters and cardigans (much like Porscha’s above,) think about trying a new take on the style a la Christina Milian or the two sweaters above by Jones NY and Adam Lippes.