Alicia Ward

I’m “the girl with red curly hair.” – Nikki McCauley

Nikki McCauley

Hair Type: 3B with some 3A

Nikki McCauley, the daughter of an Irish Air Force Colonel father and Venezuelan mother, was born in Texas and lived all over the world before settling in Los Angeles to pursue her acting career.

To date, she has had numerous television achievements, including national commercials and spots on such shows as “The Office,” “Veronica Mars” and “Ghost Whisperer.” McCauley is active in the Los Angeles theater scene, and has still managed to find time to get her undergraduate degree in psychology from UCLA.

McCauley was very gracious to talk about her curly red hair with us (and with hair like hers…). All that business about actresses being difficult? Not McCauley. Her easy-going manner goes to prove that this star is on the rise.

NaturallyCurly: How and when did you start embracing your curls?

Nikki McCauley: I actually didn’t start growing hair until I was 6 years old! My mom had to tape bows to my little red spikes until then. Little did we know I would grow to have so much hair and that it would be so curly! And, actually my hair didn’t start to get curly until I was 14 and then it just kept getting curlier and curlier. At first I didn’t know how to work with it, but once I started learning how to master the curl, it got to be a lot of fun! And it’s crazy the response I get from it. They’ll be days that I wake up and wish I had straight hair and then I’ll get several adoring comments from strangers throughout the day—and I’ll realize how lucky I am to be blessed with my locks.

NC: What is your current routine?

NM: Over the years I’ve tried out so many products that I can’t even count… but the key has always been over-conditioning my hair and applying the product when my hair is super wet and then letting it dry naturally for a bit before finishing it off by drying it with a diffuser. Not using a towel to dry it after getting out of the shower has always worked well for me. I use different techniques depending on if I want it to be big and wild or tamed with perfect ringlets.

NC: What about your hair stylists?

NM: Finding the right stylist can be tricky… but I’ve found that having it cut while it’s dry is the key. Living in Los Angeles, there are many expert stylists to choose from… but Byron Williams in Beverly Hills might be one of the best cuts I’ve ever had.

NC: What are your must-have products and tools?

NM: I’ve been using Miss Jessie’s Quick Curls lately—and that has really helped on the days that I want my hair to be a bit more weighed down and more “commercial friendly.” I also like Redken’s Ringlet 07 and Iso Bouncy Cream. I use them together and then diffuse. At times that I don’t want to use product and give my hair a bit of a break, I will use Wen’s Fig Cleansing conditioner— and that’s all I have to use. It gives my hair a natural style without product that can be helpful if I’m going to a shoot where they want to put my hair up.

Get a good haircut for your curls.

We know how frustrating frizzy hair can be, and we’re here to help! We’ve compiled this must-have list of our favorite no-frizz tips for curly hair.

1. A Good Haircut is Key

Split ends are the beginning of frizz, so stop them before they start by getting your curls trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Don’t cut hair too short, since shrinkage can be a real problem in humidity. You can find the best stylist for your curls using NaturallyCurly’s Salon Finder.

2. Don’t Shampoo Every Day

Curly, kinky and wavy hair needs the natural oils from your scalp to reduce frizz. No more than four washes every week is good. For your off days, go the rinse and condition route.

3. Lots of Conditioner!

Moisturize = Happy Curls! Aѕ curls succumb easily tο dryness, regular conditioning іѕ crucial. Never skip thе conditioner, аnԁ avoid two-іn-one, shampoo/conditioners. Once уου аrе done shampooing, squeeze extra moisture frοm уουr tresses (never wring), thеn work уουr conditioner іn frοm root tο tip. Leave thе conditioner іn fοr at least two minutes before rinsing. Using a deep conditioner once a week can be a major hеlр іn combating frizz.

4. Rinse with Cold Water!

Try a cold rinse to seal the hair cuticle and make it extra shiny. Let your hair drip after you rinse, and do not comb through it any more. Whеn rinsing out your conditioner, υѕе thе сοldest water уου саn tolerate, since сοƖԁ water helps smooth thе cuticle, diminishing frizz аnԁ fluffy, flyaway hair. Cold water also locks the follicle, which keeps the hair sleeker and shinier.

5. Avoid Terrycloth Towels; Use Microfiber Instead

Avoid wringing or rubbing your hair with a towel as this creates friction, breakage and split ends. Gently scrunch out most of the water with your fingers while you’re still in the shower. Always avoid rubbing the towel over your head as this will break up the curls you just shaped. The key when using any towel is flip your head over and scrunch up. Microfiber towels not only reduce frizz but speed up drying time. Microfiber is a super-absorbent fabric that soaks up excess water. Microfiber does not disturb the cuticle – instead it smooths it down, reducing frizz.

As the heat starts to fad and cool nights begin to increase we think about how to prepare for fall. With the changing of the seasons often comes the changing of our hair colors. Veteran stylist Anna Craig of Trashy Root Salon & Spa, has six tips to help you transition to your perfect fall look. Craig, Pravana Artistic Educator and DevaCurl Specialist, with over nine years of experience is extremely passionate about colors ensures if you follow her steps you’ll be fall ready in no time!

3 Steps to Get Your Hair Ready for Its Fall Color Change

1. Deep Condition: Use a great deep conditioner a week prior to your dye appointment. You want to make sure you hair is strong and healthy. Make sure to do this around a week out—too close to your appointment will prohibit the color from fully penetrating.
2. Clarify: Clarify your hair to remove build up at least three days prior to you appointment. This will remove any access build up before you hair gets it’s new fall look.
3. Hydrate: Use a hydrating conditioner for one week prior to your appointment, after your clarifying treatment. Hydrating conditioners are great to lock in the moisture without coating the hair too thick to prevent color penetration.

3 Steps to Your Fall Color Change

Transitioning your summer locks to fall is a slow and steady process that allows you to have a gradual transformation that is completed correctly.

1. Add depth! Slowly start to add depth back into your hair via lowlights. Just an initial shading. You don’t want to go too dark at first.
2. 5 weeks later add more depth by weaving in more dark pieces.
3. 7 weeks later add additional depth. Majority of the time this will be the final step of the fall color transformation however, it may take additional time if you want you change to be even more gradual. Talk to you stylist about what is right for you and your curls.

Top 5 Hottest Hair Trends for Fall:

We’ve got our eye on the hottest fall trends. In order to always look stylish and fashion-forward check out these top 10 hottest trends.

Lea Michele

1. Bangs! Bangs are a great way to spice up any style. This season, chunk bangs are the hottest trend.


Zoe Sadana

2. Braids! Braids are everywhere. Braids of all styles are a HOT beauty trend right now. French braids and fish tails are a favorite for Fall.


Naomi Watts

3. Messy Sexy Hair and BIG Texture! Bye Bye straightening irons messy texture is back and bigger than ever.


Keri Russell

4. Buns and Twists! Modern twists on classic dos are taking over this Fall.

5. Color! Fun pops of color are back. Colorful streaks are back in full color.

Top 5 Hottest Trends in Fashion for Fall:

1. Knee high boots! Tall suede boots are a fashion staple in the fall and winter seasons.

2. Gray, the new black! Greige a combination of gray and beige, as the name implies, is a big trend this fall season and a must-have style.

3. Denim! Denim on denim a hot look for fall! Pull out that denim shirt from the past and belt it for the hottest look.

4. Cardigans are back! Oversized cardigans are a “must-have” this season.

5. Tights! Patterned tights are the best accessory this season.

We’ve all had that horrible cut or atrocious color experience that has left us hating our hair. Veteran stylist Anna Craig of Trashy Roots Salon & Spa, has five tips to ensure you get the perfect cut, color and style from your stylist every time. Anna, Pravana Artistic Educator and DevaCurl Specialist, with over nine years of experience is extremely passionate about client communication and ensures if you follow her steps you won’t ever leave the salon unhappy again!

Photos!

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Always bring photos of the color, cut or style you are looking for. This helps your stylist visualize what you are looking for. Stylist are very visual and need to see what you’re seeking or NOT seeking.

Stylists recommend you bring the following photos:

• Photo of your hair that you like
• Photo of your hair that you hate
• Photo of a celebrity or hair model’s hair that you like

Visuals are the clearest way to illustrate the cut, color and style you want. Bring these photos and you’ll be one step closer to the perfect look. Check out our extensive photo gallery with thousands of inspirational photos.

History!

Make sure you stylist is aware of what you’ve done to your hair. Have you recently colored it at home? Did you recently have a keratin treatment? Did you just have a professional deep condition? Did you just get back from a two week vacation where you swam everyday? Be totally honest with your stylist of the state of your hair and the history of treatments, color and cuts. Being upfront and honest with your stylist about your hair history allows them to understand how your hair will react and what will achieve the best results. Honesty is the best policy, especially with your hair!

Expectations!

Have realistic expectations of the results. Make sure you understand if you have jet black hair that you will not walk out two hours later with platinum blond hair. Having realistic expectations can be hard, we all know what we want and we want it now! The truth is we need to understand that big changes are often a process. Being realistic with your stylist and your results will ensure much better results.

Hair Type!

Know your hair type and communicate it to your stylist. Knowing your hair type can change you life! Everyone’s hair is different and it all reacts in different ways. Therefore, if you know your hair type and its abilities you can help your stylist better understand what will achieve the best results.

Consultation!

Always book a consultation appointment prior to your color, cut or styling appointment. Consultations are key to the success of your salon experience. The consult should range from 15 to 30 minutes for large changes and around 10 minutes for minor changes. During the consultation you want to make sure the stylist understands what you want, your expectations and your hair type. Also make sure they have the ability and experience to do what you want. Lastly, ensure their personality is a good match. If you and a stylist are just not “clicking” then there is a good chance they do not understand you and will not provide the best results. The consultation is the perfect place to bring your photos—talk through them with your stylist make sure they fully understand what you want. Note: Make sure you bring your photos the day of your appointment too that way you are not dependent on what you stylist “thinks” the photo looked like. Having the visual during the actual appointment will ensure success!

Say goodbye to cuts that are too short and color that is totally off—follow these 5 steps to get the perfect cut, color and style!

Having trouble getting to the gym? You can still have great looking hair all year long with these healthy hair tips for working out your curls.

1. Cardio

Every curly knows that brushing or combing curly hair when it’s dry removes curl and causes frizz. Running your fingers through your hair when you’re in the shower will give you bounce back when it dries. A great shower comb can also do the trick when your fingers start to feel the burn. Make sure to use a wide-toothed comb to detangle, starting at the ends and working up. This reduces breakage since you’ll be slowly and gently getting through tangles, and not pulling through them from the top.

2. Lose the weight

Remove build up by detoxing your hair. Product build-up is from products that have heavy oils (excluding essential oils) and non-water-soluble silicones in them. These ingredients coat the hair preventing it from absorbing the moisture your curls need. The hair will become dry and very brittle because of the build-up of these ingredients, causing the frizz everyone is trying to avoid.

To prevent product build-up, many curlies have embraced the no shampoo (aka Curly Girl) method. Cleansing is just as healthy for your hair as it is your body. Try Carol’s Daughter Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo to clean and remove product build-up and daily toxins without stripping away essential moisture.

3. Pack in the protein

Do a protein heavy deep conditioner to get shiny, happy curls! There’s no better conditioner for the hair than protein. And there’s no better source of vegetable protein than Aubrey Organics Blue Green Algae which is made up of over 50% utilizable protein, all the major amino acids, and a long list of vitamins and minerals. We combine it with organic shea butter, organic aloe and other moisture-rich herbals for deep conditioning and repair.

4. Make those curls SWEAT!

Deep condition in the sauna to maximize your curl definition. Hit up your local gym and use the sauna to restore those curls! Give your hair the moisture it deserves with Curl Junkie Curl Rehab, a wonderfully rich cocktail of aloe, herbs, healing butters and oils that will rejuvenate and restore your precious curls.

5. Cut it out

Get a good curly cut to shake off that excess weight and show off their definition. Split ends are the first to frizz, so eliminate them by getting your curls trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Be careful not to go too short since shrinkage can be a real problem in humidity. Find the best stylist for your curls using NaturallyCurly.com’s salon search section.

Shaun White

Shaun White, two-time Olympic gold medalist, was on “Larry King Live” last night talking about his skills, training and lush locks!

Every show Shaun appears on seems to turn to hair talk. We all want to know what his secret is, what he uses and how he keeps those curls and last night we got some answers…

On the show, Larry said, “A whole bunch of people are Twittering to us, Shaun, about your hair. Specifically, what do you use on it? Do you ever plan to cut it?” Shaun responded, “You know, it’s strange. I don’t really do much to it. It’s more of a lot of water and then shaking, if you can imagine. But I think that’s why I grew it out in the first place — all my friends started to cut their hair short and spike it. That became popular. Every boy at school would show up with that hair style. I decided it wasn’t for me, and figured I’d grow it long. But yeah, the more people say I should cut it, I just figure I grow it longer.”

Looks like Shaun’s hair secrets will remain secret.

He is still our favorite ginger! We love to see our curlies bring home the gold.

Wendy Williams

A new episode of “Real Housewives of Orange County” debuted last night and generated some juicy conversation on Bravo’s late-night show “Watch What Happens: Live.” This always-fun, often-noisy show is hosted by Bravo programming executive Andy Cohen, who welcomes guests from some of the cable network’s most popular series, as well as other entertainment stars, to chat about pop culture and celebrities in the news.

Wendy Williams host of “The Wendy Williams Show”—and a big “Real Housewives” fan—was last night’s guest. The conversation quickly turned from housewives drama to hair.

Outspoken Wendy is known equally for her famous phrase “How YOU doin’?” and her elaborate collection of wigs. On last night’s show, viewers wrote in to ask Wendy about her hair, including us. We tweeted about it—”@BravoAndy Question for Wendy: You said you’re a hair lady, but why don’t you go natural? You are so beautiful—embrace your natural kinks”.

However, we were not the only ones wanting to talk about her hair—two other viewers wrote in to discuss her hair, and our Tweet was not selected. Of the two that were selected, the first asked Wendy if she will reveal her natural hair one day like Oprah and Tyra have done. Wendy replied that she does not want to do so because her textured hair is very thin. She is not confident with her thin hair and therefore doesn’t want to show it. She said that her hair has thinned with age and because of her thyroid disease.

Sounds to us like she might not know how to do her hair or what products are right. But we can help with that! NaturallyCurly.com would love to get Wendy to go natural. We have the tools, tips and tricks that can help her love her natural hair.

Incidentally, ;ater the conversation turned to Oprah, like so many conversations do! Wendy complimented her and said she has great hair and that she wishes she has thick full hair like that. Last hair topic was about our favorite ginger, Shaun White.