If your face shape is . . .

Round—You have a round face shape if your face is as wide as it is long. Try angled, side-swept bangs to soften your wider cheek area. Adding some angles will reduce the roundness of your face and create an elongating effect.

Celeb with your face shape: Gabrielle Union

Heart—Your face is heart-shaped if you have a narrow jaw with wide cheekbones and forehead. Your go-to bangs are a classic, blunt cut. A blunt bang will conceal your wide forehead and balance out a sharp, pointy chin.

Celeb with your face shape: Kerry Washington

Square—You have a squared face if your forehead, cheeks and chin are all about the same width. Layered, side-swept bangs will add some softness. By allowing the majority of your face to be seen, you’ll create the illusion of a longer face.

Celeb with your face shape: Janet Jackson

Oval—Your face is oval if the length is equal to one and a half times width. Lucky for you, because nearly every haircut (including bangs) compliment your face shape! So, choose anything from thick bangs cut straight across to wispy,

Celeb with your face shape: Beyoncé

Long—You have an oblong face shape if your face is more than one and a half times longer than it is wide. Opt for brow skimming bangs to give the impression of a more oval-shaped face.  Avoid side-swept bangs, which create a much longer appearance.

Celeb with your face shape: Kelly Rowland

From C+C

So what does your avatar really say about you? Whether you’re looking for a job, more followers online or want people to take you seriously, here are 5 ways to create a respectable online presence.

Utilize Private Settings

Sure, you had a good time on vacation with your girls, but that shouldn’t be the first thing people see on your profile. Not at all. If you want to share pictures of certain moments in your life with loved ones, take the time out to create a photo album online and share it with them privately. Acquaintances and professional colleagues probably don’t want that coming up in their timeline. And while networks like Twitter and Facebook have private account settings, everything is being recorded thanks to servers. (Did you know that the Library of Congress preserves every single tweet?) Yeah. Watch yourself.

(Continue Reading @ C+C…)

From VIBE Vixen – Natural hair continues to be on the rise. Everyone who is everyone either wants to be natural, is in the process of being natural or yearns to, one day, have natural hair. While many are trading in the “creamy crack” for kinks, curls and coils, there are lots of misconceptions surrounding natural hair from both men and women.

Not every woman with natural hair is “soul searching” and every man does not equate natural-topped women as the “India Arie” types. Taking hair back to its roots (no pun intended) is as diverse as the different complexions in the Black culture. To this day, there has yet to be one curl pattern to match another perfectly. Here are the top ten misconceptions and biased opinions on natural hair… refuted!

1. Everybody should be natural:Natural is an option for all women, but it ain’t for everybody. Choosing to relax your hair doesn’t mean that you’re “less black,” so don’t feel left out of the loop. Maintaining natural hair is no cake walk and takes a lot of work. Even with hair, you have to pick and choose your battles!

2. Women with natural hair are “looking for themselves”: If you decide to stop wearing your hair straight, you are on an intimate journey to find yourself, right? Wrong. Maybe some are, but most are on a journey to healthy hair, not self-discovery. When transitioning to natural hair, many will realize that altering their hair texture with a relaxer damages the hair, creates hair loss and causes scalp burns.

3. Natural-haired women are anti-weaves: Far from the truth! Many women with natural hair actually wear weaves as a protective style during transitioning and even after. Natural hair is more susceptible to frizziness, and in more humid climates, some women just opt to wear weaves to beat a puffy do’.

(Continue Reading @ VIBE Vixen…)

Texture is the key word. We all have variations of that word so depending on what you are working with you could have an easy transition or you could find yourself working harder than ever to make the good hair days outnumber the bad ones.

Natural hair especially the kinky tightly coiled type tends to be extremely dry and constantly craving moisture so the myth about perms and colors being the main reason why our hair dries out is out the window. Even your natural hair can absolutely rebel against you if its not well conditioned and moisturized. The tighter the curls, the more sensitive and surprisingly weak the hair tresses tend to be so the other popular belief that natural hair is so strong that it can take almost any kind of abuse including permanent color is not quite true. I can personally attest to that!

The process of going natural is one that can make or break you. It literally turns into this turbulent love affair. The good days are absolutely fantastic and the bad days are frustratingly bad. You will have moments of undeniable bliss and moments of pure hell. Bad hair days that involve natural hair can easily make you almost call out of work or cancel a date whereas relaxed hair for the most part can be somewhat tamed. But through it all it’s important that you realize that natural hair vs. processed hair is another mythical battle. The truth is that going natural is by no means better or healthier than having a relaxer or a texturizer. And sorry to bust the bubble out there but texturizers actually process the texture of your hair to some degree so your hair is not really in its “natural state”. Natural hair is hair that is devoid of any chemicals that can potentially alter your curl pattern.

The point is that no matter what lane you choose to cruise on, you can still accomplish the same goal of nice, long, strong luxurious hair as long as you give your head of hair the attention and care it deserves and needs. Having natural hair can be fun and rewarding but be prepared for what comes with dealing with your particular hair type and don’t beat yourself up if you decide that its not for you. Hair is an accessory so you have permission to change it up and settle on a style that works for you. Either way looking FAB is the objective! Be it ‘fro or sleek.

Angela Simmons, fashion designer and daughter of Rev Run of Run DMC, recently posted a photo of her beautiful natural mane from her twitter account, inspiring us to share with you some of our favorite ladies who rock bold and beautiful ‘fros.

1. Esperanza Spalding

Grammy award-winning Jazz musician Esperanza Spalding is taking the music industry by storm with her powerful vocal ability and talent. Her big and gorgeous ‘fro is just as brilliant.

2. Solange Knowles

With the recent changes in her style, both fashion and hair, we would be remiss not to include Solange Knowles. Whether ‘faux or real, her ‘fro embodies Bohemian beauty. “I walk differently now, sing differently; this hair has spirit and soul,” she has said. We couldn’t agree more.

3. Tracee Ellis Ross

Reed Between The Lines star Tracee Ellis Ross makes mom, the iconic Diana Ross, proud with her signature curly mane. The “pearl in curls,” her unique and free-spirited look is endlessly inspiring.

4. Yaya DaCosta

The Harlem native has embraced her natural roots since she stepped onto the scene in 2004 in America’s Next Top Model. We were delighted her divine natural beauty only matches her unwavering determination and fun, sassy attitude.

5. Jill Scott

Singer, songwriter and actress Jill Scott stepped onto the scene in 2000 turning heads with her exquisite beauty and soulful sound. Even though she’s rocking different styles now, her kinky-curly ‘fro is a look we’ll always love.

Honorable Mention: Angela Simmons

She may wear straight hair more often but when Angela Simmons revealed her natural ‘fro via Twitter, she took our breath away. Enormous, gorgeous and full, Angela’s ‘fro should see the light of day a lot more, in our opinion.

What are some other ‘fros you love?

-Kamille Cooper

From Coco + Crem

Of course products promise “instant, thicker hair”, but before you go into debt shelling out money for the newest and latest on the market, check out these tips for our volumizing secrets.

1. Cut layers beneath the crown of a bobbed style or slightly back-comb hair to create a lift and a little extra boost.

2. Use a volumizing shampoo, paying special attention to your roots. Follow up with volumizing conditioner, but be careful to only apply it to your ends to prevent over-conditioning.

3. Switch it up. Wearing your hair in the same style encourages it to lay flat. Lose your part (or switch it if the thought is unbearable) or sweep your hair all the way back. Think Deena or Effie from Dreamgirls.

(Continue Reading @ C+C…)

There is nothing like a short, sassy cut to freshen up any drab look. Short styles make such a statement that it’s no wonder we’ve seen some of our favorites celebrities take the big chop. However a funky cut is not for the meek. It provides a spectacular look to the wearer and bodes a certain amount of confidence, especially living in a society where down-to-there tresses are coveted.

No matter the reasoning behind the transition, own your new style with a crazy amount of coolness and be proud! If you’re thinking of taking a hair risk and swapping out your long locks for a cropped do, here are a few of our favorite cuts we love.

Eva Marcille

Whether platinum blonde or honey brown, Eva has mastered the art of taking a bold cut and making it her own. Eva exudes the right amount of confidence and sassiness for this eye-popping style.

Janet Jackson

While long locks were mostly her signature look, she shocked us all when she was spotted rocking a new, close cropped style. Let’s just say she has our vote on this one.

Malinda Williams

The lovable actress has had her soft, trendy cut for as long as we can remember, but we wouldn’t want it any other way. She totally rocks the charming do’ effortlessly.

Shaunie O’Neal

The television producer and mom of five keeps her look fresh with a feisty style and the occasional highlights.

Eve

Affectionately referred to as “a pitbull in a skirt” gives us quite the opposite rocking this medium bob. Add a bit of layers and color and you have a hot look that will warrant a second look.

Nicole Ari Parker

Always one to stand apart with her quirky style, Nicole Ari Parker’s vibrant cut highlights her facial features perfectly. Not to mention she always seems to look amazingly comfortable with the fun style.

What other short-haired beauties do you love?

-Krystal Franklin

1. Black don’t crack.

While it’s seems as though brown skin is resilient to age lines and wrinkles, this is largely in part to proper skincare. Having skin that can stand the tests of time takes more then good genes. It’s true that dark skin produces melanin which helps prevent aging due to ultraviolet light (UVL) and melanin also provides a natural SPF of about 14, but the minimum requirement for dark skin is SPF 30. There are new developments in sunscreen that contain minerals, antioxidants and plant extracts which can all enhance skin’s aesthetics.

2. The tighter the style, the better.

I shutter every time I see a woman with a head full of super-tight braids or twists. For some reason there’s this false standard set that the tighter the style, the longer it will last and the better it will look. A hairstyle that’s too tight could contribute to severe hair loss and scarring. Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA) is a type of permanent scarring hair loss which is seen primarily in African American/ Caribbean women who may have a family history of hair loss. Most of the affected have had hair relaxers for many years or report having very tight extensions with “add-in” hair that puts additional weight on the already stretched and weighed down hair follicle and a scarring and permanent alopecia may ensue.

3. Black women’s hair grows slower than women from other races.

The rate of growth for black women’s hair is no less than their counterparts. On average every person’s hair grows at least 1/2 inch per month, which is about 6 month per year. Yes, it’s true that you can experience more or less growth depending on how you take care of your hair, but growth doesn’t discriminate based on skin color.

(Continue Reading @ Coco + Creme …)

Crest 3D White Strips
Looking for instant teeth whitening, try Crest’s 3D white strips, which guarantee a whiter smile in 2 hours. Apply strips on your upper and lower rows of teeth, and leave on for 2 hours. One 2-hour application results in three months of whiter teeth. Each box comes with 4 sets, leaving you with a year of brighter smiles. Not to mention, Crest uses Advanced Seal technology that ensures strips stay on your teeth for the full two hours without slipping and sliding.

Listerine Whitening Quick Dissolving Strips
Winner of Allure Magazine’s 2007 Editor’s Choice Award, Listerine’s Quick Dissolving Strips double as a whitening agent while killing bad breath and germs. Expect whiter teeth after only two weeks of use. The best thing about this product is that it dissolves on your teeth in less than ten minutes. There is no strip to remove after use. Listerine’s whitening strips are ideal for those who have sensitive teeth.

Go Smile’s Smile Whitening System
If you don’t like the idea of applying strips to your teeth, try Go Smile’s Smile Whitening System. Use twice a day after brushing. After a week of use, you will see significant results. Go Smile’s product is very easy to use. Just flip, pop, and whiten in the morning and at night to achieve sparkling head-turning teeth.

Paula’s Choice Brighten Up
Paula’s Choice 2-minute teeth whitener is easy to use, and instantly improves your smile. If you drink coffee or fall victim to red wine and berry stains on your teeth, then this lip balm-like whitening agent is ideal. Paula’s Choice Brighten Up eliminates common stains and germs from your mouth, resulting in an overall improvement in oral hygiene. It’s also portable and fragrance-free.

Colgate Pro Clinical White
If strips and whitening tubes are not your thing, then try Colgate’s Pro Clinical White toothpaste. You will see results, after only one tube. It comes in paste and gel form, and prevents and polishes away surface stains on your teeth.

Bantu Knot-out

Part damp hair into 4 sections. Starting in one of the sections, two-strand twist hair from root to tip and then wrap/coil the hair into a little knot-shaped ball. To make the knot, roll the hair tightly at the root and wind it until it begins to make a corkscrew shape. You can secure with clips or bobby pins but sometimes the hair stays put by itself. Note: You can add about 4-5 knots per section depending on the look you’re going for. The more knots you have, the smaller the curls. Apply a satin bonnet and allow hair to dry overnight. Take down carefully, apply Shea butter or a moisturizer to the ends, fluff and go!

Suggested products: Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie, Cantu Shea Butter

Shingling

When I initially went natural two years ago, I remember asking a friend of mine how her curls were so defined. “Shingling,” she said. My initial reaction was “shingle-what?” After a little research blended with trial-and-error, I got a grasp on how to shingle. On wet, detangled hair, start at the nape of the neck and part hair (horizontally) into small sections (about ½ inch thick). Apply a curl enhancing product and rake it into hair either using your fingertips, a Denman brush or a rattail comb to help enhance curls.

Suggested products: Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding, Kinky Curly Curling Custard

Twist-Out/Braid-Out

My personal natural hair mantra is “When in doubt, twist it out!” Twist-outs have been a lifesaver for my hair on several occasions because I know that regardless of how big or small the twists are, when done correctly, my curls will have some added definition. For a slightly looser curl, try two-strand flat twists.

Braid outs are a fun and easy way to get a cool tight, wave pattern in hair. You can either do individual plaits or braid hair down to the scalp. Again, for a tighter curl-pattern use smaller braids and if you want looser results go for larger braids. This style can be done on dry or wet hair.

Suggested products: Uncle Funky’s Daughter Extra Butter, Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream

How do you create styles to show off your curl pattern in the summer?

-Margaret Francois