Hair Stories: To Shave Or Not To Shave

Cassie Ventura, Lala Vasquez and Keyshia Cole all took the plunge and shaved one side of their head!

1. ConAirPro Moda Groom Single Speed Clippers, $79.99, www.groomers.com 2. Creme Of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo, Kiwi & Citrus, $3.99, www.walgreens.com 3. Kidada For Disney Couture Pocahontas Gold, $78.16, www.asos.com 4. John Hardy Baby Monkey Silver & Black Palm Wood Hair Brush, $52.50, www.jewelrygalboutique.com 5. Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade, $22.59, www.target.com 6. Orangewood Large Porcupine Boar Brush, $6.99, www.sallybeauty.com 7. scunci Classic Pins. $1.29, www.walgreens.com 8. Tui Leave in Conditioner, www.carolsdaughter.com

It used to be that the ultimate hairstyle statement for a woman was to shave your head bald (or close), but these days celebs have put their own twist on the avant-garde style. If your not sure that you, or your head shape, can pull off a completely shaved look, ease yourself into the style by going partially bald first. Cue Cassie Ventura, Lala Vasquez, Keyshia Cole, Raven Symone and the pioneer Kelis. They've all put their unique interpretation of the style by adding hair dye, patterns, track lines and even ultra girly curls on the side of the head still with hair.

If you're going to try this style be prepared. Stock up on bobby pins to stop your long sided hair from falling across the border. Also, invest in a good pomade to keep your shaved side neat and frizz free. As always, keep your hair healthy with a good conditioner like Carol's Daughter's Tui Leave-in and Creme of Nature's moisturizing shampoo. So come on ladies, do Grace Jones proud and get the clippers out!

Take a Leaf Out of Her Style Book: Zoe Saldana

Zoe Saldana attends the 'Star Trek' Germany premiere on April 16, 2009 in Berlin, Germany.

Zoe Saldana arrives at Star Trek Los Angeles Premiere at the Graumans Chinese Theater in Hollywood CA on 4/30/2009.

Zoe Saldana sits front row at the Lela Rose Spring 09 Fashion Show

Zoe Saldana arrives for the UK Film Premiere of Star Trek at the Empire Leicester Square on April 20 2009 in London, England.

Zoe Saldana appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live on May 6, 2009.

Zoe Saldana and her stylist have had a busy summer. With the release of her summer smash "Star Trek" the Dominican diva had to come hard (and correct) on the red carpet. Naturally, Zoe delivered. Her style is simple. Pick a dress that will shine in its own right. Whether its large bows or bouncy frills, Zoe's dresses have people running to the internet to find out what she wore. To wear a dress with this much punch, you need confidence. See below for ideas on where to get YOUR shine.

My Picks!

Left to right: ASOS Parachute Dress, $82.76, www.asos.com; Tiered Halter Dress, $34, www.forever21.com; Animal Puff Dress, $100, www.topshop.com; Gardenia strapless wool dress by Azzaro, $2445, www.net-a-porter.com

Left to right: Karen Millen Rose Corsage Pencil Dress, $331.20, www.asos.com; Eliza J Ruffle Wrap Dress, $158, www.shop.nordstrom.com; Illusion Fringe Sequin Dress by Haute Hippie, $595, www.shopbop.com; From the Marchesa Spring 09 Collection

Whether it's a hot date, exclusive party or gala fundraiser, a head-turning dress is a fail-safe investment. All you need is one stand out detail to take an otherwise classic dress to a whole new level. Think oversized bows/flowers, excessive frills, sequins galore and voluminous shapes. Anything goes. Just be sure to pick a dress that flatters your shape. A-line dresses that cinch at the waist suit everyone.

Good Hair... The issue becomes public.

Trailer for Chris Rock's new docu-movie "Good Hair."
Yaya De Costa, Terri Seymour and Beyonce display some of the varying hair textures and styles in the black community.

Behind the scenes of the "Good Hair" movie poster photo shoot.

I cannot express how excited I am to see Chris Rock's new docu-movie "Good Hair" (out this October). This is long overdue... like 200 years! When I first saw the trailer I was unsure about how this was going to pan out. Will the movie really explore the hair issues in our community or will it be nothing more than a superficial mockery that just scratches the surface? I watched the trailer several times and concluded that Chris Rock is just trying to add some humor to a somewhat sensitive subject. I am confident the movie will be equally entertaining and informative.

That said, are we as black women ready to face the questions that will undoubtedly come from those outside our race. Movie critics at the Sundance Film Festival, where the movie won an award, lamented on how they had "no idea" that black women went through so much to "look good." I personally do not want nosy commuters asking me if my hair is a weave on the rush hour train to work! Either way, this will undoubtedly be a milestone in our history. The movie has a lot of money behind it and will me watched by millions. I just hope it lives up to the hype. I equally hope Chris Rock interviews some natural sistas in an effort to dispel the myth that natural hair is hard to maintain. Visit http://www.goodhairmovie.net/ for more information.

Kerry Washington Covers H Magazine

Be sure to catch Ms. Washington in the latest issue of "H" magazine. She's rocking a new look and hairstyle at this shoot and I must say she looks fab! You can read the full interview here, but below is a excerpt addressing her support for President Obama.

“I think it’s good that people are feeling so excited about our country right now and about our President because we are actually living in really tough times. And so I think this enthusiasm is really healthy because it’s going to allow us to all be a part of the solution — which has always been a part of his vision. I think he is an incredible leader. I think what he’s done just in the short time that he has been in office has been so inspiring. It’s pretty incredible. It makes me proud to be an American again.”

What Say We... Yay or Nay?!

Singer Solange Knowles Promote Samantha Thavasa & Disney Collection at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel on August 10, 2009 in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan.

The internet has been buzzing with the news/photos of Solange's new hair cut. Why did she chop all her hair off? Has she gone crazy? Did she do it because she's going bald underneath all that weave?! Sometimes there's no conspiracy. Nor no explanation needed. Here's a novel idea: maybe she just wanted a change. Either way, Solange has stepped out of her sister's shadow and displays the character and poise of a woman coming into her own. I say Yay to the hairstyle and, of course, the outfit. The jury is still out on the shoes...

Be Inspired...

The Sartorialist's first book: regular edition is left and bespoke edition, right.

The Sartorialist, aka Scott Schuman, is finally releasing a book collection of his work. This coffee table style book will contain all of Schuman's hand-picked favorites. Expect to see famous fashion icons as well as innately fashionable passers-by off the streets. From Stockholm to Milan, London to New York, this book will showcase the most inspiring everyday fashionistas ever caught on film. The release date is scheduled for August 12th but you can pre-order the "Bespoke" edition at Amazon.com now.