Girls, Watch the Super Bowl 2012 for Hot Hair Fashion Trends

The Super Bowl isn't about the game. In fact, over half of us pay more attention to the ads than to the game. Besides, the hottest new trends in fashion and style are sure to be shared during the halftime entertainment during Super Bowl 2012.

In fact, Madonna's halftime playlist is still a mystery, but I'd place bets on whether or not she'll be sporting the hottest new hairstyle. Only the best tools and product will make hair as shiny, bouncy and beautiful as the divas in Madonna's latest music video, "Give Me All Your Luvin." With U-Smooth Professional styling products, anything is possible. Ask your stylist about U-Smooth hairspray, cream and shampoos, or order your styling tools online at U-Smooth.com.

...and while you're awaiting the Super Bowl, take a look at "Give Me All Your Luvin" by Madonna, featuring M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj.

Flat Iron Beachy Waves: Video How-To

Create beautiful beachy waves using your U-Smooth iron! Watch how professional stylists Bobby and Matthew create this effortless look using the 1.5" Limited Edition Green U-Smooth with the "Hustle and Flow" method. Do this technique on yourself for the waves you crave!

This aggressive style is fast, easy and will get you noticed! Give your straight, flat, unmanageable hair the body and shine it deserves. For the lived-in voluminous look you've always wanted, grab your U-Smooth Flat Iron and Hustle and Flow!

Hair vs Wintertime: Win the Battle!

Winter weather can cause your hair some of the worst damage it will see year-round. But don't worry! There are plenty of ways to avoid wintertime damage to keep your tresses healthy and beautiful.

Beat the winter weather to
maintain gorgeous hair!

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize - During dry winter weather, your hair needs more moisture than normal (even indoor heating can dry out your hair!). Use moisturizing shampoo and conditioners, deep condition at least once a week, and use a moisturizing styling product like Morroccanoil's Original Oil Treatment.

Turn Down the Temp - Adjust your water temperature in the shower. Extended contact with hot water can strip your hair. Try showering in warm water instead. And for an added moisture bonus, after conditioning rinse your hair in cold water. This shocks the cuticle closed helping your hair hold in the moisture.

Style Smart - Adjust your hair products. Avoid any product with a high alcohol content. This will dry your hair out further. Also, use styling creams as opposed to hair gels. Creams add moisture to the hair and allow elasticity.

The fight against winter hair damage may be a tough one, but with a little extra attention, you can win the battle!

Upcoming Hair Trends of 2012

With 2012 now upon us, many fashionistas are wondering how to style their strands to make the hottest statement this year. With hints from the runways and celebrities, we can expect some great styles for 2012.

What to expect...

Vintage Hair

From retro pompadours and pin curls,
to finger waves and beehives, bringing back
vintage hair is HOT right now.  

Short Bobs/Pixie Cuts

Shoulder length bobs and ultra short
pixie cuts are coming up on the scene for 2012.

"Wet" Looks

Weather up or down, hair that appears
 wet was seen all over the runways for 2012.

Rich, Bold Color

Watch for bright blondes, rich reds, and
jet black hair this year. Bold color is in!

Textured Hair with Volume

Expect full curls and beachy waves to
 hang around for 2012. Remember,
the bigger the hair, the better!

With looks like these on the horizon, we can expect to see spectacular styles in 2012!

New Year's Eve Hairstyle

There's no occasion that makes you want to turn heads more than New Year's Eve. With this look, you can show off your gorgeous healthy hair, while also getting the height and volume you crave in a hairstyle.

Get the attention you want this
New Year's with the sleek
yet fun hairstyle!

Get the look:

1. After washing your hair, spray in a heat protectant like Paul Mitchell's Seal and Shine. Also add a volumizing product to your hair like Kevin.Murphy's Anti.Gravity. 

2. Blow dry hair with your head flipped over to add volume. Straighten or curl hair (either works for this style) with your U-Smooth flat iron.   

3. Do a dramatic side part with your bangs. Let bangs frame your face and pin longer hairs behind your ear.

4. Grab the hair directly behind your bangs. Tease this section of hair to create volume right behind your bangs. Spray tease into place. 

5. Starting at your ears, part your hair into a top half and a bottom half.

6. Softly, as to not pull your teased section of hair flat, pull top section into a pile behind your head. Try to get hair facing in many different directions. Pin pieces of hair into place to get desired messy look. Spray to hold.

7. Leave the rest of your hair down. 

This look is perfect for showing off your gorgeous hair, while also showing off an awesome new pair of earrings! Try it this New Year's Eve or for your next party.

U-Smooth Photo Contest Winner!

U-Smooth is sharing how our irons have helped people overcome the challenge of straightening frizzy, unruly hair with our Before & After Contest. Our irons can transform any hair type into smooth, shiny locks, but it takes seeing to believe! That’s why U-Smooth created the “Show Us Your U-Smooth Transformation Contest” as proof of the product’s effectiveness. The contest's before photos ranged from thin and lifeless to thick and unruly, but the after photos all showed sleek, smooth, shiny hair.

After much reviewing and consideration, the winner of the U-Smooth Transformation Contest and receiver of the new 1.5" Green Limited Edition Smoothing Iron goes to Traci Walker. Traci demonstrated an amazing hair transformation using the smoothing power of the U-Smooth iron. Look at Traci's spectacular results!

Before

After (Front)

After (Back)

Many other great transformations were submitted to the contest. Here are some honorable mentions:

Macie Rustemeyer of Super Hair:

Before

After

Brenda Dye:

Before

After

Jocelyn Pruitt of Agape Hair and Nails:

Before

After

Anyone can transform their hair into smooth sleek locks using a U-Smooth iron no matter what hair type! Thank you to all of our contest entries. Keep on smoothing!

2011 Hair Trends Recap

When looking back at the hair trends of this passed year, we see a little bit of everything with cuts, color, and accessories. Let's look at some of 2011's most popular hair trends.

Ombre - Literally meaning "gradation" in French, this trend of gently fading from dark roots to lighter ends caught on huge this year. The look allowed for a more relaxed feel, and also allowed for less visits to the salon - the perfect style for a frugal fashionista.

Beachy waves - This style paired perfectly with the relaxed look of ombre color. These effortless waves were seen everywhere from the halls of high schools to the stars on the red carpet. Who knew looking like you had been lounging on the beach all day could look so glamorous?!

Bright Colors - From Katy Perry's hot pink all-over look, to the more subtle blue low-lights of Lauren Conrad, bright hair color was a trend this year for those looking for a bold statement. 

Feathers - This hair accessory caught the country by storm! These rooster feather extensions added a fun flair to everyday looks. While the feather trend may not be a "timeless" look, it was fun while it lasted!

Volume - From Snooki-style bumps, to big voluminous waves, big hair was in in 2011. Stick straight hair started to disappear and the flat iron became a tool to make hair anything but flat! 

Only time will tell if these 2011 trends will roll over into 2012, or if they are just a hairstyle best left in the past. However one thing is for sure, 2012 hairstyles have a lot to live up to!

Trend Alert: Crimped Hair is Back!

Crimped hair is making a comeback! This look once popular in the 80's is currently being seen on the red carpet and on the runways in fresh and new ways. Try one of these fun crimped styles to add volumes to your look!

Play with multiple textures using a crimper
when wearing hair down.

Crimp just your roots and let the rest of
your ponytail flow smoothly.

Crimp your entire head and tame all
of the volume with a loose braid.

Add hints of crimp to add
some spunk to your up-do.

With your U-Smooth texturizing iron, you can achieve creative and eye-catching looks like these!

Healthy Hair While Using a Flat Iron

You do not want to give up using your flat iron, but you may worry about the effects a flat iron can have on your hair. With these tips, you can use your flat iron with confidence. Take care of your hair while getting the style you want!

Keep your hair healthy
while using your
U-Smooth!

1. Use Protective Products

Before blow drying or flat ironing your hair apply a heat resistant spray. Many sprays are vitamin enriched to coat and shield the hair minimizing heat damage. We suggest Keune's Vital Nutrition Conditioning Spray. Then, blow dry and use your flat iron and style.

As a flat iron user, you will also want to deep condition once a week. Deep conditioners put moisture back into heat-treated hair. This helps repair damaged hair and minimize hair breakage.

2. Watch Your Temperature

Make sure the flat iron you are using has adjustable heat settings. This way you can personalize your flat iron to what your hair needs. Start with the lowest setting your flat iron has and see what results it gives you. Stop raising the temperature once you get your desired results. The thickness and texture of your hair will help you determine where you should set your flat iron. Click here for suggested temperature.

3. Style with Care

Clamp the flat iron far enough down from your root so that your hair is not being pulled tightly from your scalp. This will reduce stress on your hair root and cause for less hair loss. With each pass, use moderate and consistent pressure so that not one part of the hair strand is getting more heat than another.

4. Limit Straightener Usage

Flat iron styles can last for days with help from a styling agent. Style your hair straight or curly one day using a serum or mousse. The next day, style your hair using a heat-free method. Try different braids, simple up-dos, and buns or ponytails. "Second day" hair works best for these styles because the natural oils your hair creates help keep these styles in place. Worried about looking too oily? Use a dry shampoo like Keratin Complex's Volumizing Dry Shampoo Lift Powder to soak up extra oils in your roots.  

Follow these steps and you can still have beautiful healthy hair when styling with a flat iron! 

Holiday Hair: Side-Swept Locks

The side-sweep is not just for bangs anymore! One of this season's most glamorous hairstyles is side-swept locks. Wear this sleek style to your holiday parties this season for a look that will turn heads!

Celebrate this holiday season with
gorgeous hair!

Get this look:

1. Apply a mousse and a heat protectant to wet hair. Blow dry hair to desired side. For a more dramatic effect, do a drastic part on the opposite side from where your hair will lay.

2. Create large curls with hot rollers, a curling iron, or a flat iron. Click here to see how to create curls with your U-Smooth flat iron.

3. Pull hair to desired side. Slick flat side back with a styling pomade. Try Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree Grooming Pomade.

4. Create a small french twist starting at the slicked back side moving towards the loose side in order to keep hair in place. Do this by taking hair from slicked side and begin to twist hair inward towards the nape of the neck. Keep adding to this twist as it forms at the nape of the neck moving toward the loose side. Add bobby pins into the twist as you are forming it.

5. Secure the end of the twist once you get close to the opposite ear. Let the rest of your hair lay on your shoulder.

6. For added volume, back comb some bottom layer curls. Spray in place.

Look gorgeous for every holiday party this season with curly side-swept locks!

Flat Iron and Braid Technique

Try this easy technique using simple braiding and your flat iron to get great waves!

1. Apply a heat protectant and a styling mousse to damp hair. 

2. Grab a squared section of hair and make a regular braid. Secure the end of the braid with a clip or pin.

3. Repeat step 2 until your entire head is covered in braids. (The tighter the braids, the smaller the waves.)

Take your time to make sure the heat
goes all the way through the braid!

4. Take your flat iron and close down at the top of your braid for a few seconds. Open the flat iron and move it down the braid about an inch. Close again. Repeat this step to the end of the braid.

5. Repeat step 4 on all braids.

6. Once braids have had time to cool, undo the braids to see textured wavy hair. Spray to set style.

Try this technique and post a reply with how it worked for you! Send in your flat-ironed-braided-hair photographs to info@u-smooth.com and your photos may get added to this post! 

Holiday Gift Idea that Keeps on Giving!

Everyone wants to give that special someone the perfect gift that they will fall in love with. A gift that makes this person feel beautiful every time they use it is even better! A U-Smooth flat iron is the gift that keeps on giving by delivering your friend or relative beautiful smooth hair with each use.

1. Designed to last. Traditional flat irons use a thermal fuse that are only rated for about 400 hours, but the U-Smooth's bi-metal thermostat is rated for over 1,000 hours! Each iron contains a bi-metal thermostat system that makes the iron turn off automatically once it reaches 464˚F. 

2. Many Styling Options. The U-Smooth will not only gift your loved one with sleek and straight hair, but it also can be used as a great styling tool for curling, adding flips, or creating flowing waves. 

3. Great for any hair. The U-Smooth has titanium coated plates which allow it to reach up to 450˚F.  However, its digital temperature control allows the owner to set her iron to the correct temperature for her individual hair type. From curly and coarse, to fine and thin, the U-Smooth will glide through any hair type with the least amount of damage. 

Deck the halls with U-Smooth irons!

If your friend is wishing for more full hair, the U-Smooth texturizing iron is another great option. It adds texture to your roots that stays no matter what the weather outside, and there's no need to tease or add chemicals!

There's no better gift than one that will make your loved one feel beautiful every time she uses it. And there's no better time to buy than now with our holiday special: Buy the Red Limited Edition 1" U-Smooth and get the Mini Iron for free! Whether you use this extra iron for another person off your list, or treat yourself for your hard work shopping, U-Smooth is the gift that brings joy year-round!

Retro Hairdos: Back in Style!

History has proven to repeat itself as retro hairstyles are coming back into the limelight. Pin curls, finger waves, and cute up-dos are being seen in fashion magazines, on the runway, and on the red carpet. Check out some of our favorite re-done classics.

Drew Barrymore looks stunning in this
20's inspired bob. The hairpiece adds
an adorable innocence to her look.

The 30's inspired "Beehive" is being

 seen all over today's fashion. 

Gwen Stafani often adds a cute retro

 pin curl to her hairdo.

Soft and full finger waves from 

the 20's and 30's are a classic hit. 

Retro hair from from decades ago is making a come-back. Stay fashion-forward and glamorous by rocking one of these retro styles!

Styling Tips for Your Hair Type

Once you have determined your hair type (learn how here), you can then find personalized styling techniques to style your hair more successfully. Whether your hair is fine, medium, or coarse, type specific hairstyles and products will make your hair look its best. 

For fine hair, try a short bob
with texture to add
the illusion of volume!

Fine Hair

At Home - Fine hair is the easiest type of hair to damage. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner for fine hair like Kevin.Murphy's Angel.Wash and Angel.Rinse to protect against damage. Use a mousse like Extra-Body Sculpting Foam by Paul Mitchell to volumize and add body to thin locks.

In the Salon - Avoid layers and long hair. A shorter blunt cut will give the illusion of more hair and fullness. A short cut will also add lightness to your hair making it less limp and flat. When coloring, use highlights and lowlights to add volume and depth to your look.

Medium Hair 

At Home - Medium hair is often considered normal or an average hair type. However, you can still pick products to satisfy your hair's specific needs. If your medium hair is dry, use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. If you are seeking extra volume, try a volumizing shampoo and conditioner. Medium hair tends to hold a blow dry well, so strengthen its hold with a weightless hold hairspray like Moroccanoil's Luminous Hair Spray.

In the Salon - Medium type hair works well with most cuts or colors. Experiment and see what works for your face shape and skin tone. Just be sure not to over-color as this will cause hair to dry out. 

Coarse Hair

At Home - Coarse hair tends to be rough and wiry. Consistently condition your hair to keep it under control. Smoothing shampoos and conditioners help soften and make coarse hair more manageable. Try Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Daily Shampoo and Treatment.

In the Salon - Avoid blunt cuts and go for longer hairstyles. Long hair adds weight to help pull the hair down. Layered cuts work well to add mobility.

Now take what mother nature gave you and work with it! Working with your natural hair type both at home and in the salon will help you achieve the best look for you! 

Determining Thickness of Your Hair

Determine your hair type to
determine the best styling
techniques for your hair!

To be most successful when styling your hair, first determine your hair type. Techniques can vary greatly whether you have thick, medium, or thin hair. If you know what type of hair you have, then you can use certain products and styling techniques to work with your hair to create the style that works best for you. There are two areas used to determine hair type: hair strand thickness and density of hair.

Determining Hair Strand Thickness

Hair strand thickness, refers to how thick each individual hair strand is. To determine this, take one strand of clean hair and pull it in front of your face. Fine hair is barely visible and can barely be felt when you roll one strand in between two fingers. Coarse hair is very easy to see and may feel wiry when you roll it. Medium thickness hair falls in between these as it is easily visible and can be felt easily between fingers when rolled.

Determining Hair Density

Hair density is thinness or thickness of your entire head of hair. The higher the hair count, the thicker the density. To determine your hair density, pull all of your hair back into a ponytail. Next, put your thumb and forefinger around your ponytail to make a circle. If your circle is dime-sized or less, you have low density hair. If your circle is quarter sized or more, you have a high density. Anything in between is medium density or average.

Combining your hair strand thickness with your hair density will help you determine whether you have thick, medium, or thin hair. If you have fine strand thickness and fine density, for instance, your overall hair type is fine. If you have a combination of fine strands and high density, you have fine, thick hair. This information will allow you to discuss and compare with others who have the same hair type as you. You will be able to discover styling techniques and hair products to better style your hair to its full beauty potential! 

Simple Day-to-Night Updo

Take your hairstyle from a plain day look to a fun night look in minutes! This simple evening updo is one you can do on the way out of the office! Whether you've got a meet-up with the girls, an evening out on the town or a date with Mr. Right, this look is sure to get you noticed!

Hair Loss in Women: It's OK!

Although we tend to think of hair loss as a men's issue, many women are concerned with hair loss too. The good news is we are often worrying about something that is not a problem. Your hair loss is likely the result of the natural hair growth cycle.

Relax, hair loss happens. It's normal for most women to lose 50-100 strands of hair a day, and even up to 250 strands on days you wash your hair. Typically, when a hair is lost, it is replaced by a new follicle the same size. Yes, you may be losing a bit of hair day-to-day, but your body is continually replacing those lost strands.

Determine if there is a problem. If hair is coming out in large numbers while combing (NOT tugging on the hair) or if there is a large amount of hair on your pillow after a night's sleep, there may be a health concern. If you notice your part becoming wider, or see more of your scalp when pulling your hair back, you should talk to your doctor.

Regular styling will not cause
your beautiful locks to fall out!

Significant hair loss is likely a medical issue. Generally, if you are noticing a hair loss problem, the cause is likely due to a medical condition like stress, medications, illnesses, surgery, or a dramatic hormonal change such as during pregnancy. Also, major health issues like thyroid problems, autoimmune disease, and alopecia can cause hair loss in women. If you notice a dramatic difference in the amount of hair you are losing, see your doctor to determine if you have a health issue. 

It's okay to style on! Normal hair styling should not contribute to hair loss unless done incorrectly or too often. Regular brushing, dying, washing, and styling with heat should not cause your hair to be noticeably thinner. However, extremely tight hairstyles, like cornrows, can cause the hair follicle to scar and fall out. Regular styling can however cause damage within the hair shaft. Luckily this type of damage can be repaired. See how to keep your hair healthy here. 

So ladies, keep an eye on your hair and see your doctor for large losses. But don't forget, some hair loss is OK! 

Curl Your Hair with a Flat Iron: Video How-To

Flat iron curls are easy! Get smooth and shiny curls that last! Learn easy, fashionable curling techniques using the U-Smooth 1" Flat Iron. Ditch the curling iron and use your flat iron for longer lasting, beautiful curls.

Fall/Winter 2011 Trend: The Center Part

While a center part may seem to be a very simple hairdo to achieve, the simplicity of the style is making a hot impression this season. The center part can be dressed up or worn relaxed depending on your style. Try out these different looks.

Sleek and Straight - For a great night-time style, use Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum to get locks frizz free. Then use your U-Smooth to create straight, flat hair. Once hair is completely straight, use a comb from the middle of your hairline and draw it straight back. This intense look will draw some attention!

A defined center part with
perfectly straight hair gives
 you a super sleek look.

The Soft Center Part - For a less extreme look, don't worry as much about getting a pin stripe part perfectly down the center. Instead, start at your hairline and use your fingers to create a not-so-perfect part down the center. This look will work with straight or air-dried wavy hair.

Tousled center parts are
another stylish option!

Take it Up - For a more formal look, use the sleek method of creating a center part and pull your hair back into a straight, low ponytail. For a more relaxed look, do a soft middle part and pull hair back into a messy bun or low chignon (click here to learn how).

Do two hot styles in one with
a center part and a sleek ponytail.

This season's middle part look is one you can personalize to your style and taste. Take a break from your side part and go for it down the middle!

How to Grow Long Hair

Throughout the centuries, long hair has been known to symbolize positive traits such as health, youth, and beauty. While time is the most needed ingredient for long hair, here are some tips to follow in order to achieve the long luxurious hair you crave.

1. Be Patient. Time is the ultimate key to growing longer hair. While trims are necessary to get rid of split ends, hair only grows about 6" a year. Be careful to not be hasty with your cuts if your ultimate goal is long hair.

Length like this comes
with patience!

2. Wash Sparingly. Shampoo primarily at your scalp. Over-shampooing can strip the hair's natural oils. Try shampooing only three to four times a week.

3. Moisturize. Condition your hair to maintain moisture. Choose a conditioner that is compatible with your hair type to keep your hair healthy and avoid breakage.

4. Diet Right. Healthy hair stems from a healthy diet. Take multivitamins and fill your diet with protein, fruits and vegetables. Avocados, nuts, and seeds contain high levels of Vitamin E which is necessary for healthy hair. Essential fatty acids (found in fish and pumpkin) are also extremely important for growing healthy hair.

5. Brush Sparingly. Do not brush your hair while it is completely wet as this can pull the hair strands and cause breakage. Use a wide-toothed comb directly out of the shower, working from the ends up. Use a brush only when hair is completely dry.

6. Avoid Over-Exposure to Heat. When you are using heat to style, set your flat iron to the temperature most accurate for your hair. See where to set your iron using this chart. With the U-Smooth, personalizing your correct temperature reduces the need to make numerous passes through your hair. This saves you time and saves you from damage.

7. Massage for Growth. Massaging your scalp will open up blood vessels to increase flow and blood circulation on your head. Increased circulation means that the cells of the hair follicle will receive more of the nutrients necessary for optimal hair growth function. Click here for steps on how to give yourself a relaxing scalp massage.

Lustfully long locks can be yours if you follow these hair care tips and give it time to grow!