Must-See: 5 Fab New TV Shows to Watch This Fall

While many of us are gearing up for New York Fashion Week, fellow TV buffs are equally excited that the unofficial start of fall is now in full effect.

This month serves as the kick-off for a variety of brand new network and cable shows of the season. Luckily, for us who love to watch BGs and guys on the small screen, the fall TV lineup looks promising. From reality to talk shows to sitcoms, this season seems to have a bit of something for everyone.

Check out these new fall shows:

Eva Marcille and friends star in the reality show, “Girlfriend Confidential,” which premiered yesterday (Sept. 3) on Oxygen.
“Guys with Kids” starring Anthony Anderson and co-starring Tempestt Bledsoe premieres Sept. 26 on NBC.
666 Park Avenue” co-starring Vanessa Williams premieres Sept. 30 on ABC.
Steve Harvey’s self-titled daytime talk show premieres today (Sept. 4) on NBC networks.
 Iyanla Vanzant stars in “Iyanla, Fix My Life“premiering Sept. 15 on OWN.
BONUS: Mindy Kaling stars in “The Mindy Project” premiering Sept. 25 on Fox.
Will you be tuning in for any of these shows? If not, what are your fave shows? 

Tracee Ellis Ross Reveals Her Hair ‘Miracle!’

Last week, Soft-Sheen Carson Optimum Salon Haircare invited me and fellow beauty bloggers and editors to an event introducing their newest product launch — the Miracle Oil Collection, here in New York City.

Hosted by one of our fave “curlfriends,” actress Tracee Ellis Ross, shared her personal experiences using the products (6-in-1 Miracle Oil, Miracle Oil Hair Moisturizer, Miracle Oil Hair Crème) on her coveted curls with the audience.

Tracee Ellis Ross sporting a summery ensemble paired with killer YSL shoes at the event. 

“I love that the 6-in-1 hair oil really goes into the hair and penetrates the cuticles,” she said. “I put it (oil) in a spray bottle and I put it in my hair in the shower when it’s soaking wet. I move my hair around my shoulders,  flip it over and squish it around with the water in my hair, and I don’t need any other products,” she continued.
Attendees were also treated to a funny video clip featuring Ross coming to the realization that she could eliminate several products with just one product — the 6-in-1 Miracle Oil.

Miracle Oil Collection available here ($5.99-$8.99).
After the event, I was most excited to try it to see if the multi-purposed  6-in-1 product would really live up to its claims of being a hot oil treatment, daily leave-in conditioner, scalp oil, heat protector, frizz controller, and dry skin hydrator. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised! I put a few drops of the apricot, argan, avocado, coconut, jojoba, and sunflower-infused oil in my hair and on my daughter’s hair to see if it would provide sheen without feeling weighed down and it did! I then rubbed a little on my arms to see if it would absorb quickly without feeling greasy and it did!

I haven’t tried the other two products, but the Miracle Oilseems to be a great buy. Plus, it doesn’t have an overwhelming scent, which is always good for me. I used it all weekend and so far, it’s well on its way to becoming one of my bathroom staples!

Have you tried any of these products? Are you a fan of Tracee Ellis Ross’ curls? 

MUST-SEE: “Make Me A Naturalista” Web Series

If you’re thinking about transitioning your crowning glory from chemically-straightened strands to natural styles, there’s a web series that you don’t want to miss!

Make Me A Naturalista,” is a brand-new online series hosted by editors Natasha Gaspard and Yardley Messeroux, of the natural hair websites: Mane Moves TV and The Coil Review.

The pair has teamed up to produce an online show that features women looking to make the switch from relaxers to natural styles, but are unsure of the proper steps to take in order to have a successful journey.

They provide styling tips, product advice, and personal anecdotes all while the guest receives a hair makeover from a natural haircare professional.

Bloggers Yardley (L) and Natasha Gaspard (R)

Charismatic and knowledgeable, both hosts bring an upbeat and refreshing vibe to the show, making it fun to watch. Whether you’re a newbie or natural hair vet, this series is definitely one to add to your YouTube viewing list!

Do you watch YouTube for haircare or makeup tips?

Oprah’s Stylist Andre Walker Talks Hair

While most wish they had Oprah’s wealth, many also covet the media mogul’s gorgeous mane. For over 25 years, hairstylist Andre Walker has made sure that the talk show trailblazer’s tresses are always camera-ready.

Now, with the help of his haircare line, Make Peace With Your Hair, we can all get a taste of one of Lady O’s many luxuries.

I recently caught up with the stylist to talk natural hair, humidity, and his favorite Oprah ‘do.
Walker styling Oprah’s lovely locks on set.

Check out the Q&A:

What are your thoughts about the natural hair revolution amongst women of color that seems to be sweeping the country? 
I’m happy to see women make peace with their hair. I believe it came about because women of color want more freedom than they get going straight. Going natural you can swim and exercise without the worries of wetting your straight style. Not to mention that all of the processes of straightening (chemical, pressing, blowdrying) are all very damaging when not done correctly.

Now what is needed are great products and expert care for natural hair, which is very fragile due to coarse texture and dryness. It is important to keep your ends trimmed, and get salon-quality deep conditioning into the hair. I created my TKO Deep Conditioning Keratin Treatment for all hair that needs moisture infusion. I am also developing new products that will respond to the needs of natural hair in a way we’ve never experienced before, so stay tuned!

What advice do you have for someone who wants to transition from relaxed strands to non-processed tresses?
The best way to transition is the BIG CHOP. If you are courageous and ready, this is the best way. To gradually change – you can continue blow-drying your hair straight until it becomes too difficult to continue this type of styling, or the relaxed hair starts to break. By doing the later, you must condition, condition and condition.”

Now that spring is in full swing and summer is rapidly approaching, what are some of your tips for avoiding the dreaded “poof” during wet and humid weather? 
There aren’t many ways to avoid the “poof.” Humidity is straight hair’s biggest enemy. During this type of weather the best style is one that is natural. If your hair is relaxed, don’t try to style it as usual. Try pulling it up in to a cool pony or ballerina’s knot. You can add hair to your pony to make it longer and more fun or make a messy knot for a more updated ballerina.”

Of your haircare products, what’s the most universal for all hair types? 
“All of my products can be used by all. Everyone needs a good shampoo and conditioner. My TKO is an intensive conditioning mask that is perfect for a little extra care. My Q Oil is loved by people with very straight hair to aid with styling, to those with kinky hair to add shine and lock in moisture.”

You’ve created countless hairstyles for Oprah Winfrey, but what’s your personal favorite look for her?
“My favorite changes all the time. I love her hair curly and I love her most recent long luxurious loose wavy look. We just shot the cover for September O, The Oprah Magazine where I gave her a completely new look that may be my new favorite. You’ll have to wait to see the cover because I can’t reveal it.”

What do you think is the single most important key to the maintaining healthy hair? 
“The single most important key to healthy hair is very basic:
1. Shampoo regularly – never go more than a week without shampooing at least once.
2. Condition after every shampoo and do a deep conditioning treatment at least once a month.
3. Get regular cuts/shaping every 6 to 8 weeks to do away with any split damaged ends and to keep your style.”

If you missed my post on his Q Oil, click here for a full review. Also for more haircare tips from Andre Walker be sure to check out: www.andrewalkerhair.com.

Whose hair do you admire the most in Hollywood?

BGG Chats w/Celebrity Hairstylist Kiyah Wright

Recently, I stopped by Procter & Gamble’s Studio in Rockefeller Center to catch up with celebrity hairstylist and Clairol Professional Colorist Kiyah Wright as she transformed three fabulous women into full-on glamazons!

Wright was on-hand as part of the Clairol Professional “Reveal the Fabulous in You” Facebook contest awarding three lucky women from across the country with a trip to New York City and a hair makeover by the famed stylist.

While I only met one of the winners, Fannie from North Carolina, she was beaming with excitement and anticipation of what magic Wright had up her sleeve when it came to her makeover. “I’m not sure, but so far I think it’s going to be some curls,” she guessed.

Kiyah putting finishing touches on Fannie’s ‘do!

From Ciara to Jennifer Hudson, Wright has styled the tresses of some of the hottest stars on stage and in Hollywood. When it comes to the the right color, cut, or style, Wright knows what looks best on her clients.

Check out some snippets and tips she shared with me: 

Advice for giving my hair some much-needed pizazz:
“You should get some color! You’re not ready to be gray. You need a semi-permanent, which Clairol offers. It’s less damaging and provides shines. I would also add some warmness to it too. Like lift it up a few shades.”

Her favorite style to create for a client:
“I enjoy doing makeovers the most. I am more about giving each client a custom look.”

On the most timeless hairstyle of all:
“The bob is like an old favorite and it looks good on everybody. You can do a bang, a side part, or a middle part with a bob. It’s just classic; it never goes away.”

On her styling technique: 
“I take a lot of pride in my work. I’ve been doing it over 18 years and I’m still excited about it. I do a lot of seminars, etc. One of the things I preach to the students is that most stylists don’t style hair in the mirror. They sit on the chair and they turn the chair away from the mirror and go for their own comfortability versus looking at the client while they’re styling, but that’s how you get inspired.”

Her favorite spring trends:
“This season is all about color-blocking, ombre, and liquid liners. It’s also all about the pastels. I recently did a how-to on how to create your own clip-ins and go from day to night by popping in a bit of pastel pinks, etc.”

Her thoughts on the natural hair revolution:
“I think it’s just people’s way of expressing themselves. This is who I am. This is my hair. This is a part of me. People are just expressing themselves in fashion, clothes, and with hair.  Right now it is a bit of a trend, but it’s really who we are. I think being natural is forever, but you can change up your natural look.”

The key to maintaining healthy hair:
“Making sure that you are conditioning it often, at least weekly. Textured hair should not be shampooed more than twice a week. Make sure to get bi-monthly trims and tie it up at night with a scarf, or use a silk/satin pillowcase and even carry it when you travel!”

Be sure to check out Kiyah Wright’s blog for more tips and how-tos!

How do you currently wear your hair?