By Diane Lym-tai Da Costa, AOL Black Voices

Ms. Amber Efe may not ring a bell as of now. But I guarantee you --she will be a household name very soon. Ms. Efe, the powerhouse performer, plays the 'Judge" in her debut role in Legally Blonde: the Musical. I interviewed Amber backstage at the Palace Theater on Broadway to check out the self-proclaimed 'Renaissance Woman'. We chatted in between performances to dish about her beauty secrets on and off the stage.

Being backstage at the Broadway hit, Legally Blonde: the Musical was like MANE heaven for me, filled with every hair accessory imaginable. Oh My Goodness! The options were endless: straight, wavy, curly and AFROs!

Amber plays five additional ensemble characters in addition to her main role as the 'Judge'. And that means five additional hair changes. Amber makes several changes throughout her performance, five days a week. She protects her Afro by applying a Shea butter creme around her edges. Then, she slips on a wig cap before placing on the lace front wigs. After that, the lace front is adhesively bonded by a professional hair designer.

David Bryan Brown, one of the hair designers for the show, has styled impeccably flawless lace front wigs for Amber's many looks on stage. These pictures show the lace front wigs, as is, without adhesive glue to demonstrate the various styles Amber wears during the show.

Among my favorite styles are the layered wavy bob, nicknamed after 'Oprah' and the golden brown coily coif she wears in one of her ensemble characters pictured above.

Don't expect this young DIVA in the making to slow down anytime soon. Amber is not only the boss on Broadway, but an accomplished writer, a former editor of Uptown magazine, dancer and model. With such a demanding schedule, how does Amber keep her tightly coiled mane in healthy condition? Well, Amber gave me the down low on that and much more in my interview with her, exclusively for Hair Apparent.

Diane: So Amber, I'm use to your sexy cropped cut-- describe your current hair style now?

Amber: I am elated to rock an old school Afro-- I'm talking bell bottoms and platforms, y'all!

Diane: What is your daily hair care regimen?

Amber: Between my performances and fitness schedule, a gentle daily shampoo, followed by a leave -in- conditioner is ideal. While my hair is still moist, I massage my scalp with shea-based products. Then it's picking time! Once my hair is completely tangle free, I'm done... Just leave it be, let it be free! I occasionally use headbands and decorative combs for variety and never sleep without a silk scarf. It's also important for me to get in my vitamins, veggies, protein, and tons of water.

Diane: Tell me about the hair products you just can't live without.

Amber: I adore KeraCare's Hydrating Detangling Shampoo. I also use Frederic Fekkai's Shea Butter Hair Mask under my swim cap during daily pool sessions. If I have an inkling to finger-style my hair, Paul Mitchell"s Foaming Pomade is light enough and adds great shine. Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme helps prep my hairline prior to a performance.

Diane: Your wigs in the show are just FAB: do you get the urge to rock them off stage?

Amber: I'm in a love affair with my Afro, so I tend to give her freedom as much as possible.

Diane: If you were stranded on a deserted island, what hair essentials would keep you looking camera ready?

Amber: Tai Texture Lavender Mist for moisture and a pleasant mist that I pray won't attract too many mosquitoes on the island. A boar bristle brush for manageability and to be fly and as I forage for food, send smoke signals and prepare for my close-up during my rescue ( because they always bring cameras)! An Afro pick for tangles, preferably with a fist for a handle. I mean, it's not really a 'fro if there's no "Black Power" fist, right?

Amber Efe's upcoming performances:

Amber Efe and the cast of 'Legally Blonde: the Musical' perform in Herald Square for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which broadcasts on NBC affiliates. Thursday, November 22, 2007.

Catch up with Amber at other performances on www.AmberEfe.com

All backstage images courtesy of Ambe Efe for Hair Apparent.