Hairstyles come and go, but one style has stood the test of time and that's big hair. When it comes to hair this summer, go big or go home. From the runway to Hollywood, curly and/or wavy, full-body textures are so on trend.

We headed to the
Ted Gibson Salon in New York for a super-sized hair chat with senior stylist Eugene Smith. Smith has worked with some of the most infamous hair hoppers including
Naomi Campbell,
Beyoncé and most recently
Venus Williams for Essence magazine. With years of hair care knowledge and experience working with all types of hair textures, we put his big hair IQ to the test.
"Truly the biggest trend for spring/summer we are seeing is big, big, big hair. The bigger, the more volume the better," said Smith, who firmly believes voluminous hair is a great accessory when wearing skin-baring summer fashions. "The combination of bronzed glowing skin and flirty feminine tresses is a head-to-toe style statement."
If you already have naturally wavy or curly hair, embrace it -- and if you don't, you can still create these styles with extensions/pieces or by getting savvy with a curling iron. Smith suggests that you first determine what type of texture you want to create. Do you want big bodacious bombshell curls like Beyoncé or super springy spirals like
Kelly Rowland or something in between like
Tracee Ellis Ross? With endless style options the choice is really up to you!
Beyoncé: Bombshell Curls
"Start out with hair that's blown dry and smooth. Using a � inch curling iron, take a quarter of an inch parting of hair working your way from the bottom to the top," says Smith, who recommends curling and holding the air with the heat for about 8 seconds. To create a long lasting curl, be sure to set each curl with a hair pin. "Once the entire head of hair has been set remove the pins and turn your head upside down and vigorously run your fingers through the length of your hair until you start to build volume," confirms Smith. If you're not sure what type of curler to use, Smith is a fan of Hot Tools available at Ulta stores and
ulta.com.
Kelly Rowland: Super Springy Spiral Curls
If you have straight or relaxed hair and want to create the hair texture Kelly Rowland rocked at the 2010 World Music Awards in Monaco you "will need about 30 to 40 flexible hair setting rods depending on the amount of hair you have," says Smith. Start with completely wet hair. Then apply a liberal amount of setting or foaming wrap lotion to the entire head of hair. Try using Motions At Home Foaming Wrap Lotion ($3.99,
sallybeauty.com). "Begin taking a quarter of an inch section of hair at the nap of the neck. Wrap the hair around a flexible hair setting rod starting at the bottom to the top," says Smith. Repeat this method working up the head from left to right, right to left until you have covered the entire head with rods. "Sit under hooded dryer set to high heat for about 45 minutes to an hour until the hair is completely dry," shares Smith. "Once done remove the rods and take each section and separate them with your fingers until you have created super springy spiral curls."
A practical quicker alternative to getting this look is to just buy extensions with a springy texture already created.
Jada Pinkett Smith: Bohemian Breezy Curls
An alternative style to Kelly Rowlands' springy spiral curls is this updo Jada Pinkett Smith whipped into a bohemian breezy pinup. To get this look Smith advises to section out a 2 inch strand of hair from the left or the right side of the head and create a braid. "Set braid aside and bring the rest of the hair up into a super high ponytail letting the reminder of hair freely cascade down," says Smith, who appeared with salon owner Ted Gibson on Oprah Winfrey's Great American Haircut special.Lastly, use the braid as a headband and take from one end and cross it over the top of your head to the other side a secure with bobby pins. Be sure the cascading hair is conceals the bobby pins from noticeably sticking out.
Tracee Ellis Ross: Soft Romantic Curls
If you have naturally curly hair and want to update your summer do take a cue from Tracee Ellis Ross and blow out your curls and create a softer loose curl using a curling iron. Smith suggests "finishing the look off with Ted Gibson Tame It ($19.95,
target.com)."
Alicia Keys: Wash & Go Curl
If you already have natural curly texture like Alicia Keys this wash and go style is an easy look to create. "Using a combination of pomade and your favorite hair gel apply a generous amount to clean conditioned wet hair," says Smith, who suggests using Ted Gibson Fix It Gel ($15.99,
target.com). Be sure your curls are heavily saturated with product to ensure no frizz. Depending on how much time you want to invest into this look "you can either air dry or defuse with a blow dryer on a low setting. Keys applied extensions with a matching texture to create a more dramatic full look," adds Smith.
Check out the products Eugene Smith mentioned to get the beautiful, big, bouncy hairstyles featured in this article.
Comments: (32)
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By: sweetdollface79 on 5/24/2010 2:45AM
Some people really need to lay off the Hater-ade!!! I have hair just like Alicia Keys only mine is Jet Black and I DO NOT WEAR A WEAVE OR ANY EXTENSION!!! It's long, voluptuous and real. Ladies of Color can rock any style, but there is a certain amount of pride when it's your own.
Re:Patty:
Try watching
http://www.youtube.com/user/Shimahair21.
Then check back to us and add a reply.
Much Love to the Lovers
and
Whateva to the haters.
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By: elivebuy653 on 6/29/2010 11:56PM
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By: Lynne on 5/26/2010 11:32PM
Patty u sure have a nerve talking about bald horses and nappy. I am sure you are one of those uuuuugly women who have crows walking all over your face and the extra elbow skin....please just remember black dont crack!
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By: Mary on 5/31/2010 2:35PM
Just keep it clean ladies. Have you ever set next to a lady withe braids or a weave that is not clean. It will make you sick. So ladies if you are going wear weaves and braids keep them clean.
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By: Juana on 5/31/2010 3:47PM
Have you ever sat next to a white woman who's hair smell like a wet dog? Keep it clean Mary
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By: Jones on 6/04/2010 9:40PM
I wonder if Patty is black...I've heard blacks make the same remark...
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By: Jones on 6/04/2010 9:42PM
I am speaking as a black woman...but yes, I have heard blacks both men and women make the the kind of remarks...posted by "Patty". Why did everyone assume that he/she isn't black?
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By: KarenC on 6/05/2010 4:44AM
As long as it looks good & you can rock it, then wear it ;)
Stay beautiful, silk pillowcases, hair wraps, & durags.
http://www.essenceofsilk.com
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By: aqaqaqaq10 on 6/07/2010 11:15PM
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By: tffpinnock on 6/10/2010 7:59PM
I love love love Alicia's hair :)
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