Hair's the Scoop

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Prince's signature, smooth and shiny locks make us want to party like it's 1999!

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R&B singer Estelle debuted a longer, softer look whilst out celebrating with Kelis in NYC.

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Beyonce Knowles has been channeling her on-stage alter ego, "Sasha Fierce" recently, and it seems her old self is being stored in that over-the-top coiff.

From her voluminous updos to looks (like the one above) that must take multiple rounds of hairspray to achieve, this incarnation ages her greatly and pays homage to a time in hair history we've all tried so hard to forget.

I'm all for experimentation, but I also believe in soft, touchable hair that looks beautiful. And teased tresses, like Mrs. Carter's, are just the opposite.

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Beyonce's voluminous beehive brought an air of '60s glam to this year's Kennedy Center Honors.

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Q: I am a black woman, and I wear my hair braided all the time because I can't seem to do anything with it myself. I go to the salon, but then my hairstyle only lasts one day (if I sleep on it, that's it), it can't take heat well, and breaks constantly. Please help! My husband doesn't like me wearing my hair in braids all of the time, but I'm not sure what else to do. - Marie B.

A: Thank you for writing in, Marie! I've asked Darico Jackson, a MIZANI hair care expert, to help answer your question best:

I hear that complaint often and understand your pain... My solution? Roller sets! It may sound a bit old fashion, but with a little creativity and a few modern techniques, you can achieve a beautiful hair 'do that lasts (much more than one day).

For tighter spirals, try having your stylist roll your hair in perm rods (sideways) using Mizani Foam Wrap combined with Mizani Setting Lotion, then sit under the dryer for about 45 minutes. Finish with a glossing serum of your choice, and that's it!

For a smoother, bouncier look, ask your stylist to roll your hair on the biggest rollers your hair will hold, add Setting Lotion, dry your locks, and then remove the rollers. Next, have them use a vent brush to smooth the hair around the circumference of your head, then cover your entire head with saran wrap, and have you sit back under the dryer for approximately 15 minutes. Once cool, the wrap can be removed and they can proceed with styling.

Either of these methods should allow for a smoother, longer-lasting look that will help reduce the damage caused by excessive heat styling.

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Disney Star Selena Gomez debuted a new, more mature look at a recent CNN event in Los Angeles... And I'm not sure that this change was for the better.

Selena's a beautiful young girl and it's not that she looks bad; I just don't think this cut suits her age. The bangs are too much and, when paired with a super straight style, create an overall effect that's rather serious.

I prefer the softer, tousled waves she usually sports. It's much more becoming, and looks polished without going to the extreme.

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Beyonc� Knowles chose a rather questionable coif for the World Music Awards, held in Monte Carlo recently.

It was crimped but not defined. Monotone in color (well, aside from those roots), and fried at the ends. Voluminous, but not in a good way... What happened?

Our (generally) glamorous diva looked great otherwise — it's just her hair that was a right mess.

Am I alone, or this look just wrong? 

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Rosario Dawson looked gorgeous in a super straight 'do at the Kenneth Cole book launch for "Awearness."

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Sanaa Lathan looked elegant (and ageless) at the Alberta Ferretti store opening in Los Angeles.

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Seen here at the 2008 World Music Awards in Monte Carlo, Alicia Keys' curls couldn't have been more picture-perfect.