Hair's the Scoop

Octavio R. Vera Jr./Splash News

Pictured here with her adorable little girl, Nicole Richie looks fabulous in a teased ponytail and dramatic fringe.

Todd Williamson/WireImage

Nicole Richie swears by them. Ashley Tisdale's a fan, and Lindsay Lohan's been known to rely on them as well.

So what exactly is a Brazilian Blowout?

According to a lead stylist at the Andy LeCompte Salon, the Brazilian Blowout differs from Japanese straightening and other Brazilian straighteners because it doesn't completely straighten the hair. The hair still has plenty of volume and body and can still be worn curly or wavy. It just softens whatever curl or wave you have. If the hair is air-dried without a blow dryer, it will still have wave or curl but no frizz. On the flip side, if you want to blow dry your hair straight, you can do that, without a brush, in a fraction of the amount of time it would have taken without the Brazilian. Also, with other methods, there is a line of demarcation, meaning that when new hair grows in, it is curly/ wavy while the rest of the hair is straight. This blowout method washes away with time and is diffused, so there is no noticeable difference between new hair and treated hair. Other methods also have harsh chemicals in them like formaldehyde. The Brazilian Blowout does not have formaldehyde in it. And none of the chemicals in it are carcinogenic. It's also safe for all hair types, including fine, brittle, and damaged.

Treatments take 1 to 1 1/2 hours to complete, and start at $350. To find a salon near you that offers Brazilian Blowouts, click here.

Michael Buckner/Getty Images, Eric Ryan/Getty Images, Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images, Marsaili McGrath/Getty Images,
Jeff Vespa/WireImage

From Jessica Alba to Jennifer Lopez and Mischa Barton, it seems like everywhere you look these days there's a celebrity sporting dramatic, brow-skimming bangs.

Though it's not the easiest look to pull off, there are many ways to make it your own. The first question to ask yourself is: am I blunt (Keira) or feathered (Vanessa) kind of girl? Then it's all about the styling. Something as simple as your part can completely change the look, so don't be afraid to experiment with Photoshop or faux fringe to find your best fit.

Scared to go so short? Ask your stylist for soft layers that fall between your brow and the top of your cheekbones, then use a flat iron (like T3's Glow Styler) to add a slight curve to the hair. This way, you create the illusion of fringe without having to make a full-on commitment.

Source: Jeff Vespa/WireImage

Seen here with celebrity stylist Adir Abergel, Nicole Richie shines in a hippie chic headband.

Source: TW/London Ent/Splash News, Steve Granitz/WireImage, George Napolitano/FilmMagic

Paris and Nicole may be fashion icons in their own right, but one thing they can't seem to master is the art of wearing faux locks. At times their extensions look (surprisingly) natural, and at others... not so much.

Want to know the secret to flawless-looking temporary/semipermanent hair extensions? Check out these tips and techniques from celebrity stylists Ken Paves and Oscar Blandi.

Source: Tim Whitby/Getty Images, Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage, Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage, CarriePhotos.com

Every trendsetter, from Nicole Richie to Carrie Underwood, has been spotted recently wearing a metallic headband across her forehead.

I consider myself to be fairly experimental, but I think I'll leave this one to the ladies of the red carpet. I just can't see myself wearing one of these haute-hippie headbands with enough confidence to do the look justice.

What do you think, are metallic headbands a trend or foe?

Source: Joe Kohen/WireImage

Pictured here with Mary Kate Olsen, Nicole Richie's casual-chic updo turned heads at the Spring 2009 Proenza Schouler show.

Image Source: Entertainment Press/Splash News

It seems that Paris Hilton sees the same stylist for her extensions as former frenemie, Nicole Richie. Both have been spotted recently with their plugs out for the world to see (and snap).

This trend reminds me of the whole panty-above-pants movement, where you didn't know whether are to say something or look away... Could this be done on purpose? And if so, why?

I just think that some things are best left to the imagination, and faux hair is definitely one of them.

What do you think of exposed hair extensions, are they a trend or foe?

Source: Steve Granitz/WireImage