IMAN

Keri Hilson has set herself apart from the pack of other R&B singers with her ever-changing hairstyles and sexy, retro/glam fashion sense (that girl’s got legs and she knows how to use ‘em…damn, I am so jealous, haha!). So, I wanted to know how this pretty young thing gets her look together for the Grammys. One thing Ms. Keri knows is that great hairstyles are powerful envelope pushers, so I reached out to her hairstylist, Maisha Oliver, first.

IMAN: Do clothes determine the hair, or vice versa?
MAISHA OLIVER: Clothes always determine what the overall look is going to be. Hair and make-up have to compliment the clothes. If the look is futuristic then you have to be able to carry out a futuristic look.

IMAN: What’s was your inspiration for Keri’s Grammy’s hairstyle?
MAISHA OLIVER: I wanted to create a style that was elegant but still had that Keri flare. I also wanted to make sure that she was recognizable on the red carpet. Plus, she’s wearing her hair short these days, so I wanted to add some glamour to her cut.

Keri Hilson with Maisha Oliver

Next, I caught up with her makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff.  She told me that, for her, the Grammys represent the creme de la creme of musicians, so being quirky, funky, edgy, or just straight glam are all acceptable. CONTINUED AT ESSENCE.COM

What do red carpet veterans Salma Hayek, Debra Messing, Marion Cotillard, Renee Zellweger, Katy Perry and yours truly have in common? We are all lovers of MoroccanOil!  I discovered it while hosting Project Runway Canada for 2 seasons–my hair dresser in Toronto, the fabulous Janet Jackson (not THE JJ) introduced me to the benefits of this extraordinary line that works brilliantly on both straight and curly hair. MoroccanOil Intense Curl Cream leaves hair bouncy, shiny and frizz free (which I really needed, because all of my ever-changing hairstyles on Project Runway left my strands frazzled and damaged).

If you didn’t know, let me confide in you that I love wearing wigs. Five years ago, I decided I’d had enough of hair extensions, and wanted to start taking care of my “real” hair.  I know that many of us who’ve been wearing extensions for a long time can start to think that it is our hair… but, girl, let’s face it is not! I should know–I almost feel that I was part of the “invention” of hair extensions.  Let me clarify it … some twenty years ago I was traveling to Paris for the couture shows, and my hair stylist Ellin Lavar decided to experiment this fascinating technique on my hair.  Voila: in a mere ten hours I was transformed. CONTINUED AT ESSENCE.COM

BEAUTY AND HSN

I shot in New York city the new ad and video campaign for HSN for IMAN Global Chic and of course the usual suspects of my glam team where with me… Sam Fine/makeup and Oscar James and a sleuth of Video Camera crew. Check the behind the scene video on the home page to give you a glimpse of the philosophy behind my line and don’t forget to watch me on HSN on Sept 27th.

Wearing Herve Leger with Sam Fine

BEAUTY AND FAVE RESTAURANT

My fave restaurant in New York is Norwood. It is a private club/restaurant on 14th street. It is housed in a glorious brownstone that is so chic and private and the food is delicious. It is over 5 floors in a spectacular landmark townhouse. Beside the restaurant it has lounge bars, screening room, private dining room and to top it all a walled garden. Love It!!

At Norwood

BEAUTY AND THE WIGS

I have been loving these great wigs that I have been trying out the past 6 months and I am just loving them. It gives my hair a break and it can take me from drab to glam in an instant. They are light and easy to manage as you don’t need a hairdresser to groom your locks daily. No self respecting fashionista leaves the house with a hair extension or a wig these days so why should you… So, you are dying to know where can you get these wigs from? Stay Tuned!