Black Hair

Well,the Billboard Music Awards isn't the Oscars, but there were a few hairstyles to cover. While this is the look Nicki Minaj showed up wearing, it's not the same one she wore while performing (surprised, anyone?) -- that was a long, straight black 'do.

Check out more BMA hairstyles from this year's show.

(Nicki Minaj photo credit: David Becker/Getty Images)

A reader recently asked which is best for straightening natural hair: a pressing (or hot) comb or flat iron?

My answer, knowing how far flat irons have come in recent years, is the iron, especially the ones with ceramic plates. Forget about the older models with metal plates, as these are really no better for your hair than a stove-top hot comb.

Most of the newer flat irons have temperature controls, which is an essential feature if you don't want to fry your mane. But you still need to be careful when thermal styling.

• To avoid heat damage,you may need to adjust the temperature to the texture of your hair. Since many of us have some areas that are more or less curly and in need of more or less heat, turn the temperature up or down as needed.
• Don't forget a good-quality heat protectant.
• Wrap your hair at night between heat styling sessions to maintain volume and cut down on further flat ironing.

More tips for flat iron success can help you get the sleek tresses you want without the damaging effects of heat.

(Photo credit: i love images/Getty Images)

As spring moves into summer, wedding season fast approaches. Are you a bride with natural hair who has no idea what hairstyle she's going to wear?

The Natural Hair Brides blog is a wonderful resource full of styles for natural-haired brides-to-be. Better still, many of the bridal hairstyles are designed by the brides themselves; proof positive that you don't need to shell out a ton of money for a beautiful 'do for the big day! If you're in the market for unique ideas for your future wedding, this blog is definitely worth checking out.

(Photo credit: Goldmund Lukic/Getty Images)

Anyone with long hair has probably experienced this issue at some point: hair that takes a long time to dry. This can be especially problematic for thick and/or natural hair.

While regular exercise is important, some women have a hard time maintaining a workout schedule that doesn't ruin their hairstyle, or it takes so long to dry that they spend half the day with damp hair. Quick and hot blow-dries are not always the answer, either, since too much heat on black hair is a no-no.

So what can you do? This FAQ on speeding up drying time for black hair may have the answer you need!

While it seems like going natural would be the most, well...natural thing in the world, it's often not as easy as it sounds, especially if you choose the transitioning route over the big chop.

Even if you do chop it off and start over, there may be negativity to deal with.

How can you handle the pressure of coping with people who don't love your hair the way you do, as well as getting the styles you want when your hair doesn't want to cooperate?

These FAQs cover both of these common issues for many naturals: Handling different textures and handling negative comments. As always, feel free to chime in on how you've dealt with situations like these.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/momentimages)

Heard of conditioner washing? If not, it's simple: it's just a way to cleanse your hair without shampoo. You use conditioner instead.

Some people do it exclusively, but you don't have to (because I know someone out there is groaning at the thought of never using shampoo again). Daily shampooing is usually too harsh and drying for black hair, so if you exercise frequently and sweat, or if you just like styling your hair while wet and do it every day, you may want options outside of a typical shampoo-and-conditioner session.

This how-to on conditioner washing can give you some tips. Remember, you can co-wash once per week or on an as-needed basis. I shampoo about once a week but if I need to cleanse my hair in the meantime, I co-wash, air dry and go.

Hair color can really add some pop to your look. When you wear the perfect shade for you, your skin tone looks more radiant and it may also ramp up your confidence.

Blonde hair is always eye-catching and it works well for a wide range of complexions. These blonde celebrities show just how good ladies of all colors look in this hot hair color.

Whether you opt for allover blonde or you only highlight a few pieces here and there, you may just find yourself having more fun, as the saying goes...

(Keri Hilson, photo credit: Michael Buckner/Getty Images)

Between products, tools, accessories, relaxers and stylists, we spend a lot of money on making sure our hair looks good. Black women reportedly spend in the billions every year on hair upkeep alone. If you think women with natural hair save, think again, especially if they use all-natural boutique-type products, which tend to be pricier than their commercial counterparts.

Whether or not you believe we're out of an economic recession, plenty of us are still trying to save money. But we also want our hair to be fabulous! Find out how to extend the time between touch-ups if you relax your hair -- going to your stylist every 10 weeks instead of eight can potentially save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.

And, find out when to save and when to splurge on hair products. Mix and match drugstore finds with salon products you just can't live without and make it easier on your wallet.

One trend, two very different looks.

Ombre hair color isn't an accident, although some hairdos may look like it. No, these ladies didn't forget they had a color appointment with their stylist; this look is done on purpose. And as you can see, it can range from subtle -- as seen on model Chanel Iman -- to very dramatic, as seen on Ciara.

Want to see how more celebrities get their ombre on? Check out these pictures of ombre hair styles, which  feature Naomi Campbell, Raven Symone, Jennifer Hudson and more all sporting two-tone color in various ways -- some soft, some bold, but all very trendy.

(Photo credit Chanel Iman: Gabriela Maj/Getty Images)

(Photo credit Ciara: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Unfortunately, seeing hair that's been damaged by chemical abuse is par for the course. I see way too many heads of hair that are barely hanging on due to poor relaxer application and care. This is one of those hair services that I strongly suggest you get done by a professional, not a home kit.

A good stylist will make sure he or she follows basics of relaxing black hair so that you're left with straight, smooth locks that flow. I know it can seem pricey when a box relaxer costs less than $10 and a pro wants to charge you eight times that, but when it comes to your hair, consider yourself worth it.

More relaxer info:

• Base the scalp: yes or no?
• Maintaining healthy relaxed locks
• Relaxers vs. texturizers
• Can you strip a relaxer?
• Lye vs. no-lye
• When to touch-up your relaxer

(Photo credit: Jose Luis Pelaez/Getty Images)