Seems simple enough: Buy a curling iron, twist hair around the blistering cylinder, and voila, ringlets.
So why does it so often turn into Toddlers & Tiaras and — to magnify the insult — fall flat five minutes later?
Find out what the experts are doing (and you’re not). Today’s Easy Does It video is How to Curl Your Hair the Right Way — and make it stay.
We consulted the geniuses at NYC’s Whittemore House, who showed us everything from how to hold the iron (who knew?) to which products to use (crucial).
And brace yourselves: Mousse is back.
Is there something you wanna learn how to do? Submit ideas to easydoesit@dailycandy.com. Products used in today’s video include Sachajuan Hair Mousse, Sachajuan Shine Serum, and Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray.
Special thanks to: Jamie Cook, today’s featured stylist
As the adage goes, a lot of work goes into looking effortless. And for African-American women, getting kinky hair curly — without harsh chemicals — is no small feat. So we’ll be the first to tell you this how-to is particularly ambitious.
Nevertheless, Sharntai Harris at the hip Georgia salon in downtown Manhattan has great tips for doing just that, including must-have products and step-by-steps to make styling easier. We’ll be honest: It takes practice and time — but once you’re finished, it’ll last for days.
If you’re truly feeling intimidated, we suggest trying it out with a friend. If nothing else, she can make you a cocktail while you’re drying and twisting.
If you’re in New York City, visit Georgia at 89a East Houston Street, between Elizabeth Street and Bowery ( or georgiany.com). Want more? Check out our video on going from kinky to straight hair and our gallery of the top ten hair trends for fall.
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![]() | Come spring, will you be wearing a python pillbox or a miniature cowboy? Hard to know unless you’re following our Fashion Week coverage. Check out our exclusive sneak peeks at spring 2011 styles. |
Up to 60% off Dolce Vita | |
When we heard artist Victor-John Villanueva was painting T-shirts with the likes of renowned fashion writers (Simon Doonan, Lynn Yaeger, André Leon Talley, and more) for Début’s Fashion’s Night Out celebration, we had to see him in action. So we ventured to his upper-Manhattan studio with our Flip — and the rest is history.
Available September 10, 8-10 p.m., at Début, 298 Mulberry Street, between Houston and Bleecker Streets (212-343-2717). All shirts are $200, and proceeds go to SCAD.
You’ve mastered au naturel and curly hair. Another style for your bag of tricks: the straight look.
In this video, stylist Liz Owusu shows her method for going from kinky to straight — using all-natural products. It takes awhile, so we suggest watching a movie while you’re straightening. The bonus: It’s a major arm workout.
If you’re in New York City, visit Georgia at 89a East Houston Street, between Elizabeth Street and Bowery (646-827-2428 or georgiany.com).
When two people like each other (but not like that), can they do the you-know-what without things getting ugly? Dan provides insight in this Ask the Office Guy.
Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.
Photo: Thinkstock
There’s no denying the goings-on at Hogwarts are irresistible (and if loving the books and movies is wrong, we don’t want to be right). But at what point does the affinity for adolescent wizards get weird/creepy? In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan works his advice magic.
Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.
Like what you see in DailyCandy’s Fashion Week coverage? Visit the Swirl pop-up shop. Starting September 8, the site will be selling the F/W 2010 ready-to-wear pieces (everything you see in this video) from designers Ann Yee, Bodkin, Samantha Pleet, Tom Scott, and Whit. Our editors are already drooling over the merch. Still not a Swirl member? Join here.
We’ve all witnessed the Jekyll and Hyde phenomenon: He won’t leave your side one night and pretends you don’t exist the next. What gives? Dan takes a stab at it in today’s Ask the Office Guy.
Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.
Songs you want to keep on repeat are easy to find. Entire albums you can’t stop listening to are another matter altogether.
Disconnect from Desire, the sophomore LP from indie electronic band School of Seven Bells, falls into category B. Twin sisters Alejandra and Claudia Deheza and bandmate Benjamin Curtis have amazing pipes and lyrics that hypnotize.
In today’s video, we hang out with the trio at a peacefully deserted urban escape (a dock along the East River in Brooklyn) as they perform a stripped-down version of our favorite song, “Windstorm.”
Their acoustic set is so mesmerizing, we start to see double (oh, wait).
For more information and national tour dates, go to sviib.com. Download Disconnect from Desire online at itunes.com. For more great music, watch our video with supermodel songstress Karen Elson.
| Up to 55% off His and Hers from American Apparel American Apparel singlehandedly made lowly basics into cool-kid must-haves. This time, we’ve got hoodies, polos, and tees for ladies and gents. One for him, two for you — at up to 55% off on Swirl. | |
There are things you don’t want on your wedding day (rain, red wine stains). And things you really don’t want (bad shellfish, terrible hair).
Safeguard against the latter by doing your hair yourself. (Yes, we’re serious.)
In today’s video, Michael Angelo, founder/owner of Wonderland Beauty Parlor in NYC, creates an elegant chignon that you (or your mom) can easily DIY. All you need are bobby pins, a rubber band, a curling iron, and some sculpting product. Add a special touch with clips or flowers.
What’s the appeal? You’ll look more natural — and the hairstylist is with you the entire reception should any strands fall. Not to mention, more money for the things you do want (expensive booze).
Want more great wedding advice? Be sure to watch our videos on dress shopping dos and don’ts, finding the right gown for your body type, and selecting a veil.

Don’t forget to adorn your do with one of these stylish hair accessories.
| Up to 65% off Alisha Levine With a model for a mom and a past as a Hollywood stylist, Alisha Levine is fashion royalty. Her thoughtful silk pieces (think flowy jewel-tone tanks and rompers with ruffles) fit any wardrobe — especially at up to 65% off on Swirl. | |
When a date goes well, it’s hard to resist sending a follow-up “That was great. See you soon!?” text immediately afterward. And another the next morning, afternoon, and night. But at what point are you going to freak someone out? In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan’s got the 411 on postdate texting.
Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.
Photo: kiwanja / Flickr
The French have a way with the classics. Case in point: Daniel Boulud’s simple, perfect burger.
In this video, renowned chef and owner of DBGB proffers his tips for an amazing stove-top burger, whether your stove is electric or gas (grills being not so common in New York). Besides a heat source and a good cast-iron pan, all you really need are fresh ingredients and a little know-how — and some Dijon mustard, bien sur.
We tried it at home, and let us say, this is one good burger. Start now, and you’ll be a pro by Labor Day.

Hungry for more? Check out recipes from other famous chefs, four picnic-perfect dishes, and Sophie Dahl’s to-die-for asparagus soup.
| Up to 65% off Noir When it comes to edgy-glam jewelry, Noir is anything but in the dark. A celeb favorite, the line is chockful of must-own statement pieces at up to 65% off today on Swirl. | |
In this video, makeup artist Ashley Kucich (whose work has graced the faces of Swirl) gives us useful pointers for applying faux lashes. We’ve also got a handy list of the items she uses: Shu Uemura eyelash curler ($19), DuraLash by Ardell black flare mini eyelashes ($4), and eyelash glue ($3).
Something you’re dying to DIY? Send your video suggestions to easydoesit@dailycandy.com.
Everyone dreads DTR (defining the relationship, duh) — but we all know it has to be done. So when’s the best time? Dan’s got the answer in today’s Ask the Office Guy.
Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.
Photo: Saturn_art / Flickr
The perfect blowout — one that leaves your hair silky, shiny, immune to humidity, and lasts, if you’re careful, three days — is magic. And the stylists in salons are magicians, guarding their secrets like the cure to baldness itself.
Until now. Here, Julie Dickson, owner of New York’s Fox & Boy salon (and star of other great hair how-tos, including the perfect messy side bun and cutting your own bangs) demystifies the whole process, from which brushes and hair dryers yield the best results to the all-important “how to make the back of my head look good when I can’t see it” dilemma. We did what she told us, and the results are pretty enchanting. If we do say so ourselves.
Something you’re dying to DIY? Send your video suggestions to easydoesit@dailycandy.com. For more information about Fox & Boy, go to foxandboy.com.

Check out our gallery of thirteen potions, serums, and powders for flawless hair.
| Up to 50% off Mercedes Salazar Mercedes Salazar claims her jewelry will “connect you to the universe.” Even if it doesn’t, the beaded pieces, crafted with ancestral techniques and finished with angel, star, and hamsa charms, are heavenly at up to 50% off on Swirl. | |
On one hand, Facebook friending your managers might make them see you as a person, not just a number. Then again, they might find out you got so iced last Saturday you peed in the sink. In this Ask the Office Guy, Dan weighs in.
Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.
In Craigslistspeak, a “garden apartment” can refer to a lush, grassy enclave or a sad Charlie Brown pine visible from your window. (Brokers have a creative way with language.)
But those who’ve been cheated of a true garden should consider houseplants — an easy, affordable way to see green every day. (That’s right, black-thumbed naysayers, we said easy.)
In today’s video, Peter Couchman of Verdant Gardens Design offers tips on getting plants to flourish, including advice for lazy gardeners and steering clear of lethal mistakes.
Couchman also helped us assemble a gallery of flora conducive to different degrees of sun exposure. Sadly, if you’ve got zero natural light, it’ll be tough to grow anything.
But take that up with your broker.
For more information about Verdant Gardens Design, go to verdantgardens.com.
Your best friend feels like you’ve deserted her for your new guy. Your boyfriend thinks ol’ bestie is a controlling meddler. How can you make them be pals? In this edition of Ask the Office Guy, Dan’s got the answer — and it doesn’t involve a threesome.
Got a question for our office guy? E-mail him at theofficeguy@dailycandy.com.
Wearing your hair down in this humidity guarantees you’ll look like a frazzled poodle by midmorning.
This pretty wraparound braid, on the other hand, stays put even after absorbing drips from every AC unit in a twenty-block radius. In today’s video, hairstylist Jamie Cook of Whittemore House provides a step-by-step tutorial.
It may not be the easiest, and you might need an assistant to hand you bobby pins and stray locks the first time you do it. But we’re proof that anybody can DIY. (Even some of our shorter-haired coworkers have pulled it off.)
A little unruliness actually complements this style. But if you’re really all thumbs, there are the messy side bun and asymmetrical ponytail options. And if you’re still worried about frizz, check out our gallery of summer-proof hair products.
Or put your locks in expert hands: Whittemore House is offering 20 percent off all salon services through August 11. Mention DailyCandy when booking and make an appointment for no later than August 11 to receive the deal.
Something you’re dying to DIY? Send your questions to easydoesit@dailycandy.com.
Living together is one thing. Living and working together all day, every day (yikes), is something else entirely.
Yet cutest couple ever, designers Bianca Benitez and Rob Sinclair, pull it off beautifully. The result: their amazing line, Dear Creatures.
In our video, hear about their inspiration — and get a sneak peek of everything that’s going to be up for grabs on our sample sale site, Swirl, starting July 19. We’re talking sailor-inspired tanks, jean shorts with removable suspender-style straps, and patterned rompers (our favorite), created exclusively for us.
The best part: Everything’s 65 percent off the retail price. And that’s something we can live with.
Sale begins July 19 exclusively at swirl.com.