Since 1982, Ouidad (pronounced wedôd) was the very first stylist and salon owner in the country to specialize in curly hair. Today, editors at national fashion and beauty magazines consult Ouidad regularly and consider her to be the "Queen of Curl." Ouidad combined scientific knowledge with an understanding of curly hair's special needs. She takes an active part in formulating and creating her line of protein and vitamin enriched hair products that work with antioxidants to make curls defined, soft, shiny and manageable.

Ouidad signs copies of her new book "Curl Talk", a must-read for those with curly hair.

Ouidad began her whirlwind career as a student styling hair for top designers, Broadway productions and advertising agencies in New York and abroad. Her name became synonymous with curly hair, as well as her famous trademark cutting technique "Carving and Slicing."

Curly hair tends to be dehydrated due to its spiral structure. Straight hair's cuticle (hair's protective outermost layer) has a smooth, resistant surface. Curly hair's cuticle layer is lifted away from the hair shaft causing the hair to lose moisture, resulting in dry, frizzy unmanageable hair. When the molecular layer is filled with amino acids and proteins, the hair will have its own internal weight and will not react to humidity. Why? The answer is simple: there is no room for water to seep in, so hair looks smoother, shinier, and it behaves.

At the 2004 Curl Convention, Ouidad explains the finer points of curly hair to participants.

All curls can be healthier, shinier, and more manageable with Ouidad. Curly hair is lively and fun. Taking care of it doesn't need to be a burden and take hours of your time. Unfortunately, many of us are guilty of purchasing hair care products that aren't right for our curls. These products then end up in a "hair product graveyard." In most cases, people are selecting formulas that are inappropriate for their hair type or using the products incorrectly. Curly hair requires specific products, and Ouidad's products are specifically designed for curly hair. And they are always satisfaction guaranteed!