I Finally Found The Best Curl Cream To Enhance My Subtle Waves – Here’s My Review

Meredith Holser
Jun 20, 2024
Best Curl defining Cream review

I’ve never claimed to have curly hair. Sure, I’ve caught a little ringlet here and there, but having a full head of curls never seemed like it’d be a reality for me. That was until I found this life-changing curl-defining cream! Turns out, with the proper product (and plenty of guidance from self-proclaimedTikTok beauty gurus), I could rock more ringlets than I ever thought possible.

Meredith Holser

I owe my newfound confidence with curls to none other than the SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream, which they claim is their “#1 curl defining hair cream product for thick, curly hair.” It’s meant to reduce frizz, smooth your hair, and facilitate soft, bouncy curls.

I honestly tried this product on a whim, not expecting it to any of those things for me. I mean, I definitely don’t have thick, curly hair naturally. But, knowing I’ve spotted a few curls in my hair here and there, I thought there wouldn’t be any harm in at least giving it a try. I thought it’d be nice to be able to style my hair heat-free, especially in summer. The worst that could happen is I invest a few dollars in the curl cream, and if it didn’t work, I could pass it off to one of my friends!

Meredith Holser

My first trial with this curl cream was not successful by any means. I ignored any instructions the packaging had to offer. Call me a rule-breaker!

The first go-around, I had applied a quarter-sized amount to the ends and mid-sections of my hair (post-shower) after it had dried a considerable amount. This was not the move, since it appeared to really weigh down my locks and surprisingly, added a weird texture that felt thick and oily. (Which, side note, shouldn't have come as a surprise since the cream has both coconut and neem oils in it).

The second, third, and fourth trials were really where I started to find my footing with the SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream. I slowly found that using a small amount of the product (pea-sized squeeze) worked best for me, especially on mostly-wet hair.

I would part and brush my towel-dried hair straight out of the shower, then “scrunch” the product into my wet locks as evenly as I could. From there, I wouldn’t dare touch a brush again. I would simply scrunch my hair incrementally to guide my curls as they dried, also making sure to push up around my root area for volume. And voila, they stayed in place! I had curly, bouncy, and smooth semi-curly hair.

Meredith Holser

I can’t give the curl cream total kudos to my ideal curls, though. After my hair would dry a bit using the SheaMoisture Smoothie, I would use a light layer of the amika Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Treatment Mask to further eliminate frizzy flyaways (of which I have many), and it helped define my curls even further. Might I say, ‘power duo’?

I actually bought a 3.2-ounce tube of the SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream fromTarget for a little under $4 since I wanted to start small and see if it worked for me, but you can also snag a 12-ounce tub of the same product on Amazon for $9 (originally $12, so buying it from Amazon is a better value).

Meredith Holser

If you don’t have naturally curly hair and want to give this curl cream a try, my best advice is to go very light with the amount you apply. I definitely recommend putting it exclusively on wet hair, ideally after you shower or drench your second-day hair with a spray bottle. From there, brushing or running your fingers through your hair is a no-go, as I found it disturbs the formation of the curls.

Amazon

SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream

The SheaMoisture Smoothie Curl Enhancing Cream has earned 4.5/5 stars from shoppers on Amazon and a 12-ounce pot is currently on sale for $9 (was $12).

Amazon

amika Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Treatment Mask

The amika Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Treatment Mask has earned 3.8/5 stars from shoppers on Amazon and a 6.7-ounce bottle currently goes for $32.

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How To Reverse Postpartum Hair Loss, According According To Certified Experts

I'll never forget the moment I realized I was in the thick of postpartum hair loss. My natural hair was coming out in clumps every timed I washed or brushed it — I was devastated, which is honestly the understatement of the century. However, things got better over time and my hair eventually grew back.

All I could think about after that ordeal is how many other first-time moms felt confused about postpartum hair loss. We get so much information about taking care of our newborns that sometimes our own care feels lost in the shuffle.

My curiosity led me to Certified Nurse Midwife Lucy Chapin of Mad River Birth and Wellness and Double Board Certified, Parth Patel, MD of PS Dermatology & Surgery. They helped me breakdown what happens during postpartum hair loss, and also shared a few tips for how you can combat it and get your hair back to being its healthiest after you give birth.

What is postpartum hair loss and why does it happen?

Ebony Forsyth

There's a few reasons why postpartum hair loss occurs, and they're not as scary as you think. "While it might seem like your hair is falling out excessively, it's actually a matter of catching up," Dr. Patel says.

Did you just raise an eyebrow in confusion? It's okay because I did the same thing when I talked to my OBGYN about my concerns as a first-time mom. Prior to that giving birth, my hair was shiny and it was growing quicker than it had before.

The reason for this, Dr. Patel explains, is that hormonal shifts — particularly increased estrogen — prolong the growth phase of your hair follicles. "This explains the luscious locks many moms experience while expecting," he shares.

"After delivery, however, estrogen levels plummet, causing a large number of hair follicles to enter the resting phase and eventually shed. This shedding typically starts around 3-4 months postpartum and can last up to a year."

This is something that even shocked Rihanna. She told Refinery29that her postpartum hair loss didn't even occur at the same time. "I didn’t expect it to happen in waves. I thought it would just happen and grow back," she said. If it can happen to Rihanna, it can happen to any of us!

Is it postpartum hair loss permanent issue?

MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

Most of us are used to seeing a few hair strands on our clothes or in our bathroom sinks here and there because hair regularly sheds. But, it can be scary to see your hair shedding at what feels like an alarming rate. I actually screamed the first time I washed my hair and saw a ton of hair in my shower.

Do you want to know a secret though? Your hair will grow back!

"The positive element is that postpartum hair loss is temporary, and your hair will eventually return to its pre-pregnancy fullness," Dr. Patel says. This may take time, but its reassuring to know that this shedding won't last forever.

How can moms combat postpartum hair loss?

Jeanne-Marie Dennis

I opted to start over fresh by getting a pixie cut, but you don't have to go that route if you don't want to! Lucy Chapin and Dr. Patel say there are other ways to combat postpartum hair loss that can help ease the shock of seeing your hair fall out.

Bring Up Your Concerns To Your Provider To Help Maintain Your Health

"Work with your care providers to make sure you do not have anemia or a thyroid imbalance," Chapin suggests. This is actually something I had checked because a few women in my family have thyroid issues, but I'm grateful that my levels were normal.

Chapin also suggests that you don't stop taking your prenatal vitamins in addition to eating a diet rich in protein and healthy fats. We don't always get all of the nutrients we need in our diet so it's important to help support your body's efforts to balance your hormones.

Most importantly, Dr. Patel says to keep hydrated! "Dehydration can impact hair growth. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day." This is especially true if you're breastfeeding during the postpartum period.

Medhanshi Mandawewala

Be Gentle With Your Hair & Body

This is something everyone should be doing on a regular basis, but I know I'm guilty of not being gentle with my hair if I'm in a rush. But, the best thing you can do when experiencing postpartum hair loss is to give your hair lots of TLC and grace.

Dr. Patel says, "Avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp and use a wide-tooth comb to minimize breakage. Opt for lukewarm showers and pat your hair dry instead of rubbing." Similarly, Lucy thinks you should limit your use of heat. This may be hard for those of us who love to blow dry and flat iron our hair, but it's one of the best things you can do. If you need inspo, here's a few heatless hairstyles you can try!

If you decide to cut your hair into a pixie cut like I did, I'll say that using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner helped a ton. Simultaneously, Dr. Patel says it's okay to use volumizing products to "...addd body and make the hair appear thicker while it regrows."

In between wash days, you can give yourself a scalp massage. "Stimulating your scalp with a gentle massage can improve blood circulation, which may promote hair growth," Dr. Patel explains.

One last thing you can do is ask your doctor if topical Minoxidil (think Rogaine) is beneficial to combat postpartum hair loss. Dr. Patel says, "Don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results," which goes for just about anything!

Final Thoughts From A First-Time Mom

PNW Production

I'm not going to lie to you — it can be scary when you're in the thick of postpartum and may be having a hard time navigating it. My hope for you is that you have an incredible support system around you from your village (S.O., parents, siblings, friends) to your healthcare providers because no one is meant to weather parenthood alone.

As much as your newborn baby needs a ton of love and care, so do you. It's actually something Chapin is adamant about and feels will help you continue combatting postpartum hair loss. "Consider how will you be nurtured during postpartum so your stress is minimized," she says.

Stress has a funny way of showing up, so while one person may break out in hives when they're stressed, a mom may experience more hair loss as a result. Take it from someone whose hair started breaking along her hairline two years after giving birth.

The more you're able to ask for what you need while also being patient with your individual journey, the more you'll be able to aid yourself and be present for your baby.

Looking for more advice, first time moms? Be sure to follow us on Facebook!

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Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club Just Announced It's Dark July Pick!

I've recently started sitting on my balcony in the morning to catch up on standout book club reads, and it's been so refreshing. Call me obsessive, but I just can't get enough of finding hidden gems that others — like Jenna Bush Hager — are reading. When she's not co-hosting TODAY with Hoda & Jenna, she's sharing her monthly book club picks on Read With Jenna and accompanying podcast!

Created by Hager in 2019, Read With Jenna features over 50 titles that Hager eagerly shares with other book lovers. She told The Today Show, "There's nothing like falling in love with a book," and I wholeheartedly agree. If you can't get enough of curating your own bookshelf, here are 26standout reads from Jenna Bush Hager's book club.

July 2024

Amazon

In a time where America is in the midst of political and social changes, a small town in Missouri is left shaken by the disappearance of girls. Despite the residents' fears, no one knows why this is happening nor do they know where to begin searching for the missing girls.

But, a young boy by the name of Patch decides to step up to the plate to return the daughter of a well-to-do family. Though the family seems to be grateful for her return, unrest begins bubbling underneath the town's surface.

As Patch and his family begin grappling with what it means to be a hero in society's eyes, they also realize that some things are merely a facade to hide darker truths.

June 2024

Swift River by Essie Chambers (June 4)

Prepare to be transported through time as you read one family's saga through the yes of the young Diamond Newberry.

She and her mom have relied on other people to drive them wherever they need to go since her Pop vanished without any indication of where he could be. Everyone in town knows who Diamond is and they often subject her to harsh bullying. It's something she wishes would change, but the only thing she can foresee is her mother's sheer determination to move on with their lives.

That sounds great, but Diamond's suddenly left with more answers when she learns about more of the women in the Newberry family. She even learns more information about her Pop that paint a much larger picture than she originally saw. What this does is creates a strong tether that helps Diamond start finding her place in the very world that's sought to mistreat her.

But, how much of Diamond's life will be forever changed the more she learned?

May 2024

Real Americans by Rachel Khong

Real Americans is a beautiful story about identity, class, and more in America. It begins with Lily Chen falling in love with Matthew despite their different backgrounds. She's dealing with being an unpaid intern who's the child of someone who escaped Mao's Cultural Revolution while Matthew is the heir of a successful pharmaceutical company. Nevertheless, they somehow manage to fit together.

But, something happens in between the time they fall in love and the moment Lily's son Nick realizes his mom seems to be keeping something from him. She's never talked about his father and this has only piqued his curiosity even more.

The more he tries to find answers about his dad, the more Nick realizes there's not always a clear path to the past.

April 2024

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

What if you came home from work one day to discover you're married to a stranger and everyone knows but you? That's exactly what happens to Lauren and it confuses her because she's sure she'd remember getting married. Not only that, but she's apparently been married for a while. Everyone in her life knows and the life around her shows evidence that her marriage isn't a fluke. So why can't she remember it?

The answer to her question lies in the mysterious act that occurs in the attic. For some reason, it's become a place where she 'receives' new husbands and a brand new lifestyle. She starts to enjoy the newness of living different lives, but eventually she wonders if it's possible to find happiness in one of the realities she's being afforded.

March 2024

The Great Divide by Cristina Henríquez

Debuting tomorrow, The Great Divide is a tale about the intersection of lives, compassion, and dedication. Set in Panama, the novel allows readers to form an intimate relationship with Omar, Ada Bunting, and John Oswald as they navigate circumstances that bring them together.

Despite his father's disdain for a new canal that's been commissioned to be built, Omar finds himself among one of the workers tasked with paving the way for it to exist. It's backbreaking work that takes a toll on him, but his weariness is comforted by Ada. Having seen firsthand how Ada cares for those who are fragile or sick, scientist John Oswald immediately enlists her help due to his wife being sick.

The Great Divide sweeps you into it's compassionate arms and has an ending that'll surely make your heart swell.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

To celebrate it's 40th anniversary, Jenna Bush Hager's book club has named The House on Mango Street as it's second pick for March! It's about Esperanza Cordero's desire to define who she is outside of what her Spanish culture has chosen for her. There's moments of sheer bliss that make heart-wrenching recollections easier to stomach, but Esperanza always finds a way to embrace how these things make her who she is.

February 2024

Good Material

Good Material is the new coming-of-age novel for adults who are still trying to figure out if they're adulting properly and revolves a series of events that makes main character Andy feel like he's down on his luck. From watching the breakdown of his longterm relationship to feeling like he's not growing as a comedian, it's clear that Andy is ready to do whatever it takes to become better in the love and career departments. But, is he truly ready to learn his life's lessons and will he be prepared for what happens next?

January 2024

The Waters

Trigger Warning: This novel contains graphic mention of animal cruelty.
The Waters is a gripping tale that involves Hermine "Herself" Zook's unmistakable way of healing others in Whiteheart, Michigan. However, she doesn't have the best relationship with her daughters and this makes for a complicated life when her granddaughter, Dorothy "Donkey" Zook" is left in her care.

Despite Donkey's desire to run free in Whiteheart, her family's past threatens to disrupt that and then some. Will she be able to understand what's threatening the community around her or history repeat itself? Find out when the book releases January 9, 2024.

December 2023

We Must Not Think of Ourselves

#ReadWithJenna announced its December pick yesterday and it's a historical novel that's sure to tug at your heartstrings. We Must Not Think of Ourselves follows Adam Paskow's journey as a Jew held captive by the Nazis. He later finds himself working alongside others who are committed to immortalizing history as it unfolds around them. Not without flaws, Adam unintentionally falls in love with Sala Wiskoff despite the latter being a married mother. This thrusts him into a world filled with complicated choices fueled by the need to survive and love.

Will his choices hinder those he's agreed to help or will he prove that taking risks is necessary for history to move forward? Pick up a copy of We Must Not Think of Ourselves to find out!

November 2023

The Sun Sets in Singapore

To help ring in a new month, Jenna Bush Hager's book club announced its November pick earlier today. Available for purchase tomorrow, The Sun Sets in Singapore introduces us to three women whose paths seem different at first glance. However, each of them have something that's lurking behind initial assumptions. As Dara, Amaka and Lillian find themselves 'lost' in Singapore's paradise, they begin to realize there is a such thing as too much tranquility - especially if it's disguised to hide life-altering truths. Will they be able to confront what they've escaped from or will it continue to follow them like shadows on a summer day?

October 2023

How To Say Babylon

Jenna Bush Hager's October pick is a tale of what happens when toxic traditional views begin to threaten a family's foundation. Young Safiya Sinclair must come to grips with her father's authoritative reign over her family, especially when she realizes her mother's only act of rebellion is making sure her daughters are educated. It's something that Sinclair allows to open her mind and set her free from her father's views.

A Woman Is No Man

Let your curiosity and assumptions about this book's cover introduce you to the journey of Deya. While she has her sights set on going to college and chasing her dreams, her strict grandmother is only concerned about Deya becoming someone's wife. Tradition seems to rule her life, and it's the last thing Deya wants. A random turn of events grants her wish and takes her on a journey of self-discovery where she learns what it means to be a woman whose voice is not only heard, but also respected.

Searching For Sylvie Lee

Families can carry hidden secrets that threaten to undo everything one knows once they begin searching for the truth. And this is exactly what happens when Amy rushes to find out what happened to her older sister Sylvie after her disappearance. With her confidence growing as she draws nearer to the truth, Amy is faced with the difficult task of seeing her family without rose-colored glasses and has to decide what that means for them as well as her.

Nothing to See Here

When Lillian drifts apart from her roommate and eventual friend Madison, she thinks nothing of it. That is until Madison begs her to help her caring for her stepchildren whose irritation manifests as fire. Over time Lillian is able to develop a beautiful relationship with the twins and learns the depths of her love are limitless.

The Girl With The Louding Voice

As she grows up in Nigeria, Adunni longs for a future that looks different from what she's always known. She goes to great lengths to figure out how to do so and this takes her down a path filled with sorrow and faith.

Valentine

When Mary Rose Whitehead finds young Gloria Ramirez on her doorstep, she quickly realizes a vicious act of brutality happened. Unfortunately, justice isn't swift and this leads Whitehead to take matters into her own hand.

A Burning

A Burning takes readers on a tale that intertwines the lives of three different people. Beginning with the public smear campaign of Jivan, readers are then introduced to a gym teacher whose ambitions cloud his judgment and a sweet, yet misunderstood soul who works to clear Jivan's name.

Friends and Strangers

Friends and Strangers follows Elisabeth and Sam as they navigate what it means to show up in the different seasons of their lives. They somehow form an unlikely friendship that's quickly threatened and leads to things that are hard to come back from.

Leaving The World Behind

When Amanda and Clay decide to take a breather from city life with their teenagers, they initially feel they're in for peace and quiet at the rural location they've chosen. Unfortunately for them, the owners of the home they're renting arrive in the middle of the night. It's a tale of wariness that spills over and it's up to the reader to decide if it's warranted or not.

White Ivy

People aren't always what they seem, and Ivy Lin is a prime example of this. She learns how to steal from her grandmother, and she doesn't stop until her mother decides enough is enough. After being sent to China, Ivy grows to become trustworthy and evens bumps into her former crush's sister. But, her past begins to haunt her and she finds out that some things are hard to forget.

What's Mine And Yours

Gee and Noelle's worlds collide when integration brings them together. Behind the scenes we find that their mothers — both with strong opposing views — are doing what they feel is best to prepare their children for a life in America. Each has their own reasoning even if it threatens to erase who their children truly are.

Good Company

Flora Mancini is forced to question the life she and her husband have built when she discovers he didn't actually lose his wedding ring years ago. It's enough to make anyone go mad, but she somehow works to piece together the puzzle to discover the truth and decide how to move forward.

Malibu Rising

Things reach a fever pitch in this tale about family secrets and longing. Each of the Riva siblings have their own ghosts and anticipation to look forward to as their famous summer party draws near. It's only a matter of time before things bubbling underneath the surface burst in front of everyone.

Hell of a Book

Hell of a Book is about an author who's being followed by an imaginary child and a Black boy named Soot. As the past and present collide, Hell of a Book somehow lives up to its name in a reckoning tale.

Bright Burning Things

Bright Burning Things sheds light on a former entertainers love for her son and struggle to part ways with drinking. It's a tale that's familiar to those who have parents who struggle with alcoholism and the pain it often inflicts.

Black Cake

With their mother's cryptic message and a family-long recipe involving black cake looming between them, brothers Byron and Benny must work together to learn more about her history. They also have to find a way to repair their relationship before everything that still ties them together is lost forever. Be sure to read Black Cake before it comes out on Hulu this November!

Remarkably Bright Creatures

Tova Sullivan has suffered two great tragedies in life — the death of her husband and her son's unsolved disappearance. When she befriends an octopus named Marcellus, he becomes determine to help her understand what happened to her son before evidence is completely lost at sea.

Check Out More Titles From Jenna Bush Hager's Book Club:

Images via Amazon

Which books are you adding to end-of-year reading list? Let us know in the comments and follow our Amazon Storefront for more of must read picks!
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Lead image via Read With Jenna/Instagram
This post has been updated.
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8 Best Low Porosity Hair Products, According To Experts

Knowing your hair type is one of the most valuable and beneficial things to your hair health — especially when it comes to the porosity of your hair. Hair porosity means the level at which your hair absorbs moisture or water, and it's categorized as low, medium, or high. Sometimes, low porosity hair — which is slower to absorb water — can keep you from getting the proper hydration to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy.

Dr. Ross Kopelman, hair transplant surgeon, explained, "Low porosity hair has tightly closed cuticles that make it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. This can lead to dryness and product buildup, as products tend to sit on the hair rather than being absorbed." He also mentioned that this can lead to breakage and tangling since your hair is having a hard time retaining moisture.

Luckily, there's a way to help low porosity hair maintain its health, get rid of excess buildup, and retain moisture through specific products like shampoos and masks. I talked to experts Clyde Haygood (celebrity hairstylist), Dr. Ross Kopelman(hair surgeon and expert), and Kseniya Popova (lead chemist and head of R&D for The Rootist) to get all their product recommendations for the best low porosity hair products to try right now!

Amazon

SheaMoisture Hair Mask

Dr. Ross Kopelman recommended this hair mask from SheaMoisture, noting that it will help heal your hair cuticles and allow products to more deeply penetrate the hair. This is exactly what we're looking for, since with low porosity hair, products have a hard time reaching your hair cuticles and fully absorbing. This will also help any breakage you might've gotten given your hair type!

Amazon

Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner

This was another great leave-in recommended by Dr. Kopelman to help repair breakage and attract moisture. He says that it has glycerin and honey which both help your low porosity hair to really retain the moisture in a light, non-greasy way.

Amazon

The Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo

If you're needing a bit of a deeper cleanse but have very sensitive hair, then this recommendation from Dr. Kopelman might be just what you're looking for! He let us know that this shampoo is thorough and effective, yet still gentle for any sensitive hair-types! According to his solid advice, you only need to use it once a month to remove any buildup that might be preventing your hair from being able to fully absorb moisture!

Amazon

The Rootist AHA Pre-Shampoo

Lead Chemist and Head of R&D for The Rootist, Kseniya Popova, says that this pre-shampoo is great for the low porosity hair gals! She gave us great insight by saying, "This pre-shampoo treatment is fantastic for those with low porosity who want to target product build-up and excess oil. The alpha hydroxy acids glycolic acid and lactic acid and apple cider vinegar help to gently exfoliate without stripping natural, healthy oils that need to coat the hair."

The Rootist

BioBrew Fermented Strengthening Serum

Kseniya Popova also told us about this great strengthening serum from her company, The Rootist! She says that it is a great serum that has super nourishing ingredients like moringa oil, along with vitamin C that help to condition cuticles and boost hydration. And bonus! They added a heat-protecting active, for up to 450 degrees, that is super beneficial to low porosity hair when using hot tools like curling irons and hair dryers.

The Rootist

Strengthen Concentrated Shampoo and Conditioner

Kseniya also recommended this amazing shampoo and conditioner duo from her company that she says is great for low porosity hair. She explained that they help to cleanse the roots, scalp, and hair without causing damage or stripping moisture — exactly what you need for cleansing low porosity hair without stripping away all the natural oils and moisture excessively. Kseniya said, "It is necessary to strengthen low porosity hair fibers because they are prone to brittleness and breakage. The Strengthen Concentrated Shampoo contains yuzu ceramides and hydrolyzed proteins that will help to strengthen the hair fibers of low porosity hair. And the Strengthen Concentrated Conditioner contains coating emollients, such as coconut oil, acai oil, rice brand and passion fruit oils that lock in necessary moisture" This means that you'll really be able to lock in moisture, down to the root!

Amazon

Pura D'or Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo

We got a great recommendation from celebrity hairstylist, Clyde Haygood, when it comes to drier low porosity hair. He says this shampoo will be great because it infuses biotin, keratin and caffeine to boost hair health and shine in a lightweight formula. This mean it won't be too heavy or greasy, but still helping to retain moisture.

Amazon

Pura D'or Hair Thinning Therapy

Dealing with hair thinningand low porosity? Well, hair expert Clyde Haygood has just the thing for you. He said this mask is one of his favorite products for how it hydrates the hair, targeting both hair thinning and low porosity. He also added, " Using a hair mask once a week is also a great way to strengthen strands and protect hair from heat styling damage. I also love that it’s free from harsh chemicals, hypo-allergenic, vegan and cruelty free which is ideal for all hair types." Sounds like just what we're looking for!

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Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo's "Wicked" Is Coming To Theaters Early

Following in the footsteps of movie musicals like Mean Girls, Wicked might just be the 2024 movie we're most excited for. The fantastical design, beautiful songs, and enemies-turned-besties relationship between Elphaba and Glinda come together like magic. The show first opened on Broadway in 2003 with Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda. Stephen Schwartz, lyricist and composer, has teased the film since 2017, and every little bit of new news gets us more excited to finally travel to Oz on the big screen. Keep reading for everything we know about the gravity-defying fall movie!

What is the Wicked movie release date?

Universal Pictures

Wicked: Part I hits theaters on November 22, 2024. It was originally scheduled for a Christmas release (and then Thanksgiving) but the sooner, the better IMO!

Watch The Wicked Trailer!

Universal Pictures

If you didn't already believe that Wicked was going to be the musical movie event of the century, this trailer will convince you. The dancing! The costumes! The literal magic! I am going to be weeping the entire time (and I need to start working on my Halloween costume STAT!)

Check Out The New Wicked Poster

Universal Pictures

The newest Wicked poster shows off Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba like we've never seen! As a Glinda girl myself, I love to see all the details on Ariana's costume, plus all the texture and intricacies on Cynthia's. The poster is totally giving "The Creation of Adam" painting with Glinda and Elphaba just out of reach of one another — and it also reminds of "Defying Gravity" since Elphaba is in the air!

Who else is in the Wicked movie cast?

Sophy Holland/Universal Pictures/Vanity Fair

We got a first (leaked) look at Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero the week of May 13. We already know that he can sing so we're extra excited to see him in action alongside Ariana and Cynthia!

In this Vanity Fair first look, we see the three actors are joined by a powerhouse cast including Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard and Everything Everywhere All At Once star (and Academy Award winner!!) Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible. The cast also features Broadway actor Ethan Slater as Boq, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, SNL star Bowen Yang as Pfannee, and The Greatest Showman actress Keala Settle as Miss Coddle.

We might have gotten a first glimpse at the movie during CinemaCon 2023, but this year's convention finally revealed the one cast member we've been waiting for: Dr. Dillamond, who will be played by Peter Dinklage.

"The wicked movie now has an academy award winner, grammy winner, tony winner and an oliver award winner," says @sheeshgwws on X. "i mean the talent is stacked."

Who auditioned for the Wicked movie?

Kevin Winter/Frazer Harrison/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Before we got the official Wicked cast list, it turns out that a lot of our favorite stars went out for the film! When the movie was in its earliest stages of pre-production, back in 2014, Lea Michele and Harry Styles were reportedly the frontrunners for Elphaba and Fiyero (via The Guardian).

And once Jon M. Chu was attached to direct and the film really took off, a lot of stars we know and love made it into the audition room. Reneé Rapp told Watch What Happens Live that she auditioned for Glinda, while Dove Cameron confirmed she also auditioned for the role, via The Wrap. Amanda Seyfried was also in the running for the Good Witch, and revealed she auditioned (via Cosmopolitan) when she was playing Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout.

But the most surprising bit of news to me is that Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas went out for the same role! Nick confirmed to Variety that both brothers auditioned for Fiyero.

Considering in the mid-2010s One Direction was at the top of their game, Mamma Mia star Amanda Seyfried proved her singing chops again in Les Misérables, and we all had major crushes on the Jonas Brothers (still do, TBH), this cast would have overwhelmed every Tumblr musical theater girlie in the very best way.

Who is Jonathan Bailey playing in Wicked?

Sophy Holland/Universal Pictures/Vanity Fair

Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton is starring as playboy-turned-lover boy Fiyero. When he first meets Glinda and Elphaba, he's taken with Glinda's charm and popularity, but he quickly realizes there's much more to Elphaba than meets the eye. In this Vanity Fair first look, we see that just like Anthony Bridgerton, Fiyero has an affinity for vests, billowy shirts, and horses. I'm not mad about it.

Why was Ariana Grande at the Oscars 2024?

Rodin Eckenroth/Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo presented the award for "Best Score" and "Best Original Song" at the Oscars 2024! The duo showed up ahead of the Wicked movie (which hits theaters this fall), wearing their best Oz-approved fashion. Ariana Grande wore a voluminous bubblegum pink gown from Giambattista Valli Haute Couture that was reminiscent of Glinda the Good Witch, while Cynthia Erivo channeled Elphaba in a leather green Louis Vuitton dress.

While the aesthetic and fabric of both dresses were very different (similar to their Wicked characters!) both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo looked stunning and otherworldly thanks to the artistic silhouettes. I am simply in love with Ariana's off-the-shoulder bubble cape, and Cynthia's ruffled sleeves. I can't wait to see the rest of their press looks!

What is the Wicked movie about?

Universal Pictures

Wicked is an origin story for the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good from The Wizard of Oz. As young women, Elphaba and Glinda uncover the wizard's plot to suppress all of the animals in Oz and keep his power. When Elphaba tries to expose him, he frames her for the act. Wicked will be directed by Jon M. Chu, who also directed 2021's In The Heights. We loved his work on that blockbuster musical, so we can't wait to see what Chu brings to the big screen with Wicked this time!

Who will play Elphaba in the wicked movie?

Cynthia Erivo/Instagram

Elphaba will be played by Broadway star Cynthia Erivo. She starred in a revival of The Color Purplefrom 2015 to 2017, winning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance. She also took to the screen in films like Harriet, Pinocchio, and Bad Times at the El Royale. Cynthia Erivo first teased her Wicked look in an Instagram post, and we can't wait to see more!

Who is playing Glinda?

Ariana Grande/Instagram

Popstar and actress Ariana Grande will play Glinda in the films. We're very excited about this, especially after she sang "The Wizard And I" at the 2018 Wicked 15th Anniversary Special. Ariana may be a global pop sensation, but she has strong roots in musical theatre, starring as Charlotte in 13 the Musical in 2008. She's also been asking the Wicked team about a movie for over ten years!

“Since I was 20, I was like, ‘Hey, I don't know when this is happening, but when it's happening, may I please at least just audition?’" Ariana Grande tells Amazon Music's Zach Sang. "That's all I wanted, was an audition. I've never wanted anything more.”

Ariana prepped for the audition with “voice lessons every day, acting lessons every day” for six whole months. “I trained every single day to prove to [Wicked producers] that I could handle taking on this other person," she says.

Why is the Wicked movie two parts?

Universal Pictures

Wicked will be split into two parts, just like the Broadway show. That way, the stakes will feel higher, and we'll have more time with the characters! The two-part release follows in the footsteps of blockbusters like The Hunger Games and Dune. Wicked: Part I will premiere in November 2024, and the second part will follow the next year.

Why is Wicked coming out in 2024?

Universal Pictures

The Wicked movie was originally supposed to premiere in 2021 but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film got pushed. Thankfully, the strikes during the summer of 2023 didn't delay the movie at all!

Watch The Brand New Preview For "Wicked" Here!

Universal Pictures

Hopefully the wait for Thanksgiving will only feel like One Short Day...until then, catch us watching this preview on repeat!

Keep checking back here for more Wicked movie updates and let us know what you're most excited about on Twitter! Until we get to see the movie in theaters, check out the top Spring Movies and Summer Movies to watch in the meantime!

Featured image via Wicked LLC

This post has been updated.

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15 Things We NEED to Happen In “And Just Like That” Season 3

I think about Sex and the City a lot. It’s more than just my favorite show; it’s a way of life — a guidebook, if you will — of what to do and what not to do. As a serial re-watcher and Carrie stan, I see a lot of myself in our heroine. I too have made fashion faux pas, dated the wrong men, and tried to cobble together my interests and hobbies into some semblance of a career. I’ve quoted Carrie et all too many times to count, and took her voiceovers as a form of gospel. And I’m sure a lot of other NYC-based, fashion-loving millennials can relate.

Suffice it to say, I was pretty stoked when And Just Like That was announced. And while I can understand the collective disappointment of what seems to be all womankind, I’ve actually quite enjoyed having Carrie & co (minus Samantha) back in my life for the sequel series. However, the hard truth is that AJLT would be fine as a standalone show...but it isn't strong enough to match the cultural significance of its predecessor.

However, as a New York City-based writer and content creator who happens to be the exact age Carrie was at the start of the series, I’d like to believe that I have pretty good insight into what resonates with the OG fanbase. So, here are 15 plot lines I'd love to see on And Just Like Thatseason 3. HBO writers, take note and feel free to use any ideas in this open letter as you draft future episodes. 😉

Amalita Amalfi Visits New York Again

HBO

We met Amalita Amalfi in Season 1, described both as "an international party girl" and "a hooker with a passport." She introduces Carrie to a few "friends," who help her out when Carrie is short on cash. We never see Amalita again, which is a shame, because she seems like a interesting woman who's lived an exciting life. I'd love to see Carrie dial back her judgement (she's now twenty-five years older, after all) and run into Amalita the next time she's in NYC. Present day Carrie could use some fun, and TBH — Amalita is more entertaining than all of our new characters put together.

Carrie Reconnects With ​Mike Singer

HBO

Mike Singer is Carrie's longtime friend from Season 1, who she's never slept with. When we meet him, he's been dating Libby, a woman who he deems below him and is therefore embarrassed to be seen with her. Luckily, Libby meets someone else and dumps him. We're left to believe that Mike learned his lesson, but it's hard to say, because we never see or hear from him again.

While Mike was certainly no gem, there was something nice about Carrie having a male friend who is straight and totally platonic. This friendship was good for her, and I enjoyed seeing how comfortable she was with him. It's unfortunate she never found that type of friendship again.

Carrie's Reunited With Her Stolen Shoes

HBO

I love Tatum O'Neal, but hated her on Sex and the City. And that hatred still hasn't gone away, twenty years later. Why? Because her character, Kyra, is one of the most maddening humans in the entire series.

In one of the most iconic episodes, "A Woman's Right To Shoes," Carrie's invited to a birthday party for one of Kyra's multiple children. She's expected to give a gift, of course, and does so with a smile. During the party, Carrie's shoes are stolen from Kyra's home, and she proceeds to blame Carrie for spending so much money on shoes and "not having a real life." Carrie put it best when she said, "she shoe-shamed me!"

By the end of the episode, Kyra's put in her place and replaces Carrie's pricy (yet beautiful) Manolos, but it's not an easy road to get there. This episode made so many good points and truly stood the test of time, and I'd really like to see some of that same magic come back to And Just Like That. Naturally, I have a few ideas of how we can make it happen:

  1. Carrie finally tracks down the mysterious Jessica, who Kyra noted as the likely culprit.
  2. Allegra, Kyra's daughter, confesses to have stolen the shoes during the party. After all, they're shiny and she's old enough to know how to answer a phone, so I'm sure she could have swiped them for a game of dress up.
  3. Kyra gets annoyed after everyone else in her friend group starts having babies, thereby requiring her to subsidize their lifestyle. She finally realizes just how much of a burden she's been putting on her friends all along, and finally gives Carrie the heartfelt apology she deserves.

Carrie's Reunited With Her (Other) Stolen Shoes

HBO

Carrie Bradshaw may be a lot of things, but a woman who can can keep track of her footwear she is not. My heart hurt for Carrie when she got mugged and no one seemed to care (although I did enjoy seeing Miranda get the hot guy, for once). As we know, Carrie loves nothing quite like her Manolos, and these were limited edition that she bought at a sample sale. We also know that Carrie's a little rough with her wardrobe (let's just call it well-loved), as evidenced by the lining of her Dior clutch in Paris.

In AJLT, I would love to see Carrie find her stolen Manolos as a vintage or second hand shop. In typical Carrie fashion, there will be a pen mark or a small tear that she instantly recognizes as her own. She will proceed to buy back her shoes and obsess over how to find the culprit decades later.

We Get An Update From Smith

HBO

I love Smith Jerrod, and I'm not the only one. He's the perfect boyfriend on paper, his only flaw to Samanthais that he got too successful. I never liked how things ended with them, and I know Smith doesn't make sense as a main cast member without Samantha, but there are still a few ways to include him. Maybe we see the girls attending one of his movie premieres, where he shares an update on his golden life. Or perhaps he's a big enough star now that he hires Carrie to ghostwrite his autobiography. Wherever you are, Smith, I hope you're happy.

Charlotte Embraces Her Horse Girl Energy

HBO

In Season 2's "Ex and the City," Charlotte overcomes her past trauma and finds love in riding horses once again. While there are some factual errors here — notably, Charlotte riding a horse on a Central Park jogging path — I can't get over the sheer brilliance of Charlotte being a horse girl. It's so on brand and so ahead of the time, making it wild that AJLT isn't tapping into this sitcom gold.

In And Just Like That, Charlotte is clearly starved for something to do. She doesn't have much going on and then annoys every other character with all her endless free time. I'm glad that she went back to work in Season 2, but a hobby (outside of and unrelated to her family life) wouldn't hurt either. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with the things you do for pure enjoyment, especially as competing priorities come into play, but this is one very real challenge that I'd love to see Charlotte take on.

Victoria Becomes A Successful Handbag Designer At Long Last

HBO

We last saw Jennifer Coolidge's Victoria at her "purse party," where she tried to hawk her terrible handbags at unsuspecting friends after a divorce ("I CUT UP MY BEDSPREAD FOR THIS!"). Fashion trends in 2024 are nothing if not unexpected, thanks to the world of short-lived TikTok aesthetics. Victoria's bizarre designs fit right in with the maximalist micro-trends du jour, and TBH I'd love to see her become a success after the bags start trending. She's been through a lot, and she deserves it! There's even a petition to bring back Jennifer Coolidge in the reboot.

​Carries Curls Come Back In Full Force

HBO

While Sarah Jessica Parker looks stunning with any hairstyle, something about the straight blowout just doesn't feel very Carrie. While her waves make a few brief appearances, they're a far cry from the carefree curls of yesteryear. Even if they can't come back forever, I would love to at least see Carrie's signature curls make an appearance. Maybe a night out on the town with the girls?

​Jeremy And Carrie Get Some Closure

HBO

Jeremy, Carrie's high school sweetheart, was definitely one of her better boyfriends. Unfortunately, their brief reconciliation was cut short when he needed more time to work on his mental health (very fair and responsible!). But I couldn't help but wonder, what is he up to now? Did he make it out of Juno Spears? Did he get his life back on track and find love post-divorce? If not, I want these two to give it a shot. After all, we're already dealing with blasts from dating past, and TBH I’d rather take a walk down memory lane with Jeremy over Aidan any day!

ADHD Jazz Musician Is A Success

HBO

Ray King is introduced during Carrie and Mr. Big's night out (remember when they tried to be "just friends"?). He's charming and spontaneous, but has ADHD, which was apparently a dating dealbreaker during Y2K. In retrospect, Carrie and Big were meant to be, and it wasn't going to work out with anyone else while he was alive.

Post-Pelotongate, there's renewed hope for Carrie to find a healthy relationship. Imagine if present day Carrie stumbles into a jazz club and it happens to be one of Ray's shows. The vibe is good, the music is great, and these two take a moment to reconnect. I'd love to see Ray get on Adderall, find a partner who understands his ADHD, and live his best life.

A "Sex and the City" Movie Gets Made, The Right Way

HBO

Love them or hate them, the LA episodes are iconic. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Matthew McConaughey guest star in an effort to turn Carrie's column into a movie. Although their pitch isn't quite the right fit (McConaughey was coming on pretty strong), I'd love to see Carrie give it another shot.

Gellar's on board to make it happen as well, telling Entertainment Tonight, "I feel like the [film development] girl, which is what she was then, is probably running her own studio now. Michael Patrick King, are you listening?!"

So there you have it! SMG's Debbie could return as an industry power player, and have the resources to create a film adaptation of Sex and the City from a female perspective (á la Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine). It would be fun and super meta, especially since we now have not one, but two SATC movies. This would also give Carrie something to do, now that book sales are down and her lame podcast has finally ended. A win-win!

Carrie Gives Therapy Another Shot

HBO

Carrie gets persuaded by her friends to go to therapy in Season 2. Of course, she starts dating Seth (Bon Jovi), a fellow patient, and is too embarrassed to go back for more sessions. This is disappointing because not only does Carrie need therapy, but she herself admits that the therapist made some good points, and quits when she finally starts making progress.

Since then, she's gone through a lot but has never stepped foot in a therapist's office again. AJLT saw Miranda, Steve, and Brady go to therapy — which was very much needed, but I hated that whole storyline so much. Carrie's the one who I’d like to see her dig deeper, and I think the character could benefit from some depth as well.

Carrie Finds Support In Wallis Wysel

HBO

In Season 2, we meet Wallis Wysel, Carrie's dream mother figure and mentor — in another timeline, at least. Unfortunately, her emotionally immature son Vaughn (Justin Theroux) ruined what could have been, and Carrie and Wallis were both equally broken up about it. Breakups can be rough, and it makes sense that Carrie didn't keep in touch with her ex's mother. But now, two decades later, I'd love to see these two kindred spirits reconnect. Perhaps at one of those "Women In The Arts" luncheons? Carrie could definitely use a strong female presence like Wallis — someone who has been there, done that, and will cheer her on — at this point in her life.

The Great Nina Katz Mystery Is Finally Solved

HBO

Season 5 brought us Nina Katz, AKA "the face girl," AKA the bane of Carrie's existence for about 23 minutes. Initially, she felt some type of way about Carrie, given that she dated Aidan right after their second disastrous breakup — hence the face. Carrie took it upon herself to track Nina down (!) and confront her (!!).

Unhinged behavior all around, but I kind of get it. After all, Nina only heard one side of the story, and Aidan was probably still pretty devastated over their broken engagement. She was reacting to the only information she had — which wasn't much — and Carrie was still carrying around guilt, which is why she let a passing look from a stranger get under her skin like this.

According to Samantha, Heather Graham, and pretty much everyone else this episode, Nina Katz is a cool person with an extremely cool job. I wouldn't be surprised if this was out of character for her, and I could see her hitting it off with Carrie if they ran into each other in present day.

Also, I really need to know what went down between Nina and Aidan. By the time she pops up in Season 5, she's no longer with Aidan. Maybe she did something equally as bad as Carrie. Maybe she learned to stop being so judgmental over the years. Or maybe she and Carrie can just laugh about how after all this time, Aidan still expects the women in his life to compromise who they are and fit into his narrative.

Carrie's Family Appears, Or Is At Least Mentioned

The CW

Now I fully understand that I may have been the only person to watch The Carrie Diaries (SATC's ill-fated prequel), but there were certain aspects of it that worked: Carrie getting her start in New York, meeting Samantha, and her sweet family dynamic. There are a few plot holes between the short-lived series and its predecessor — for instance, Prequel Carrie was raised by a loving father after her mother's death, but OG Series Carrie tells a heartbreaking story of her dad "quitting" her and her mom during early childhood during a therapy session. However, I'd be willing to ignore all of this if we got any type of mention or nod to Carrie's actual, cannon-approved family in AJLT. Or even a Dorrit appearance. IYKYK.

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Header image via Max

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