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    Why Doesn’t My Hair Hold a Curl?

    Everyone’s seen the Instagram and Pinterest pictures of women with gorgeous, long curled locks. You spend an hour (or more) in front of the mirror, twirling a scalding hot iron around your head, creating the perfect curls that will hopefully brush out to the messy waves of your dreams. Then, after all that time, your hair falls flat before you even walk into the restaurant. Womp womp.I’ve always had very fine hair that refuses to hold a curl. I did beauty pageants as a child (#nbd), and my grandma used to have to curl my hair and put it in sponge rollers for them to stay long enough to last the duration of the pageant. No one has time for that, but I also know that my lifeless curls need some revision stat.
    So, why exactly does our hair lose shape so quickly? I went on a mission to figure out what I was doing wrong (self-awareness is key), and yeah, it was a lot. This is what I’ve learned from my mistakes!

    1. You’re not using the right tools
    There’s more to curling your hair than the old curling iron your mom gave you freshman year of high school for the homecoming dance. Upgrade your iron to something higher quality with ceramic plates that heat equally all the way through — this way your curls are the same size all the way through. A lot of people think that their irons need to get super hot to get the best curls. If you have very thick hair, you’ll want a higher heat than someone with finer or thinner hair; however, you shouldn’t need an iron with anything over 300 degrees, and make sure your iron is never set above 400 degrees.
    Pay attention to the size of the barrel. Short hair would benefit from a thinner barrel because you can wrap your hair around the barrel more times and forces you to use smaller sections. People often think you need a large wand to do tousled waves. I’m not telling you what to do, but using a smaller barrel will make the curls tighter from the start so they fall throughout the day.
    Also, don’t discriminate against curling irons! You can use a wand, an iron with a clip, or even a flat iron to create waves.

    Shop some of our favorites:

    Source: @mollyclutts

    2. You’re not prepping your hair
    The prep is almost as important as the actual work of curling your hair! One trick to getting your curls to last is using a product with hold before you put the iron on your hair. Whether it’s a moose, a heat protectant, a hair spray, or a dry texture spray, your hair will already be ready to hold onto the curl.  I love dry texture spray instead of hair spray because it gives your hair some grit which allows it to stick to the iron rather than sliding off and adds a nice messy texture. 
    If you have the money and are trying to get curls for a big event, consider adding extensions! Not only does this add length and tons of volume, but it also adds a different hair texture to the mix. This gives your curl more bounce.

    Source: @minnieknows

    3. You’re not sectioning your hair
    If you have a lot of hair, you need to section. Not sectioning makes it easy to miss pieces, which makes your hair look flat even when it’s not. Don’t be afraid to go all in with your sectioning.
    Especially if you’re using a small barrel, large sections of hair won’t get the same amount of heat across the iron, so make sure your sections are no larger than an inch.

    4. You’re curling from the bottom to the top
    When you curl from the bottom to the top, the bottom of your hair is getting most of the heat. This means your curls are the tightest at the bottom, which weighs down the hair closest to the scalp and makes the curls fall faster. This trick is especially important if you’re using a curling iron with a clamp.
    This technique also comes in handy if you’re using a curling wand that tapers at the bottom. If the bottom of the barrel is thinner than the top, your ends are getting a tighter curl than the hair at the root. This creates a beautiful wave; however, it also tends to fall faster than a curling iron that is all the same size. You could opt to purchase a different curling iron or make do with what you have and place the entire section of hair onto the bottom of the barrel.

    5. You aren’t holding the curls in place
    Curls aren’t set until they cool, so while they’re still hot, pin them to your head. You can use bobby pins or clips. If you really need them to stay, spray your hair while they’re setting!

    Source: The Golden Girl Blog

    6. Your hair is too clean
    Clean hair just doesn’t have the grit and hold of hair with a little oil in it. Curls work best on second or even third-day hair. If you need to be clean, you can add dry shampoo to your hair before you curl to give it some texture and volume.

    7. You’re brushing out your curls
    Of course, no one’s walking out of the house in pageant curls; however, you don’t need to use a brush to get the bounciness out of your curls! A brush pulls the curl down too much, whereas using a wide-tooth comb or just your fingers pulls them apart without overdoing it. I also recommend flipping your head over just after you finish curling and shaking the curls out at the root of your hair. Not only does this add serious volume, but it gives your curls some piecyness. My favorite trick for messy, undone curls!
    Make sure to spray them with hairspray or dry texture spray before you brush them out so the hold stays.

    We want to know — what hacks do you use to keep your curls in place all day?! More

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    6 Monochromatic Looks to Wear This Winter

    In the wide world of creating outfits, one of the most seamless, chic choices has been opting for something monochrome; a look layered with pieces that are all the same (or similar) colors—but unfortunately, it’s often easier said than done.Trying to put together a look that’s monochrome can come with a lot of questions: do all the pieces need to have the same undertone? What do you do when it comes to shoes? How do you layer similar (but not identical) tones on top of each other? They go on and on—but once you nail it, you have a go-to outfit option that you’ll turn to time and time again.
    Today, we’re sharing six different monochrome outfit ideas to gather inspiration from, along with tips on how to layer different tones and textures to make it work every single time. Say hello to your holiday outfits for each and every occasion you have coming up (even if it’s just Zooming on your couch).

    1. Camel

    pants / sweater / boots / coat

    2. White and cream

    pants / sweater / coat / sneakers

    3. Black

    jeans / sweater vest / long-sleeve top / booties / necklace

    4. Grey

    skirt / bodysuit / coat / boots

    5. Burgundy

    pants / sweater / booties / necklace

    6. Olive and khaki

    pants / coat / sweater / loafers More

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    How to Style Your Festive Red Sweater for the Holidays

    When it comes to a festive wardrobe, there is nothing as quintessentially holiday-appropriate as a red sweater.Paired with basically anything, a red sweater can transform an outfit from a winter look to one that feels cheery and in the spirit of the holidays. Office Zoom party? Red sweater. Drinking hot cocoa and watching a Christmas movie? Red sweater. Opening presents on Christmas morning? Red sweater.
    There’s nothing like finding new ways to wear something you already have, and today, we’re giving you six new ideas for how to wear your go-to red sweater this holiday season—with everything from a skirt to comfy, knit pants. The holidays are here, and it’s time to bring the spirit to our wardrobes.

    1. With corduroy pants

    sweater / pants / bow / boots / bag

    2. With mom jeans

    mom jeans / coat / bag / loafers / sweater

    3. With a midi skirt

    skirt / sweater / belt / booties / bag

    4. With leather pants

    pants / sweater / bag / mules / earrings

    5.

    pants / slippers / necklace / sweater

    6. With a plaid skirt

    skirt / sweater / boots / earrings

    Shop our favorite red sweaters More

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    7 facts about the UAE you probably didn’t know

    As we celebrate the UAE’s 49th National Day, a country that is home to millions of expats, connecting us under one banner, one flag, but with many voices, we take a look at some facts and see how well do you know the UAE as we delve into the country’s history.
    With that, here’s a few tidbits about the nation’s history, which are actually quite intriguing that you might not even know.
    The UAE’s flag design was decided by a competition entry

    A young Emirati named Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah saw the advertisement for the competition and decided to submit one himself in 1971, he made it past 1030 other submitted designs and had won on the day of the union itself.
    Dubai has the largest airport terminal in the world

    Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport is just as big as a shopping mall which features a  5-star hotel, a swimming pool, a gym, snooze cubes and two zen gardens also making it the second busiest airport in Asia with the fastest Wi-Fi speed of any airport in the world.
    The City of Dubai has a gold ATM
    Known as the ‘City of Gold’, the Gold Souk is the largest market for gold and jewellery in the world with an atm that also that dispenses gold bars.
    The UAE is home to the world’s first 7-star hotel

    As the Burj Al Arab is considered one of the most luxurious hotel’s, it’s also the world’s first seven-star hotel with interiors that are embellished in 24-carat gold leaves that cover about 1790 square meters, also offering customers a pillow menu with 7 different types to choose from during their stay.
    Sheikh Zayed Road is the longest road in the UAE

    The thoroughfare better known as Sheikh Zayed road which runs through the heart of the city is 558.4 km in length.
    Dubai has the world’s longest driverless metro
    With a total of 46.35 miles of track, the temperature in the station is also maintained at a constant 20°C and it holds the Guinness World Record for the longest driverless metro system.
    The National animal of the UAE is an Arabian Oryx
    While most people might think the national animal of the country is a camel, the UAE’s national animal is an Arabian Oryx which can also be seen printed on the 50 Dirham currency note.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @abdulaziz_photos More

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    UAE National Day: 8 inspiring Emirati women express pride for their country

    UAE National Day 2020 marks 49 years since the country’s formal nationalisation and the start of the federal unification of the emirates in 1971.
    The official them of National Day celebrations is the ‘Spirit of the Union’, it is derived from the vision and leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE. The theme is complemented with a logo that has a silhouette of the iconic image of the first congregation of the Founding Fathers of the UAE, on 2 December 1971.

    In just under five decades, the UAE has changed drastically becoming a hub for travel, culture, business and more, and offers opportunities for so many people globally.
    With that, we spoke to eight of the most inspiring women we know about the pride they hold for their country.
    Yasmin BakerEmirati Aerialist

    (Image: UAE Embassy in Washington, DC Facebook page)
    This year marks the 49th UAE National Day. What makes you proud to be from the UAE?
    There is so much that makes me proud to be from the UAE. I am so proud of how welcoming the country, the leadership, and the community are; welcoming to others, welcoming to new ideas, and most importantly, welcoming to change. I have never seen, heard of, or imagined a place where shifts towards progress and improvement happen so quickly without lengthy and complicated processes. I think this uncanny resourcefulness, willingness to enact change (and when necessary, to take a calculated risk) is extremely admirable, and really showcases the dedication of the leaders of the UAE and the community to a peaceful, safe, harmonious, healthy, and overall quality living. We have seen many bold and impressive changes made and initiatives launched from political, economic, governance, social and communal angles, and in such a short duration. And at the same time, we have managed to maintain a grasp on our cultural roots and traditions. And I personally think this balance is our strength and our unifying factor.
    In just 49 years so much has happened in the country. What, to you, stands out as the UAE’s biggest achievement?
    While of course, the UAE is well- known for its physical infrastructure, its position as a business and trade hub, and the economic prospects, as a 29-year-old Emirati female, I believe the biggest achievement is the dedication of the country to the development of its people. There is such a strong sense of support from the government when it comes to elevating the standards of education and work environments and so on, and in striving to ensure that we as people are put in positions where we can not just utilize but maximize our potential. There are and always will be area for improvement, that’s a given in this day and time, but the opportunities here are vast and plentiful. So the biggest achievement, in my opinion, is a generation of driven, sharp, inspiring young people who are entering any and all fields, and who are trailblazers for the generations ahead.
    What are your hopes for the future of the country?
    I hope that as a society we continue to live and prosper in balance; balance between different cultures and backgrounds, balance between people and the natural environment, balance between employment and quality of living, and maintaining safety and security through whatever turbulent times may come. And as a person, I am so excited about the opportunities in the works, and for what can be achieved by the generation after me. I am grateful to be able to have so many unique experiences and to grow as a person simply by way of discovering opportunities here that I cannot imagine what the youth will be able to accomplish in a decade or even less. We have transformed from a nomadic desert community to a community of astronauts, scientists, political leaders, athletes, artists and so on. So whatever the future holds, I hope that we continue on this path, that we perpetuate the values upon which this country was built, and that we humbly remember the traditions and roots of the previous generations who paved the way forward for us.
    Salama KhalfanFounder of Salama Khalfan Fine Jewelry

    This year marks the 49th UAE National Day. What makes you proud to be from the UAE?
    Everything about the UAE makes me feel extremely grateful to be from this nation. The fact that the UAE in the past 49 years has undergone so much development and growth on a multitude of scales which creates a strong sense of adaptability in its people. I feel thankful that I am from a country that does not believe in the impossible. I feel that I grew up in an environment and surrounding that instilled within me the feeling that everything is possible and that collapsed any boundaries of limitations set by any external ideologies. That in itself is something very profound.
    In just 49 years so much has happened in the country. What, to you, stands out as the UAE’s biggest achievement?
    Breeding a sense of adaptability in people, I think Emiratis and people who have been part of the UAE from inception or the early stages of its development have developed a strong sense of being able to adapt to change, they welcome it and they are able to embrace it and move forward instead of resisting it. In all of my encounters with people from different parts of the world, I think this is the one thing that stands out the most about people in the UAE.
    What are your hopes for the future of the country?
    I hope that we continue to be able to welcome people from all over the world. For this place to be a magnet for talent and great minds, where you meet people from different cultures, backgrounds, and sets of beliefs. To have a true sense of appreciation for everything that they believe in. To continue being a nation that not only promotes tolerance, but lives it every single day, and a nation that constantly and continuously strives to become better and improve in any possible aspect.
    Nayla Al KhajaThe first female film director-producer in the UAE

    This year marks the 49th UAE National Day. What makes you proud to be from the UAE?
    I am extremely proud to be a UAE National especially that I was born in the 70s meaning I was able to witness first hand the development and the changes that were taking place. The incredible progress and prosperity over such a short period of time is phenomenal. I’m proud to have a nation that celebrates tolerance, multicultural differences and a comfortable safe lifestyle that we could at times be taken for granted. I’m proud to be in a country where both genders are appreciated equally and where there is a big push for challenging the norms to achieve the impossible.
    In just 49 years so much has happened in the country. What, to you, stands out as the UAE’s biggest achievement?
    I recently directed a UAE national film for Mubadala where my hero takes us through the multitude of our countries achievements; there are plenty to list but what stands out for me is the sheer and constant emphasis on developing our potential as people. Our leaders always take care of their population and their needs first and then everything else follows and for that, we are eternally grateful.
    What are your hopes for the future of the country?
    I hope we will continue to be a shining example for other nations to follow. I hope we will continue to strive for excellence and always keep the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed al Nahyan’s lessons in mind. For in his moral values we will continuously flourish and be able to challenge any adversity and overcome obstacles. I hope that the next 50 will be as incredible and even more impressive than the past. The UAE will always be ahead of the curve.
    Aisha BakerFounder of Aisha Baker Jewellery

    This year marks the 49th UAE National Day. What makes you proud to be from the UAE?
    As much as I am proud of UAE’s heritage and the vision which led us to this moment of marking the country’s 49th birthday, I am also proud of how we are privileged here to feel safe and enjoy the life despite the current pandemic. The UAE has proven repeatedly to have strong leadership, ready to adapt and anticipate the challenges of the new world.
    In just 49 years so much has happened in the country. What, to you, stands out as the UAE’s biggest achievement?
    The biggest achievement in 49 years is the fact that UAE transformed from unknown piece of a desert to a major international hub for business, tourism, technology, logistics, innovation, science, exploration etc. In addition, I am always stunned by the architectural achievements of some of the world’s landmarks we enjoy and appreciate in the UAE daily.
    What are your hopes for the future of the country?
    Considering the past, the future has “big shoes to fill”. However, I have no doubt the country will continue to impress and keep up the momentum in future.
    Amna Al QubaisiThe first female Emirati racing driver

    This year marks the 49th UAE National Day. What makes you proud to be from the UAE?
    The fact that they not just support women but empower women in many sectors not just in sports.
    In just 49 years so much has happened in the country. What, to you, stands out as the UAE’s biggest achievement?
    Seeing many women in male-dominated positions reaching the top of the top and being the best of the best.
    What are your hopes for the future of the country?
    My hope is we will see a huge quantity of women in those specific sectors and normalize what’s considered a male-dominated area.
    Dr. Suaad Al ShamsiThe first UAE female aircraft engineer

    This year marks the 49th UAE National Day. What makes you proud to be from the UAE?
    Everything surrounding me makes me proud that I am from UAE, from the history of our country to the present to the future, proud that Ian an Emirati from a country where all the factors of love, peace, goodness and happiness beside a multinational, multicultural and religious are United all here all are one and equal. And having leaders are treating us as a father so am really proud.
    In just 49 years so much has happened in the country. What, to you, stands out as the UAE’s biggest achievement?
    Every achievement stand out and mean a lot to me every day we saw an achievement in our country but the most one is going to Mars, flying to space and growing in the aviation and aerospace industry and being part of one of those project – the midfield terminal of Abu Dhabi international new airport terminal.
    What are your hopes for the future of the country?
    Hope is always there for our country being a leader and role model for other countries and being in the top always as always we are beyond the expectations.
    Asma Hilal LootahFounder of The Hundred Wellness Centre

    This year marks the 49th UAE National Day. What makes you proud to be from the UAE?
    This year’s National Day is even more special. During challenges such as the events of 2020, the UAE has given us even more reason to feel proud. We are truly blessed to have remained safe and felt secure and at peace in the UAE year after year. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the gift our leadership has given us, a beautiful country to live in. We are equally grateful to the UAE’s citizens and residents, its amazing people, who work hard to contribute to their communities, making the UAE the best country one can call home.
    Even though we are a small enterprise, we are in line with the vision 2021 and will continue to work hard with determination to contribute to the growth of our beloved country and serve everyone living in its land.
    In just 49 years so much has happened in the country. What, to you, stands out as the UAE’s biggest achievement?
    To me, the biggest achievement of the UAE is its ability to create harmony and safety for its residents. I feel incredibly grateful that we can relax in the knowledge that we are safe and cared for by our rulers and governing bodies. There is a real sense of unity in the UAE, a country that has brought all nationalities and religions together with kindness and acceptance.
    What are your hopes for the future of the country?
    As an environmentalist, my biggest hope is that residents will begin to care more for the environment and continue the government’s aims of becoming a sustainable city. It filled me with pride and excitement when the municipality announced that Dubai will soon be home to the largest plant in the Middle East to convert waste-to-energy. I hope that we begin to see more recycling, composting and a reduction of wastage, plastic and our carbon footprints.
    Fatima Al QubaisiThe first Emirati woman to graduate from Harvard Law School

    This year marks the 49th UAE National Day. What makes you proud to be from the UAE?
    The UAE’s sense of innovation, not shying away from what seems impossible and the country’s adaptability and agility. Gender equality is of the utmost importance in the country. In addition to legislating for equal pay and political involvement, the UAE values women’s role greatly in the development & advancement of the nation.
    In just 49 years so much has happened in the country. What, to you, stands out as the UAE’s biggest achievement?
    The UAE’s biggest achievement is its work with women. Women’s lives have drastically changed looking at the social norms that surround them. Women represent the highest literacy rate, percentage of university graduates and are thriving in the workplace. The 50% women quota for the Federal National Council and women assuming roles such as ambassadors, board members and founders of enterprises has changed women’s roles in the societal fabric.
    What are your hopes for the future of the country?
    My hopes for my country are that we continue to constantly develop, the UAE is at the forefront of the world in terms of technology, human capital, economic prosperity and ingenuity.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    12 Christmas Day brunches to enjoy in Dubai this year

    From traditional roast dinners to bespoke meals created by globally renowned chefs, ‘tis the season to be jolly with something a bit more out of the ordinary.
    While many more than usual may be staying in Dubai, EW has collated a list of the best restaurants to dine at on the special day of December 25 for a meal with friends and family.
    La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie

    If you’re looking a Parisian touch on Christmas Day, celebrate at this chic French restaurant with a three-course meal starring burrata with grilled beach, confit salmon, roast turkey ballontine and festive desserts. Located at Vida downtown, starting at Dhs349, the package is available on Friday December 25 from noon to 4pm.
    For more information visit laserre.com
    Mama Zonia

    For something a little more jungle-themed, this brunch in Pier 7 is the perfect place, with packages starting at Dhs299 on Friday, December 25.
    For more information visit pier7.ae
    MINA Brasserie

    For a stunning beautifully decorated festive terrace, there will be a DJ playing festive tunes with delicious bites making it a memorable experience to cherish. Starting at Dhs395 per person, it will take place from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm at Four Seasons Hotel DIFC.
    For more information visit fourseasons.com
    Luigia

    This family-friendly venue has a special festive menu for all to enjoy with delicious Italian dishes and an unlimited package starting at Dhs380 on December 25, from 1pm to 4pm at Rixos Premium, JBR.
    For more information visit luigia.ae
    WHITE Beach & Restaurant
    If you wish to celebrate at one of the chicest beach clubs in Dubai, WHITE beach will host a day party from noon to 3pm or a night fiesta from 7pm to 10pm serving an array of festive cocktails and a selection of delicious tapas. Prices for the afternoon start at Dhs150 for ladies with unlimited drinks including cocktails and Dhs150 for men full redeemable and for the evening Dhs250 for ladies including unlimited spirits, cocktails and bites, Dhs350 for gents including unlimited spirits, cocktails and bites.
    For more information visit atlantishthepalm.com
    Koko Bay

    On Christmas Day, guests can enjoy a six-course menu with a mix of cold and hot appetizer platters to share including seafood, mince pies, soups and much more all starting at Dhs345 for adults from noon to 4pm on December 25.
    For more information visit kokobay.co
    Hakkasan

    This world-renowned restaurant has curated a special menu for Christmas this year, as it includes dim sum, crispy duck salad, barbecue Wagyu and chocolate parfait along with a resident DJ playing your favourite Christmas hits. Starting at Dhs498 from December 21 to December 25 from 6pm to 11pm at Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah.
    For more information visit hakkasan.com
    Maiden Shanghai

    The famous naughty noodles will have a special festive cheer day with unbeatable views of the Dubai Marina from Maiden Terrace featuring gourmet cuisine, bottomless drinks and cool beats by DJ Sam Starks starting at Dhs550 for an all-inclusive deal on Friday 25 December from 1pm to 4pm.
    For more information visit palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com
    Netsu by Ross Shonhan

    A four-course Japanese sharing style menu is curated by chef Ross Shonhan with grills, sushi and sashimi platters starting at Dhs450 per person at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Jumeirah Beach Road.
    For more information visit mandarinoriental.com
    COYA Dubai

    This fine-dining haven has a five-course Latin America meal with traditional tasty dishes for all to enjoy starting at Dhs640 from Friday, December 25 noon onwards at Four Seasons Resort Dubai.
    For more information visit coyarestaurant.com
    Weslodge Saloon

    Witness a Canadian feast at this sky-high restaurant with loads of tasty seasonal dishes as well as Christmas cookies, spice bread, mince pies and yule log starting at Dhs295 on Friday, December 25 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, located at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Business Bay.
    For more information visit weslodge.ae
    ZOCO

    For those that wish to add a Mexican flair to the festivities, with free flowing beverages, plenty of activities for the kids and a range of classic dishes. Prices start at Dhs165 from 12:30pm to 4pm on Friday, December 25.
    For more information visit zocodubai.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: supplied @fourseasonshotel More