Celebrity Hair: Nicole Kidman - Natural Curls

Introduction

Nicole Kidman March 2002

It was many years ago when a ruby haired Nicole Kidman (born June 20, 1967 in Honolulu, Hawaii) took the world by storm as Dr. Chase Meridian playing opposite Val Kilmer's Batman.

At the earliest point in her career Nicole was known for her natural curls which were often coiffed in a halo of shimmering ringlets and clumps in the early days of her career.

Note: For more photos of Nicole visit her Celebrity Hairstyle Gallery

Even though she married superstar Tom Cruise at the age of 23 in 1990 the world did not sit up and take notice of her acting until Batman Forever dominated the theaters in 1995.

From that point on she started her ascent towards superstardom.

Nicole Kidman January 2003

Hair Transitions

Also during that time the actress who grew up in Australia has made many transitions in her hair journey.

Over the years she's morphed through a range of hair colors from light blonde to deep red and from natural curls to bone straight strands.

She also went through a bitter public divorce from Tom Cruise in 2001 and a fairytale romance and marriage to music superstar Keith Urban in 2005.

During her time as an International film star, she has been renowned for her famous hair hues, natural curls, Red Carpet hair fashions and myriad of hairstyles ranging from au natural to bone straight.

Through all her hair transitions from short to long, straight to curly, blonde to red, she's worn stunning hairstyles. Along the way the beautiful award winning actress has also worked with some of the most famous hairstylists in the world.

Nicole Kidman with Ringlet Curls 2006 DC Media

Family Value

Family life has always been a priority for Kidman. Born to social activists (mom was a feminist, dad a labor advocate), Nicole and her little sister, Antonia, discussed current events around the dinner table and participated in their parents' campaigns by passing out pamphlets on street corners.

When her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, 17-year-old Nicole stopped working and took a massage course so that she could provide physical therapy (her mom eventually beat cancer).

During her marriage to Tom Cruise the couple adopted two children: Isabella Jane (born in 1993) and Connor Antony (born 1995).

Despite their rock-solid image, the couple announced in early 2001 that they were separating due to career conflicts. The true reason for their divorce was never revealed to the public.

During her marriage to New Zealand's Urban she has had two biological daughters. Her youngest was conceived, carried and born through a surrogate.

Steal Nicole's Frizz Free Curls

Nicole Kidman & Oprah Winfrey At The Vanity Fair Oscar After Party - 2004 DC Media All Rights Reserved

One of the best curl infused hairstyles the beautiful actress ever showcased was at the 2004 Oscars (shown to the side). Her tresses were a light golden strawberry blonde and chock full of tight curls.

To create Nicole's curl infused hairstyle NYC celebrity stylist Kerry Warn applied a frizz serum to Kidman's medium textured naturally curly hair.

He let it air-dry, blowing only the roots around the hairline for a much smoother appearance.

Warn then used a medium curling iron to reshape unruly curls. He pinned back the hair around Nicole's scalp, letting the rest of the curls cascade down her back.

Warn finished Nicole's look by spritzing her tresses with a non aerosol, flexible hairspray to protect against humidity.

After he finished styling Warn left Nicole's hair alone. He specifically avoided touching her hair which can trigger frizz.

How To Copy Nicole's Curls - Step By Step

To get Nicole's frizz free curls, complete the following steps?

Nicole Kidman 2009 DC Media All Rights Reserved

Step 1: Shampoo and condition your hair with your normal products designed for your current hair type, texture and condition.

If your hair is highlighted like Nicole's use either a moisture enhanced or color enriched formula. If your hair is dry from chemical processing, consider diluting the shampoo formula to protect your strands.

(Shampoo products to try: Phyto - Phytojoba Hydrating Shampoo)

If you have fine or thin hair, use a volume enhancing shampoo. Skip any rinse-out conditioning products that might make hair too soft and flat.

If you must use a rinse-out conditioner, make sure that you limit how much you use and that you concentrate on the middle to the ends.

Rinse well with a cool water spray which helps build natural volume and increases shine.

Step 2: Towel blow strands. Detangle strands from the ends to the roots.

Nicole Kidman 2010 DC Media All Rights Reserved

Step 3: Apply a volumizing gel or similar products to the roots. To protect against heat and add body, distribute a leave-in conditioner, mousse or gel from the top of the ears to the ends. Distribute well.

Note: If your hair tends to frizz or is naturally wavy or curly, you may wish to combine a volume product for the roots with a smoothing serum for the rest of the hair.

(Anti-Frizz Product to try: Rene Furterer - Control Emulsion Anti-Frizz)

(Root volume products to try: Phyto - Phytovolume Actif, PHYTO - Volume System, Phyto - Phytovolume Shampoo).

Step 4: Working from side to side use a boar's head or natural round brush combined with your blow dryer to straighten and build in body.

Step 5: To build in volume at the roots, use the round brush to lift your tresses up and direct the air flow from the dryer up the hair shaft to the root. This "ruffles the cuticle" helping to add natural fullness.

If you prefer, bend over at the waist and direct the air flow of the dryer up the hair shaft towards the roots. When hair is 90% dry, bend right side up and work on the hair from the ears down to the ends.

Nicole Kidman 2011 DC Media All Rights Reserve

Note: Hairdressers differ on their opinion whether it is beneficial to blow hair "upside down" or not. Use your own judgment on which technique works best for you.

Step 6: Use the round brush to straighten the remainder of the hair by rolling individual sections carefully around the brush and directing the air flow down the hair shaft towards the ends. This helps to straighten, close the cuticle and adds shine.

Step 7: While drying the ends, use the round brush to turn the ends under slightly while finishing.

Step 8: Seal the style by finishing up with a blast of cool air, if possible, from your blow dryer.

Step 9: Carefully create your desired part.

Step 10: To add soft curls and waves to Nicole's straight hairstyle, separate hair into 2-3 inch sections. Working from side to side near the roots, use a 1 1/2" curling iron and create big curls with the iron.

Release each curl and then carefully pin into place with a bobby pin. Continue to curl and pin until the entire hair has been finished. Let the curls air dry until 100% cool

Nicole Kidman 2011 with Loose Waves & Curls 2011 DC Media

Step 11: Spray the pinned curls with a strong hold hairspray or volume spray. Carefully unpin the curls.

Step 12: Apply a tiny drop of shine serum, drops or spray into the balms of your hands. Lightly brush the palms over the top of your style and you are ready to rock ala Nicole Kidman style.

(Shine products to try: Phyto - PhytoLisse (Formerly Phytodefrisant RelaxSerum)

If you prefer, you can use a curling iron to turn under the ends a little bit or use a straight iron on selected pieces around the face to give a contrasting texture to the look.

Summary

Nicole confessed to InStyle Magazine (September 2004) that she doesn't have "the ability to do her own hair" and can "barely blow dry it straight".

Somehow she manages to always look great, regardless whether she is blow dry challenged or not.

Since meeting, marrying and giving birth to Keith Urban's two daughters the beautiful actress has been wearing her hair in a more relaxed hairstyle which is in keeping with her blissfully happy existence.

- Revised Date: 12/26/11

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