Banishing Bad Hair Days since 1997!™

Eva Longoria: Desperate Housewife Hair

Introduction

Image of Eva Longoria - Movieline's Hollywood Life's 7th Annual Young Hollywood Awards Henry Fonda Theater Hollywood, CA, May 5, 2005 Hair by Ken Paves

Eva Longoria who plays Gabrielle, the rags to riches, love-starved Desperate Housewife was recently named #1 on Maxim magazine's sixth annual Hot 100 list of the most successful women of the year in film, television, music, sports and fashion.

The Mexican American sexpot who ranked No. 91 on the 2004 Maxim list, said her selection for the top spot was "incredible". Eva told Marie Claire Magazine that her "mom thinks it's great" about her 2005 Maxim cover spread.

"These are the women whose names are on the lips of people the world over, whose careers are headed for the dizziest heights and whose looks will scorch the back off your retina" Maxim Editor-in-Chief Ed Needham said in a statement that he released to the media.

People en Espanol agreed with Maxim's selection naming the former beauty queen to their list of the 25 Most Beautiful which made Eva's family "very excited".

From Playing In The Dirt To Beauty Pageants

Image of Eva Longoria at InStyle Party celebrating Teri Hatcher on May Cover Los Angeles, CA, April 12, 2005 Hair by Ken Paves

Eva is the youngest of the Desperate Housewives as well as the youngest of four girls. A Pisces (March 15, 1975) Eva was born in Corpus Christi, Texas and raised on a nearby ranch where she spent her youth hunting with her dad and playing in the dirt.

Eva confided to the media that "she grew up as an ugly duckling" and was called "prieta fea" because she was the only one in the family that had her dad's dark hair, eyes and skin. Her three sisters took after her pale-skinned, light-haired side of the family.

As a child she could care less about hair or beauty issues even though she was "raised in Texas where you don't go to church without doing your hair and looking good". She told Marie Claire Magazine she was "always getting dirty and messed up" and that she remembers the room mother at her school "pulling her aside and combing her hair and putting it into neat pigtails".

(Image of Eva Longoria at the Padres Contra El Cancer 20th Anniversary Gala, Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, CA, March 31, 2005. Photo by Jason Kirk of DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved).

It wasn't until she was well into her teen years that the started to focus on her natural beauty. In 1993 for her high school graduation she splurged and went to a local Glamour Shots store to get dolled up with full makeup and big hair.

After high school Eva attended Texas A&M at Kingsville where she majored in kinesiology entering Texas beauty pageants in her spare time. Even though she is short, Eva reported to the press that she excelled in the pageant's swimsuit competitions and felt that her best feature is her butt.

Although she was teased for her beauty pageant tenure by her sisters, Eva gained tons of valuable beauty tricks that have helped her maximize her natural beauty and excel in her acting career.

From Beauty Pageants To Hollywood

After finishing her undergraduate degree, Eva decided to go to graduate school. Fate had other plans.

(Image of Eva Longoria - An Evening With Desperate Housewives presented by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, North Hollywood, CA, February 22, 2005 - Photo by David Edwards DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved).

In 1998 she won a scholarship to go to Los Angeles for a modeling talent convention during a full blown Latin explosion with the likes of J.Lo and Ricky Martin. The bilingual Housewife never made it back to grad school deciding to stay and pursue a modeling career.

After making one appearance in 2000 on TV's 90210, Eva eventually landed the role of Isabella Brana Williams on The Young and the Restless (2001 - 2003). The budding new soap star made her first red carpet stroll for The Young and the Restless at the 2001 Daytime Emmy Awards where she wore a $600 dress that she reported "she couldn't afford".

In 2003 she briefly starred in the short-lived L.A. Dragnet with Ed O'Neill (Married With children). Her big break came in 2003 when she heard about Desperate Housewives and was "desperate to get the role" even though she had been offered "other parts in three different cop shows".

(Image of Eva Longoria in Roberto Cavalli at the Desparate Housewives New ABC Series Viewing Party - Barneys, Beverly Hills, CA October 3, 2005. Photo by David Edwards of DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved).

Eva read for executive producer Marc Cherry and was the first actress cast for the hit TV show. Her portrayal of the pampered Gabrielle Solist turned her into an overnight sensation. An estimated 22 million people watch Housewives on a weekly basis and have fallen madly in love with both Gabrielle and Eva.

The rising young star has commented that knew she had arrived "when Roberto Cavalli wanted to dress me".

Sizzling Lingerie To Gorgeous Gowns

Playing Wisteria Lane's resident lingerie-clad temptress, Eva has learned that "using her body to promote her acting career is not such as awful thing". In reality the Latin beauty is very comfortable with her body.

(Image of Eva Longoria at 2005 TV Land Awards - Barker hanger, Santa Monica, CA - March 13, 2005. Photo by David Edwards of DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved).

Quoted in the April 2005 Marie Claire issue Eva said "body image is all what you create in your head. I think you create that by your experiences in life. You get that way by our experienced with people, how you interact with your friends, how you interact at school".

Indeed, Eva has expressed the fact that she "loves the womanly figure that her body's becoming including the soft angle, the hips and the legs".

(Image of Eva Longoria at Chopard and Elton John Oscar After-Party, Pacific Design Center, West Los Angeles, CA - February 27, 2005. Photo by David Edwards of DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved).

The fashion media has embraced Eva as a hot style icon. Constantly photographed for a variety of magazine, Eva has become famous for her sleekly sophisticated style. The 5'2" star knows how to dress for to show off her spectacular body.

While she favors tailored clothes that perfectly fit her proportions and figure, she also adores couture designers like Roberto Cavalli, Oscar de la Renta, Halston and the diva qualities of Luca Luca. She is no stranger to a dash of flash and sequins.

Playing Dress Up As A Housewife

As reported in Life And Style Magazine, the December 12th episode of ABC's Desperate Housewives pulled out all the fashion stops. Gabriella, Lynette and the rest of the Wisteria Lane gang dumped their everyday neighborhood wear to dress up for a special fashion show extravaganza in breathtaking Halston designed by Bradley Bayou.

(Image of Eva Longoria on Desperate Housewives - ABC Television Network - Ron Tom - all rights reserved).

For the special show Gabrielle was decked out in a sassy, yet ultra glamorous gown covered with sequins that perfectly worked with her figure. Halston and Bayou were picked by the show's costume designer, Cate Adair, who wanted a designer that could work with the entire cast.

Eva was thrilled with the silver Halston gown that Bayou custom made for her. She told Marie Claire Magazine "I felt so beautiful" in the gown.

Dark Angel Wannabe

At one point in her career Eva actually auditioned for Jessica Alba's role on Dark Angel. She wanted it desperately but didn't get it even though she made it through several auditions.

(Image of Eva Longoria at the 2nd Annual Lingerie Art Auction & Fashion Show To Benefit Rain Hosted by Frederick's Of Hollywood, CA, October 20, 2004. Photo by Jason Kirk of DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved).

In her role as Gabrielle, Eva wears her hair either in soft, loose and sexy styles that are befitting her bedroom trysts or a little more polished to go with her expensive track suits.

How To Steal Eva's Look

Right now Eva is very busy filming Housewives, doing photo shoots and giving interviews. Soon the Latin lovely will be working with L'Oreal as a new spokes person for some of their line. In the meantime, she is pounding the Red Carpet hard with lots of appearances.

(Image of Eva Longoria at Diamonds In The Rough 2005 Presented By In Style Magazine, Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills, CA - January 13, 2005 - Photo by David Edwards of DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved). On the Red Carpet the beautiful actress adopts a variety of looks ranging from sleek shiny bobs to sassy ponies, nape twists and updos. She morphs back and forth, courtesy of great hairdressers and add-on hair between side swept bangs and parted side bangs. When Eva appeared in Marie Claire magazine she had the great fortune to be coiffed by Robert Vetica.

Eva is blessed with jet black, healthy, glossy tresses that currently cascades just below the top of her shoulders. Her face is a cross between a triangular, heart and oval shape with a slightly prominent chin. Since she first appeared on The Young And Restless Eva has maintained her natural dark hue switching things up from time to time by adding a touch of rich auburn highlights and tones. To achieve Eva's sleek and straight styles complete the following steps:

STEP 1

Eva's hair on Red Carpet appearances appears shiny and glossy. Over the years she has stayed close to her natural blue black color and has avoided drastic color changes which has been beneficial to her tresses. Her current tresses appear to have been lightly highlighted with a splash of rich chocolate which perfectly compliments her dark locks.

Start with a hair treatment program from Phyto designed to protect and maintain highlights. Or select a brunette enhancing shampoo or color mask like Rene Furterer Color Enhancing Mask in Auburn designed to maintain and protect your rich hues. Other brunette hue maintenance products include Okara Repairing Shampoo or Mine Fire Friday Color Shampoo, Conditioner and Sage Gel.

For ultra dry or super fragile strands, select a super moisturizing shampoo formula like Phytojoba or one designed for your specific hair type, texture and current condition. Experiment with diluting the shampoo for extra gentleness.

STEP 2

Gently squeeze excess water out of the strands. Apply your favorite leave-in conditioner with your fingers. Match the conditioning product to your hair type, texture and condition.

Work the conditioner into the driest parts of your hair. Leave on for up to five minutes. Rinse well. Finish with a cool to cold water rinse.

STEP 3

Towel blot your strands to remove excess water. Apply your favorite detangling product or leave-in conditioning product based on your type, texture and current condition of your strands.

Keep in mind that if you have fine or thin strands, you will want to use a very light detangling spray. For medium to thicker strands, use a heavier conditioning product.

If you are prone to frizz, experiment with frizz fighting formulas like Phytodefrisant or John Frieda Frizz Ease that help provide a sleeker smoother finish.

STEP 4

If you want to go for Eva's sleek straight style, be sure to either apply a defrisant product like Phytodefrisant or a straightening balm like Robert Hallowell's Flat Factor.

Distribute a dime-sized dollop of the product of your choice into the palms of your hands and mix well. Use your fingers to work the product completely through your tresses.

STEP 5

Separate your hair into 2" sections and blow dry with a large round brush, starting near the back of the head and working around to the front on either side.

Beginning at the back of your head, blow-dry hair in half-inch pieces using a large round brush. To create extra volume, hold brush in the hair near the scalp until the hair cools (about five seconds), then move the brush down and through to the ends of the hair.

STEP 6

To create a super straight finish, use a hot flat iron to touch up any sections that require a smoother texture.

STEP 7

If desired, spray lightly with the hairspray of your choice. Finish with a shine serum or spray. Apply to the palms of your hands and lightly brush across the surface of your hair.

Optional Look #1 - Soft Nape Twist

If you prefer to go with Eva's glamourous updo that she wore to offset her spectacular gown at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, follow the instructions below.

(Image of Eva Longoria - At 11th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA, February 5, 2005 - Photo by David Edwards of DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved)

Paves Professional - FLAWless It's A Wrap Repairing Defining Finish Cream For Dry Damaged Hair - 5 fl ozStep 1: Start with "day old" completely dry hair. Apply a small dime sized blob of Paves Professional FLAWLESS It's A Wrap hair cream to the palms of your hands. Use your fingers to evenly distribute the cream from the top of the ears down to the ends. Avoid applying any product near the scalp which can make hair greasy and prone to falling flat. (Other creams or similar products to try: John Frieda Sheer Blonde Dream Creme, John Frieda Secret Weapon Finishing Creme, John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Satin Shine Finishing Creme)

Step 2: Use a large boars or all natural bristle brush like one from Mason Pearson, Kent or Conair to direct your strands up and off of the face. Allow the hair to fall in a loose off-center part.

Step 3: Using your fingers, carefully smooth the sides and back of your tresses into a low loose ponytail that rests right at the nape of the neck. Be sure to avoid pulling the top of the hair too tightly. Allow some looseness for a soft mini-quiff. Note: It is important to use your fingers to give a soft "piecy" look.

Step 4: Loosely tie off the newly created ponytail with a "hair friendly" elastic band such as a Blax in the same hue as your hair color. If you prefer a much looser hold, try a hair Bungee instead.

Step 5: Once the ponytail is carefully tied off, you will create a soft twist or "fat bun". Use your fingers to smooth the newly formed ponytail. With the thumb and forefinger of one hair, grab the pony at the base. Use the other hand to lift the pony at the ends and while still holding the base, wrap the ponytail around the base of the Blax or the Bungee. T

Step 6: Use your fingers to hold the newly formed twist or bun in place. Use bobby pins in the same color as your hair to anchor the bun against your scalp. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, you will need eight to twenty hairpins. Pin the bun in a clockwise direction.

Paves Professional - FLAWless Convertible-Proof Firm Hold Repairing Hair Spray for Dry Damaged Hair - 10 fl ozStep 7: Spray with Paves FLAWless Convertible-Proof Firm Hold hairspray. Remember, because the hair's pulled into a loose swirl, it's okay, and even expected, that some of the ends will come out, which is what gives the look its pretty, casual style. (Other hairsprays to try: Phytolaque & Phytolaque Soie for a softer hold, PhytoPro Instant Hold Hairspray, PhytoPro Strong Holding Spray for a strong hold, Rene Furterer Instant Hold Hairspray, John Frieda Crystal Clear Hairspray, John Frieda Firm Hold Hairspray).

Step 8: For added dazzle, apply a tiny drop of Paves Professional - Paves Professional In The Spotlight shine serum or shine spray to the palms of your hands. Glide your hands lightly over the top of your strands, avoiding the roots, to add instant shimmer.

(Other shine products to try: Philip Pelusi - Glisten - Anti-Frizz Spray & Sunguard, got2b - Dazzling Shine Spray, got2b Glossy™ Anti-Frizz Shine Serum, Phyto - PhytoLisse (Formerly Phytodefrisant RelaxSerum) Customize the look to fight your face shape, hair length and texture by experimenting with different parts. Try tucking parts of the side hair behind the ears for a different look.

Optional Look #2 - Soft Ponytail

If you prefer to go with Eva's glamourous updo that she wore to the William S. Paley Television Festival in March, complete the following instructions:

(Image of Eva Longoria at 22nd Annual William S. Paley Television Festival, Director's Guild of America, Hollywood, CA - March 08, 2005. Photo by David Edwards of DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved).

Step 1: Start with "day old" completely dry hair. Apply a small dime sized blob of Paves Professional FLAWLESS It's A Wrap hair cream to the palms of your hands. Use your fingers to evenly distribute the cream from the top of the ears down to the ends. Avoid applying any product near the scalp which can make hair greasy and prone to falling flat. (Other creams or similar products to try: John Frieda Sheer Blonde Dream Creme, John Frieda Secret Weapon Finishing Creme, John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Satin Shine Finishing Creme)

Step 2: Use a large boars or all natural bristle brush like one from Mason Pearson, Kent or Conair to brush all strands off of the face.

Step 3: Using fingers, carefully smooth the sides and back of your tresses into a low ponytail that rests between the center of the back of the head and above the nape of the neck. Be sure that all hair around the front and sides are neatly pulled into a sleek pony.

Step 4: Tie off the newly created ponytail with a "hair friendly" elastic band such as a Blax in the same hue as your hair color.

Step 5: Once the ponytail is carefully tied off, lightly backcomb the entire tail to give it fullness.

Step 6: Use your fingers to carefully smooth the back combed ponytail hair down into a smooth look. You can wear the ponytail loose or you can softly tuck the very ends of the ponytail under and pin against the scalp with a few bobby pins.

Paves Professional - FLAWless Convertible-Proof Firm Hold Repairing Hair Spray for Dry Damaged Hair - 10 fl ozStep 7: Spray with Paves FLAWless Convertible-Proof Firm Hold hairspray. (Other hairsprays to try: Phytolaque & Phytolaque Soie for a softer hold, PhytoPro Instant Hold Hairspray, PhytoPro Strong Holding Spray for a strong hold, Rene Furterer Instant Hold Hairspray, John Frieda Crystal Clear Hairspray, John Frieda Firm Hold Hairspray).

Step 8: For added dazzle, apply a tiny drop of Paves Professional - Paves Professional In The Spotlight shine serum or shine spray to the palms of your hands. Glide your hands lightly over the top of your strands, avoiding the roots, to add instant shimmer.

(Other shine products to try: Philip Pelusi - Glisten - Anti-Frizz Spray & Sunguard, got2b - Dazzling Shine Spray, got2b Glossy™ Anti-Frizz Shine Serum, Phyto - PhytoLisse (Formerly Phytodefrisant RelaxSerum).

Summary

Eva, whose very first job was working at Wendy's is enjoying her newfound fame and fortune as a Housewife.

(Image of Eva Longoria - Premiere of Shaka Zulu: The Citadel at the Egyptian Theater, Hollywood, August 6, 2002 - Photo by David Edwards of DailyCeleb.com - all rights reserved).

However, she has bigger career goals outlined for the future. Ultimately she wants to produce, write and direct. She wants "to do it all" even having her "own empire like Oprah."

We have no doubt that this tomboy turned major star will achieve all of her wishes.

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