Kara DioGuardi's American Idol Hairstyles

“We had originally intended for AMERICAN IDOL to have four judges,” said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. “We’ve seen from our international series that having a fourth judge creates a dynamic that benefits both the contestants and the viewers.”

Mike Darnell, President, Alternative Programming of FOX, added “For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table."

Darnell said "Paula's been as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon, offering her invaluable expertise as a performer and No. 1 artist to the thousands who have competed on AMERICAN IDOL".

"With Kara by her side", he said, "Paula finally has some back-up and now there is going to be a lot more ‘girl power’ on the show.”

In an interview with Phoenix's KISS-FM about the addition of Kara, Abdul said she was excited but "concerned about the audience and acceptance." Kara says she has always had a great relationship with Abdul and wasn't concerned about any of the media's comments."

Steal Kara's Hair Style

Known for her long lush highlighted brunette tresses, Kara often showcases soft waves which cascade over her shoulders towards the middle of her back.

1. Shampoo with your favorite product designed for your hair's type, texture and current condition. If hair is colored or highlighted like Kara's, be sure to use a formula designed for chemically treated hair.

One to try: Ken Paves Healthy Hair Daily Shampoo which gives instant body, strength & shine and is safe for colored and highlighted tresses.

2. When appropriate for your hair's texture and condition, apply a rinse out conditioner like Ken Paves Healthy Hair Daily Conditioner. Allow conditioner to penetrate tresses as recommended by manufacturer.

Note: To try the Ken Paves products check out the Ken Paves Healthy Hair Try Me Kit.

3. Rinse hair well to remove conditioning formula. Finish with a cool or cold water rinse to close cuticles and enhance natural shine.

4. Towel blot to remove excess moisture.

5. Apply a good detangling or leave-in conditioning product appropriate for your hair type, texture and condition. To achieve waves, follow with an application of your favorite styling mousse or other texture enhancing styling product.

Note: If you prefer lots of volume, apply volume enhancing products to your damp tresses concentrating on the root areas.

6. Use a boar bristle round in conjunction with a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle and work in small sections around your head until your hair is completely dry.

When hair is naturally wavy or has a loose curl pattern, opt for using a long finger diffuser attached to a blow dryer to create deconstructed waves.

7. Create a desired part (side or center) and use a medium barrel curling iron to create a soft curtain of waved tresses. Separate hair into 2" individual strands.

Working around the perimeter of the head, roll each section of hair into a ringlet pattern wrapping strands around the outside of the curling iron.

8. Release newly formed ringlet from curling iron and then pin against scalp with bobby pins to allow newly formed ringlet to cool and set. Spritz with hairspray or firm holding spray. Once entire hair has been curled, pinned and sprayed, allow curls to cool as long as possible.

9. Before leaving the house carefully unpin each section of hair, releasing the ringlets. Use hands to gently pull on the ringlets to release. Rake through strands with fingertips and deconstruct waves. Arrange hair into a soft wavy pattern.

10. Finish with a drop of Ken Paves Healthy Hair Shine Serum and a spritz of Ken Paves Healthy Hair Shaping Finishing Spray.

Note: If you love Kara's hair style and have shorter tresses, opt for a human hair or synthetic clip-in extension with pre-set waves to instantly achieve this gorgeous look. Consider the Jessica Simpson collection available at mp.hairboutique.com.

Summary

Although Kara currently wears her hair long, lush and full of waves, it's hard to predict whether her new role on American Idol will ultimately change her hairstyle.

Over the course of her many years with American Idol, Paula Abdul has repeatedly changed her hair's length, color and hairstyle. As a high profile judge it's highly likely Kara will undergo a series of hairstyle makeovers and transformation. Only time will tell.