If I had to describe my hair in one word, it would be moody.
So, over the years I've learned to deal with the extremes via creative updos...
Growing up, my mother always begged me not to resort to the "ball"
on the top of my head, but in the era before flat irons, I felt
I had little choice. In the summer months, my long thick hair was like a
horse blanket trapping heat and looking less than decorative.
I had little choice. In the summer months, my long thick hair was like a
horse blanket trapping heat and looking less than decorative.
 |
| The "Ball" |
years of competition dance team performances
taught me all about bobby pins and hair spray.
OK so you're having a Bad Hair Day. Now What?
One of my favorites is the Side Bun-French Braid Combo.
I routinely cut bangs and decide to grow them out, so I have a perpetual
random fringe layer at various lengths. Bad hair days mean I need
to get these things out of my face! Any girl with bangs can tell you,
they get oily in a hurry. Good thing braids work better when you could
use a shampoo. Rule #1 with {most} updos: don't wash your hair.
Step 1: Part your hair at a slight diagonal.
Step 2: Start your french braid close to the part in the direction
of the side with more hair. My advice is that you should only glance in
the mirror occasionally. I actually close my eyes when I french braid
because it's all about feeling the right size sections to take.
Step 3: As you braid, keep the sections coming from the back of your head larger and looser than the others. These "back sections" should be smoothly coming from a diagonal from the back of your head. It takes practice to keep the hair smoothly curving with the shape of your head, but you'll be surprised how quickly you get it! Also make sure the braid itself stays close to your hair line, especially if you have shorter pieces to contend with.
of the side with more hair. My advice is that you should only glance in
the mirror occasionally. I actually close my eyes when I french braid
because it's all about feeling the right size sections to take.
Step 4: As you get closer to the end of your braid, you will have diagonal splices
from the back of your head used for your braid and large section on the opposite side
of your hair loose. Keep an eye on this unbraided hair because you want just the right
amount to make your bun later.
Step 5: Finish your braid and secure it with a rubber band.
Step 6: Gather the loose hair and smooth into a bun, twisting it in with the braid.
Make sure the unbraided hair smoothly covers the diagonal part
across the back of your head left from the last section of your braided hair.
Use bobby pins to tuck in stray pieces, or leave
across the back of your head left from the last section of your braided hair.
Use bobby pins to tuck in stray pieces, or leave
them sticking out for that messy chic look if that's what you're going for.
VOILA! You're finished!
Embellish to your heart's content!
Perfect for a day at the beach, a bad hair day, even a fancy evening out.
