Easy Updo For Medium To Long Hair (II)

Author: Karen Marie Shelton

Steps to achieve it

1. On hair that is a day old (unwashed) or on clean hair that has been aged with natural oils, apply a good styling mousse. Use a paddle brush on your hair until it lays smoothly behind your ears and around your crown.

Note: If your hair is fine, thin or tends to be flat, use a medium sized curling iron before you complete step 2 to give your hair more fullness and body. Take small sections of hair and create loose curls all over your head working from the bottom of the scalp to the top.

2. Gather hair into a loose ponytail at the top of your crown. Allow some hair on either side of your face to form soft ringlets to give the bun a softer and fuller look.

3. Clasp the ponytail with a "hair friendly" elastic band that is the same color as your hair.

to be continued

Easy Updo For Medium To Long Hair (I)

Author: Karen Marie Shelton

Introduction

Whether you are getting married, competing in a beauty pageant, going to a Prom, Homecoming or have a very special night out on the town, sometimes a quick updo recipe is helpful to have in your back pocket.



While I strongly advise brides to invest in spending time with a professional stylist since their photos will last a lifetime, I do understand that sometimes the budget is too tight for professional hair care. If you can afford it, I really recommend you go for it. If not, then if you try this style, be sure to practice it several times before your big day. The same is true if you are using this style for a pageant, Homecoming, Prom or other big event.



This style is best for hair that is medium in length (chin length or longer) and is straight and medium to thick. If you have naturally curly or wavy hair and are willing to first temporarily straighten your hair with a balm like Phytodefrisant, Mine Smooth Sailing or a similar product you can also easily create this style. If you have fine hair you might be able to create the updo by using a pin-on ponytail or add-on hair strands.

to be continued

New wedding image using a perm

If you haven't had a perm since you were getting ready for your First Grade dance recital, you might be in for a big shock if you decide to shop for a perm.

To try and lure consumers back to the chemical perm salon cash cow, perm companies have created "new chemical formulations" that are mixed with a range of new ingredients including herbs, natural ingredients and essential oils.

Some hairdressers add so-called conditioning oils to the perm mixes with the claim that it will protect hair from the chemicals.

Salon owners and hairdressers are also touting maximum flexibility of wave and curl creation by offering new rolling patterns, techniques and perm rods.

Hair manufacturers discovered in the mid-90s that newly empowered hair consumers demanded a more efficient, streamlined, healthier perm process. They were also unwilling to suffer through months of damaged and burnt strands from harsh perm chemicals or faulty application techniques.

Hair consumers were more pressed for time. The days of spending all day in the salon while your perm "cooked" has been replaced by high tech formulas for optimal hair texture creation and faster chemical processing.

"Express perms" are only part of the hair texturing options that are possible in some select salons. Of course to successfully create new texture in the form of curls and waves, perms still require the use of harsh chemicals. Express perms simply leave the damaging chemicals on the hair for a shorter time period.

Bridal Hair Themes

Any bride's thoughts regarding a central hair or makeup theme needs to be discussed at the very beginning of the wedding planning stage. Consideration and communication with the bridal party about hair and make-up issues are critical in deciding who should foot the bill for what services.

This topic may also be the financial dividing point for attendants that are unable to invest unlimited funds to be part of the wedding party. If you really dream of everyone with twisted updo tresses, it is important that you say so at the beginning so your attendants have a clear picture of what is required of them both financially and otherwise.

Some bridal consultants suggest that a central hair theme is appropriate for a formal day or evening wedding, but less important for an informal or casual wedding. Since it is more likely that a formal wedding will require a formal, floor length bridal attendant gown with matching headwear, co-ordinated hair styles would probably be very reasonable.

Wedding hairstyle: Soft romantic curls

Soft Romantic Curls Add Instant Elegance

Simple yet shiny soft curls add instant glamour. Create a spectacular contrast like celebrity bride Anne Heche by mixing straight strands at the crown with soft curls nestled around the perimeter of the style.

Naturally curly girls can celebrate the beauty of their tresses with a dollop of mousse, a finger diffuser and a curling iron to form perfect ringlets or tiny spiral curls all over the head.

Whether you decide to curl your entire head or mix it up, romantic curls are easy to create on all hair types with hot rollers or curling irons. Remember that the smaller the barrel of the iron, the tighter the curls you will create. Always let your curls completely cool. Opt for finger styling to avoid frizz inducing brushes or combs. Finish any curly girl look with a tiny drop of serum for spectacular shine and hair spray for all day movement and hold.

Attach real or faux diamond hair snaps strategically around the perimeter of the curls for megawatt sparkle. Experiment with a different look by strategically placing an Austrian Crystal encrusted headband at the crown, letting your curls softly cascade over the top.

Wedding hairstyle options: Faux updos

I think I want all brides to "remember that they are creating an entire look that includes their hair. A good recommendation is that you "focus on creating a style that allows you to be a beautiful bride rather than having a hairstyle that dominates the day."

If you have your heart set on an updo, a version may be possible, even with short hair. Some hairdressers reported on the creation of "a faux updo for a bridal client with hair that was only 3 inches long".

Carefully placed "tiny knots were created from the nape of the neck up towards the crown and then fanned out to give the bride the vision of a twisted updo".

While this type of style may be possible even with short hair, don't forget to try on the style several weeks before the wedding to make sure you like the look longer than in the salon.

Wedding Hairstyle: Messy Is Dressy

Textured styles offer simple yet elegant options.

The key to messed up tresses is starting with the right cut. Aim for a razor sliced shape that has edgy layers.

Styling texturized hair is a snap. Use the layers to experiment with lots of different looks. Blow dry hair using a finger diffuser to build fullness and lift at the roots. Apply a little styling paste to your fingers and use it to twist small sections of hair around the edges.

If you prefer a more natural look let hair air dry, emulsify wax in the palms of your hands and then lightly rake through the lengths. Use your fingers to tease and mold the hair into place.