How To: Upside Down French Braid Bun
Here is a simple hairstyle that will keep your hair in place, and make you look equally stylish, and sleek, even on hottest summer days (or for an elegant winter party).
I suppose that all you can think about in these long summer days is how to keep your hair off your neck and shoulders, but you are probably getting tired of the usual ponytail, and top knot hairstyles. So, here is a suggestion, try a style that combines your two favorites, a French braid, and a ballerina bun. And yes, now you can look interesting and polished even in the tropical temperatures.
For making the Upside Down French Braid Bun you might want to enlist a help of a friend who’s proficient in French braiding, and it will be fun. But with a few basic hairstyling tools, and a little knowledge in the science of braiding, you can do it on your own. Just follow these simple steps.
Tools:
•a brush
•elastic bands
•bobby pins
•bun roll, mousse and hairspray (optionally)
Tip: Keep in mind that your hair will be easier to work with if it’s not freshly washed.
Step 1
Start by gently brushing your hair to remove any knots. As you are probably already well familiar with what your hair needs, this is the best time to apply your usual hairstyling products (like mousse). Also, if you want to, you can gently tease the hair on top of your head to add volume.
Step 2
At this point you should divide your hair by making a part from your left ear across the crown of your head, to the right ear. Secure the top part of your hair with a clip and this should make braiding the lower half easier.
Step 3
Flip your head upside down, and then gently brush the hair again. Start the French braid at the nape of your neck, and braid all the way to the crown of your head. Then secure the hair with an elastic band, and leave the ponytail free.
Step 4
Remove the clip from the top part of your hair. Tie the hair and the ponytail left from the braid together in a high ponytail.
Step 5
Now you make a bun. For this you can use a bun roll. Slide it over your ponytail, arrange your hair around it, and then gently tuck it under the roll, and secure with bobby pins.
Or, you can do it without the bun roll. Just tease your hair a little, then twist it (you can also braid it if you want), and then wrap it around the elastic band. In the end secure it with bobby pins. You can leave a few strands out, if you want, for a messier look.
Step 6
In the end you can spray some hairspray on the brush, and smooth out any frizz.
The beauty of the Upside Down French Braid Bun is that it is versatile, and practical, as it is elegant. You can wear it to the beach, to a party, but also to the office. You can keep it smooth and sleek, or leave a few strands out for a fun, relaxed look. Whatever choice you make, you can’t make a mistake, and you will definitely be noticed wherever you go. Just go on and try it!
What short Hairstyle Is Right for You
It always happens the same way. You’re growing your hair out; it’s going to get nice and long this time. You’re serious; you’re going for the Victoria Secret Angel kind of hair. Then it happens, it gets just about shoulder length and suddenly it’s taking FOREVER to grow, it’s taking way too long to do in the morning, and what is that, like the fifth hair elastic you’ve broken?
Then she walks in. You know who I’m talking about. That edgy, artsy girl, who’s dressed in that perfect outfit and…. HER HAIR. You’re suddenly in love with that adorable, rock star pixie cut she has going on. Then it occurs to you “I’m going to cut my hair.” Sound familiar? Hold it right there! Put the scissors down. While a short haircut may be more manageable and look great, there’s a short style for every kind of face shape, so get the right one!
First let’s make sure that cutting your hair is actually what you want to do. Is this a real desire or simply a lack of patience dealing with longer hair? Is there any product or treatment that can make it more manageable? Have you simply gotten bored with your look? Is there a less drastic change you could make, like layers, bangs, or temporarily dying your hair? If the answer to all these is no and you really want a short-haired look, read the article below and then call your most trusted hair stylist (now is not the time to try someone new) and book that appointment. You brave thing you.
If Your Face is Round:
Go for the pixie cut. The dimensions of the cut bring the eyes up, which diminish the look of a fuller face. So if you’re afraid that your face is “too round” for a short cut, it’s actually the opposite. A shorter cut will actually make your face look slimmer, kind of like pulling your hair into an up-do.
As far as texture is concerned, this cut is ideal if you have thinner, straighter hair that lays flat. If not, you’re going to have to shave your layers down with a razor frequently to create the same effect.
If You Have a Heart-shaped Face:
A pixie cut is still a great idea, but you have more freedom when it comes to some sexy and edgy bangs. Bangs frame a heart-shaped face perfectly and really bring out a woman’s eyes. This is typically where you see the “shaved on one side, with long bangs on the other side” look. Rihanna style.
Again, stick to this look only if your hair is straight or has a very mild wave to it. It may be unmanageable for curly hair unless you’re flat ironing it or using a curling iron everyday. See, short cuts can be high maintenance too if you don’t go about it correctly!
If You Have a Square Face:
Okay curly and super wavy girls, this one is for you! Square faces really know how to rock that messy, layered bob look. If your hair is nice and thick, with textured curls or waves, this cut will give you a flirty, sexy look in no time. It frames the face perfectly and added layers give the hair that perfect bounce. Also, if you have curly, thick hair that seems damaged, then cutting at this length may be a good idea to repair some irreversible damage.
If your hair is straight this can still look good on you, however realize your look will be more “sweetheart” than vixen. Think Katie Holmes instead of Keira Knightly.
For Long Faces:
The A-line bob is great for long faces. Short in the back and tapered in the front, this look is ideal for very straight hair. Go for this cut if you’re into the more tailored, polished look. It’s clean, and classic, without looking like June Cleaver.
Also if you have this style of hair and simply take a small-barreled curling iron to curl it, it will add width to the face shape.
If Your Face is Oval:
Lucky duck, most all haircuts that work for you. If you’re going to go with bangs, just make sure they stay proportionate to the height of your forehead. From there you have carte blanche to get creative and try something original and edgy. Collaborate with your hairstylist and maybe combine a few different looks you are fond of.
Safe Bets:
The Long Bob:
Go for something like the long-bob if you’re not ready to take the full plunge into shorter hair. This look is stylish, short, and yet still manageable enough to pull into an updo. It’s the perfect stepping stone if you’re still on the fence. It’s ideal for all face shapes, and all hair types.
A Wig:
Invest in a cute short wig for days that you’re feeling like something different. They can be a bit pricy but are worth it if you’re afraid of having to wait to grow your hair out all over again. Plus with a wig you really don’t have to be concerned with what texture of hair or face shape you have because they come in so many styles.
At the end of the day love, it’s just hair. It will grow back. So if you want to cut it, go for it, just be sure to do it at a pace you’re comfortable with. Try going from shoulder length hair to a bob, and from a bob to a pixie cut instead of the drastic change from long to short. Also a word of advice, don’t cute off too much hair during cold winter months unless you plan on investing in a warm hat. Brrrr….
Have you recently gotten a short cut that you love? Or do you have additional tips to share? Leave them in the comment section below for the rest of the YouQueen community to read. We’re all in this together, one bad hair day at a time.
5 Ways to Prevent Dry Hair
We all hate how dry hair looks, but the fact is that over 50% of people have dry hair and have no idea what to do about it. Here’s how to prevent your hair from becoming dry and lifeless.
Is your hair starting to get dry and lifeless? Well, you should definitely take better care of it. There are different things that may cause dry hair, so keep reading and find out what to do (and what not to) in order to prevent dry hair.
1. Choose a Good Shampoo
When it comes to choosing the right hair shampoo, women often opt for the ones that smell nice. Naturally, the smell is important, but another thing you should be paying attention to is the pH.
Shampoos that have a high pH tend to make your hair very dry (this is why you should avoid baby shampoos). If you already have dry hair, choose a shampoo that has a pH between 4.5 and 6.5.
2. Don’t Wash Your Hair too Often
A bad shampoo may dry out your hair, and so may water! Don’t shampoo your hair too often. Choose a gentle shampoo that suits your hair type and wash it every other day.
3. Choose the Proper Hairbrush
It is important to choose a good hairbrush that will suit your hair type, otherwise you risk damaging your hair. Natural bristle brushes are usually a good choice. If you’re not sure what hairbrush you should use, your hairdresser can definitely give you a piece of advice on that. Also, don’t brush your hair too hard or too often, since over-brushing can be harmful. And never brush wet hair!
4. Blow Dry Your Hair Only When You Absolutely Have To
Things you should avoid as much as possible are blow dryers, hot rollers, hair straighteners etc. But the thing is – many women use these every single day. All these tools may significantly dry your hair, so avoid using artificial heat as much as you can. Leave your hair to dry naturally whenever you can, and when you have to use a blow dryer, keep it on a low setting.
5. Protect Your Hair From Sun Damage
During late spring and summer we usually think about protecting our skin from the sun, but it seems like we don’t care about our hair as much. Well, hair needs sun protection, too!
Make sure that your hair is well protected from the sun – you could wear a stylish hat and cover it up or use hair care products that will help you avoid damaged hair and split ends.