Military Bun Tutorial

Not much of a fan of the ever-popular "sock bun" trend, when I joined the Air National Guard, I told myself, "I will never be caught DEAD wearing a sock bun!" You know, because it seems like every photo you ever see of anyone in the military shows them wearing a sock bun—and I was not going to do it!

Let me tell you what, after being at Basic Military Training for about two weeks with short hair that would just not stay up in any kind of bun and having an MTI come up to me and say, "Get it together, Rowe! Your hair looks like a hot mess!" it was then that I decided to embrace the dreaded sock bun. And I decided to call it the "donut bun" instead, because that just sounds better—I suppose. After about three successful buns created with my small, brown mesh donut, I was sold. I don't care what anyone has to say about the donut bun, it's quick, it's easy, it works for almost any hair length that can be put up, and it's the only way to put your hair up in less than a minute as Reveille is going off and 46 girls are scrambling around you to get their beds made.

So whether you're researching how best to wear your hair while at BMT or just wanting to try a new updo, here's my tutorial for the military version of the sock bun.



Basic Steps:

1. Pull hair up into low ponytail (it has to be low enough to put your ABU cap on)
2. String ponytail through mesh donut, bringing donut all the way up to base of hair tie
3. Fan ponytail over mesh donut, making sure to evenly cover mesh with hair
4. Wrap second hair tie around mesh donut
5. Secure loose ends with bobby pins
6. (Optional) Pull & tug hair around mesh donut to create a fuller, more voluminous bun
7. Finish with a light (or heavy—if you're at BMT) mist of hairspray

My favorite step and trick to the whole process is Step 6, where you give your bun that added bit of volume. I know the slicked-down look is so popular in the military, but I think a nice, full bun (especially if your hair is fine like mine) looks so much better and really elevates the whole look.

Also, if your hair is longer—at Step 5, you can either braid or twist the loose ends (try making 3-4 small braids/twists) before pinning them to give your bun a really chic, polished look. Unfortunately, my hair is still far too short to attempt any of those neat tricks, but the other girls at Basic Training looked so nice when they added little braided accents to their buns.

Below, I've included the exact products that I bought and used while down at BMT to achieve this style.

Do you rock the donut bun? I know several women who wear it out and about and I think it looks really nice—especially when it's not totally slicked down!

The little details: Eyes: Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes c/o my cousin & Younique Presenter Lindsay, Sterling Silver Wrap Ring: c/o The Vintage Pearl

Messy Bun Updo

Since my hair has gotten longer, it's harder for me to get it into (and keep it in) a messy bun. My messy bun go-to these days is a triple-bun of sorts that—after adding a fancy hair clip c/o Lilla Rose by Rachel (win one here!)—turns into a pretty little updo.

I do this hairstyle by creating a ponytail at the nape of my neck. I then pull my ponytail through the hair-tie, stopping halfway down my ponytail to create a simple "poof" of hair. I then create another "poof" of hair with the rest of my ponytail. Then I tug and tug until it looks nice and a couple pieces fall out of the bottom poof, those of which I then tuck back into the hair-tie at the middle of the bun, hiding the hair-tie and creating a third "poof." Since that probably makes no sense at all, I plan on doing a video tutorial for this look so stay tuned for that to come soon.

Would you like to see a tutorial of this hairstyle? What's your messy-bun go-to?

Wedding Hair Styles

With our wedding just three days away (oh my—three days), I have been asked questions about my hair almost more than anything. "How are you going to wear your hair?" seems to come up every time the wedding does.

And guess what? I have no idea how I'm going to do my hair on the wedding day. NO IDEA.*

Recently, I had my hair curled for my bridal shower, and afterward, I went home to play around with some styles. I took some photos to help make a note about what I liked and didn't like. I have a little archive of wedding hair ideas on Bye Bye Beehive, so I adapted some of those styles to make new ones.
Here are a couple of my ideas for wedding hair styles.

THE TWISTED HALF-UP STYLE. This one is so easy. It's the base hairstyle for most of the other ones featured here. It's really similar to this style, but instead of just pinning it back, I twisted the hair as I pulled it back & before I pinned it, creating a pretty and soft design in the back. It would be great to add a little pearl or flower hair clip to hide the bobby pins or gap between the twists.

THE PINNED UPDO. I took the Twisted Half-Up pictured above and simply pinned my bottom half all up to make this easy updo. It took about 10-15 extra bobby pins. I would just grab a strand of hair, twist it and then pin it into place, creating a little "poof" (best word I could come up with) of hair with each pin. In the end, I had about 10 poofs that came together to create the definition in this updo. I pulled and tugged at each one to make this style look nice and full.

THE TWISTED PONYTAIL. You've seen this one before. This time, I didn't pin the last couple pieces up so high, so instead of creating a waterfall look, they simply cascaded down the ponytail. To create this look, all you do is just twist & pin (going under the curls to hide the pins). It's so simple and stays in place all day if you add a little hairspray.

THE TWISTED LOW CHIGNON. I started again with the Twisted Half-Up style, and instead of pinning smaller pieces of hair all over the place and higher up like the Pinned Updo, I took a couple large sections of hair, pinned them in a low bun, and then tugged on them to make the chignon just a bit bigger. I think this style would be really pretty with a couple loose curly strands falling down from the bun.

THE SIMPLE TWIST & PIN. As the name implies, this one is simple. You tease the hair at the crown of your head, twist back the front pieces & pin them under your hair, and you're set. This style is perfect for the easy-going-hair-all-down kind of bride.

And there are 5-easy wedding hair styles. Each of these took me less than 10-minutes, with some of them taking much, much less.

*FYI: in case you're wondering, I will not be wearing a veil, and my dress is not strapless.

Which is your favorite?

Twists to a Bun

Bye Bye Beehive, is over in 

6 days.

Six days.

6-days until I can use a blow dryer.

6-days until I don't have to go to work with a wet mop of hair everyday.

6-days until I probably won't go back to the crazy teasing, hair spraying, and highlighting

I was so attached to before.

I think the coolest part about this year-long project

is all that I've learned about myself.

You'll hear more about it in... 6 days.

Anyway—one of my favorite things to add a little spunk to a 2nd-day hair style

is to create a couple of twists or braids and secure your hair into a messy bun.

It's adds texture, it catches the eye, and it totally hides the fact 

that your hair is dirty major (with some dry shampoo, of course).

Because sometimes, just sometimes, that extra 10 (or 40) minutes of sleep

is just oh-so worth-it.

Topsy Tail Twist

Glasses: c/o Firmoo.com

Last week, The Beauty Department posted an amazing tutorial for a funky topsy tail bun. 
First, let me just say, I'm a huge fan of the topsy tail.
Second, this style is so easy.

1. Gather hair in a ponytail at the nape of your neck.
2. Secure with an elastic band.
3. Pull the elastic band to the bottom of your ponytail, leaving about 1-2 inches of hair at the end of the ponytail (or until your shorter layers don't start falling out).
4. Separate the hair in the gap of the ponytail right down the middle into two pieces.
5. Bring the ponytail up and through the gap, creating an upside-down topsy tail.
6. Repeat, repeat, repeat... the hair will begin to twist into coils! 
7. Once it's all coiled into a bun, secure the end of the ponytail underneath the bun with bobby pins.
8. If your shorter layers fall out (like mine did), let them hang loose or pin them back. I gently twisted mine back and pinned them underneath one of the bigger twists (top right photo).
9. You can tug on some of the pieces to give it some body and hide the part in the back.
10. You can also tug on the coils to make them look a little bigger and more full. I had to do this because my bun was so small at first!
11. A visual learner? Want to see how it is done? Visit TBD!

The Beauty Department recommended wearing this style slicked back and straight,
but I actually prefer it a little more loose and casual-looking.
I think it's perfect for a day at the office or a nice wedding updo.

I'd love to see your version of it. Tweet me or Instagram a photo with the hashtag #topsytailtwist!

3-Minute Messy Bun with a POP of Braided Fun

 

 

Ingredients for a messy bun with a POP of braided fun:

1. Dirty hair.
2. Dry shampoo.
3. Reverse French braid (a.k.a. cornrow or Dutch braid... French braid strands under each other instead of over).
4. Messy bun at the nape of your neck.

Prep time: 1 day to dirty-up your hair. Works best if ends have a slight curl to them.

Bake time: 3-minutes.

Enjoy for 1 (or 2) days ♥

Braided Ballerina Bun

 

It has been FOREVER and a day since I've been inspired to try a new hairstyle.

This one came to me while I was sitting at my desk last week and about to head to an event.
I desperately needed something to control my mane. I did not want to be surrounded by a bunch of big-wigs with my air-dryed and lifeless hair hanging over my face.
I came up with a simple reverse French braid (or cornrow braid) down one side of my head, which is then wrapped around a ballerina bun that I created with the rest of my hair and a couple spin pins.
It is definitely an easy fix that classes up the simple ballerina bun.
I got lots of compliments and it didn't budge a bit.

I would have really enjoyed just a tad bit of hairspray... but at least you'll have the option to use some!

xoxo

My Messy Bun As Of Late

 

 

I'm fairly certain I have emphasized that 

I LOVE HAIRSPRAY

before, haven't I?

It used to be my saving grace when it came to making anything stay put,

making hair huge and poofy,

and making sure my hair did what I wanted.

And... now that I don't have it... I've been improvising.

I create a messy bun,

and then pull and tug to make it really big and messy.

Once it's nice and big, I take pieces and bobby pin them where I want them.

I don't point the bobby pins toward my pony tail holder (because to many makes it hurt!)...

I simply take a loop of bun (that's usually droopy and gross), 

and slide the bobby pin right over the chuck of hair I want to stay put, securing it to my head.

I make sure and do it under the visible part of loop, so you can't see the bobby pins while looking at my hair.

I usually end up with 5 or 6 bobby pins throughout my bun holding hair in place

to make it look bigger.

If that's confusing, I can do a vlog...

but it may take some persuasion :)

Braided Updo

Do you remember the adorable girl I talked about, named Emily, who sent me the email asking me to do the Holiday Updo?

Welp, she's amazing because she sent me another Hey Kayli video and asked me to give it a go. Kayli had titled the video New Year's Eve Updo... but I think it's just more of a braided updo. I gave it a shot, and almost followed her directions to a T (but had to make adjustments because she does a lot of teasing and hairspraying). Would you like to know my version? I knew you would.

1. Begin with brushed hair. 
• I think mine would have worked better if it had a it of a curl at the ends.
2. Separate out two sections toward the front of your hair to be braided. Pin them aside so you can do your braids.
3. Kayli did her braids first, and then did the bun. I think it's easier to do it the other way around. Gather the hair at the back of your head, twist it into a ballerina bun, and secure it with Spin Pins.
• Spin Pins are awesome for days when you're on the go and don't have time for a fancy updo, or if you're looking for a really classy, sleek look.
4. Begin braiding the side sections that you had pinned. 
• Instead of making a regular plait like Kayli did, I instead did a French braid with my hair. I think it makes it a bit fancier.
5. Take 1 section of your braided hair and wrap it across your bun. Secure with a bobby pin.
• One side may have a longer braid if you part your hair on the side. 
• I chose the shorter side (right side) so the ends could be covered by my longer side braid.
6. Take the second, longer braid and wrap it over your bun, across the first braid. Secure it with a bobby pin on the other side of your bun.
7. Wrap the loose end of the braid under your ballerina bun to cover it.
• If you have longer hair, it would be cool to also wrap the ends of the braids around the bun to give it a cool, multi-dimensional look.
8. Tug on a couple pieces (lightly) to give the bun and braids a bit of volume.
9. That's it!

I hope those directions make the slightest bit of sense. If they don't... just head to YouTube and check the video that Kayli made. 

So>> want to know something random? The girl who got her hair done in the video (CarlieStylez) used to live in Idaho. We were all friend with the same people. I saw the video and was like... wait, I know that face!

What a small world it is, huh?

I hope you like it! Try it and send me pictures! xo

PS>> PS>> I'm having a GIVEAWAY over at Aunie Sauce. It's open until January 24th and is for a beautiful leather bracelet. Get yourself entered!!!

NYE Hair.

I had absolutely the hardest time trying to figure out what to do with my hair for New Year's Eve. There was the Holiday Updo, the Braided Bun, the Headband Chignon... I just had too many ideas.
I resorted to asking Daniel and his family what they thought. They immediately said a messy bun with a braid up the back. Done. No hairspray, teasing or curling required.

As you can see, I switched it up this time. Last time I did a regular French braid up the back, but this time I opted for a reverse French braid. I loved it~!
Happy New Year!

The Braided Bun.

As I promised yesterday, I said I would try a new style, inspired by this style from The Beauty Department. The braided bun.

Let me begin by saying, I followed their tutorial to a T, minus the added hairspray spritz in the end. It is so easy. I did make one modification by changing my top 2 braids to corn row French braids instead of regular plaits.

My only complaint about this hairstyle, in my eyes, is that if you have thin or fine hair... this one will be tricky. It's not hard to do, by any means, but making the bun look nice and full is definitely a trick. I pulled my braid plaits apart like they suggested, and even tried to strategically pin my hair... but I couldn't do anything to make it look more full. Clearly, the girl from TBD has amazingly thick hair. Her bun is outstanding. Mine is just so-so. I also apologize for my visible clear elastic bands. Those buggers were tough to hide with my fine, shorter hair!

Nevertheless, it is a gorgeous style that I can't wait to wear more often. I am seriously considering it for a New Year's Eve style. Any plans yet on what you'll be doing with your hair?

xoxo

Braid Up Your Bun.

Happy Day-After-Christmas!!

I totally already got my post-jingle-bell shopping in, and saved no money. But that's alright, it was at a consignment shop... so the prices were all drastically reduced anyway.

I'm constantly looking for new ways to mix up my bun, so today I tried a little trick that I saw on The Beauty Department. It's a ballerina bun with a French braid up the back. It's modeled after this style.

Now, you may be wondering how in the heck I did this on my own head. Simple. Kind of.

I pulled the top half of my hair into a ponytail. Then, I flipped my head upside down and French braided the bottom half away from my neck. I secured it with a clear plastic elastic and then included it in the ponytail on top of my head. For the ballerina bun, I simply twisted my ponytail around the ponytail holder and pinned it in place, just like they did at The Beauty Department.

Oh-- and if you're not the most skilled at French braiding... have a buddy help you out! That's why my braid is so messy... it was hard to braid upside down! It's a rockin' style that adds spunk and personality to any messy bun.

xoxo

Jazz Up Your Messy Bun.

If you're looking for that extra OOMPH to add to your messy bun, why not try a couple fun braids?

Lately, I've been letting my hair rock out in a loose, messy bun. It's so easy, yet sometimes it just looks a little too simple. Today I added some braids and it definitely gave it a little *pop*. Think about trying braids, flowers, twists... anything you can think of. And then rock the heck out of it.

One of those days.

... so I had to messy bun it out!

I think it was just one of those days. I actually did go home early last night and shower so I could air-dry my hair and curl it... but it just didn't happen. So instead, I did my hair in my car on the way to work (I was safe, I promise!). I did a little wrap, swoosh and twist and that was that!

Hmm... what's a new fun hairstyle I could try with my shorter hair? More braids? Twists? Let's see what we can come up with!

Convertible.

This past week while on vacation in Palm Desert, my brother and I were greatly deprived and only had the option to drive around my dad's convertible. Aww shucks, right?

I quickly found that the only option for convertible hair was a convertible style in itself. The hairstyle I came up with was none other than the Boho bun. It is convertible because not only does it look chic and fun, but it also stays securely in place during long convertible rides. I added a couple flowers to the 'do and voila! It stayed perfectly in place. I also opted for this hairstyle the day my family and I went golfing. 

See... it's a convertible convertible hairstyle!

P.S. I just love reading your comments... but I can't reply back if you don't "show your email" on your Blogger profile. All you need to do is go to your Blogger profile. Click "Edit." Check the box that says "show my email address," and you're good to go!  Then I will be able to respond to your comments. For a more detailed tutorial, check out this link from For the Love of Blogs. Success!!!

When in Doubt.

... Messy bun it out!

I am SUCH a huge fan of the messy bun. Why? Because you can do it any way that you want to. Mine usually finds itself perched at the nape of my neck or right on top of my head. I usually twist it in and out of the ponytail holder a couple of times and it ends up where it ends up. Simple!

That is why I love it. My sister always asks me how I do my messy buns. The thing is... they're just so easy because I don't even know what I do. I pull, twist, twist, wrap. Done. I might have to post a step-by-step eventually... but I'm sure you probably have your messy bun down like whoa.

How do you do yours? Any tips for me with mine? Any new ways I could learn?

French Braid a la Bun.

Welcome, welcome hair chefs (if that's what you would call them)! Today we have a recipe for a quick and easy French braid a la Bun!

There are a couple ingredients that go into this French braid recipe:

1. A single French braid going down the back of your head.
2. A hairband to create a messy bun at the bottom of the braid.
3. Bobby pins if you have short pieces that you want to keep held back.

This recipe takes approximately 2-3 minutes to prepare and is ready to wear all day long! Enjoy!