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 for Shoulder Length Hair

I recently posted a tutorial for a messy bun that is meant for longer hair but can be adapted for shorter hair. Within the video, I included written instructions for how to modify it for those with shorter hair styles. Sometimes seeing it written isn't quite as simple as seeing it being done, so today I'm showing you how I do the shorter-haired version.

This video is how I do my messy bun when it's anywhere from just below chin-length to just below my shoulders. Once it's long enough, I add back in the double bun featured in the other tutorial.

Basic Steps:

1. Pull hair up into low, small bun
2. Tug loose ends up and around ponytail holder, making the bun bigger and adding fun, messy spikes
3. Twist & tuck shorter pieces that fall out of bun into hair tie
4. Pull & tug crown to add volume

Is that a quick and easy messy bun or what? This is typically how I wear my hair to work during the week (because it's so fast and I get ready at the gym) and for a low-key style on the weekends. In fact, my hair is almost always up in one of these funky buns.

Style tip: This updo works best for me if my hair has some curl/wave/kink to it. Try curling your hair with this heat-free curling method or sleep in a French braid the night before—it makes a big difference and when you pull and tug to add volume, having either face-framing soft curls or waves really takes this style up a notch (as seen from a distance here—see the face-framing curls?)!

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

Messy Bun Tutorial for Long or Short Hair

I'd like to preface this post by saying that I filmed this tutorial last year—the day before I whacked off 12-inches and donated my hair to charity. Looking back, I don't regret my decision to opt for a shorter 'do one bit, though this does make me miss my longer hair.

This messy bun is my go-to look for 2nd (or 3rd or 4th!) day hair. Though my hair is currently shoulder-length, I can still do a bun like this—I just have to modify the steps a little. My favorite part about this look? That it's a messy bun—it doesn't have to be perfect and will look different each time you do it.



Here are the basic steps:

1. Make a little bun
2. Double the bun
3. Twist and tuck loose ends into hair tie
4. Pull & tug bun to add volume
5. Secure loose & floppy bun pieces with bobby pins
6. Pull & tug crown to add volume

If you're trying this look on shorter hair, that's no problem! When you make your bun, skip step 2. Instead, twist and tuck the loose ends into your hair tie above your bun, creating what looks like a mini bun on top. It will give that "double bun" effect. And then, just like in the tutorial, pull & tug to add volume and secure loose pieces in place. I used this same method to create this bun and this bun on my much shorter hair.

Enjoy!

Short & Straight Hair

Quilted Jacket: c/o Joules USA

This hairstyle is so easy with my short hair! I washed it in the evening and let it air-dry while I slept. When I woke up, added a spritz of dry shampoo, straightened it, teased the crown and sprayed a light mist of hairspray. So easy!

Products & tools used for this hairstyle:

Disclosure: The Mitch Stone Session spray is a c/o product.

Straight and Flipped Hairstyle for Short Hair

Shirt: Macy's (similar), Bracelet: Thrifted, Nails: OPI I Ate Berries in the Canaries and China Glaze Turned Up Turquoise

This is my go-to short hairstyle. It's so easy, and literally takes less than 5-minutes.

1. Blow dry your hair, curling the front under with a round brush, but leave it slightly damp (if only just in the back).
• I prepped my hair before blow drying with Aveda Volumizing Tonic and Style Prep.
2. Add a bit of Pure Abundance Hair Potion to volumize your crown.
3. Tease your crown (I use a steel pin brush).
4. Smooth a penny-sized amount of wax through your fingers and flip/spike the back of your hair. Mine does it naturally, you may have to flip yours out with a round brush. 
5. Finish with a quick shot of hairspray (I love Mitch Stone's Session Spray—it doesn't make my hair stiff but gives a great hold).

Products & tools used for this hairstyle:

Disclosure: the Aveda Products & Mitch Stone Session Spray are c/o products, though I use them daily and love them regardless of the fact that they are c/o.

Diagonal Dutch Braid

Ring: c/o rosieMADE (use coupon SAUCYrosie for $15 off a $50 order)

These days, braids are my favorite hairstyle. They take me just a minute or two to do, and then I'm usually able to sleep in them overnight and get to rock some killer crimped hair the next day.

I did this style the other day while sitting at my desk at work. It's a Dutch braid that begins on the right side of my head and crosses diagonally in the back so it hangs down like a side left braid in the front.

It's easy. It's effortless. It's chic. To see the style post that went with this braid, click here. 

No-Heat Curls with the Friar Tuck

About a year ago, I made a post called Curl Your Hair Without Heat about how to curl your hair with a headband after watching a video on YouTube. It has since turned into my most-viewed post and has generated a ton of emails from readers who want to know exactly how to do it.

Today, I bring you my very own video tutorial for what I like to call the "Friar Tuck."

More details:

• I have fine hair—and a lot of it. It holds curl well. 
• This curling method does not work if your hair is wet. It must be completely dry.
• If your hair falls out of this easily, try wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before going to sleep.
• If you have long hair, try using two headbands to reduce tangles & make it easier to tuck! 
• Dry shampoo used: Suave
• Sea salt spray used: Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Spray
• Songs in the video: (1) 1234 by Feist (2) New Soul by Yael Naim
• The photos below show my hair after an entire day. Some days the curls don't last quite as long.

Products used in this video:

/ / Like this video? Subscribe to my channel on YouTube! If you try the Friar Tuck, tweet or instagram me a photo with the hashtag #auniefriartuck. Love love love

Simple Twists

Tease your crown for subtle volume. Twist the front pieces of your hair back & pin. Add a flower or bow clip & you're set!

My Daily Hair Styling Routine

 Glasses: c/o Firmoo

Lately, I've gotten quite a few emails from ladies who want to know how I style my hair on a daily basis. Frequently asked questions include:

• What do I do with it when I sleep? 
• What dry shampoo do I use? 
• Do I tease it?
• Do I use hairspray?
• How do I get natural-looking waves?
• How do I style my bangs? 

Today, I'm answering your questions. Here's a short video of exactly how I style my hair when I wear it down.



More details:

•  Fave overnight keep-it-out-of-your-face methods: ballerina bun, French braid, or Friar Tuck (video tutorial coming soon)
• Fave dry shampoo: Suave 
• Fave hairspray: Lamaur Sprayage (I used Big Sexy Hair in this video)
• If I shower in the morning, I just let my hair air-dry naturally. It ends up with this same wavy texture. Once it's dry, I follow the same process.
• To keep my hair healthy, I avoid heat styling tools and I haven't colored/highlighted my hair since May, 2011.
• My bangs are longer here than usual--I'm growing them out!
• Song in the video: White Sky by Vampire Weekend 

Products used in this video:

/ / Like this video? Subscribe to my channel on YouTube!

Holiday Hair-spiration

I have two brand new holiday hair tutorials posted over at Yes To Carrots: a low side ponytail and a fun holiday updo. Go check them out... click HERE!

PS>> Love the red bow in the updo? Snag one here!

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!

The Bubble Ponytail

I saw this on The Shine Project recently and thought, 

"Man! That's a perfect ponytail with a twist."

It's has spice.

It has zest.

It's ideal for 2nd day dirty hair.

Add some dry shampoo,

create a ponytail (high or low),

add some clear elastic bands at regular intervals,

pull on the ponytail bubbles a little bit to make them poofy,

and VOILA!

Enjoy the bubble ponytail!

Twisted Side Pony

It's been almost three months since I have done a hair tutorial.
What. the. hay.

Don't hate... because considering that Bye Bye Beehive has a little over 2 months (2 months!)
until its completion date on October 11,

I figured I may as well begin making the transition to showcasing my random hair tutorials on my other blog.
But don't fret, if you're a follower of BBB, I'll probably double post them.

Maybe not.
Who knows.

Today, I'm showing you the twisted side pony.

Dress: Francesca's // Earrings: Francesca's // Necklace: c/o Lisa Leonard  // Bracelets: c/o Payton Woodcraft

As you remember on Monday (if you read Aunie Sauce),
I mentioned that this weekend I did a promo event for Francesca's.
What I really did was go to their store for an hour or so and style their customers.
I had so. much. fun.
I also met lots of new friends! A special shout-out to Rhylee, Adrianna and Ashley!

Like usual,
I was running late to get there.
I had taken my time that morning to sleep in, get to the gym,
sweat my booty off,
and by the time I got home, I realized I had to be out the door in about 35 minutes.
Oops.

I did NOT have time to wash my hair,
and I was not about to go to Franny's with wet hair.
I can't use a hair dryer, remember?
So I quickly rolled it up in a friar tuck and hopped in the shower.
When I got out, I dabbed on some blush, shaded my brows, and put on a couple coats of mascara.
I had about 5 minutes before I had to leave,
so I quickly unrolled my hair from the "friar yuck."
To my immense surprise, I had curls almost as pretty as if I had slept in the headband overnight.
And I'd only had it in for 30 minutes!
I was expecing a slight curl to the tips, but not full-on waves.
Score. Humidity, thank you (this time) for creasing my fine, lifeless hair into a curl.

OK ok ok. Are you ready for how I did it yet?
This style was kind of inspired by this style.
Anyway, here's the how-to:

1. I gathered a small section of hair at the nape of my neck and secured it in a low right-side pony with a clear elastic band.
2. I took a couple of face-framing pieces from the left side and twirled them into a little twist. I stuck a bobby pin at the bottom of that to hold it in place and just let it hang down for the time being.
3. Then, I gathered small sections of hair and began twisting them back (loosly) and secured them around the clear elastic ponytail holder.
4. I kept it messy. I didn't want it to look like a "ponytail," but instead a side updo-of-sorts.
5. As I twisted the sections back and pinned them, I made sure to only pin a small piece of the twist. I didn't want huge bobby pins showing everywhere. Plus, once the hair is twisted back like that, it won't move too much, so the whole thing doesn't need to be pinned.
6. After all my sections were pinned, I grabbed the little extra twist and tucked it back behind the ponytail.
7. I then pulled and tugged on a couple pieces to give my hair a bit more volume and to make it look a bit messier.
8. If I were you, I would definitely finish this with a bit of hairspray, but mine didn't seem to move too much without it.

The little added twist would look really cool if you had highlights or colored dimensions in your hair.
It didn't show up so well in my au natural ombrè hair, but that's OK.
It's the thought that counts.

If you need help, refer back to that other tutorial.
Mine was clearly modified and doesn't look as nice, but I liked it a lot.
I even wore the same style the next day...
...with the same gross, dirty hair.
Because that's how I roll.

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

Chic Up the Boho Side Braid

Remember the Boho Side Braid I did a couple of weeks ago?

Want to add a simple little trick that totally classes it up?

Wrap a piece of your hair around the ponytail holder

and secure it with a bobby pin or two.

It totally makes this look go from fun to chic.

xoxo

Curl Your Hair Without Heat

Last week, I saw a post on my friend Kristen's blog

(Confessions of a Graphic Design Student).

She mentioned how she vintage-style curled her hair with a headband...

with NO heat.

Needless to say, I had to try it.

I began by putting an elastic headband over my slightly damp hair.

I grabbed pieces of my hair and tucked them around the headband,

continuing until I reached the back of my head.

It's really similar to the Holiday Updo that I did in December.

When I reached the back, I simply twisted that hair around and around 

the headband until it was all tucked in.

I slept in my headband overnight...

Daniel said I looked like Friar Tuck.

So this is the "Friar Tuck Method" now and forever in my eyes.

In the morning, I pulled the headband out of my hair and was 

SHOCKED at the curls I got.

Wowza, baby!

They stayed like that almost all day.

Of course they fell out a bit... but I didn't mind.

UPDATE // And just in case you'd like to see how to do this,

I included my very own video tutorial (original inspiration tutorial can be found here).

Enjoy!

Products used in this video:

Oh... and just last night after my shower,

I mentioned to Daniel that I was going to "Friar Tuck" my hair again.

His reaction was so adorable, and clearly showed that he found

that sleep-in style NOT attractive.

I opted for two French braids instead.

Sexy.

UPDATE** For those of you who asked 

if this could someday become a hot new trend... 

yes, the Friar Tuck... 

I've actually worn a version of it out before. 

Check out THIS LINK!

UPDATE PART 2** For those of you who say you
get a red mark on your forehead that won't go away for hours,
after you finish rolling your hair,
push the front of the band up, so it rests in your hairline instead
of on your forehead.
That's what I do!

Beach Twist in Winter? You Betcha!

 

I think I need to let you in on a little secret. The beach twist is NOT just for summer weather. In fact, it makes a really sleek, elegant updo that you can wear to work anytime of the year.

Last time I did this hairstyle, I tried the beach twist on dry hair. This time I only had a few minutes before I had to leave for work, so I pulled it back when it was wet. I also changed the steps for the last tutorial I made for this one a bit. They are as follows:

1. Run a comb through your wet hair to get rid of any tangles.
2. Create a deep side part. 
3. On the side with the part (less hair), begin twisting a piece of hair right by your scalp.
4. Add in sections of hair as you twist, twisting it low by the hairline along the back of your head and toward the opposite ear.
5. When you have it to where you're going to want your bun (just below the opposite ear for me), add a clip to keep it secure for just a moment.
6. Begin the same process on other side.
7. Twist along your scalp until you've reached the place where you want your bun and your hair from the other side is clipped.
8. Remove the clip.
9. Twist both sections together in another twist. Secure this bun with Spin Pins.
10. Bobby pin any loose pieces that might be too short to wrap around the bun.
11. You can totally add a flower if you want... but it's gross and dreary here in Idaho... and I just thought the sleek look was more appropriate.

I remember in last time I did the beach twist, I commented on how dark it looked. That was a little over a month ago. I am amazed at how much darker it is NOW. Holy moses.

xo

Holiday Updo.

* Sweater: Thrifted * Earrings: Gifted * Headband: Burlington Coat Factory *

Yesterday I received an email from a dear little lady named Emily. She sent me a YouTube video with the most adorable style from HeyKayli. Needless to say, I loved, loved loved it.

All you do is place a simple elastic headband on your head, twist a couple pieces of your hair around it, and you're good to go!

I modified the version from HeyKayli a little bit. She pulled the headband down over her forehead, and I'm not such a huge fan of that style, so I left the band on the top of my head. Also, I decided to sweep mine to the side in a low ponytail to make it more of an updo look. I also think this would look fab with a messy side bun. OOH... now I want to try it.

I plan on wearing a one-shoulder dress for New Year's Eve, and this would be such a fun style to rock along with it. Do you think you'll be trying this messy-but-chic style these holidays?

Oh, and don't forget... if you want to be awesome-blossom like miss Emily and send me suggestions for hairstyles, please don't hesitate to do so! xoxo