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?

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!

Wedding Hair

Wedding Week is going on over at Aunie Sauce. To read the post all about wedding day hair, CLICK HERE. It's my very first Yes To Stylista post with Yes To Carrots... and yes, it covers all the details about the hair. Thank you for helping me decide which 'do to pick!

Wedding Week posts:
THE GUESTBOOK │ THE HAIR │ THE FLOWERS │ THE DRESS │ THE WEDDING │ THE HONEYMOON

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!

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

Reverse Halo Braid

 

Well good Monday morning!

One of my favorite hairstyles I have done thus far was inspired by my sister, Marnie. She invented this style she dubbed the "halo braid" and I quickly swooped it up. The style originally appeared on this halo braid post.

She did it with a regular plait. I did it this time instead with a reverse or cornrow plait. It was a bit different, but I think I liked it better! It really showed off my slowly fading blonde, and was nice and messy, which makes it fun!

Do you want the steps to this little style? I tried to do them last time... and failed. So I'll give it a better shot today:

1. French braid your hair in two simple braids (or reverse or cornrow braids).
2. Then, tuck your ends under, up and inside the opposite side's braid. 
• This isn't too hard. Just stick your finger up and under one of the braids and make a hole. Then pull the opposite braid up into the hole and bring it as far up and under the plait as you can.
3. Pin it to secure it in place. 
4. If this doesn't make sense... let me know and I will consider (mayyyybe) doing a video tutorial.

Think you'll give this one a try?

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

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!!!

Half Updo.

 

Just the other day, one of my best girlfriends, Alyssa, sent me a Pinterest pin and asked me to try this style.

So I did what any decent friend would do and whipped it up the next day. Granted, mine looks NOTHING like the photo (because hers it totally teased and awesome). I'm fairly certain that mine turned out way different because there were no instructions to go along with it. So hey, I just went for it.

Since the style didn't come with a how-to, how about I provide some sah-weet step-by-step action for you? You're welcome.

1. I began with crimped hair that I had loosely braided the night before.
2. I gathered the top section of my hair (still with a part) and secured it at the back of my head with a barette. 
• In hindsight, I should have used bobby pins or a clear hair elastic. That would have been much easier to cover than my big old barette.
3. Then, beginning with small sections below the top portion that was already baretted, I would take a section from each side of my head and pull it back to cover the barette and then pin it. I let the loose end hang down. In fact, they kind of add different dimensions and layers to my hair which is pretty cool.
• If your hair was curly, the loose ends could make a really cool layered look.
4. I criss-crossed sections like that until I had half of my hair pinned up. 
• I'm a little disappointed the criss-crossing didn't show up better. It just looks like 2 pieces that were crossed, when it was really 4 or 5. I'm going to follow my instructions a little better next time and maybe not try to hide the bobby pins so much. 
5. I added 2 flower pins to hide the last big bobby pin that just wouldn't disappear under the criss-crossed strands.

And voila! A hairdo that can be casual, formal, or as Alyssa is thinking "perfect for her wedding day hair!"

Right-on girl. That makes me so happy. What do you think?

xo

----UPDATE----

After checkin' her blog, I discovered she's a professional hairstylist. Sheesh! No wonder hers looks so much better than mine! Don't judge, ya'll!!!

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

Twist & Pin Updo.

This weekend I attended a holiday party, and I wanted an updo that was feminine, romantic, and simple. Taking the romantic cue, I put together this look inspired by this style from Hair Romance.

It's the classic twist & pin. Ready for the steps? Grab a section of hair. Twist. Pin. Repeat. Voilà.

I don't think it could be more simple. Each twist used between 1-2 bobby pins. And remember, this lasted all day without any hairspray or teasing. It's a fabulous holiday party look, and takes less than 5 minutes to do. My vote? It's a winner.

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

Beach Twist

OOh ooh OOH! I found a super-easy new hairstyle... good for wet or dry hair! I found it at Hair Romance. She does it on wet hair... but I didn't feel like washing my hair this morning, so I tried it on dry hair and it worked just fine!

Here's the process:

1. Create a deep side part.
2. Separate the hair on the small side of the part to one side.
3. Twist that section of hair back along your hairline, pulling in pieces as you twist to give it a waterfall twist look.
4. Secure that piece with a clear elastic band behind your ear to make a side ponytail.
5. Take the hair on the big side of the part and begin twisting that hair back along your hairline, adding pieces as you go.
6. Secure that section next to the first one, also on the side of your head.
7. Twist the two sections together to make a bun.
8. Secure with bobby pins.
9. Add a fun flower!

So, I know the girl on Hair Romance did it better because all she used was a simple clip-in flower... but my dry hair wouldn't stay put with just a flower. I needed the bobby pins to keep the bun in place, and the elastics were necessary to keep the hair held tightly to my head.

I'm sure you could definitely get away with just a flower clip at the beach... but for the day-to-day with dry hair... no way, Josè!

Sidenote: my hair is really getting brunette these days! Holy bajeezie it looks dark!

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!

Halo Braid.

I just can't get enough of my sister. She was only in town this weekend for two days and it wasn't enough. And it really wasn't fair, either. Seriously, all I did for those two days was look at her hair. And look. And get jealous. And then I would look at it again. Alas... sigh. Maybe, someday. 

So, I may have wasted my time while she was in town, but she used those two days wisely to show me two new hairstyles. One was yesterday's sock bun style, and one was today's Halo Braid. It's really just a continuous French braid, but she decided that it needed a catchy name... thus, Halo Braid was born.

To be quite honest, I'm not too sure if she named it after the style of the hair, or the fact that she played hours of Halo with my brother this weekend. Clearly, we have a Halo theme up in herrrr. 

See how it sort of looks like a continuous French braid? Cool, right?

Really, all you do is French braid your hair in two simple braids. Then, tuck your ends under, up and inside the opposite side's braid and pin it to secure it in place. Does that make sense?

You know how when you French braid your hair and if you stick your finger up through the back of the braid there is kind of a hole that you can make? All you need to do is just stick the other side's braid tail up that hole and pin it.

This definitely works better for girls with medium length hair, like mine. My sister's is way too long to get the ends all the way up in there.

Another cool part about this style is that if you do it on clean hair, you can rock it all day, sleep on it, and take it out the next day for voluptuous crimped waves. It's 2 styles in one!

Seriously, sister. You need to come back to Boise more often!! Please?

Zoë Twist.

 
I have a beautiful coworker. Her name is Zoë. She has a beautiful blog. She has a beautiful sense of style. She also has beautiful, wavy red hair. Figures, right?

When I first met Zoë, a little over a month ago, she wore her hair in this incredibly amazing style. I decided to call it the Zoë Twist. She is a huge fan of hair twists (since she has long bangs she likes to pull back), and this 'do is none other than the twisted look I've been looking for. See, it's not just a bang twist. It's a twisted updo that I just can't get enough of.

This look is so simple. Zoë does it on days where she needs to get her wet hair off her shoulders, or when her wavy hair needs to be controlled in a sleek look.

I love the elegance that this look gives you. I paired it with a white lacy sweater for an ethereal, feminine look and I just felt so natural and lady-like all day.

Here are the steps for the Zoë Twist:

1. Create a deep part in the front of your hair.
2. Twist a small piece of hair (or your bangs) to one side of your part along your scalp, pulling tightly and adding hair as you go. Bobby pin that small twist halfway back on your head.
3. Divide your remaining hair into 2 sections with a middle part down the back of your head. 
4. Grab each section of hair and twist it inwards three times. This creates the hair "crown" look.
5. Then, gather the twists together and put them into a regular low ponytail with a bun (I went with a simple bun, but Zoë usually does a fun messy bun). You can stop there; that's what Zoë does. If you want to add a little extra flair, move to Step 6.
6. Pull that bun up and through the extra space between the twists and your head, as to tuck it under the twists to keep it in place. It's just like a Topsy Tail!

Easy enough, right? This has quickly become Zoë's go-to look, and I think I might follow suit! I did it today because my hair was wet from my early-morning shower. Zoë also recommends doing it on days when your hair is curly, crimped or wavy so you can give the crown some good volume by tugging on a couple pieces or teasing it beforehand.

By the way, I usually like to use synonyms for words that I commonly use. For instance, in this post I repeated the word "twist" 16 times. But I just couldn't find a suitable word to replace "twist". I mean, the thesaurus suggested coil, helix, swivel, twine, zigzag, etc. but those just didn't seem to fit the bill. I apologize for not making my vocabulary a little more "convoluted" today... but it just wasn't appropriate to use swirl, warp, or wiggle instead of twist. So twist it is.

Headband Braid.

When I was a little girl, my mom used to always braid the front of my hair from one side to the other to make it look like a French braid headband. I thought it was so cool. And really, it was.

My mom used to show and jump horses when she was little, so she has plenty of experience with braiding. She used to braid the horse's tails and manes so intricately. It figures that she could make braiding magic with my hair.

Now, I'm fairly good at braiding. But when it comes to the headband braid, I struggled. It took me three times to even get it to look presentable. Also, since my hair is entirely lacking in volume, I braided cornrows (as I was informed that they were called, instead of reverse French braids... hehe) down the back of my head before bed as well to help give my hair some good body.

I'm going to warn you ahead of time. DO NOT be fooled by the photo. The picture actually makes this style look pretty sweet.

However, in person... not so much. it was so flat and dull. Also, on the left side, by my ear (no photo for you... sorry), there were lots of little hairs sticking out all over the place. It was just a mess.

I decided to scramble and re-do it at work. It ended up in two reverse French braids with a chignon in back. (I know... I did one yesterday... but I had to do something). And it looked lovely... so I let it stay in all day.

The best part about chignons is that they can be a little messy but still so chic at the same time. Want to know another secret about them? They even stay in during my workouts at the gym. Now that is a fool-proof hairdo!