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Thursday, July 5, 2012

The 2 Most Amazing Updo Hairstyles of All Time

Nearly all women at some point find themselves coveting a stunning, elegant hairstyle. And when it comes to elegance, nothing beats a formal updo. Whether it's your first time needing to create a formal or elegant look or if you are simply looking for a new, easy style to use for when you're running late for work in the morning, learning how to make updos quickly and easily is helpful. As such, the purpose of this article is to discuss how to create 2 of the most elegant, iconic updo hairstyles of all time, one for long hair and one for short hair: the messy bun and the French twist, respectively.
The Long Hair Messy Bun
When thinking about an elegant updo hairstyle for longer hair, many women visualize that romantic, messy bun at the crown of the head that's so often seen in movies, on the red carpet, and in magazines. This is an incredibly sophisticated hairstyle if done properly.
First things first; when creating a messy bun - or any updo for that matter - it is important to use high quality hair elastics that do not have any metal parts. You don't want to cause damage to your locks just to create your look.
To achieve the messy look, you will begin by applying a heavy product like a mousse or pomade. This will thicken fine hair and add texture without letting it become overly stiff. For more volume, blow dry with your head upside down and scrunch. If you have really fine hair that typically falls out of your hairstyles, spray with a light-hold hairspray while you are drying.
The first styling step is to pull your hair all up at the crown of your head like you would if you were creating a ponytail. But instead of creating a traditional ponytail, you are going to pull your hair only half of the way through the hair elastic and then wrap the elastic around the section of hair you just created. You're basically creating a bun that has some hair hanging out.
Next, pull thin strands out of the bun and either leave them as they are or curl them into ringlets. Either way, you should separate the pieces and provide texture by using a pomade, and finish off the look with hairspray. Remember, this is a messy look; you certainly don't want it glued to your head with hairspray!
Short Hair French Twist
Of course, not everyone has long flowing hair. Women with shorter hair have the need for an elegant look on occasion as well! Fortunately, with a lot of hair product and pins, a sensational French twist can be achieved.
Using a comb, pull all the hair on the right side of your head toward the center and arch with bobby pins all the way down. Once this hair is smooth and secure, you can move onto the left side. When you pull the hair on the left side, overlap the seam you created down the center and aim to curl, twist or tuck the hair so the final set of bobby pins doesn't show.

3 Timeless and Cute Formal Hairstyles That Are Easy to Create

Sometimes, certain events call for elegant hair and nothing else will do! Whether you're attending a ball (yes, there are still balls!), a benefit, or some other event that demands an ultra-classy and sophisticated look, elegant formal hair styles are a necessity. If you are assuming you're going to have to spend a fortune at a salon, think again! Some of these looks are actually the easiest styles to create.
As with other looks, it's always recommended to try these out before the actual event. This gives you the opportunity to see which look you like the best so you're not in a panic trying to change styles at the last minute.
Twisted Low Pony Tail
It can be tempting to slick your hair back into a low ponytail or a bun, but elegant hair doesn't have to be quite so neat. Use rollers or a curling iron to put your hair in ringlets. To create a twisted ponytail, start at your face and twist one inch pieces of hair to create rolls all the way to the nape of your neck, and pin in place. You can then either create a low ponytail, or use a barrette or a flower to hold the hair together at the neck. Finally, gently fluff the curls hanging down from the neck.
Ballerina Bun
Although low buns are typically thought of when one visualizes formal hairstyles, the ballerina bun is a youthful, chic alternative. This is a look that never goes out of style and is perfect for humid conditions, so you won't have to worry about losing your look because of the weather.
A ballerina bun is easiest to achieve with second-day hair because the natural oils will help hold the style in place. If your hair is not straight, use an iron to create a sleek look, paying close attention to the roots.
Now, use a boar brush to put your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head. Lift the ponytail into the air and then twist clockwise to create a small bun. Fan the hair around the bun and pin it in place. You may want to add hair accessories around the bun or on the side of your head to dress the look up a bit.
French Twist
There are many variations of the French twist that are extremely elegant. These can be done with curly or straight hair, all up or half down, with hair accessories added or without. The French twist can offer you elegant hair with a ton of different looks.
Although you can tweak this look many different ways, it's easiest to begin by brushing your hair back from your forehead and gathering it at the nape of your neck. Now, twist the hair in a clockwise direction twice to hold the base near your head.
Holding the ponytail in one hand, extend it toward the ceiling in the other. Fold the hair about one-third of the way from the top and curl the folded ponytail so you create a twist. When the hair is twisted where you want it, hold it in place with bobby pins.

Best Hairstyles for Little Boys in 2012

As much as grown-ups want to look good and have their crowning glory best-looking, kids also deserve to have their hair well taken care of. First of all, you must realize that choosing the best hairstyle for your boys is not that easy. There are several things that parents need to consider before choosing the best hairstyle for their boy. Hairstyle is more than just wanting to look good. It must not also interfere with your kids daily activities. Also, it must suit their personality. As a parent, you are the one who knows your kid well; therefore, you already know what hairstyles will suit your kid's daily lifestyle and personality.
It is also recommended that you choose a short to medium length hairstyle for kids. Though you can always choose long length hairstyles, it can be a huge burden to the kids especially little boys are very energetic and always on the go. Choosing a long length hairstyle for a boy may hinder him from enjoying any activities.
Here are the top picks for the best hairstyle for kids in the year 2012:
1. Side Sweep
This type of hairstyle has been increasingly popular with young boys. This hairstyle sports bangs wherein the hair is brushed towards to one side covering the face leaving only a little to the other side.
2. Crew Cut
This is one of the most popular hairstyles for kids due to its manageability and the clean look it sports. In this specific hairstyle, the hair on the top of the head is a bit longer and the sides are shorter. This hairstyle can be accomplished by using a hair razor; shaving both sides of the head and lightly cut some hair on the top. This will provide your little boy a sleek and clean looking hairstyle and it is also easily manageable.
3. Buzz Cut
This is one of the simplest hairstyles and can be done just by using clippers and comb. Majority of people think that buzz cut needs the hair to be totally shaven. However, it doesn't have always to be that way. Buzz cut could be done in a way you think it's best for the little boy.
4. Comb Down
Comb Down is the easiest hairstyle for little boys that you can get. It is done by simply trimming the hair, then combing and brushing it in the way that suits your little boy's hair type and personality may it be neat and slick or have it shaggy.

Cute and Easy Wedding Hairstyles for Little Girls

Choosing the right wedding hairstyle for your little girl is a huge decision. Not only do you need to pick a style that will look sensational, but you must ensure that it is practical as well. Young girls do not always sit still for long, so the style that you choose needs to be easy to do in a short amount of time. You'll also want a style that will stay put, even when she doesn't!
Loose Curls in a Half Updo
If you know for a fact that an extravagant updo is not a practical choice for your little girl, why fight it? Half-up hairstyles (also known as half updos or half-up-half-down hairstyles) can be just as beautiful, and you won't have to be concerned with pieces falling.
To create a half updo, you should first dry her hair with mousse or a light gel; this will offer a little texture which will help to hold the style. Pull the top of her hair up so it's in a clip and out of the way, and then use a curling iron to create barrel rolls on the rest of her hair. Do not fluff these until they have had the opportunity to cool. You can, however, spray them lightly with hairspray. Now, unclip the top of her hair and do the same thing. When the curls are cool, you can gently finger fluff them.
Finally, pull the top half of her hair into a hair band or barrette and spray with hairspray. Add in some accessories for extra elegance - this hairstyle looks great with ribbon, a tiara or flowers. And best of all it's quick and easy!
The Classic Wedding Updo
A classic wedding updo for a young girl is easiest to create if you start with curly hair using the steps in the previous style. A really pretty look is to pull all the hair up into a high ponytail at the top of her head as a starting point. Then section the ponytail off into 5 pieces, and wrap each piece to create a bun at the back of her head using bobby pins. Keep in mind that all the pieces do not need to travel the same way; some can even create a circular or swirl pattern. If she has super long hair, you can leave a few ringlets out so they dangle from the middle of the bun like a piece of jewelry.
The beauty of this hairstyle is that you can customize it in any way you see fit. For example, you could attach small flowers around the bun. You could braid the ponytail sections together before creating the bun for an exotic look. You could even weave ribbon in and out of the bun. Really, you are only limited here by your own creativity and imagination.
What About Hairspray?
Although you may be tempted to spray your girl's hair with an entire can of hairspray, this is not necessarily a good idea! If she catches her hair on anything throughout the day, it's going to be nearly impossible to fix if it's rock hard. So, go easy on the hairspray. Also keep in mind that a lot of relatives may be offering hugs, so there is the potential for hair mishaps. Simply keep extra bobby pins, a comb and a travel size can of hairspray with you so you're prepared if a fix is needed.

Secrets of Stunning Long Hairstyles

If you have been blessed with long hair, consider yourself lucky: your hair can look great either up or down. However, whenever you need to wear a formal hairstyle or updo, it is important to take proper care of your hair well in advance of the event in order to get the best possible results. You'll also want to make sure you style your hair properly to avoid some of the more common pitfalls associated with long hair. As such, the purpose of this article is to provide a compilation of expert tips and best practices for long hair.
You are what You Eat
First and foremost, always keep in mind that a balance of the right minerals and vitamins is essential for healthy strong hair. The best foods for your hair are those with lots of proteins, Omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamins such as A, B, C, E, B6, B12 and zinc.
In terms of protein, fish and seafood always make good choices, especially salmon, tuna, anchovies, herring, sardines, mackerel, and oysters. Chicken (no skin), eggs, beans, pork, and certain beef products also contain good amounts of protein. Dairy products such as yogurt, milk and cheese are also excellent sources of protein. The vitamins needed to nurture your hair can be found in a wide variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, strawberries, oranges, broccoli, spinach, and asparagus.
Hair Care Best Practices for Long Hair
In terms of your day-to-day regimen, there are some things that you ought to put into practice if you want the most stunning long hair possible. Avoid washing your hair every day; in fact 2-3 times a week is plenty. And remember to condition your hair every time you use shampoo. Also, occasional deep conditioning treatments will be rewarded by keeping your locks glowing and shiny. And if you're going to be wearing a formal hairstyle in the near future, ensure that your hair is in tip top condition by taking time out to give it a deep conditioning treatment a few days before the big event.
Additionally, make sure you follow all the hair care best practices that you learned as a kid: do not vigorously rub your wet hair dry with a towel, do not brush your hair while it's wet, and go easy on the heat generating hair tools like the flat iron and blow dryer. Finally, in addition to eating right, try to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, adequate sleep, and an avoidance of bad habits like smoking.
Hair Styling Tips for Long Hair
The good news is that you have many options for styling long hair. For a formal event, some variety of a bun is always appropriate. This could be a messy bun, or a tightly pulled back one. Another great look that is quite easy to create is a swept side bun, which can be accessorized with a ribbon that matches the color of your dress, or a cute clip to match your earrings.
Here's my favorite "recipe" for a beautiful bun hairstyle. First, apply hair spray and then tease your hair on the top gently with a comb. Then sweep your hair around to the lower left hand side of your head, so that it lies smoothly against your head. Put this into a ponytail that is close to your neck, and twist it into a bun. Secure with a hair band and grips. Finish the look by adding some gorgeous accessories and then setting with hairspray.
Another fabulous look is to incorporate curls into your hairstyle. Creating curly long hair styles takes a little effort, but the rewards are well worth it - women with curls can look very sexy, feminine and attractive. This is probably the best and most often seen look on the red carpet. To create some great curls get your flat iron or curling tongs. You can experiment with these, and try creating different sized curls. Just twist and pull down, but don't be too harsh.
Of course, curly hairstyles can be tricky so you should try this look out before the night of the event so you can be sure of how tight the curls should be and how tightly you want to grip the bun. It is also a sensible idea to keep the 'testing' the look for at least 1 hour so that you can tell if you have gripped everything sufficiently.