We all know someone who has a tender scalp or, as my mother always said it, was
'tender-headed'. It's that client or friend who, no matter how gently you try to work
with the comb or brush, flinches and cringes with every stroke. The tender-headed
person hates wearing braids (they hurt because they're too tight), won't sit still for a
roller set (again, the rollers and curl clips hurt), and think most up-styles are just an
attempt at torture. It's ironic that so many tender-headed people prefer long hair,
which requires so much more work to care for it properly.
I decided to demonstrate an up-style that is more comfortable for those women
with tender scalps. With liberal use of detangling spray and smoothing serums, this
hairstyle can be created with ease, and will be comfortable enough for most tender-
headed people to wear without complaint. The main reason for the increase in the
comfort level of this style is that instead of creating a base from the wearer's own
hair and anchoring the rest of the style from it, it uses a styling tool to form the baseof the style.
This style works especially well with hair that is past the shoulder in length.
Tools You Will Need:
Brushes: Wide-toothed, and Natural Bristle (for finishing and smoothing)
Tail Combs
An assortment of large and small bob pins
An expandable hair comb (2nd pictured above)
A snag-safe elastic band
Creating the Style:
We begin this style with dry, unwashed hair that has been brushed smooth to be
free of tangles. Lightly mist the hair with leave-in conditioner or detangling spray and
gather the hair up into a ponytail at the upper crown of the head. Be sure to comb the
hair smooth and secure it with the snag-safe elastic.
Once the hair is secured, insert the expandable hair comb around the base of
the ponytail and clip it closed, sliding the teeth into the hair. The comb should be
positioned so that the circle formed is approximately six inches across. Anchor the
comb, using large bob pins, by inserting them ridged-side down, perpendicular to the
direction the hair is combed in. Once the comb is in place, remove the elastic band to let the hair fill the expandable comb.
