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Quick Fixes for Long Hair
The Braided Bun
There are many reasons for trying a new hairstyle. Maybe you're sitting in front of the mirror getting
ready to go out, and you just can't decide what to do with your hair that you haven't done a hundred and two times before. You need
something different and you need it to be quick and easy. Well, here's a playful style that's great for a night out dancing and dining. We
call it the Braided Bun.
It's based off of simple braiding techniques used to create a knotted bun at the crown of the head.
The style is easy to create and can be finished in minutes.
What You Need:
- Snag-free Elastic Bands
- Assorted sizes of Bob Pins
- A Sprayer Bottle with Leave-in Conditioner or Setting Lotion
Creating the Style:
This is one of the few "up-styles" that can be performed on freshly washed hair, but it is not
necessary. If you are working with unwashed, dry hair, lightly mist the hair until it is barely damp. Comb the hair until it is smooth and
tangle free.
Begin styling by dividing the hair of the head into four sections (see the diagram). The vertical and
horizontal partings used to create these sections should intersect at the center crown of the head. You should be sure to secure the
sections before you begin the braiding portion of the style on your first attempt, although you can feel free to simply braid as you go in
the future if you feel comfortable doing so.
Once the sections are secured, you begin performing a simple three-strand braid on each section. The
important thing in creating the braids is to angle the tension toward the crown of the head and the cross-point of the partings. This
results in the four braids being positioned closely together at the center crown, which is what you want. In forming the upper two braids,
you should braid the hair as far as you can go and still have a smooth braid. For the lower braids, you can (as an option) leave 3-4
inches of hair free at the ends for added styling options, otherwise, braid these as you did those above.
After the braids have been formed, we create the "bun". Technically, it is more of a knot, but look is
sufficiently similar. To make the instructions as clear as possible, our diagram has labeled the four braids "A" through "D" starting from
the upper left braid. To form the bun, we begin by taking braid "A" and wrapping it clockwise around the base of braid "B", then going
diagonally and wrapping it counter-clockwise around the base of braid "C". Anchor the braid in place using bob pins as you go. Tuck the
end of the braid back under itself and secure it with a bob pin.
Next, take braid "B" and do the same, in reverse, wrapping the braid around the base of braid "A",
diagonally to braid "D" and tucking its end under itself. Secure the braid and the end with bob pins.
For the two lower braids, we take the braids in hand, cross them, and bring one over and under the
other to form a half-knot. Then curve the braids around their opposites' bases and tuck the ends back underneath in the center. If you
took the optional step of leaving loose hair at the ends of the lower braids, you can do as we did with our demonstration and simply tuck
the elastic bands underneath the center mass, leaving the loose hair sticking out.
These "sprays" of hair can be left natural, can be curled with a curling iron, or can be misted
lightly with hairspray and smoothed out with a flat iron to form somewhat spiky fans of hair on each side. How you choose to finish the
style is up to you, but here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Try adding ribbon to each of the four sections as you begin braiding them. This will give the finished "bun" even more detail, and would
make for an even more festive look.
- Use a beaded or jeweled hairnet over the finished "bun" to add interest.
- Tuck small flower blossoms or sprigs of baby's breath into the bun.
- Try using "hook style" earrings as ornaments on the braided bun, or perhaps a gold or silver chain, draped on the braided bun,
or wrapped around the bun.
The completed style is one that can be whimsical, funky, or sophisticated, depending on how you choose
to finish it. When we created this style for the demonstration, discussion was made about using it for a young woman in an afternoon
wedding party, and adorning the style with small roses and baby's breath.
©hairfinder.com
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Curl Fall
Tips for Long Hair
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