Upstyles By Jess
I have a few friends who are getting married or contemplating marriage right now. And it can be so hard to make all those decisions involved. Even opting for a 'simple' wedding isn't always that simple!
But when it comes to choosing a hairstyle that's right for you and your bridal party, you can take some of the stress out of it!
Why not set out some guidelines? You have been going to a hairdresser, with a clear idea of what you want done to your hair for all this time. What makes you able to decide so precisely what cut and colour you want? Because for you, all the trial and error has lead you to something you are finally happy with, something that suites you, something that you receive compliments on! That is the desired outcome for your wedding day too- just that little bit more special.
So think about it. What is going to be right for me? What is going to be oh-so-wrong? Be yourself on your wedding day, especially! What has turned heads that you have tried in the past? I would suggest not going for that fiery red colour a week before the big day when you are usually a blonde. There is plenty of time for extreme experimentation AFTER the big day. Stick with what you know works.
Sites like Pinterest and beauty blogs often have lots of inspiration if you are stuck for ideas. And be realistic. Your fine limp hair may not turn out like the picture of thick tumbling head of curls you picked out (unless you don't mind extensions but even then I'd advise caution).
I have a personal rule I like to follow. I like to alternate my hair for events. I knew that I wanted to wear my hair up for my wedding, therefore I chose to wear it down for my engagement. I had two different looks for photos on those special occasions.
You could also be creative and ask your hairstylist to do a style that can be changed as you leave the ceremony. Why not have the bottom pinned up in a way that you can take the bottom half out and have a half updo?
Above all, have fun and enjoy your special day!
Having fine hair seems to be both a curse and a blessing sometimes. Its easier to handle than thick course hair, but seems to be really sensitive and fragile. I have to be careful with what I do with it.
When washing my hair, I avoid tangles and knots by making sure I brush out my hair before I go into the shower. And when I lather it up, I don’t just rub like crazy because that’s going to cause more tangles. I usually put the shampoo across the top of my wet slicked back hair, and also on the sides on the hair near my temples. Then I get my fingers and massage the shampoo into my scalp. Eventually it spreads the shampoo evenly across my roots, I concentrate on this area because it’s the oiliest part.
Then I run my fingers though the lengths to spread the lather down. I like to let my shampoo sit for a couple of minutes too. It just seems to make it softer and I figure it needs time to do its job, much like the conditioner.
Don’t put conditioner on the roots of fine hair- this will weigh it down!
After rinsing with cold water, gently squeeze the excess water out and pile your hair into a towel.
Don’t rub dry! That’s the quickest way to break fragile wet fine hair!
Let your hair dry off as much as possible before any blow drying. I like to add my favourite heat protection at this stage.
Moroccan oil has been my best friend lately! I add some to the most vulnerable parts of my hair to give it extra shine and protection.
Use a wide tooth comb to detangle damp hair before blow drying!
Once you have finger-dried your hair with the blow dryer, bring in a large flat paddle brush. The large surface area helps distribute the hair so it dries quicker and smoother. The less blow drying time required, the better it is for your hair.
Finish off with a cold blast of air to close the cuticles again.
For styling, use snag-free hair-bands with no metal joins. As with all hair, fine hair needs a break from heat, stress and chemicals.
Be gentle! Your fine hair will thank you for all this!
1. Only wash your hair when you have to go out- I try to leave washing mine every second day but when I have a full week of leaving the house, I often find I need to wash it daily.
2. At the end of your shower, rinse your hair under the tap with straight cold water running for at least 20 seconds. The cold water seals in moisture and shine and closes the hair cuticles so it’s less prone to damage. When I blow dry after doing this, I find I don’t get that unsightly frizz.
3. When styling your hair, I find it’s best to just go with the flow of what your hair wants to do on that day. If I have kinky wild waves from sleeping on damp hair, I pin parts back loosely to give a dishevelled look. Or if my hair is sitting flat and straight, I pop it up into a sleek ponytail. It saves you time and effort to just go with it.
4. When you hair faces humidity, try running your hands through your hair every now and again. I find this tames any frizz and the natural oils of your hands add shine. Don’t do this too much or it may result in oily hair. I generally stick to the mid-length or ends of the hair for this reason.
5. Alternate your shampoos- I truly believe my hair is in better health when I rotate between a couple of my favourite shampoos regularly. Whether that’s every few days or just changing it up every time you need new shampoo. I also found this is the best way to discover my new favourite brands. You will never know if there’s something better out there unless you try!
6. NEVER use rubber bands as elastics in your hair. It grips and rips your hair when you pull it out which leaves lots of breakages that can’t be reversed.
7. Using a large paddle brush, I like to brush my hair out and concentrate on the scalp. With long deep strokes, let the brush massage your scalp a little. Do this every time you brush out your hair (I like to do this before bed as its super relaxing) It’s great for circulation and to stimulate healthy hair growth. And boy oh boy does it feel nice! Even better when someone else does it for you.
8. Wash your brush every week or so at least. Dead skin cells and product build up on your brushes and combs; when you go to brush your clean freshly washed hair, you are transferring all that yuk back onto your hair. It may not seem like much but I really noticed a difference as to how long my hair stayed clean when I used a clean comb.
9. Keep products like hairspray, mousse and gel to an absolute minimum! It creates a build up in your hair over time and dulls your colour and shine. You’d be amazed what your hair will still do without product. Not that I’m against them- for my more delicate and intricate styles I do spritz a little hairspray on for good measure. But remember- less is more!
10. Experiment! Don’t be afraid to try new styles and colours. Besides at the end of the day its only hair- it will grow back or fade. Build your confidence and wear your hair your way- start a trend!
In times of rationing and hardship, women in history have always sought out innovative ways to “make-do” with what little they had- and still look fabulous! Today in our commercialised society, it is nice to see a trend in DIY projects. From homemade makeup to handmade beads and hair accessories- you can make virtually anything yourself. And the most important part? It’s fun!
The sock bun- For the perfectly full and round bun, use this handy tool to transform your hair. Take a sock and snip the toe end off, roll the sock into a donut shape and use accordingly. Check out a Youtube tutorial for more information.
Ribbon/ Fabric- Wrap around any hairstyle to add colour and flair. Why not make a bow and pin it onto your ponytail? Or incorporate ribbon into a braid. Cute!
Stockings- For a war-time inspired rolled updo, cut one leg from an old pair of stockings (I like to go nude coloured or something close to my hair colour but you could pick any colour really) and tie it around your head firmly (like a garland). Make sure the knot is at the back so it can easily be tucked into the style. Take sections of hair starting at the front and wrap and tuck into the band. Pull down strand tight so it holds close to the band, pick up another section adding it to the first section, and repeat until each half of the head is done. It should all meet in the middle at the back. Finally, take the joined hair at the back and roll and tuck up into the band. Pin it so it stays securely tucked in. All the hair should be rolled up now. Pop a couple of fabric flowers into the style and there you have it- pretty
hair! The best part is, take it out at night for big bouncy waves!
Necklaces/old jewellery- I don’t know about you, but, I have a few necklaces that are pretty but I never wear them any more because they are out of fashion. But I still think they are too nice to just sit in a box somewhere. So I started wrapping them in and around some loosely pinned up hairstyles! It looks so pretty!
I have always loved anything and everything vintage. When I was a young girl, my mum passed onto me 2 little handmade aprons from my great grandmother. One was gingham, lime green and geometrically-cut at the hem, with white lace decorating the edges and the pocket. The other was cherry red with little white flowers on it. Blue lace lined its edges and I just lived in it!
My point is that vintage style- be it clothes or hair; always seems to tell of a time when life was pretty and simple. That is why my favourite hairstyles are often vintage inspired. Such glamour and femininity are at the core of each style. Rolls and curls, pins and scarves- all with impeccable neatness. And that little bit flirty!
So why not try a vintage inspired do- with a pretty dress and a splash of red lippy of course!
Check out the vintage styles in my Gallery!
