Natural Curl...

I happen to have a head of crazy, bipolar, thick, Orphan Annie, curly hair, and sometimes it is just a MESS!! Because I have such a wonderful head of hot mess hair there are 10 things I avoid at ALL COSTS .If you have ANY kind of natural curl in your hair, I'm sure you can relate at least somewhat to 1 or more of these.

1. Rain/anything water related - because turning into a matted poodle is not my idea of fun or attractive 

(This girl is lucky...jealous)

2. Humidity - wet and frizzy don't go well with my complexion...or of course my curly hair

(This is what I look like...only worse)



3. Sweat - what girl wants sweaty hair?? but just imagine the curls...the whole underneath goes flat and then dries all funky so it ends up pulled up in a half-attempt at regaining any attractive quality for the day.

(This did not qualify)



4. Being late - this equals: quick shower, no time to dry/do the wet hair (which we've established is a big no go), and no hair product. No no no. This does not work. Doing curly hair is a must!

(or you get this...).>>>>>>




5. Running out of conditioner - tangles, tangles, tangles!

(poor right side...)

6. Losing my brush - again, tangles! And there ain't no taming that beast with a comb/pick. 

 (no hair should look like that)

7. Running out of mousse - no mousse/hair product equals limp, lifeless curls.

(maybe not this dramatic but you get the idea)

8. 2+ day old curled hair - putting product in your hair and then drying to do it without washing it the next day = you better just go back to sleep cause your day is going to suck. No matter how much more hair product you apply it will NEVER look good the second day.
(guaranteed. just start fresh. you wont regret it)

9. Exposure to high voltage electricity - my hair is frizzy enough...need I explain further??

(but seriously...)

10. Sleeping on wet hair when others are around - air-dried curly hair is a disaster. It's like matted dog meets dreads. Doing it when no one around is one thing...

(this is serious...it happens.)

If you can relate at all or have any that I didn't mention feel free to comment below!!(:

Basic Loose Curls (with a flat iron)

Style 1 - Basic Loose Curls

Picture # 1 - Finished Product

You can start with your hair blow dried or slept on or really any way you like. This hair had been straightened early in the day. This didn't affect the curls at all because the hair had time to settle and cool from the heat that had been put on it. (If you've just applied any heat, wait a little while before trying to curl or it will come out flat and fall out. Do your make up or eat or something to pass the time)

Picture #2 - before picture

Before I put any heat on hair I always give it a good once-over with heat spray. I use the TRESemme Thermal Creations leave in Spray. Any heat spray will work. 

I like to section off the hair when I curl, just to make it a little less overwhelming(: I section off the top with just a clip or a hair tie or something and then section the part that's left down into 2 or 3 smaller sections At this point I again spray just a little heat spray on the layer/section I am working on. When it's time to curl, I always start from the back and work my way forward, just so I don't have to reach over fresh curls to get my next piece. Take a piece about the size of what picture #4 shows for a larger curl. (large = loose curls)

Picture #3 - sectioned off hair

Picture #4 - good sized piece to curl

When I curl, I use a flat iron. I love the look this gives the curls. To make the curl I clamp the flat iron onto the hair and simply twist it like in picture #6 and slowly, but not too slowly, slide down the hair. Begin the curl about halfway down on the bottom layer to give it a looser look. This also helps the hair lay better when the upper layers are done.

Picture #5 - where to begin the curl

 

Picture #7 - what the curl will look like

Picture #6 - twist and slide

Just like I mentioned before, I start at the back and work toward the front. Some people like to curl each piece in the same direction, from the same spot, so they all look uniform. That's too perfect for me. I like to just curl, not paying attention to which way I'm curling or if one starts up higher than another; just as long as it's not too high for the look I'm going for. I just like variety in my curls(:

However, I do always curl away from the face on each side. I take a section (just a few pieces big) and curl those about the same, away from the face to frame the face. It creates a really nice look(:

Pictures # 8 & 9 - Curl away from the face

Picture #10 - finished bottom  layer

When you've finished with the bottom layer, give it a good spray of hair spray; any kind will work. I just use the cheap Suave stuff.

Picture #11 - next section

Picture #12 - back to front

-Now it's time to pull down the next section. I just took what I had in the clip and split it in two. Before curling, remember to give the new section a once-over of heat spray before curling.
-Again, I start from the back and work my way forward, doing that with both sides. Don't forget to curl away from your face with the front few pieces on both sides to frame your face.
-After each section, spray it with hair spray to give it a good hold. You don't need a lot(:


I don't have pictures for either of these tips :( I apologize, but I think you'll get the idea. First, I never ever curl bangs. It just makes it look funny. Second, the top pieces do not need to start right at the base of your head. I just start a little more than halfway up, especially with the loose curl look; front pieces are a little lower because high curls in front look silly too(:
One more tip for the loose curl look. If you like the less put together, more wavy look, try running your fingers through your hair and giving a slight shake. (put your hand under your hair and stick your fingers out through your hair) This breaks up the curls and lets them be a little more free. Do this only after the heat is gone and the hair has had time to settle so you don't take out the curl(:

Here is another look at the finished product(:

Picture # 13 - Finished Product

Simple Tips to Bobby Pin Happiness

Bobby Pins are magnificent things! They make styling hair so much easier. I can honestly say I almost never do my hair without one or two. Here are a few tips that I've found useful in getting the most out of my bobby pins!

Tip #1 - Double Pin

One bobby pin doesn't always do the trick to hold hair in place. For a secure hold try doubling up on bobby pins. There are 2 ways I like to do this;

Crossing....

and Side by Side

If you try the side by side, make sure you put them in going in OPPOSITE directions, for the best hold.

Both of these are just as effective, it just depends on what you prefer. Now, don't get all crazy and double up on EVERYTHING, just the ones that need that extra secure hold:)

Tip #2 - Against the Grain

I've found that the direction of your pin can make a world of difference on the hold! If your hair isn't staying, try pushing the pin in in the other direction. Mostly I've found this helpful in braids and any type of twist. Most people run their pins over the braid or twist so that it lays flat over the top. This will work, but as the day goes on the hair will slip. By straddling over the hair and pushing it in against the grain, the pin disappears into the hair and keeps a strong hold that will last all day, with just one pin!

 Push against the grain (:

Tip #3 - Sticky Grip

Bobby pins have been known to let hair slip as the day goes on, especially in thin, fine hair. by spraying a little hair spray on the pin before inserting it into your hair, it gives the pin a little extra grip to keep that hair in place.

Tip #4 - Less is More

I think we all understand that no one has perfect hair, so there is no need to spend all day making every flaw go away. I learned that the hard way. It used to take me 3 HOURS to get ready because I wanted to look flawless. Obviously that never happened, but I sure tried. Flaws look natural and natural is beautiful. Why look fake?? Whispies, bumps, and loose hairs are OKAY! Of course you don't want to look like a homeless person, but one or two here and there is nothing to spend any more time worrying about your hair. Let it be. Bobby pins are wonderful for pinning back stubborn hair, but you CAN have too many. To cut back on my hair time I gave myself a limit. I never use more than 4 (not counting if you've pinned back bangs or in a bun). Not every bump is a disaster. If it isn't drastically out of place, just forget about it. Chances are, you're the only one who will ever notice! Less is more; it looks more natural and takes less time.

Along with this tip, remember to use pins that are about the same color as your hair for a more naturally look. Also, if you can help it, try to hide or disguise your pins. If you can put pins in your hair and make it seem like you don't have any it's even better!

None of these are musts or have to's, they are simply things that I have found useful in doing my hair with bobby pins. I hope at least one of these tips help you and if you have any questions or comments or even helpful tips for me please comment!!

Thanks for reading(:

Obsessed!

So excited that I finally got this thing up and running properly!! You'd be surprised all the little things that can go wrong with such a silly little site! I've been wanting to make this blog for SO LONG and I finally decided it was time(:
Basically I am...well OBSESSED with hair (thus the name); I can never have enough! I love playing with it, trying new things and seeing people's faces when they like what I've done. It's such a rewarding feeling!
With this blog I hope to show people the kinds of things I can do and enjoy doing as well as throw out some tips and useful hints that I've discovered with my own hair.
I love everything hair so I plan to post a VARIETY of things so that everyone can hopefully enjoy!
I know I'm not perfect and I don't expect anything I do to look absolutely perfect or come out exactly the same every time, but I try to make things simple enough for everyone to do and quick enough that it can be done any time!
Thanks for taking time to look through this blog and I hope you enjoy its contents as much as I enjoy providing them!!