Updos for APL/BSL hair? (My one year LHC post!)

[alexis917]

When I first started lurking I had bleached blonde hair from my natural dark brown- it broke off like crazy. After dying it brown and then eventually black to grow out my natural color- which was actually dark brown, not black, I had no idea!- I joined in August 2012. I'm now cone-free, I only use a Wet Brush, I oil like crazy, I even eat better, and wear my hair up or in braids every day. My hair is happy, healthy, virgin, dark, and shiny! I didn't know it could be this nice! Except....for the bottom four inches. They, unlike the rest of my hair, suffered through bleach damage. I'm considering chopping them all off, because I miss having my hair all one color- BUT, then my waist-length hair will be around BSL, and since it waves more when it's shorter, it'll LOOK like APL. Nothing can change my mind once I'm set on something, and I've been weighing the pros and cons for months. I know my hair grows pretty quickly, so I'm not worried about it growing back- but, what about my updos? I have thick hair (iii) and it's 1c, but gets a little more wavy when it's shorter. What updos can I do at my shorter length? I have spinpins, but NO sticks or forks- but feel free to list updos involving hairtoys, I need an excuse to buy some! (I'll post pictures after my cut tomorrow!)

[Kaelee]

My hair is thick too, and I'm...3ish? Inches shy of waist (my sig pic is inaccurate because of the dress with a high waistline. My natural waist is about 1-2" lower than the dress waistline).

I'm a huge proponent of the disc bun right now. There are a couple of tutorials on YouTube, I like to use a single thin stick or a single fat stick- forks at this point don't work very well because my loops aren't big enough to handle a three prong fork, so weird things happen or it's too tight or doesn't hold.

Disc bun with a single stick of your choice (I like straight ones, but my hair is straight so you might have better luck with curvy ones). It also works with a ficcare, but sticks are cheaper, if you can only get one or two, I recommend acrylic because they're waterproof and virtually indestructible unless you manage to torque them too much (which is unlikely with this bun).

Thin sticks are more comfortable, thick ones seem to hold a little better (there's a learning curve with the different types though though so don't get discouraged!)

It looks like this: (sorry for the blurry pictures! My camera is old and sad :()

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/Danmara/001_zps9ee827fc.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Danmara/media/001_zps9ee827fc.jpg.html)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/Danmara/002_zpsbdf48151.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Danmara/media/002_zpsbdf48151.jpg.html)

And a video tutorial I made, that's not very good because it's cut off at the top but I was too lazy to redo it. :p

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/Danmara/th_001_zps152f7693.jpg (http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/Danmara/001_zps152f7693.mp4)

[Kaelee]

A flipped bun also works:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/Danmara/001_zps543c7b1d.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Danmara/media/001_zps543c7b1d.jpg.html)

Seashell bun with spin pins (the flower is doing nothing but sitting there looking pretty)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/Danmara/001_zpsd6d55767.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Danmara/media/001_zpsd6d55767.jpg.html)

Something I jokingly call "the pineapple" (it's easy...braid, flip, stick.)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a133/Danmara/002-28_zpsf5d656ef.jpg (http://s10.photobucket.com/user/Danmara/media/002-28_zpsf5d656ef.jpg.html)

Of all of those though, the disc bun is the most comfortable and reliable. :agree:

[alexis917]

Thanks Kaelee! The video is especially helpful....it's one thing to look at buns, but it takes me forever to figure it out.
I'll be sure to try out the disc bun, and let you know how it works! Do you get your sticks off of Etsy?
And did you henna to get that color? It's gorgeous.

[Kaelee]

Yep! The sticks are from Eaduard Hairsticks on Etsy, he's amazing to work with (and does customs!) and his sticks are top quality, I'm quickly amassing a collection over here!

And yes, I henna. :D

I really need to redo that video...

[alexis917]

Yep! The sticks are from Eaduard Hairsticks on Etsy, he's amazing to work with (and does customs!) and his sticks are top quality, I'm quickly amassing a collection over here!

And yes, I henna. :D

I really need to redo that video...

I've heard of his work often on here, I'll be sure to look into it!
Henna looks beautiful on tons of people, but I'm paranoid I'll hate it and have to grow out color again, since it's so permanent!

[Kaelee]

I've heard of his work often on here, I'll be sure to look into it!
Henna looks beautiful on tons of people, but I'm paranoid I'll hate it and have to grow out color again, since it's so permanent!

Is that your current/natural haircolor in your avatar? If so, it'll be dark red like mine, probably even darker. If that picture is accurate. It looks different in different light. In the sun it's almost cherry colored!

[alexis917]

Is that your current/natural haircolor in your avatar? If so, it'll be dark red like mine, probably even darker. If that picture is accurate. It looks different in different light. In the sun it's almost cherry colored!

Yes, but that's with flash. In some light it looks medium brown, but inside, practically black. And hmm....that cherry coke color!

[Wildcat Diva]

BSL/APL is still a hard length for bunning, if you are a iii. I am a ii, and can do LOTS of buns at just past APL. But your thickness will make it hard. Plus with your haircut you will have blunt ends, not great for bunning either. Might I suggest sectioning? The idea is that you do a bun, such as a nautilus, or lazy wrap bun with MOST of your hair, maybe leave out 20% of your hair at the bottom, like at the nape, back there. Then take the hair left into two sections, then bring each up and wrap around the bun (behind it) and secure if needed.

[alexis917]

BSL/APL is still a hard length for bunning, if you are a iii. I am a ii, and can do LOTS of buns at just past APL. But your thickness will make it hard. Plus with your haircut you will have blunt ends, not great for bunning either. Might I suggest sectioning? The idea is that you do a bun, such as a nautilus, or lazy wrap bun with MOST of your hair, maybe leave out 20% of your hair at the bottom, like at the nape, back there. Then take the hair left into two sections, then bring each up and wrap around the bun (behind it) and secure if needed.

I was worried about the thickness causing problems, I was worried I'd get traction alopecia from ultra-tight buns. Sectioning sounds like it would really simplify things though- thanks for the tip!

[Leeloo]

Congratulations on your anniversary!

[alexis917]

G
Congratulations on your anniversary!

Thank you so much! It'll be kind of funny that my hair will be shorter, and after looking through other threads like this there's a lot of growth! I'm kind of upset thinking of all the length I'll lose, but I'm trying to think of it more as the virgin hair as my length. So, it lets me feel like I really went from a pixie (roots) to BSL in two years (one year lurking, one year participating!)

[chen bao jun]

French rolls also work great for iii thickness APL/BSL hair. there is also something called a southern tease bun which I find to be very attractive.
Here's two videos, one shows it on ultra curly hair and the other has it modified for slippery straighter hair.
You can use ficcares or barrettes (such as the France Luxe barrettes) as well as hairsticks to secure the southern tease. It involves no actual hair teasing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_-XBalPjVg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhKBhwJ80cA


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhKBhwJ80cA)

[chen bao jun]

This is a great hairstyle for APL/BSL hair, especially thick hair, any hair type can do this. It's the faux crown braid (called a goddess braid). I do mine the opposite way--starting at the back and pinning it up in front.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB94ras-o6w

[jacqueline101]

Your buns look great.

[alexis917]

The faux crown braid looks very pretty!
My hair is around apl now (post cut). I was sick of micro trimming and I'm just glad this is done!
http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee437/ramyun67/image-4.jpg (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/ramyun67/media/image-4.jpg.html)
Pain in the backside: photobucket refuses to show a right side up photo that way...

[Wildcat Diva]

It looks really pretty. You can look in the shoulder to APL or the APL to BSL thread for some ideas on updos.

[Arien]

What about a crown braid? You can do French, Dutch or lace. Whichever you prefer.. Crown braids are easier to do, the shorter your hair is. Within reason anyway. At that length it should be perfect!. You can do a more intricate version by tying the the centre section of your hair up in a ponytail first (you just make a circular part in centre of the back of your head) and then do a crown braid, adding in sections of hair from the ponytail as you go around. :).

[chen bao jun]

alexs917, you and your hair are lovely

[chen bao jun]

goddess braid and crown braid are the same thing with different names, but Arien, I am so interested in the variations that you suggest. Are there any videos on how to do a lace braid? And I was confused by how to pick up hair from the ponytail as you go around. I'd love to see this. Kaelee's video was so clear and useful--Kaelee do you know how to lace braid and would you be willing to another demonstration?

[chen bao jun]

I found a crown lace braid video in an old post on here but I can't see exactly what she is doing. Plus her hair is super long--gorgeous but not so useful for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUgvGskIhHg

[alexis917]

Thank you to everyone for all of your suggestions!
I can still do my normal Dutch braid.
I've never attempted a crown braid before, but you guys are convincing.
It looks a little challenging, but hopefully shorter hair will make it easier.
And I'll be sure to check out the threads on shorter hair!

[Kaelee]

French rolls also work great for iii thickness APL/BSL hair. there is also something called a southern tease bun which I find to be very attractive.
Here's two videos, one shows it on ultra curly hair and the other has it modified for slippery straighter hair.
You can use ficcares or barrettes (such as the France Luxe barrettes) as well as hairsticks to secure the southern tease. It involves no actual hair teasing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_-XBalPjVg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhKBhwJ80cA


(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhKBhwJ80cA)

If the French roll is the same thing as the French twist don't get too frustrated if you can't do it...I've never been able to accomplish it. It always hurts like heck or looks, literally, like the Tazmanian Devil just went through my hair. :taz: I gave up completely.

I'll have to check out that Southern Tease bun!

[Ravenwind]

Lately I've been doing what I call a "side french braid." Instead of doing a traditional french braid down the middle of my head, I do it like just a normal side braid. So I basically start the french braid from behind my right ear, then braid all the way down to my left ear. I hope that makes sense? lol

[alexis917]

Lately I've been doing what I call a "side french braid." Instead of doing a traditional french braid down the middle of my head, I do it like just a normal side braid. So I basically start the french braid from behind my right ear, then braid all the way down to my left ear. I hope that makes sense? lol

I do Dutch braids diagonally, so I can probably manage that too!
Never tried it French style!
Crown braid wise, just gave it a try (Dutch), and it looks great but then I mess it up once I get to the back of my head. Maybe trying it with a lace braid will help!

[Arien]

goddess braid and crown braid are the same thing with different names, but Arien, I am so interested in the variations that you suggest. Are there any videos on how to do a lace braid? And I was confused by how to pick up hair from the ponytail as you go around. I'd love to see this. Kaelee's video was so clear and useful--Kaelee do you know how to lace braid and would you be willing to another demonstration?

It's called a starburst crown braid I think.. I will see if I can find a tutorial on YouTube :).

[Arien]

Here it is :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faAqxZ6uu78

and another version...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC5xttnkRWg

It's pretty. Quite easy to do as well. I did it the other day. It looks more complicated then it is :)

[Kaelee]

goddess braid and crown braid are the same thing with different names, but Arien, I am so interested in the variations that you suggest. Are there any videos on how to do a lace braid? And I was confused by how to pick up hair from the ponytail as you go around. I'd love to see this. Kaelee's video was so clear and useful--Kaelee do you know how to lace braid and would you be willing to another demonstration?

I actually don't know how to lace braid, unfortunately. I'm kind of fumble fingered. :lol: I can English braid...that's about it.

[Arien]

A lace braid is exactly the same method as a French braid, except you only pick up from one side. It's upto you which side. Depends on the look you are going for :).

[Kaelee]

A lace braid is exactly the same method as a French braid, except you only pick up from one side. It's upto you which side. Depends on the look you are going for :).

I can't French braid either. :lol: I can never manage to get equal sections of hair and it looks...ridiculous at best.

[Arien]

I can't French braid either. :lol: I can never manage to get equal sections of hair and it looks...ridiculous at best.

Hee hee :D. Well practice makes perfect! We all have to learn! :)

[chen bao jun]

Here it is :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faAqxZ6uu78

and another version...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC5xttnkRWg

It's pretty. Quite easy to do as well. I did it the other day. It looks more complicated then it is :)
thanks so much!

[chen bao jun]

If the French roll is the same thing as the French twist don't get too frustrated if you can't do it...I've never been able to accomplish it. It always hurts like heck or looks, literally, like the Tazmanian Devil just went through my hair. :taz: I gave up completely.

I'll have to check out that Southern Tease bun!
Its the same thing, but I think maybe your hair is little bit long for it to be easy. I think its a hairstyle that works best with shorter hair.

[chen bao jun]

I actually don't know how to lace braid, unfortunately. I'm kind of fumble fingered. :lol: I can English braid...that's about it.
having seen you do the disc bun, you are not fumble fingered. Definitely not.

[alexis917]

For anybody attempting a crown braid, I noticed I got a lot further along with a lace braid than Dutch!

[Froggilore]

Thank you for all the ideas! Is there a good video for doing a French twist for APL hair? I've always loved those and can never seem to do one.

[alexis917]

Thank you for all the ideas! Is there a good video for doing a French twist for APL hair? I've always loved those and can never seem to do one.

I'll let you know if I find one! Currently searching for the same thing!

[chen bao jun]

I saw some somewhere, will try to find and post later.
I am definitely going to try crown lace braiding.

[alexis917]

I saw some somewhere, will try to find and post later.
I am definitely going to try crown lace braiding.

Thank you, you've been so helpful!

[chen bao jun]

Whoops, posted these in the wrong thread. There's another one going on for hairstyles for thick BSL and I keep confusing these.
Here's a thread showing French rolls. Click on video #4 'chignon banane avec 3 petites epingles". the video has no words, so it shouldn't matter that its French.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaKHPs4D1ik&list=PLCAC8732172AD3B08
here's another one where she talks a lot in French, but I think you can understand by just watching what she does.
and she's not using super expensive hairpins (those bijoux manoel cost a bundle). However, I don't think the hairpins matter, I usually clip the thing with a ficcare maximas instead of bothering with any pins. At the point where's she's hold it down and puts the first hairpin, I stick in my maximas instead. It's also possible to do using a flexi 8 and you can do it by threading a hair stick such as ketylo through the French roll, too--I could swear I saw a Ketylo video recently showing how to do but I can't find it right now.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ENoMz42p90

[alexis917]

Oh, so THAT'S how you do it...
Thanks a ton Chen Bao Jun!

[chen bao jun]

Here's one more--it shows how to do a french roll and fasten it with a hairstick. It shows three hairstyles with the hairstick, the french roll is #2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81FzoFOjy2k
Hope this isn't overkill

[~honeyflower~]

Sock buns!!!

[alexis917]

I've got messy buns down!
I tried sock buns before but my hair disagreed with it...
Maybe I'll use one of those bun forms.
To anyone else, found a bunch of simple updos.
http://www.babble.com/beauty/the-25-most-beautiful-easy-updos/simple-gibson-tuck/

[chen bao jun]

I don't know about other people, but my hair hates sock buns. they make my hair all dry and tangle. I even covered a sock with satin to see if that would work better. No go. I'm leaving them alone forever.