Buns and hair sticks

[Pixna]

My hair is between SL and APL (I'm about 2 inches from APL at the moment) and I'd like to do more updos, even though I am mostly all thumbs. Where can I find quick links on LHC for instructions for buns for my hair length and thickness?

Do you have any simple bun recommendations (for this length hair and thickness) for those of us who are bun-challenged)?

Now on to hair sticks...

I have excellent success with a basic (cinnamony-type) bun using hair forks. They are like "hair sticks with training wheels" for me, and I love them.

However, I also have several hair sticks in various widths. None of them stay in or hold my bun (unless my hair is very wet, which I would rather not do). The thicker, bulbous-style ones don't stay in at all, even though they are lovely to look at. Are there any tricks for using just a single stick and getting it to stay in and actually hold a bun (without using any other pins)?

How are the Ketylos different from regular hair sticks, and do they really hold better (even if you use just one)? How are their forks different from other forks? I don't want to spend $$ on hair toys if they won't work, so I'd like your honest opinions and help, please.

[CindyLea1]

When I use one stick I put it in vertical. I start at the top of the bun and the ends poke out the bottom. If I get it to diagonal the stick twists and the buns fall out.

Another option I love, the chinese bun. You put your hair in a ponytail with an elastic insert the stick horizontal under the elastic(next to your scalp) split the ponytail in half, bring each section over the stick and wrap it like a bun. My kids say it looks like a (_!_)! LOL we have good times!

Hope these help.

[CrisDee]

During the decades that my hair was long, I just used a pen or pencil to put my hair up. My hair is very fine (but a LOT of it), slippery and straight, so I don't think it's so much the style of the stick as the way you weave it through the bun and the hair next to your head that affects its ability to stay up and in place. A friend showed me how (and her hair was barely touching her shoulders at the time), I'm not sure I could have learned from written instructions or even from a video. Sorry I can't be of any more help :(

[Carolyn]

You should be able to do a peacock twist with a claw clip. That can look bun-like depending on how you do the poofy part at the top.

Also a messy bun should work at your length. The bun where you start as if you are doing a pony with an elastic and don't pull it all the way through. I love that kind of a bun. Unfortunately I can't do them at my current length.

Try making a U pin out of a dpn knitting needle. Those kinds of pins hold well. Is there a reason why you just want to use one stick with no extra pins? I find that I often need the help of an extra stick or some Amish pins.

[Pixna]

Thanks, CindyLea, CrissDee, and Carolyn!

Carolyn, I guess I just prefer simple and easy. When I need more than one item in my hair, it starts to feel like too much "work" for me. I would also rather not use elastics, as they tends to snap my more fragile hairs (and again, it would end up being two hairs toys rather than one) or claw clips (I don't own any). I can do a messy bun with a fork and a peacock twist (sort of) with a flexi. I own a titanium U-shaped fork (from eons ago, when Argus Designs was in business -- remember them?), but it doesn't work as well as my three-pronged wooden forks.

I'd like to know of more simple bun options for my length and find a way to use the toys (and hair sticks) I currently own. If I get any new ones, I'd like to know they'll work and that I can use them for the long haul (i.e., when my hair gets longer).

[JenniferNoel]

I always use two hair sticks (here comes the gasp), crossed on 45 degree angles from the bottom, leaving two little antennae sticking out of the top of the bun. The fact that they're crossed in there gives it more security, and less bun fail.

Vertical for me only works with certain kinds of hair sticks, but with the more narrow ones, the bun (no matter what kind) tends to fall downwards over the course of an hour. But that's just my funky hair texture at work.

Oh! And, don't forget the easy way out. The sock bun! Works for me every time. :p

[Pixna]

Thanks so much, JenniferNoel!

[SimplyViki]

About the Ketylos: I love these sticks. I have just two (matching hazelnut Dymondwood ones, but I can only find one at any given point, LOL!), but they get the most wear out of all my hair things. I find that the thing that sets them apart from other sticks I have used is that you don't have to do so much weaving in-and-out to catch scalp hair - you just twist them as you put them in, and it seems to weave itself in and out. I just angle it so that it does catch the scalp hair, and that's it.

I think that narrower sticks don't pull strands apart like a bulkier or heavily tapered stick would, and the bun stays put together more the way you originally set it before you inserted the stick.

I like the peacock twist suggestion, that's one of my favorite updos to look at, but I never managed to try one when my hair was still short enough.

[Pixna]

SimplyViki, thank you! Gosh, if a single Ketylo can hold your hip-length hair, it should surely be able to hold my not-quite-APL hair! I appreciate your comments about them.

I think the only reason I can do a peacock twist or messy bun is that it's accidental! :o

[Akiko]

Hi Pixna. Have you ever tried Nautilus bun with a flexi? It is very secure and only requires one flexi.

I love Ketylos and think they hold better than straight sticks. But I am wondering what you need is a little more length. Your hair looks thick. (Envy...) So you might need more length to make a secure bun than most people. Even with a ketylo stick, your bun might feel a bit insecure at your current length. Maybe one more inch or so? An inch makes a big difference.

At any rate, you might want to get one Ketylo stick. It should work pretty soon. :D bad enabler.

[Pixna]

Hi, Akiko! Thank you! Yes, that darned length -- I definitely need more of it! Too bad I can't just blink my eyes and it would appear! :magic: Although my hair is at a reasonably good bun length (though my options are limited), the thickness of my hair makes buns a little harder to do at this length.

I haven't tried a Nautilus bun -- I don't know how to do one. Is there a quick link on LHC for buns for my length hair? I looked around and couldn't find one.

Yep, you are a bad enabler!! :laugh:

[Akiko]

Hypnotica posted a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS-BQ5OMV2Y) here. I find her video really helpful since her hands are very steady and she takes you step by step.

If you search Nautilus bun on Youtube, you can find more videos. Viewing several videos might be really helpful.

[Tabitha]

My hair is about BSL with long layers and I've adopted the Pencil Bun as my new favourite, which works better for me than a cinnabun. Sorry but I've forgotten which LHCer first posted a link to it, but here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0k3dD4qX34

Keep your fingers sticking out of the loop, and twist the loop right up to the top of the head. The pencil must go right through the loop and out the other side, catch scalp hair, flip and through coil right to left, catching a bit of coil on the way out.

As far as sticks go, I prefer one stick but will sometimes add a second to decorate. Forks also work with the pencil bun.

I didn't get on with Ketylo sticks, I found the corkscrew action actually loosened my bun, although I do like their forks better. I find Ketylo forks are harder to insert into the bun than straight forks - they take more wiggling - but they hold well once they're in.

[Pixna]

Akiko, I appreciate the link!! I'm not sure my hair is long enough for this yet, but it's worth a try.

Tabitha, the Pencil Bun sounds like a great idea. It looks easy (though that still doesn't mean I'll be able to do it!). I'm realizing that one of the problems with most bun videos for me is that I'm left handed and the videos are done by (and for) right-handed people. I know I should be able (in theory) to just "flip" the directions, but it's easier said than done. I'd really like to learn this bun, though, because it looks so simple.

I also appreciate your comments about the Ketylo sticks, Tabitha. The more feedback I can get, the better I'm able to make a decision about what to purchase (or not to purchase).

I just (a few moments ago) got my first Ficcare (from the Swap Board), and tried it out. WOW! I love it. It's SOOO comfortable. I think I need the next size up (a large), but I had no idea how comfy these could be with a bun. Maybe Ficcares are my solution?? Whaddaya think?

[Sabayon]

My hair is about exactly your length and the best way I have found to make a bun that stays with just one hairstick is kind of hard to describe but here goes. When you get to the ends of your hair when coiling the bun, wrap the ends very tightly around the elastic so that the thicker, first coil is kind of sticking out and the ends are wrapped directly around the elastic. Now take your non-dominant hand and sort of flatten the bun so the large coil covers the ends coiled around the elastic. Then take a long hairstick and stick it diagonally through the whole bun, sort of weaving up and down through the large coil, the ends, the elastic, then reverse through the other side. Once you get a feel for it this is simple and easy and holds all day. I can try and make a video if you'd like.
I also often do this with a sock bun, which looks more impressive but you have to use a store-bought bun sock that you can punk holes through. Another favorite easy hairstyle of mine is the cheater hairstick bun (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=138).

[Tabitha]

I had to practise the Pencil Bun a number of times until it clicked and I "got it". I actually had to write those notes to myself while trying :blushing:

You mention Ficcares so I should add that it works well with a Ficcare Maximas too if you use the bottom section of the clip as if it were a stick then let the upper part close on top.

My hair is a little longer than the girl's in the video but it's quite easy to tuck the little tail that results into hair below the bun, or leave it for a more casual look. Also if you use a wider (3 or 4 prong) fork it takes up a bit more room and uses up "spare" hair that way.

[Pixna]

Thanks, Sabayon! I actually had no problem understanding your directions -- they are very clear. :) I'm trying to avoid using elastics, though (they snap my hair, even the gentle ones). I can get a good bun going (my hair is a little longer than in my avatar pic), but without an elastic, it's harder to keep a single stick in.

I'm going to have to work on that pencil bun, Tabitha. The Ficcare should hold it, even if I end up with a sloppy mess. :laugh:

[Kaijah]

I think with the thickness you've got going, updos will get muuuuch easier as you get towards APL-BSL. It did for me, at least.

Though I have to admit, I'm very lazy when it comes to updos. I'm not to worried about trying lots of decorative styles, I just want something that holds for more than a minute and protects my ends. Until I could get buns to hold, I basically just did a lazy french twist type thing - a lot like what KarenLynn's how to (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=124) shows - held with a Goody claw clip (they used to make a version for thick hair with longer tines than the normal clips - I haven't seen them in ages though :().

Ketylos are quite possibly the best toy I've ever bought. Ever. *lol* Something about that twirly center really does make them interlock with hair beautifully. With straight sticks, my hair just gradually spits them out, regardless of whether or not I weave to catch scalp hair along with the bun-hair itself.

I've also found that making sure my ends are tucked in between two coils of hair, rather than just tucked underneath the whole bun, helps keep things in place better.

[Anje]

For me, the major difference between Ketylos and normal sticks is that the shape makes Ketylos less likely to slip through the bun and fall out. I suspect a wavy or bumpy stick from another maker would also work, if you're eyeing something specific.

As I've mentioned to you before, my favorite buns tend to be along the lines of Nautilus buns or lazy wraps (I think they hold better with a little bit of twist, though), with a single horizontal stick serving as a lynchpin to hold it all together. The Orchid Wrap is another nice single-stick bun that you might be able to do at your length.

[Bunnyhare]

Hi Pixna!
I think the key thing to getting anything to hold in our hair is catching the scalp hair with the stick/fork/pen whatever..if you only catch the bun or the twist, there is nothing to anchor it. It was harder for me to do the singles stick buns until just recently due to thickness..but i could do a french twist with one stick since your length easily. I know it is difficult to "translate" from righty instructions to lefty so i can't help you there but i hope this tip helps! someone mentioned it earlier,but i think it is really important to getting a good solid updo. Good luck!

[Pixna]

Kaijah, that Lazy French Twist looks simple and easy to do (right up my alley on both points!). Thank you! I also am grateful for your encouragement and knowing that buns will get easier for me as my hair gets longer. Since our hair type is somewhat similar, I'm sure you're right.

Anje, I appreciate your input on the Ketylos and the various buns I can try. Thanks!!

Hi, Bunnyhare! Yes, I do try to catch some of the scalp hair when I use (or, I should say, TRY to use) a stick. This new Ficcare seems to be holding good and solid. And it's really comfortable, too. Since our hair types are almost the same, what would you suggest in terms of Ficcares (if you use them) -- size and style? I can't quite tell the difference among the styles or figure out what might work for me. The one I just got is a medium Maximas, and it seems to be a good size, though maybe just a drop too small to hold my bun. I'm thinking that a large might be too big for me right now (at my current length), but maybe not. Do you know the difference between the Maximas, Ficcarissimo, and Innovation (and how they differ in "hold" power and size)?

[Damiana]

Hi Pixna, I've been following this thread with interest as I'm a newbie to sticks and buns too! I have APL hair and have found a stick bun that works and lasts really well (the first time I tried it I used the handle of a dinner fork and it stayed put!):eek:
I found the instructions in the archived LHC articles. It's called "easy hairstick bun" posted by lauraborealis, she drew pictures which made it loads easier to follow too!
I currently badly wanting a Ficcare maxima (I am sooo skint at the mo!) and wondering too if I need a medium. I've also been eyeing up Ketylos but worried about shipping to the UK being expensive :rolleyes:

[Pixna]

Hi, Damiana! I found the instructions for an easy stick bun, but it's by SolSara. It looks pretty cool. I couldn't find the one you referenced, though. Do you have a link for it? If it's the "cheater's bun," I probably wouldn't do that one, since it requires an elastic.

Getting the right size for the Ficcare is what's got me concerned right now, too. Since they are so expensive, I want to make sure I get the correct size (I'd rather not deal with swaps, exchanges, or returns!).

[Juanita]

If you dont want to use elastics in your hair you can do a starting braid then style your bun from there. You may need more length though. Chinese bun works well this way.

[Pixna]

If you dont want to use elastics in your hair you can do a starting braid then style your bun from there. You may need more length though. Chinese bun works well this way.

Good idea, Juanita. I actually did a braided bun last week, but I can't remember exactly what I did, which is too bad, because I really liked the results. (Darn this old memory!!!)

[chargersfan]

My hair is between SL and APL (I'm about 2 inches from APL at the moment) and I'd like to do more updos, even though I am mostly all thumbs. Where can I find quick links on LHC for instructions for buns for my hair length and thickness?

Do you have any simple bun recommendations (for this length hair and thickness) for those of us who are bun-challenged)?

Now on to hair sticks...

I have excellent success with a basic (cinnamony-type) bun using hair forks. They are like "hair sticks with training wheels" for me, and I love them.

However, I also have several hair sticks in various widths. None of them stay in or hold my bun (unless my hair is very wet, which I would rather not do). The thicker, bulbous-style ones don't stay in at all, even though they are lovely to look at. Are there any tricks for using just a single stick and getting it to stay in and actually hold a bun (without using any other pins)?

How are the Ketylos different from regular hair sticks, and do they really hold better (even if you use just one)? How are their forks different from other forks? I don't want to spend $$ on hair toys if they won't work, so I'd like your honest opinions and help, please.

Due to the thickness of my hair, I can't do most of the bun styles listed in this thread, even though my hair is a couple of inches past BSL. Forming a loop and pulling hair through anything - ain't ganna work. I do a standard Chinese bun almost daily now, and my favorite way of holding it up is using 2 Ketylos. They are by far my favorite way of holding up my hair now. I can get by with using one, but I like the extra hold of using 2. I find that they do hold better than other sticks I have tried (because of the shape). I have never tried a fork so can't compare to that.

[Pixna]

Chargersfan, thanks so much for your reply. Yep, any bun that requires forming a loop and pulling the hair through ain't happening (not just yet, at least) -- if you can't do it, I definitely can't do it. :) Thanks for your feedback on the Ketylos. I'm weighing everyone's comments so I can figure out what to do. Right now, the Ficcares are winning my heart over sticks and forks (something I NEVER thought would happen), but we'll see. Thanks again!

[Bunnyhare]

Pixna, I actually bought a ficcare off the swap board and really don't think its the right size for me, it barely holds..and i don't know the difference between the ficcare styles yet...i know alot of people love them, but my limited experience is not impressed enough to get a new one..i guess i just prefer a good old wood fork! i have been trying to do a lazy wrap for a year and just last week got it to finally stay with one little stick through it! sorry i could not help about the ficcare, i think it was a medium(it may have been a small, are they marked?) and i have my longest layer at waist length..it won't even come close to going over my cinnabun. i have to go look at the ficcare now..be back..

[DMARTINEZ]

Love love love Ketylos!!! And Baerris hair forks!!!!


Deb

[redneckprincess]

Hello Pixina, you and I are in the same boat, except I have many layers, If you find something that works well for your length and thickness (because I think we are about the same) let me know..Id love some NEW hairstyles for this length, so I can enjoy it while it lasts

[SimplyViki]

How do you like claw clips? Most of them aren't great, I know. I have one that's really good, though, it's made in France and is very sturdy. It holds very well (I can hold a cinnabun up with just this little claw clip securing the tail end) and doesn't have seams on the claws that I can see. I'd have to say it's the best claw clip I've ever owned. Do you have an Ulta near you? I found mine there, it's the Karina brand, and it looks like this (http://mp.hairboutique.com/Karina-Open-Round-Claw-S-Tokyo/P/102809/C/).

[Juanita]

SimplyViki I like that style of claw clip also. The flat bottom seems to sit better> I have a few different ones and are my favorite lazy/quick way to put my hair up.

[Stacy_E]

The only way one stick will hold for me, and my hair has to be at least BSL, is placed vertically down into a figure 8 bun.

When my hair was at your length, my only successfully-holding bun was a cinnabun held with a 60th Street 3-pronged fork. Especially if my bun was damp, then it would hold like a rock (the fork is made of dymondwood, so damp buns are okay). I have a few other forks now, including ones I have made, but the 60th Street 3-prong holds the most securely for my hair. I think it's because these forks have thinner tines.

[Pixna]

Bunnyhare, I'm curious what size your Ficcare is. The medium holds my cinnamon bun, but I definitely can see the need for a large as my hair gets longer. I don't see any marking on it regarding size. On the site it says that a medium is 4.5 inches and a large is 5 inches, so maybe you could measure it.

Hi, DMartinez! Thanks for your feedback. There are at least two Baerris forks on my wish list. I just haven't been able to figure out what length to get.

Hey there, RNP! Right now, I've just been doing a cinnabun with either a fork (usually a three-prong) and now a medium Ficcare. I've also been doing half-ups with either a twist or a mini-cinnabun. I'm not all that creative and don't have a lot of patience for intricate styles. Maybe these will work for you? Definitely try the half-ups, as they might work best with your layers. Luckily, my layers are all grown out now, so bunning might be a tad easier for me at this length than it is for you. Are you going to keep your layers or let them grow out?

SimplyViki, I don't own but one claw clip, and I've never really used it. I haven't seen ones with a flat bottom before -- that looks very comfortable! Thank you for the link!

Hi, Stacy E! I love, love, love the 60th Street 3-prong forks. They are beautiful and smooth, and the prong size is perfect. You are right -- at my length, they are holding my cinnabun like a rock. I've got all these other lovely hair toys, though, that I just can't figure out how to use (though maybe I'll be able to once my hair gets longer). And, if there are other ones that might work better for me, I'd like to explore those. I just don't want to invest in a passel of new toys that are ineffective for me, and then end up with an enormous collection of beautiful sticks, forks, and clips that are unused. *sigh* It's a dilemma! By the way, your hair is looking stunning these days!!!

[Stacy_E]

Thanks for the compliment, Pixna!

It does seem like finding the right hairtoys that work are something of a trial and error process, and depends on not just your hair, and it's thickness and length, but on what you like using and "get" how to put in easily. I have been curious about so many hairtoys in my time here that I have ended up with quite a few, including many I have made. But it seems I go back to my favorites: 60th street 3-prong forks (I have 2), Ron Quattro starlite U-fork (especially for wet hair), Good Hair Days pins, and a 4-prong fork I made.

I have two Ficcare's which I rarely use because they just don't work as well for my cinnabun and figure 8 bun. I also don't end up using my medium Flexi-8 and other slide-type toys that often, nor the many hair sticks I have made.

I have never tried Ketylo, but have definitely looked at getting some sticks in the past. I did make my own stick from one of our mesquite trees and it's somewhat Ketylo-like, with twists and such, and about the same thickness as I think Ketylo's are, and that does not hold my hair at all.

[redneckprincess]

Hey there, RNP! Right now, I've just been doing a cinnabun with either a fork (usually a three-prong) and now a medium Ficcare. I've also been doing half-ups with either a twist or a mini-cinnabun. I'm not all that creative and don't have a lot of patience for intricate styles. Maybe these will work for you? Definitely try the half-ups, as they might work best with your layers. Luckily, my layers are all grown out now, so bunning might be a tad easier for me at this length than it is for you. Are you going to keep your layers or let them grow out?



for the time being I am hanging on to them, might (should) start the trimming process after I reach full BSL

[Pixna]

Thanks, Stacy E. I'm so impressed that you made your own hair forks -- wow!! I can't imagine the skill and patience that would take, especially a 4-pronged one!! :bowtome:

[klcqtee]

Hm, at collar bone length, I was able to use hairsticks made from chopsticks in a regular old cinnabun, but I NEEDED two. One did nothing for me, but twist and fall out? Have you tried using two sticks?

I've also found 2 mechanical plastic pencils (without the rubber grippy parts) are perfect in length and size for shorter hair.

[Pixna]

Hi, klcqtee. Thank you for your reply. Two sticks, even thinner ones, tend to provide too much bulk and pull my hair. :(