Cold Weather hair styles/hair toys

[Rin4Christ]

Hi All,

This summer and fall I really started to wear hair sticks to hold my hair up in a bun, but since it got cold I I wear a knit cap for my walk to school, hair sticks don't work as well.

I can't wear my hair down every day because it would get in the way of my work (I work in a research lab). I don't want to go back to the low pony tail I have worn previous years in the winter because I am trying to avoid elastics, but it seems I have few options in keeping my hair in a bun that are compatible with heavy winter gear.

How do you wear your hair in cold weather? (For reference the average winter temperature is in the low to mid 30s, so not frigged, but cold enough for my mile long walk to work).

[Schefflera]

To hold up a bun without protruding objects, you can try standard hairpins, Amish hairpins, U-shaped pins (I use two curved Quattro anchor pins, bent double-pointed knitting needles are a cheaper option), or Spin Pins/hair scroos/whatever other variety of little spiral or double-spiral ones you might come across.

[StarryNight]

A more flexible hair covering? Perhaps a scarf?

[Karala]

I wear a knit cap myself these days, a rather loose one, and buns with hairsticks every day, and apart from having to be a bit careful when I put on or take off my knit cap, I'm not having any problems! Mind you, I'm not wearing any 8 inches protruding hair sticks that get caught in stuff and poke people's eyes :D Do you have any short hair sticks, maybe simpler (no beads or decoration that would get caught in stuff) that would work better with your knit cap?

[Ramona_Fosca]

How about braids? You'll probably need an elastic, but in my opinion it's less damaging when holding the ends instead of the base like in a ponytail.

Or you could try and wear a scoodie (http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=scoodie&search_type=handmade&shopname=parvana), in my experience they go well with hair sticks if you are a little careful.

[Renbirde]

I'll second the braid recommendation-- and it's very possible to fasten them with a bit of ribbon, string, a leather thong... Anything you can tie a good bow in, pretty much. I have directions here: http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?p=1056552&highlight=Ribbon#post1056552 Yup yup.

[frizzinator]

I wear short plain sticks without ends that stick out, under the average hats. Of course, pins are the best choice, but the five inch Ketylo sticks are the next best choice for me, but with a lot of searching I have found even shorter sticks. You can get a bigger hat, like some of the bigger ones in this listing http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=slouchy+beanie+hat&search_type=handmade

Wearing something like this wide wooly headband http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=calorimetry&search_type=handmade&ref=auto allows you to use long sticks. The directions to make these is available for free on Ralvery.com and my mom made one for me out of 4 strands of camelhair yarn, and I believe it is the most warm headcovering on earth. I wear it all winter long. It is my favorite.

Here is a thread about a different hat that works with buns http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=12402

[StephanieB]

I too use calorimetries (http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=calorimetry&search_type=handmade&ref=auto).

The ones I find the best (meaning the most comfortable, for me, for size) is the medium calorimetries that Goldiesknits (http://www.etsy.com/shop/goldiesknits?ref=seller_info) makes.

I also like those made by bitsyblossoms (http://www.etsy.com/shop/bitsyblossoms) and honeysgoods (http://www.etsy.com/shop/honeysgoods).

[LaurelSpring]

In the winter I tend to live in double combs. My favorites to wear right now are these.

http://www.hairzing.com/product.php?cPath=73&products_id=117

http://www.hairzing.com/product.php?cPath=48_49&products_id=88

Last year I wore the African Butterfly ones most of the winter. These keep my hair snugly contained and I can pull a scarf or hat on and off without too much difficulty. This year I have been doing a french braid then securing the braided bun with some pins and then putting the hairzing double combs (not the cheap knock off ones) over the bun to protect it. This is working really well.

My other best descovery of the winter is using a silk or satin scarf or head covering under my hats. Here is what I got at Sally's that is working really great:

http://www.sallybeauty.com/wrap-cap/VAMP2,default,pd.html?cgid=Hair15-04

I put this over my hair and then the knit cap slides on and off easily without messing up my hair at all. You cant see it under the hat either. This idea has really been the best thing ever for me this winter.