Addicts: recommendations needed for a toy newbie

[C.H.]

I own zero toys, but my hair is crying out for some variety/decoration. Where do you recommend I start? (Keeping in mind that my budget is pretty limited.)

[Vani1902]

Etsy is a pretty good place to start.

Here are some links to my favorite sellers:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Leginayba (I warn you, shipping takes forever!)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/epstone

http://www.etsy.com/shop/quecraft

http://www.etsy.com/shop/screaminnorwegian?ref=seller_info

You can also find other sellers on Etsy. Ebay is also another place to look.
I hope this helps. :)

[Roseate]

What type of styles do you do the most often, or would you want to do with your new toy? Are you looking for something decorative, or more of a workhorse to keep your hair up all day, or a little of both? Something for everyday or a special occasion?

Of course, if you get really into it, the answer will eventually be "all of the above":D

Long list of sources for your browsing pleasure. (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?p=307403#post307403)

[Alvrodul]

It does depend some on your style - but Etsy does have a lot of variety! Some suggestions for cheap toys are; Leginyaba (http://www.etsy.com/shop/Leginayba) and Khanbinh (http://www.etsy.com/shop/khanhbinh). A bit pricier are Pacific Merchantile (http://www.etsy.com/shop/PacificMerchantile), AKC Woodworking (http://www.etsy.com/shop/AKCWoodworking) and A Case of Random (http://www.etsy.com/shop/acaseofrandom). I have bought from both Pacific Merchantile and AKC woodworking, and both sellers have excellent hairtoys.:D

To get the proper length you must figure out how big your bun is - to do that, you coil your hair into a bun-shape, and if you have something that can stand in for a hairstick (or a pair) stick it through - it can be a pencil, a pair of knitting needles or something similar. Measure the diameter of the bun - the "working length" of your hairsticks or forks should be that measurement, or a bit more. :)

Hope this helps - it is a starting point, at least! And to get you started exploring Etsy on your own, there is a nifty box on the left side of the window where you can also input the price range you want!:)

[C.H.]

What type of styles do you do the most often, or would you want to do with your new toy? Are you looking for something decorative, or more of a workhorse to keep your hair up all day, or a little of both? Something for everyday or a special occasion?

Of course, if you get really into it, the answer will eventually be "all of the above":D

Long list of sources for your browsing pleasure. (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?p=307403#post307403)


My style is not especially flashy, and I typically avoid anything too ornate or fussy. I'm just thinking something to bring a little more interest and elegance to my everyday styles. They don't need to be as boring as they have been. I've always just secured with a band that matches my hair color or the most basic types of clips/claws.

I'm also interested in trying a greater variety of updos, and I know the right toys can really facilitate that. Not to mention that I've now realized that there are options out there that in addition to looking nicer will actually hold my hair better while causing less damage. Just not sure which are best for this, though.

Finally, I work as a bartender at private events. Naturally my hair has to be up (and very well secured) when I'm working and I wear a uniform which is pretty plain/conservative (button down shirt, vest, tie, pants and shoes all in black). I like the idea of using hair toys to add a little personality to the look. Not to mention a pretty or unique hair ornament can make a good conversation piece, which is nice when small talk is part of your job.

[C.H.]

To get the proper length you must figure out how big your bun is - to do that, you coil your hair into a bun-shape, and if you have something that can stand in for a hairstick (or a pair) stick it through - it can be a pencil, a pair of knitting needles or something similar. Measure the diameter of the bun - the "working length" of your hairsticks or forks should be that measurement, or a bit more. :)

This is really helpful, thank you. After a little browsing, I had begun to wonder about this.

[C.H.]

Also, I want to avoid any design that is poorly made, potentially damaging, or just generally hard to work with. I don't want to start purchasing random stuff just because it looks pretty.

[Alvrodul]

That is a very good attitude! As I have said, I have bought from both Pacific Merchantile and AKC woodworking and consider their hairtoys to be excellent - though definitely I prefer the wooden sticks from Pacific Merchantile. And here's a hint Ecouard at Pacific Merchantile will end drill the sticks if you ask him to do so, so that you can decorate them yourself if you wish! :D
I have also bought from Quecraft and Leginyaba. I have a pair of shell topped sticks like these (http://www.etsy.com/listing/61142836/set-3-abalone-shell-hair-stick) that I really like - very pretty toys for a cheap price. I also have a a couple of forks from there - one with paua shell, and one other.
Some people have reported issues with some of his things - like ends of the prongs of his forks that needed sharpening - just need a bit of sandpaper for that - and steel inlay that was not flush with the wood. This last might potentially catch on your hair.
But generally, lots of hairtoy here for a cheap price!
I have also bought from Quecraft. Her hairtoys are also good buys. I had one issue with the things I bought from her - one hairstick had been substituted for another - no problem, she sent me the right one immediately after I contacted her, and I got to keep the other one as well!:D

[selderon]

I'll note that epstone on Etsy appears to be selling items identical to those sold on CrystalMood.com (http://www.crystalmood.com/), but uses some different terms such as "verawood" instead of "lignum vitae" for the same products. (e.g. epstone is a reseller in violation of Etsy policy.) Compare, for example, epstone's "Fragrant Verawood Hair Stick - Beautiful Fox" with CrystalMood's "Handmade Carved Wood Hair Stick Fox 7" Lignum-vitae".

My favorite etsy shop is MairzyDozy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/mairzydozy).

And a lot of LHCers will highly recommend Ficcare (http://www.ficcare.com/) clips. The price is high, but the quality of workmanship and effectiveness of the design is amazing.

Finally, I recently acquired some Goody Spin Pins. These are a must have for updos! Easy to use and two do the job of many pins.

[eresh]

Maybe Flexi-8 is something for you.
Easy to use in different hairdo's :-)
Not so expensive and very pretty!(lots of choice)

http://www.flexi8.com/ (http://www.flexi8.com/)

[lapushka]

If you want something low-key, you might want to try: Quattro Basics (http://www.etsy.com/shop/quattro?section_id=6436896)

Try searching Etsy for "hair stick" and just look at what's within your budget and still looks sturdy enough. If you have doubts, you could ask for experiences with a hairtoy right here.

[dmarie63]

I'm a newbie to hairtoys as well, but I tend to find sales on head bands, claw clips, and other basics allt he time at CVS and Walmart and Target. Hair sticks are harder to come by on a budget if you're like me and prefer to not shop online (why should I pay for shipping? lol), but if you keep an eye out you can certainly find some great stuff. I got a few great hair toys for $20 each at fairs in my area (renaissance-theme and normal fairs with vendors). Just today I found some cute hair sticks (for $6 and $10) at an oriental store in a nearby mall.

Hope that helps :)

[islandboo]

Finally, I work as a bartender at private events. Naturally my hair has to be up (and very well secured) when I'm working and I wear a uniform which is pretty plain/conservative (button down shirt, vest, tie, pants and shoes all in black). I like the idea of using hair toys to add a little personality to the look. Not to mention a pretty or unique hair ornament can make a good conversation piece, which is nice when small talk is part of your job.

I know you said your budget is limited, but given what you said above I would recommend you look at a Ficcare clip. I have a job that requires my hair to be secured and doesn't allow for easy readjustment, and I generally use a Ficcare as my go-to hairtoy for work. They are incredibly secure but can add a lot of interest to an updo. They aren't my favorite hairtoy - I prefer wooden forks and decorated hairsticks - but they are the best bet for my job.

As far as the cost, consider the shoes you wear at that job - one good pair of shoes that cost a bit more but fit well and look nice are a better choice than a less expensive pair that aren't quite as comfortable as you would like and look sort of cheap. (which isn't to say that less pricey hair toys aren't as nice - they often are - but not as well suited to your bartending perhaps)

[catspank]

I think these (http://www.etsy.com/listing/75368042/quattro-hair-sticks-flexstix-silver) would be perfect for you. They are simple, elegant, go with all outfits, work in any occasion, can be worn in wet hair, will not snap when torqued or break when dropped, look particularly lovely in dark hair and are beyond awesome in both quality and function.

How's that for an endorsement? :D

[HairStickler]

If you like making things, you should check out the self made hairtoys thread:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=131

It may be over 400 pages long, but you don't have to read the whole thing to get the idea. It can definitely be cheaper than buying hairtoys on Etsy...or it can be just as expensive, if you start buying power tools and all. :)

[C.H.]

I have a pair of shell topped sticks like these (http://www.etsy.com/listing/61142836/set-3-abalone-shell-hair-stick) that I really like - very pretty toys for a cheap price.


Oooh. Those are pretty!

[C.H.]

I think these (http://www.etsy.com/listing/75368042/quattro-hair-sticks-flexstix-silver) would be perfect for you. They are simple, elegant, go with all outfits, work in any occasion, can be worn in wet hair, will not snap when torqued or break when dropped, look particularly lovely in dark hair and are beyond awesome in both quality and function.

How's that for an endorsement? :D

This is a great suggestion!

I was looking for a picture of these in someone's hair and ended up finding one you had posted. I sometimes have a hard time picturing what toys will look like in the hair and vendors often don't provide photos.

[C.H.]

If you like making things, you should check out the self made hairtoys thread:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=131

It may be over 400 pages long, but you don't have to read the whole thing to get the idea. It can definitely be cheaper than buying hairtoys on Etsy...or it can be just as expensive, if you start buying power tools and all. :)

It never crossed my mind that I could make my own. Creative people.

[C.H.]

I know you said your budget is limited, but given what you said above I would recommend you look at a Ficcare clip. I have a job that requires my hair to be secured and doesn't allow for easy readjustment, and I generally use a Ficcare as my go-to hairtoy for work. They are incredibly secure but can add a lot of interest to an updo. They aren't my favorite hairtoy - I prefer wooden forks and decorated hairsticks - but they are the best bet for my job.

As far as the cost, consider the shoes you wear at that job - one good pair of shoes that cost a bit more but fit well and look nice are a better choice than a less expensive pair that aren't quite as comfortable as you would like and look sort of cheap. (which isn't to say that less pricey hair toys aren't as nice - they often are - but not as well suited to your bartending perhaps)

Good point. As a matter of fact, the most expensive shoes I own are the ones I purchased for this job. The Ficcare clips are definitely on my radar.

[C.H.]

I'm definitely going to check out all the Etsy sellers you all have suggested, as well as some spin pins and Flexi-8. I was also browsing on Amazon and saw some nice looking items by France Luxe.

Now that I've been looking more, I'm also thinking about color. I'd like to avoid anything that would tend to blend in with my hair color--the point is for it to be at least a little eye-catching. So I'm considering contrasting colors that complement my skin and hair tones. Maybe a deep gold or a red/maroon? I know I might want something more neutral/versatile for everyday wear--lighter woods and metallics would probably work for that (I do love copper). But for bartending at least, I'm wearing all black, so clashing with my clothing isn't really a problem, and I can go with whatever will look best with my coloring. I like the red in particular for work because it would play off the reddish lip color I wear. Any thoughts on colors?

[HairStickler]

Any thoughts on colors?
Yes, check out this thread:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=71370

Find someone who is your hair twin -- maybe catspank? -- and see which colors you like in her hair.

[BlueMuse]

Check out the hacksaw007 thread if you have hair similar to catspank's, she's got some lovely pictures in there. I wanted to suggest hacksaw007 for hair sticks that are totally custom made but still affordable. I don't actually have my set yet, but I've seen his work in action (aka catspank's pictures), Mike is fabulous to work with, and you have the right to reject a stick if you just don't like it. And you can get anything from fancy colorwoods to natural hardwoods, which makes for a lot of options.

[Joribear]

Being someone who is also on a limited budget, I think I'd recommend the swap boards here on LHC! You can get a variety of toys at a fraction of the original cost, which is a win all the way around! :D

[frizzinator]

Stalk the Swap Board.

Buy what you like. You might want to post a photo of what you like, and ask us if there is anything we don't like about it, in terms of using it. Some of us have struggled with certain hair toy issues, so we could be a good resource about those issues before you buy.

I have a lot of hair accessories, and everyone of them works, although I don't like them all equally. Plus I had to practice a lot in order to find certain styles to make some of those hair toys work.

Also, my hair changes from time to time, such as more length, more thickness or less thickness (shedding). Every time my hair changes, I have to use a different hair toy to achieve the same bun security that I used to have. So I'm certain that if you buy what you like, and even if it doesn't seem to work for you immediately, you will have a use for it at some point.

When I started putting my hair up, I really needed those thin metal toys like the Quattro Basics, mainly because I was making buns too tight. But I don't need them as much anymore. For some reason I need fat sticks now or I just use a fork instead of a stick, to take up more space for tighter security. I really like the skinny two pronged forks with the narrow space between the prongs to use like a stick. They look delicate, yet take up more space than an ordinary stick.

I started out with three pronged forks from 60th street, and I still use them, although eventually I preferred two pronged forks with a wider space between the prongs. I think you can find a use for nearly any hair toy you like.

Edited:
You mentioned bartending. When I used to frequent bars, I noticed that on busy nights, sometimes the bartenders were nearly climbing all over each other while frantically working.

If you are working fast in tight quarters, you might think about the length of the hair toy you buy. For example, you might have a favorite bun style that needs to be secured with a seven inch stick, but you know a stick that long could poke someone else in the eye if you are working close together.

[C.H.]

Stalk the Swap Board.

Buy what you like. You might want to post a photo of what you like, and ask us if there is anything we don't like about it, in terms of using it. Some of us have struggled with certain hair toy issues, so we could be a good resource about those issues before you buy.

I have a lot of hair accessories, and everyone of them works, although I don't like them all equally. Plus I had to practice a lot in order to find certain styles to make some of those hair toys work.

Also, my hair changes from time to time, such as more length, more thickness or less thickness (shedding). Every time my hair changes, I have to use a different hair toy to achieve the same bun security that I used to have. So I'm certain that if you buy what you like, and even if it doesn't seem to work for you immediately, you will have a use for it at some point.

When I started putting my hair up, I really needed those thin metal toys like the Quattro Basics, mainly because I was making buns too tight. But I don't need them as much anymore. For some reason I need fat sticks now or I just use a fork instead of a stick, to take up more space for tighter security. I really like the skinny two pronged forks with the narrow space between the prongs to use like a stick. They look delicate, yet take up more space than an ordinary stick.

I started out with three pronged forks from 60th street, and I still use them, although eventually I preferred two pronged forks with a wider space between the prongs. I think you can find a use for nearly any hair toy you like.

Edited:
You mentioned bartending. When I used to frequent bars, I noticed that on busy nights, sometimes the bartenders were nearly climbing all over each other while frantically working.

If you are working fast in tight quarters, you might think about the length of the hair toy you buy. For example, you might have a favorite bun style that needs to be secured with a seven inch stick, but you know a stick that long could poke someone else in the eye if you are working close together.

Thanks so much for your helpful comments, frizzinator. I sometimes feel a little intimidated by the range of options, materials, width, length, thickness, number of prongs and spaces between them. But I see what you're saying--that with experimentation any toy you like can work, and in fact the way you use it may evolve over time. Also, I hadn't thought about the hazards of having sticks and such sticking out of my hair at work, but you're totally right.

I hadn't really thought about how the amount of space the toy takes up in your hair might affect tightness/security, but I kept thinking some relationships like this must exist, even if I didn't yet know the specifics.

Also, thanks for your observation regarding doing buns too tightly. I literally just realized in the last 24 hours, that updos could work better if I loosened them up a bit, and I did a looser version of my usual bun for the first time today with my one semi-decorative clip, and it looks and feels so much better. I think I thought for a long time that a tighter bun meant a more secure bun, but I'm realizing that's not necessarily the case. Not to mention that now that I'm on LHC, I no longer want the stress on my hair from pulling it tightly.

[Venefica]

I would recommend a simple hair stick to begin with. A nice, a bit thick stick that can take a bit of abuse so that you have opportunity to play around with various styles and learn some buns without breaking your stick. Perhaps one of the dragon fang sticks from Ravens Lair, they look sturdy.

[catspank]

This is a great suggestion!

I was looking for a picture of these in someone's hair and ended up finding one you had posted. I sometimes have a hard time picturing what toys will look like in the hair and vendors often don't provide photos.

I was going to post that picture for you :) It's really too bad that Etsy doesn't make the customer appreciation photos visible to the public anymore, they were great for seeing what a particualr artisan's hair toys looked like in action.



Yes, check out this thread:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=71370

Find someone who is your hair twin -- maybe catspank? -- and see which colors you like in her hair.

I was going to link that thread but you beat me to it :) C.H., there are lots of dark-hairs in that thread, you should get plenty of ideas! I always :heart: red in dark hair.



Check out the hacksaw007 thread if you have hair similar to catspank's, she's got some lovely pictures in there. I wanted to suggest hacksaw007 for hair sticks that are totally custom made but still affordable. I don't actually have my set yet, but I've seen his work in action (aka catspank's pictures), Mike is fabulous to work with, and you have the right to reject a stick if you just don't like it. And you can get anything from fancy colorwoods to natural hardwoods, which makes for a lot of options.

Thank you :flower: I agree, Mike is awesome to work with and to buy from :D

[C.H.]

Check out the hacksaw007 thread if you have hair similar to catspank's, she's got some lovely pictures in there. I wanted to suggest hacksaw007 for hair sticks that are totally custom made but still affordable. I don't actually have my set yet, but I've seen his work in action (aka catspank's pictures), Mike is fabulous to work with, and you have the right to reject a stick if you just don't like it. And you can get anything from fancy colorwoods to natural hardwoods, which makes for a lot of options.

I am definitely considering hacksaw007. I think I might prefer the look of one thicker stick as opposed to two skinnier ones. Also, the thicker sticks seem to come in more interesting shapes. Dragon's Fangs are also an intriguing option along these lines.

[C.H.]

Can I just say, the very instant I saw a hairtana, I knew I had to have one. Talk about a conversation piece. Hairtana, sword, dagger--one of these will be mine.

[Alvrodul]

Can I just say, the very instant I saw a hairtana, I knew I had to have one. Talk about a conversation piece. Hairtana, sword, dagger--one of these will be mine.
If you like hair weaponry, you should also have a look at Outnumbered Novelties (http://www.etsy.com/shop/OutNumberedNovelties)' Hair Armory! His hair weaponry includes a number of very cool items - and if you don't see what you want in his shop, Rich also does custom work, and he is a dream to work with! An additional attraction is that if you are the first to buy a particular design, you get to name it!:D
A couple of examples:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=7013&pictureid=96898

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=7013&pictureid=93198

[Venefica]

I second the recommendation for Outnumbered Novelties, he do great work, his hair weapons look amazing and he has very good customer service. Here is a couple of more examples of hair weapons from this shop:

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1403/22948922129573121807910.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/171/22948922129573121807910.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/4778/25104323292185005546710.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/200/25104323292185005546710.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[Yamainu]

Holy cow you have an ax in you hair.

:agape:

Want.

[BlueMuse]

Outnumbered Novelties is pretty awesome. This one is mine.

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/uu306/maegochan/HairAxe.png

[Venefica]

I love your axe Blue Muse, what is the name of that design, I do not think I have seen it in Outnumbered Novelties shop yet, but then there is so many different designs that it is hard to keep track of them all.

[catspank]

I love your axe Blue Muse, what is the name of that design, I do not think I have seen it in Outnumbered Novelties shop yet, but then there is so many different designs that it is hard to keep track of them all.

The design is named Mjöllnir, and I think he's only made (http://www.etsy.com/transaction/45670347) two (http://www.etsy.com/transaction/45670347) of them. I really love that design, I hope he lists more of them at some point.

[catspank]

I own zero toys, but my hair is crying out for some variety/decoration. Where do you recommend I start? (Keeping in mind that my budget is pretty limited.)

So C.H. have you bought anything yet? :drama:

You absolutely must come and tell us all what you decided on! And post action pics, of course :D

[C.H.]

So C.H. have you bought anything yet? :drama:

You absolutely must come and tell us all what you decided on! And post action pics, of course :D

Not, yet! But thanks to everyone's great advice I have a pretty good idea what I want and will definitely be making some purchases soon. I just need a good block of time to sit down at the computer and really review the options so I can narrow it down. Part of it is that I want some specific colors, and I want to see if I can find just what I have in mind.

I've decided that I don't want to rely on elastics anymore. They're okay to use occasionally, but are too damaging when used to tightly bind the hair all day every day like I used to. So, while the toys are fun and pretty, I do see them as a necessary purchase, and therefore don't intend to put it off!

Of course I will let you all know what I chose and hopefully post pictures, too.

[BlueMuse]

I would just like to state for the record that I didn't name the axe that I have. Mjollnir is a nice name, and in some ways fitting, but I can't help always thinking of Thor's Hammer every time I see it (for good reason I think).

edit: well would you look at that. Apparently it is also sometimes referred to as an axe. I'm leaving the original statement because I put my foot in my mouth, and hey, fair is fair. I was wrong. Time to fix my thinking.

[C.H.]

Speaking of hair armory, has anyone seen action shots of AKC Woodworking's hair swords?

[Venefica]

The design is beautiful for the hair axe, I hope Rich makes more of that design.

[C.H.]

I have a couple of questions about sizing.

I followed Alvrodul's instructions on measuring my a bun and came up with a 4-inch diameter.

Now, if I were going to purchase a Ficcare clip, would you recommend medium or large?

And as far as hairsticks, what length is best? I'm unsure how much additional length I need beyond 4" to properly show off the stick. And I don't know if there are some sizes which would just be too long for me.

I just want to mention also, that this measurement was taken with my hair straight, but if I were to try bunning it curlier, there would be more volume to deal with. So I'm thinking about erring perhaps on the slightly larger/longer side to better accommodate that possibility?

[Anje]

I really like putting my hair up with a single hairstick. Ketylo sticks (http://www.treasuresfromthetree.com/) are rather nice, especially when you're starting out with hairsticks, as the shape is a bit more secure and less likely to slip out of hair. They're also reasonably simple and without fragile or ornate toppers, which goes better with my usual style. With a 4" bun, you could do fine with small (5") or medium (6") ones. My buns are usually just a bit over 4" and I have all mediums, which seems to be a good size if I want to do a longer bun like an infinity.

Ficcares.... You might be in that weird in-between zone that I was recently in, where large Maximas clips were just a bit too big. I don't have any mediums, though, and learned how to use the large a bit differently and now can use them comfortably. Mediums would be lighter, though, and probably still very usable. Since your buns are probably bigger and puffier when curly, you'll probably do great with a large. (If they pull a bit, try inserting the Ficcare so that you exclude the outermost loop of your bun, so you get the fattest part closer to the hinge.)

[Alvrodul]

Finding the right length for forks and sticks can take a certain amount of trial and error. And it is anyway something that can change both with time - as your hair grows, so will your buns - and the way you wear it. The hairtoy you prefer in one particular updo may not work for you in another bun. Have fun experimenting! :D

[frizzinator]

I have a couple of questions about sizing.

I followed Alvrodul's instructions on measuring my a bun and came up with a 4-inch diameter.


My cinnamon bun is about four and a half inches. For that bun, I prefer a medium Ficcare Maximas, and I like the way the medium fits when it doesn't reach all the way across the bun.

Now, if I were going to purchase a Ficcare clip, would you recommend medium or large?


You will be able to use both sizes, depending on which bun you make. For example, my french twist and my wrap buns are more secure with a large Ficcare Maximas.

The wider width of the end of the maximas clip seems to hold better for me than the ficcarissimo clip.

There is a learning period, in the beginning, no matter what kind of toy you buy. This is especially true of Ficcares. A number of members here just gave up on them. So just remember that it takes a lot of practice to really figure out exactly how to get the perfect hold. And the way you insert the hair toy (including Ficcares), varies with different buns, thus the hold is different depending on how you insert it.


And as far as hairsticks, what length is best? I'm unsure how much additional length I need beyond 4" to properly show off the stick. And I don't know if there are some sizes which would just be too long for me.

If it's a Ketylo, which doesn't have a decorative top, then you could wear the five inch size and hardly have any ends showing at all. Or you can wear the 6 inch size and have plenty of stick showing at each end.

For a four inch bun, a seven inch stick would be too long.

There is a bun I love called the Orchid bun, and the instructions are a recent addition to the articles (thus it is easy to find). I'm telling you about this bun specifically because I need a longer stick than I usually wear when I make the orchid bun, so you could try to make the orchid bun, and then you will see what I mean when I say you probably need sticks in several lengths.

If the stick has a decorative top, then you probably want the decoration to show and you probably want to balance that look with some of the point end of the stick showing too.


I just want to mention also, that this measurement was taken with my hair straight, but if I were to try bunning it curlier, there would be more volume to deal with. So I'm thinking about erring perhaps on the slightly larger/longer side to better accommodate that possibility?


I agree that you might want to go a bit larger. One thing I learned is to not go a lot longer; for example, when moving up to a longer stick or fork because your hair has grown, I think it's best to increase only a quarter of an inch ....certainly no more than half an inch.

But if you end up buying something that is too large, you may very well grow into it, so it's not a waste, plus the more toys you have, the more you can practice and you will have a better understanding of exactly what you need.

If it makes you feel any better, in the beginning I struggled exactly like you are doing. It is really time consuming to figure out exactly what will fit. But after a lot of updo practice, you will be an expert and it will take very little time to pick out hair toys.