Cute styles that cover the neck?

[NormaJean]

I know everybody with long hair loves/needs their updos, but I would like to know what sorts of fun things you do with your hair that keeps your neck covered?

I have a skin condition that only affects my neck, and it's ugly. :( I've lived with it for over a decade, and while I've accepted it, I still don't like leaving it bare for people to comment on. All of those beautiful buns make me squee, and I'm envious of your gorgeous hair and bare necks, but I'm wondering if any of you can dream up something I can do. My hair's just now reaching a length where I can do things with it again, and I'd really like to find some inspiration for looks that go beyond the usual half up in a barette or elastic.

[Amazinggrace]

Many of the victorian hairstyles cover the back of the neck. You would not have to do all of the pin curls or curls on top, but the twists and braids in the back, I think, would be beautiful.

Here is a link: http://www.victoriannonsense.com/2010/12/victorian-hairstyles.html

[Honestwitness]

NormaJean, I'm interested in this topic, too. I'm always looking for updos that cover the ears, too. I can't stand the cold winter air on my neck and ears.

I looked at the Victorian Nonsense web site you recommended, Amazinggrace. I don't think my hair is long or thick enough to do most of them. But it's fun to look and get my creative juices flowing. Thanks for sharing.

[darklyndsea]

I think that some of the scarf styles that I've seen cover the neck, but I haven't done them myself so I'm not sure.

[NormaJean]

I'm going to stage a one woman revival for high collars or ruffs one of these days. Can't you just picture some high powered businesswoman in a nice suit and an Elizabethan ruff? :-P

Or maybe just the chokers and ribbons from the 90s!

[Anje]

I find that wearing my hair in too low a bun tends to have it rub on my collar, especially in winter when I'm wearing a coat.

As another alternative, you could wear a higher bun that made you happy, and wear a decorative scarf or pashmina around your neck.

[fridgee]

How about a cage braid (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=81496)?

[white.chocolate]

I can only think of half-ups. So, whatever updo style you'd like to do, do it with half the hair instead. I also agree with the Victorian hairstyle input. Hope that helps. :)

[QMacrocarpa]

Franny's southern tease (http://www.frannyslonghairstyles.com/apps/videos/videos/show/9616632) covers some of the neck.

So does Franny's easy summer updo (http://frannyslonghair.blogspot.com/2010/05/frannys-easy-summer-updo.html).

lilithedarkmoon (http://www.youtube.com/user/lilithedarkmoon) has some tutorials for low nape styles. Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdGDPl56vpE) are two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJiYZV_nzto). :)

You can use a Hairdini-type tool to make a low nape bun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFdq3vh9HwY). The messy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI13xvEUOe8) variation might provide additional coverage.

[torrilin]

A standard thing in the 30s-50s was to stuff the back hair in a snood, then do something cute with the front. This will keep your hair somewhat contained and tidy, but not get it up off your neck, so you won't have to feel bad about your skin issue. If the snood matches your hair color fairly well, it is inconspicuous and just looks like a "normal" bob at first glance. A color that contrasts with your hair will be more obvious, and tends to look best if it coordinates with your outfit.

You might also look for vintage updo instructions. While bobs were the trendy thing starting in the 1920s, most women did not immediately rush to cut their hair. Instead, they did the front half of their hair in fashionable ways, and most of the time the back was one variety or another of a rolled bun, low on the nape of the neck. Pin curl sets can work nicely on long hair, and they might be nice for wearing your hair down.

Depending on what the skin condition is, scarves or turtlenecks might also help. For my partner's psoriasis it really helps to make sure his clothing is made of materials that don't upset his skin. Plain cotton or wool knits tend to be best, tho he's fairly sensitive to fine fibers wiggling, and some wools can be quite itchy for him. Things like polyester and acrylic tend to be more uncomfortable, and clothes that are not fitted well tend to rub and cause trouble.

[BlazingHeart]

A low, soft, loose Gibson tuck can be made to cover part of the back of the neck. There is also what I recall being called a topsy tuck. For that, you make a low, slightly loose ponytail, use your fingers to divide it vertically above the ponytail, pull the ponytail through the gap you just made going top to bottom. Then, you tuck the ends up underneath and secure with pins.

[jacqueline101]

I like snoods my self or a low bun.

[QMacrocarpa]

I forgot about the drop bun (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKADYST57es). :)