Hair "pouf" achieved in front

**Madora** · September 23rd, 2014, 01:36 PM

I've always intensely disliked hairstyles that were "skinned back", making the wearer look like an otter. After several attempts, I finally learned of a way to do a slight "pouf" at the front (and a trifle on the side). I am one happy camper!

How to "pouf" ..would probably work best on hair that is at least waist length

1) Bend at the waist
2) Bring all hair in front of you, like a curtain
3) Detangle all hair carefully
4) Bend head down so it is facing the floor
5) Grasp hair in hand, then divide in 3 parts for braiding.
6) Do not start the braid too close to the scalp! Try to start the braid half an inch or an inch up from scalp. This helps create the "pouf" at the end
7) Braid hair down to ends/secure with hair friendly elastic

Hold braid flat on top of head (a trifle towards the back of the head), coil. Pin with hairpins at the 4 directions.
9) With any luck, you have a braided bun..with a little "pouf" in front!

**Sarahlabyrinth** · September 23rd, 2014, 02:10 PM

Thanks for this, Madora. I wonder if it would work for other buns....

**Madora** · September 23rd, 2014, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by Sarahlabyrinth

Thanks for this, Madora. I wonder if it would work for other buns....

I haven't the foggiest idea, Sarahlabyrinth. The secret is to have your head as far down as possible, and then when you do the braiding, start to braid an inch or so from the scalp, so that the hair next to the scalp is the teensiest bit "saggy". The "sag" is what creates the pouf when you are finished.

I don't know for certain, but I bet this might have been used by Victorian and Edwardian ladies, many of whom had beautiful poufs (much taller than mine).

@Sarden, please post your "pouf" picture when you can! I'm curious to see how it turns out on other long hairs.

**Phexlyn** · September 24th, 2014, 12:59 AM

Schoolmarm Ms Otter proudly checking in. Wasn't there a "thight-bunned mean ladies club" somewhere on the boards?

Thanks for the lovely instructions, Madora. The size of the pouf depends on where I part my hair, I'm not sure if this is true for others as well. If I take more hair from the front (like from temple to temple) in one section, it gets bigger than if I only take a section from eye to eye. Does that make sense?

Originally Posted by Madora

I don't know for certain, but I bet this might have been used by Victorian and Edwardian ladies, many of whom had beautiful poufs (much taller than mine).

I think at least some of these ladies cheated by using hair rats, but for daily styling this is an easy option.

**Madora** · September 24th, 2014, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by Phexlyn

Schoolmarm Ms Otter proudly checking in. Wasn't there a "thight-bunned mean ladies club" somewhere on the boards?

Thanks for the lovely instructions, Madora. The size of the pouf depends on where I part my hair, I'm not sure if this is true for others as well. If I take more hair from the front (like from temple to temple) in one section, it gets bigger than if I only take a section from eye to eye. Does that make sense?

I'm curious, Phexlyn, where do you place the part? Is it more towards the front (right in front of the ears, running from one ear, up and across the head to the front of the other ear?). That would be an interesting variation.

Yep, those ladies cheated with all kinds of hair helpers, the "rats" in particular. Some of the Edwardian cabinet photos I've seen on the 'Net are positively preposterous with the height of some of the styles! I always liked a good "Gibson girl", but while the style was wildly popular, not everyone knew how to pull it off so that it looked stylish.

I think at least some of these ladies cheated by using hair rats, but for daily styling this is an easy option.

Yes, there was a thread a long time ago about the "tight bunned, mean ladies club". Very funny!

**Phexlyn** · September 25th, 2014, 02:48 AM

Originally Posted by Madora

I'm curious, Phexlyn, where do you place the part? Is it more towards the front (right in front of the ears, running from one ear, up and across the head to the front of the other ear?). That would be an interesting variation.

Okay, this is kind of hard to explain so I made a little sketch:

The arrow is basically where your nose should be. I leave the front section in one piece, but someone with thicker hair could get away with parting the front section and leaving the back in one piece (which would make it easier to combat the sag in the back). I'm still experimenting with the width of the front section, but yes, from ear to ear seems like a good starting point. Choosing a narrower section results in a smaller pouf on me.

**meteor** · September 23rd, 2014, 02:55 PM

Great stuff, Madora!

Thank you so much for sharing!

Originally Posted by Sarahlabyrinth

Thanks for this, Madora. I wonder if it would work for other buns....

Yes, you can do poofs in different buns, just use accent braid/twist in the front for that effect:
1) make a small-ish braid or twist with front hair as if you are making a half-up of sorts - but don't braid/twist too close to your hairline;
2) push the twist/braid forward (to your forehead) a bit and either just leave it there or pin it down with bobby pins or a small barrette in that position for better hold;
3) incorporate that braid/twist into your bun;
4) if the accent braid/twist got flattened, pull it out gently forward (to your forehead).
It holds better on freshly washed hair or with some dry shampoo in the roots area.

If you do it in a braided bun, it will look a little bit like the simplified Ellingwoman bun, but it works with any bun!

**Madora** · September 23rd, 2014, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by meteor

Great stuff, Madora!

Thank you so much for sharing!

Yes, you can do poofs in different buns, just use accent braid/twist in the front for that effect:
1) make a small-ish braid or twist with front hair as if you are making a half-up of sorts - but don't braid/twist too close to your hairline;
2) push the twist/braid forward (to your forehead) a bit and either just leave it there or pin it down with bobby pins or a small barrette in that position for better hold;
3) incorporate that braid/twist into your bun;
4) if the accent braid/twist got flattened, pull it out gently forward (to your forehead).
It holds better on freshly washed hair or with some dry shampoo in the roots area.

If you do it in a braided bun, it will look a little bit like the simplified Ellingwoman bun, but it works with any bun!

Thanks, Meteor. I also get great mini pouf when French lace braiding across my forehead (about an inch back from edge). Makes my day!

**Madora** · September 23rd, 2014, 07:50 PM

Ladies, no offense meant to you who are "otters" (which are cute!). The thing about slicked back hair is that it looks so severe and "schoolmarmish" (no offense, teachers!). Of course the severeness can be tempered by little whisps around the face (or bangs), but I loathe hair in my eyes, or blowing about.

**Agnes Hannah** · September 26th, 2014, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by Madora

Ladies, no offense meant to you who are "otters" (which are cute!). The thing about slicked back hair is that it looks so severe and "schoolmarmish" (no offense, teachers!). Of course the severeness can be tempered by little whisps around the face (or bangs), but I loathe hair in my eyes, or blowing about.

Oohh! I'm an otterised teacher!!