M. wrote in today to say,
Following the theme of the WNTW comments, I have been thinking about ways to put up my long hair. I just succeeded in tying my hair in knots trying to follow some of the instruction in the comments of your previous post about long hair. I’ll keep working on it, because my version of a “low ponytail” does not generally fit the bill as elegant. I thought I would share this photo from the wedding of a friend. I had my hair done professionally for the event, for only the second time in my life. The picture is not the best, but I think you can see the general idea. The bottom part is tucked under and a broad band of hair in the middle is swept over. The doo was a “bit much,” but fun for the occasion. I thought it fit the bill of professional and pretty. It felt like a party when I took of the jacket and scarf and changed my shoes. I had one young lady tell me “Now, that is much better,” when I entered the reception without the jacket. Imagine the implication that I should serve communion clad in a cocktail dress? Some people don’t get it.
That is an elegant and sleek updo. Yes, it’s formal and a “bit much” but hey, who wouldn’t prefer this over bedraggled locks that so many of us inflict upon the beloved community? Makes me darn near want to buy a wig, yo. I am SO tired of my intermediate curly/wavy/short/medium-length/cowlicky/dry/frizzy mop. Ptoo! I love this ladylike look for this occasion. And how awfully nice to have to worry a bit about your hair for the whole day, eh?
M. and I live close to each other and we think that we may have SEEN EACH OTHER AT THE LOCAL WHOLE FOODS. There may be a COFFEE DATE pending. I LOVE meeting my pigeons in real life! It’s always a total delight! So if you do see me, never hesitate to holla!
PB –
How has your experience with the no-poo “Curly Girl” movement gone long-term? I started with it a month ago (due a lot to your recommendation!) and while I was REALLY pleased with it at first, now my hair has gone back to a “curly/wavy/short/medium-length/cowlicky/dry/frizzy mop” (as you so elegantly put it!). So how has it been for you?
(And yes, I love the elegant up-do pictured above!)
[OH MY, it’s just a trial. When I was in Florida and there was good humidity, the curl was pretty decent (although I didn’t like the style, my hair feels healthier when I leave it to air dry). I blew it out straight last night and it looks nice but it’s DRY, mama. I give up. The only thing I can control is color and so that’s where I make some serious investments. – PB]
That updo is classsseeee! Congrats to M. Lovely.
I have similar hair and my hairdresser had recommended two things:
1) coconut oil 1x a month (for moisture)
2) L’Oreal soft peel lipidine 2x a week, alternating weeks. So far, I’ve only used the second product, but I can tell the difference and love it.
Smooches,
EH
I just saw your new post, and despite your ambivalence in your comment here, I did like your Florida curls a lot! Thanks for the response!
Has anyone else had the experience of finding the perfect hair tool, accessory, or product, only to have it vanish from the stores?
I used to have longer hair, and it was pretty thick. Most clips didn’t begin to control it. I had to be careful, too, because I used to develop sores at the base of my neck if I used too many pins. (Now that I am well into middle age, my hair is finer and not as heavy, but it doesn’t hold any body if it is too long, so if wait too long for a cut I usually put it up.)
I found a product called a “bear claw” clip, which was sort of a comb and clasp combination. I was able to buy them in my pharmacy or even at Big Box Discount Mart. The clip was great because it would lie flat against the head, and would let me create a neat look that kept my hair off my neck. My hair is shorter now, but I still have a few of these clips, which is a good thing because they seem to have disappeared from the stores.
Then there was my favorite elastic hairband. It was sort of a spiral covered elastic. Because of the twist in it, it would sit in my hair, not crush it. With the right color choice, it was nearly invisible. Great for keeping hair off my face, and the back of the band would lift the hair away from my neck just a little. Again, they seem to have vanished from the stores. I have a few left, but they eventually stretch out. I’m going to see if I can crochet one.
If that doesn’t work, well, I recently found the high school yearbook from my sophomore year – 1969. Some of those hairstyles have gone in and out of fashion a few times. Give it five years, and my clips and headbands might come back.