(how)
(end)
After running through some of the basic tools and
ideas in the previous
articles, (Part one and Part two are available to subscribers) this month we'll get into creating some hair styles. It should be mentioned again that the
focus of these articles is mainly for those hoping to use their own real hair en femme, and like
myself, are starting with limited knowledge. Qualifying further would be to say that since I have
fine, straight hair, this is the emphasis for the specific methods described. If you have fuller or
thicker hair, your results may vary so that you may not need as strong a styling product to achieve
the volume or style. If you have naturally curly hair, your problem will be creating any of the
straight haired looks (It can be done... just take a look at Nicole Kidman in
"To Die For". There are special straightener products made just for you!).
A special note for wig wearers; most of these same techniques can be applied. Just be aware that any of the heat generating appliances can cause irreparable damage. In talking with some professional wig stylers it seemed there was no consensus on whether using curling irons was acceptable. Some said "never!", while others said they did use them, but admitted the life of the wig could be greatly reduced by doing so. Part of the variable is the range of materials wigs can be made of, from human hair to high-tech synthetics to cheap plastic! Not one professional said they used hair dryers on wigs. Be forewarned... if in doubt, do not use any of these appliances!
This type of hair style (shown above)
is great for the short to medium length hair of the early "growing out" stages. For this
reason it was the first style I used (at least in public!). Because the hair is shorter, especially
on top, it acts similar to layers
cut over the entire head... lots of smaller curls can be formed. At this stage of growth, the front
hair is not too long yet, so can be used as bangs, which are found in many of today's styles. It also
uses what is known as a "standard" arrangement of basic curlers. You might want to review
the rolling of the curlers section in Part II to see how to work with them. Remember it is always important to unwind the curler and not pull or slide it out. You also want to immediately rewind the
curl (off the roller) in your hand and hold it until cool, to really lock it in
For this style, 1¼" Velcro curlers were used. With the hair still damp after a shampooing and towel drying, each section was combed out., coated with spray gel and combed through. The curler can then be rolled up and secured with a flat spring-clip.
The sections start at the forehead and go straight back and down the neck. These curlers should all be rolling in the same direction. The sections continue at the sides, here, in two columns for five each side. These are all rolled up and under, towards the head.
Once done, your hair is conveniently out of your face for doing makeup! If you take a long time to do your makeup, like I do, then you can just let it air dry (which is always best for your hair). Otherwise, you can speed up things by using a lower power hair dryer to dry each rolled up curl. If you rock each curler both ways, and separate adjacent ones while blowing, it really saves time.
When dry, you can remove the curlers in the same order as applied. Unclip and slowly unroll the curler as you gently lift the hair from the Velcro. Try to get the section to re-curl back up before going to the next roller. When all are out, there are a various options. You can finger style, using your fingers to pull each curl apart in degrees, until you are satisfied with the effect all over.
Alternatively, you can use
a pick to separate the curls more and faster, for a different result. You may have areas you feel are
lacking in height or volume. Use the pick to pull these areas up. Check the look from different
angles, not just the front. It's often easy to neglect the back! When satisfied with
the total look, use some hairspray to "lock" it in. Hair spary that is softer hold usually
allows you to do
more final "tweeking" with the spray, but if your hair is too stuborn, you may have to go
to a firmer spray.
That should do it! Remember, check it often in a mirror and spruce it up if needed. It pays to carry your pick, comb, or brush with you, along with a purse sized hairspray. Until next time...
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