Author Topic: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist  (Read 8768 times)

ysette9

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Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« on: May 11, 2017, 10:15:34 AM »
Ladies and gents: I have a deadline and finally need to grow up and learn to do my own hair. I have fine, somewhat wavy hair that I am growing out. I usually wear it up casually at work. In July I need to do a formal presentation and need to clean up my look. I'd really love to learn to do an elegant French twist because I love the look, think it is nice for work, and should theoretically be agnostic to my hair length as I continue to grow it out.

Can anyone recommend a product and/or learning resources to help me along? I mostly suck at doing my own hair so I need something that is pretty basic.

4alpacas

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2017, 10:21:23 AM »
I've had luck with tutorials from this blog for updos.

This is my go-to for any fancy occasion:


She does have a french twist tutorial, but I've never tried it out. 

Cezil

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2017, 12:03:52 PM »
I mostly suck at doing my own hair so I need something that is pretty basic.
Me too.  Following to see what suggestions pop up!

Kris

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2017, 12:19:07 PM »
I suck, too. Following.

ysette9

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2017, 12:32:34 PM »
My previous reply didn't list for some reason.

I watched most of the video for the French twist and am surprised at how vey long and complicated the process is! I was expecting it to be relatively simple since traditional French twists look simple from the outside.

4alpacas

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2017, 12:38:44 PM »
I watched most of the video for the French twist and am surprised at how vey long and complicated the process is! I was expecting it to be relatively simple since traditional French twists look simple from the outside.
Yeah, updos are complicated.  I've mastered doing a sleeker version of the above hairstyle, and I do it for almost every formal occasion.  The one thing that I've learned is that texturizing spray is your friend.  I have a small bottle that I picked up from Sephora.  It was ridiculously expensive ($10) for such a tiny bottle, but it really helps the style hold together.  I also only use it when I put my hair up, so I've had the same bottle for about 3 years.  And I've probably saved several hundred dollars doing my own hair instead of going with the norm (bridesmaid in several weddings).

ysette9

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #6 on: May 11, 2017, 12:51:03 PM »
Do you have to do the teasing step for this to work? Teasing just seems so damaging that I'd love to avoid it if possible.

letired

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2017, 12:56:30 PM »
It sounds like we might have similar hair types!

I don't have any tutorials, but some tips:
- Put it up when it is wet or damp. Otherwise (on me) it just all slides apart. This does limit the volume you can get in a style. If you need more volume, you'll need slightly dirty 2nd or 3rd day hair and/or a bunch of product.
- More bobby pins. No, more than that. Depending on how much hair and what style you're doing, you might need one or two of the giant ones. I like them for the 'base' of holding a lot of hair up in a bun, and then use smaller pins to secure the various edges or ends.
- Practice. You are 100% not going to get it on your first try, and the time after you're happy with it is going to be a hot mess. Practice will get you more consistent so you can do it without stress on your big day.

I generally go for simpler hair styles. Depending on your length, a simple 'ballerina' style bun is nice and easy to do. I let my hair dry about half way, pull it up into a pony tail and start twisting, and then secure with lots of pins. I like it because it can be a different look depending on where I put the pony tail. And I can cheat if I need to and use elastics for the pony tail, though I've gotten good enough with bobby pins that I don't need to. My test is if I give my head a little shake. If I can't feel anything move, it means I'm good to go.

The website linked looks like it has some great hair tutorials!

4alpacas

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2017, 01:14:14 PM »
Do you have to do the teasing step for this to work? Teasing just seems so damaging that I'd love to avoid it if possible.
If you're okay with a smooth style, then you don't have to tease your hair.  I prefer more volume, so I tease my hair.  I'm sure there is some damage done, but I don't think my hair looks noticeably unhealthier after teasing it.  I also do an updo only a few times a year. 

I don't know if it matters, but I have a tiny teasing brush that I use.  I think one of my sisters gave it to me because her hair was too fine (she uses a comb instead). 

- Practice. You are 100% not going to get it on your first try, and the time after you're happy with it is going to be a hot mess. Practice will get you more consistent so you can do it without stress on your big day.
This!  I stick to the same style because I've been doing it several times a year for 4 years.  However, I practiced the style 4-5 times before my first outing. 

ysette9

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #9 on: May 11, 2017, 01:19:20 PM »
Does anyone have experience putting her hair up with a tool for a French twist rather than a bunch of bobby pins? I feel like I've seen products at the store or online that are supposed to make it easier and perhaps add a bit of volume to boot. (Now I need to go do that search online again).

PepperPeter

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #10 on: May 12, 2017, 08:15:03 AM »
This is my go-to french twist:

http://missysue.com/2014/02/beauty-basics-french-twist/

I actually get most of my hairstyles from Missy, though they can be advanced in braiding techniques.  Her french twist is really basic though and hopefully easy to master for you.  I don't recommend using a clamp and twist tool because they don't hold well.

4alpacas

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #11 on: May 12, 2017, 09:04:52 AM »
This is my go-to french twist:

http://missysue.com/2014/02/beauty-basics-french-twist/

I actually get most of my hairstyles from Missy, though they can be advanced in braiding techniques.  Her french twist is really basic though and hopefully easy to master for you.  I don't recommend using a clamp and twist tool because they don't hold well.
That's a great blog.  Thanks for sharing!

BlueHouse

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #12 on: May 12, 2017, 11:14:09 AM »
Does anyone have experience putting her hair up with a tool for a French twist rather than a bunch of bobby pins? I feel like I've seen products at the store or online that are supposed to make it easier and perhaps add a bit of volume to boot. (Now I need to go do that search online again).

Yes! Google Ficcare hair clip and you'll see the best hair clip ever invented.  It's very clean and professional looking.  I just gather my hair at the back, low on my head, hold the tail up, give it a twist and a half, then put the clip through.  I have a few different looks I use: 1. As described above, and the stray ends stick straight up on the top of my head.  2. same as above, but put my hair up when it's wet and take the ends and drape them *down* over the clip.  3. Same as above, but I bend the ends back down into the twist portion and clip through the whole thing.

No matter what way I do it, I get compliments every time.  It looks very well done because the clip holds the hair in the twist, so I guess people think I did something fancy to it.  So easy!  The clips themselves are fairly substantial and more expensive than what you find at Target, but oh so worth it. 

I have another product that I recommend highly: 
http://www.target.com/p/goody-174-simple-styles-153-mini-spin-pins-multicolored-3-ct/-/A-13623301?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health+Beauty+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Health+Beauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9007527&gclid=CjwKEAjwutXIBRDV7-SDvdiNsUoSJACIlTqlCd5e_8EPyXq1TiJRnbtzgDbLuGO1pqTFhkhSBwi5kRoClhbw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

These are a set of 3 spiral pins for making a bun.  My hair has always been too heavy for a bun, but these things are magic!  Just wind your hair up, and start twisting the pins in.

These are my two go-to hair accessories now and I can wear them anywhere from the pool to work to a wedding. 

Can't wait to hear your success stories!  (And congratulations on getting a big-shot presentation!)

Cezil

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #13 on: May 12, 2017, 11:36:48 AM »
Yes! Google Ficcare hair clip and you'll see the best hair clip ever invented.  It's very clean and professional looking.  I just gather my hair at the back, low on my head, hold the tail up, give it a twist and a half, then put the clip through.  I have a few different looks I use: 1. As described above, and the stray ends stick straight up on the top of my head.  2. same as above, but put my hair up when it's wet and take the ends and drape them *down* over the clip.  3. Same as above, but I bend the ends back down into the twist portion and clip through the whole thing.

No matter what way I do it, I get compliments every time.  It looks very well done because the clip holds the hair in the twist, so I guess people think I did something fancy to it.  So easy!  The clips themselves are fairly substantial and more expensive than what you find at Target, but oh so worth it. 

I have another product that I recommend highly: 
http://www.target.com/p/goody-174-simple-styles-153-mini-spin-pins-multicolored-3-ct/-/A-13623301?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health+Beauty+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Health+Beauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9007527&gclid=CjwKEAjwutXIBRDV7-SDvdiNsUoSJACIlTqlCd5e_8EPyXq1TiJRnbtzgDbLuGO1pqTFhkhSBwi5kRoClhbw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

These are a set of 3 spiral pins for making a bun.  My hair has always been too heavy for a bun, but these things are magic!  Just wind your hair up, and start twisting the pins in.

These are my two go-to hair accessories now and I can wear them anywhere from the pool to work to a wedding. 

Can't wait to hear your success stories!  (And congratulations on getting a big-shot presentation!)

I use the spiral pins from Target (I have two that are about 2" long) and second them as a recommendation!  I have a long, thick horse tail on my head and these things work to keep it in a bun before it gets to too long a length.  Sometimes I may also use a hairband to wrap around the base a couple times to just tuck any stray/split ends in, or make it more secure if my twisting and spiraling wasn't good  - but I've had overall success.  I'd like to check out the Ficcare clip!

ysette9

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #14 on: May 15, 2017, 05:27:44 PM »
Stopped by Target today and there was a big empty space on the aisle for hair clips and tools about where I would expect something I would be interested in to normally be shelved. I'll see what Amazon suggests.

englishteacheralex

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #15 on: May 15, 2017, 05:39:07 PM »
PTF: My stupid hair makes me cuss more than anything else in the house. I have a wedding to go to in July and I'd love to save the $40 I shell out on getting to just sit there and let somebody else deal with it. It's not like I have crazy hair. I'm just all thumbs. But that bun chignon thing doesn't look too hard.

Kris

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #16 on: May 15, 2017, 05:54:01 PM »
Does anyone have experience putting her hair up with a tool for a French twist rather than a bunch of bobby pins? I feel like I've seen products at the store or online that are supposed to make it easier and perhaps add a bit of volume to boot. (Now I need to go do that search online again).

Yes! Google Ficcare hair clip and you'll see the best hair clip ever invented.  It's very clean and professional looking.  I just gather my hair at the back, low on my head, hold the tail up, give it a twist and a half, then put the clip through.  I have a few different looks I use: 1. As described above, and the stray ends stick straight up on the top of my head.  2. same as above, but put my hair up when it's wet and take the ends and drape them *down* over the clip.  3. Same as above, but I bend the ends back down into the twist portion and clip through the whole thing.

No matter what way I do it, I get compliments every time.  It looks very well done because the clip holds the hair in the twist, so I guess people think I did something fancy to it.  So easy!  The clips themselves are fairly substantial and more expensive than what you find at Target, but oh so worth it. 

I have another product that I recommend highly: 
http://www.target.com/p/goody-174-simple-styles-153-mini-spin-pins-multicolored-3-ct/-/A-13623301?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health+Beauty+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Health+Beauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9007527&gclid=CjwKEAjwutXIBRDV7-SDvdiNsUoSJACIlTqlCd5e_8EPyXq1TiJRnbtzgDbLuGO1pqTFhkhSBwi5kRoClhbw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

These are a set of 3 spiral pins for making a bun.  My hair has always been too heavy for a bun, but these things are magic!  Just wind your hair up, and start twisting the pins in.

These are my two go-to hair accessories now and I can wear them anywhere from the pool to work to a wedding. 

Can't wait to hear your success stories!  (And congratulations on getting a big-shot presentation!)

Googled the FIccare thing. They have a bunch of different ones. Can you be specific?

nnls

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #17 on: May 15, 2017, 06:26:58 PM »

Googled the FIccare thing. They have a bunch of different ones. Can you be specific?

they have info on the website French Twist

So maybe look at the how to and decide which clip would be needed for the hair style you want

BlueHouse

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #18 on: May 16, 2017, 02:15:06 AM »
Does anyone have experience putting her hair up with a tool for a French twist rather than a bunch of bobby pins? I feel like I've seen products at the store or online that are supposed to make it easier and perhaps add a bit of volume to boot. (Now I need to go do that search online again).

Yes! Google Ficcare hair clip and you'll see the best hair clip ever invented.  It's very clean and professional looking.  I just gather my hair at the back, low on my head, hold the tail up, give it a twist and a half, then put the clip through.  I have a few different looks I use: 1. As described above, and the stray ends stick straight up on the top of my head.  2. same as above, but put my hair up when it's wet and take the ends and drape them *down* over the clip.  3. Same as above, but I bend the ends back down into the twist portion and clip through the whole thing.

No matter what way I do it, I get compliments every time.  It looks very well done because the clip holds the hair in the twist, so I guess people think I did something fancy to it.  So easy!  The clips themselves are fairly substantial and more expensive than what you find at Target, but oh so worth it. 

I have another product that I recommend highly: 
http://www.target.com/p/goody-174-simple-styles-153-mini-spin-pins-multicolored-3-ct/-/A-13623301?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health+Beauty+Shopping&adgroup=SC_Health+Beauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9007527&gclid=CjwKEAjwutXIBRDV7-SDvdiNsUoSJACIlTqlCd5e_8EPyXq1TiJRnbtzgDbLuGO1pqTFhkhSBwi5kRoClhbw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

These are a set of 3 spiral pins for making a bun.  My hair has always been too heavy for a bun, but these things are magic!  Just wind your hair up, and start twisting the pins in.

These are my two go-to hair accessories now and I can wear them anywhere from the pool to work to a wedding. 

Can't wait to hear your success stories!  (And congratulations on getting a big-shot presentation!)

Googled the FIccare thing. They have a bunch of different ones. Can you be specific?

I use ficcare Maximus on my thick hair when I put two twists in the clip. Ficcare maximas when I twist up an let the ends drape over. My sister has thinner hair and she uses the gold ficcarissimo. It blends in with her blond hair nicely too.   She buys these for me at Nordstrom. They're on the expensive side, but worth it. Nordstrom is the only place I've ever seen them.

Try googling Nordstrom ficcare and you'll see the exact model I use and my sister uses.



4alpacas

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #19 on: May 16, 2017, 09:47:54 AM »
PTF: My stupid hair makes me cuss more than anything else in the house. I have a wedding to go to in July and I'd love to save the $40 I shell out on getting to just sit there and let somebody else deal with it. It's not like I have crazy hair. I'm just all thumbs. But that bun chignon thing doesn't look too hard.
Try it out a few times.  I surprised myself because I am not good with hair styling.  I find that I save money and stress (getting to a hair salon, sitting there forEVER, and then worrying that it's going to fall out).  I prefer my style to look a little sleeker, but it's not hard.  I just use a lot of bobby pins to hold it in place.

KCM5

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #20 on: May 17, 2017, 07:50:47 AM »
I third the spin pins. Those things are magic.

I had very long, straight hair that I would wear in a bun every day using the spin pins. I'd do a french twist, too - that just looked a bit fancier.

To do it I would twist my hair at the back a few times, then pull it up towards the top of my head. Fold down anything that sticks above the crown and tuck it behind the twisted bits. The pins would go in the top down, bottom up, and then a few normal pins on the folded side in. Readjust the hair so it doesn't look funny where the pins are. And make sure the pins go from the twisted bits of hair into the hair that is close to the scalp. That's what holds it all in.

MsPeacock

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #21 on: May 17, 2017, 09:59:25 AM »
Another +1 on the ficcare hair clips. They are indestructible (I have one that is more than 15 years old). I can throw a twist in my hair and have it up in under 30 seconds. (Wearing one today as a matter of fact). They can hold a ton of hair if you get the large one. My hair is on the thins side so I use the small clip. Totally worth the expense, IMO and much better quality than anything from Goodie or whatever.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ficcare-ficcarissimo-hair-clip/4046196?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=GOLD%20MATTE

Dicey

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #22 on: May 22, 2017, 08:09:37 AM »
Another +1 on the ficcare hair clips. They are indestructible (I have one that is more than 15 years old). I can throw a twist in my hair and have it up in under 30 seconds. (Wearing one today as a matter of fact). They can hold a ton of hair if you get the large one. My hair is on the thins side so I use the small clip. Totally worth the expense, IMO and much better quality than anything from Goodie or whatever.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ficcare-ficcarissimo-hair-clip/4046196?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=GOLD%20MATTE
Funny, I didn't know what you guys were talking about until I clicked on this link. Oh! I have two of these and I love them. I got them when I worked at Nordstrom. I left there over 17 years ago, so yes, they do last, apparently. Mine are medium sized, because I have lots of hair, but it's very fine in texture. I love them in the summer because I can put my hair up wet and it stays damp all day, for a nice, cooling effect.

Raenia

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #23 on: June 15, 2017, 07:53:50 AM »
Posting to follow.  I currently have a method for a French Twist using hairsticks, but I can't find the reference I used.  I'll look around a little more and see if I can find it.  I prefer to use the sticks over bobby pins, plus the sticks dress it up and tie into what I'm wearing.

ysette9

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #24 on: June 15, 2017, 01:06:51 PM »
I ended up buying three different products on Amazon to help me do my hair because I was looking for something that was relatively simple and didn't require blow-drying, straightening, hair products + teasing and all that other girlie stuff I never managed to learn to do in life.

First I tried this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ROOT8Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I couldn't get it to roll up correctly because it is narrower towards the bottom than the top, so I get a tight twist at the top and have this loose hair flopping about on the bottom.

Then I tried this for a bun: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071Y2HW14/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It is basically like those snap bracelets we had as kids. After about three tries I have been getting these easy, beautiful buns. I've been wearing my hair like this every day since and never got around to opening up the third product I bought. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WVC5CL2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I will still try the third product eventually and when I have time will go back and see if I can make the twist product work, but for now I am content with doing a neat bun for my fancy work presentation next month.

Cezil

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #25 on: June 16, 2017, 07:40:42 AM »
I ended up buying three different products on Amazon to help me do my hair because I was looking for something that was relatively simple and didn't require blow-drying, straightening, hair products + teasing and all that other girlie stuff I never managed to learn to do in life.

Then I tried this for a bun: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071Y2HW14/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It is basically like those snap bracelets we had as kids. After about three tries I have been getting these easy, beautiful buns. I've been wearing my hair like this every day since and never got around to opening up the third product I bought. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WVC5CL2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm happy you found something that works for you!  I would be interested in giving either of these a shot - I have long, thick hair.  It goes almost down to my butt, and it's more like a full grown horse tail (if only I could swish it to keep mosquitoes away!).  After using it, do you think it would work on that hair type?  The reviews suggest to avoid if you have long, thin hair, but would that mean the opposite, like mine, is ideal?  I have a hard time gauging how firm/strongly the bun would hold, even though I watched a few tutorial videos.

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #26 on: June 27, 2017, 02:51:17 PM »
I found this video to be helpful for french twist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F00c_e16_is&index=2&list=LLMW-TiJFl7sPip-a9iEtAdg


I'm still practicing it, but it is miles better. Buying some U shaped bobby pins and learning how to use those was really helpful too. I watched a youtube video from a beauty person who demonstrated how much easier her hair was to style in an undo after curling it. I didn't think that it would make such a difference, but I think I'll try it next time.

Inaya

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #27 on: July 06, 2017, 07:48:50 AM »
P2F because my hair is almost knee-length, but I'm sick of the only 4 hairstyles I use (loose, tail, braid, loose-with-front-tied-back).

ysette9

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #28 on: July 06, 2017, 08:59:11 AM »
That video did seem simple, Yogikitti. I am at work and so can't give it a try right now, but I will when I am at home. That was the kind of simple guide I was looking for. I'm not sure if I have enough hair for it (very fine) but it is certainly worth a shot.

Inaya

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #29 on: July 06, 2017, 09:47:36 AM »
I ended up buying three different products on Amazon to help me do my hair because I was looking for something that was relatively simple and didn't require blow-drying, straightening, hair products + teasing and all that other girlie stuff I never managed to learn to do in life.

Then I tried this for a bun: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071Y2HW14/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It is basically like those snap bracelets we had as kids. After about three tries I have been getting these easy, beautiful buns. I've been wearing my hair like this every day since and never got around to opening up the third product I bought. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WVC5CL2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm happy you found something that works for you!  I would be interested in giving either of these a shot - I have long, thick hair.  It goes almost down to my butt, and it's more like a full grown horse tail (if only I could swish it to keep mosquitoes away!).  After using it, do you think it would work on that hair type?  The reviews suggest to avoid if you have long, thin hair, but would that mean the opposite, like mine, is ideal?  I have a hard time gauging how firm/strongly the bun would hold, even though I watched a few tutorial videos.
I have long thick hair and can easily put it in a bun (top of head is easiest but can do nape of neck too). The key is too leave it "rough" meaning don't use products that make it smooth and sleek or conditioners. Those make it impossible to do a bun or really any updo. I can just tie my hair in a knot and use maybe one or 2 large bobby pins to secure it. I just grasp my hair and twist it tight and make it into a donut. Very easy. A French Twist is harder and I haven't quite mastered it but also found that leaving my hair rough and unconditioned makes it easier. Hers a pic of my hair unconditioned without products and in a bun (old photo from newpaper article and was on a boat doing active stuff and very windblown but stayed in its bun! Hair same length though).
My hair is similar (long, thick, not very smooth), and I've never been able to hold it in a bun--or much of anything. It spits out bobby pins and clips and hair sticks almost instantly. I paid a pretty penny for somebody to come do my hair for my wedding even though it was only a half-up. I needed something that would last at least 8 hours. (Even my trial run fell out and went flat after 2 hours--not sure what she did the second time, but it stayed put all day.)

JLR

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Re: Need to learn to do my hair: French twist
« Reply #30 on: July 15, 2017, 06:48:21 PM »
I watched my nan do a french twist for one of my aunts once. She made it look really easy and I've always been tempted to give it a go.

Our daughter dances and I highly recommend these pins:

https://shop.mydanceshoppe.com/Bunheads_Hairpins_3_Blonde_p/bun-bh440.htm

I'm not sure if we have the 2.5in or 3in version. They are super sturdy and help hold her hair up through 10+ competition dances a day. And they are very MMM in that we've only ever bought one set (two packs. She has a lot of hair!) and they've never bent or warped. They are still as strong as the day we bought them years ago.

Some people above mentioned long hair and buns. We've found it helpful to pull the hair into a pony tail, then split the tail into two sections and alternate twisting each section around, pinning along the way. It creates a really nice cinnamon bun-looking bun that holds well.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!