VIDEO TIME! Cosmetology Students, this one’s for you!

Dear Reader-

Advice from two working hairstylists to cosmetology students everywhere!

Best-

ATCT

No Pin Updo- A How To

Dear Reader-

Updos come in all shapes and sizes, be still my beating heart. But they do not all require pins. This particular updo requires only a needle and thread. It is quite speedy, which is nice when time is of the essence during a wedding or group event. We have all had head counts or time frames change on a dime!

First, set the hair as usual. Take the set out and loosen/brush the big loose curls with the tail of a rattail comb. Spritz with hairspray and don’t be shy. The curls need to be firm.

You may need about 6 feet of doubled over thread, so three feet of useable thread. I used regular thread here, but embroidery thread works well too. A curved extensions needle works as well as a straight one. Tie a knot around a curl starting on one side of the head and start sewing, in and out and around the curls.

Up, down, in and around with the thread. Gather the hair as you like it and sew!

Once you are all the way through to the other side, tie off the thread, and viola!

A nice, loose looking but totally secure romantic updo that will last. Shellac and you are done! And without a single pin. Grandma may say there is more than one way to bake a cake, and As The Curl Turns agrees.

Sincerely,

ATCT

p.s- martinis becoming too warm too fast? Try a smaller martini glass. Those big glasses may look cool, but they lose their cool quickly.

A New Year’s Resolution Kept!

Dear Reader-

Glamour Up! was my New Year’s Resolution advice for 2015. Even if it is only once a month for something nondescript. I wanted you all to know that I take my own advice and try to walk the walk as much s possible. I attend Bingo at the local Elks lodge once a month, and I utilize this opportunity to gussy up once in a while. I went last night and I wore vintage mink and heels. Yes, I said mink. I was definitely the most overdressed person there by far, and I will tell you this, my dear readers. I was the best dressed one there as well.

So- even if you feel a bit self conscious about being over dressed, let me say this: you will clearly be the better looking of all your peers, so who cares?! Grandma always said there is an outfit for every occasion, but As The Curl Turns believes there is a better version of that outfit to be had as well.

Best,

ATCT

p.s- Is your dog’s stomach on the fritz? Try a plain baked potato.

VIDEO TIME! Conditioner, Everyone Needs It!

Dear Reader-

Whether it is a conditioner for daily use, a heavier duty masque, or a leave-in, we cover it here.

Warmest Regards,

ATCT

VIDEO TIME! Rolling The Big Front Roll

Dear Reader-

That big front roll will elude you no more!

Best-

ATCT

Christmas Tree Hair Accessory-DIY

Dear Reader-

This hair accessory, like some of my others, is not for the faint of heart. You will be wearing a Christmas tree in your hair. Literally. If you are ok with that, then let’s get started!

First, I had to find a tree small enough. What an odyssey that was. Of course manufacturers of these little hobby trees are making them for home display, or office holiday cheer. Not hair. So I bought the smallest one I could possibly find, and disassembled it. It had a cement stand!

Then I had to use wire cutters to dismember the poor thing. It was far too heavy. I needed fewer limbs and a flat back so I could lay it on some felt, and ultimately, on my head.. It took two different types of wire cutters to get through this bad boy! It needed to be thinned out, A LOT.

Once that was done, I could start decorating. First to be added were the ornaments. I tied them on, one by one, strategically placed.

Then came the lights. I couldn’t find dollhouse lights that had a battery pack light enough for my hair to support the weight, so unfortunately, they don’t actually light up. Disappointment.

And what is a tree without gifts? I laid the tree to the felt and glued the gifts onto the felt and the bottom of the tree.

Cut the felt, add the duckbill hair clip, and it’s done! I could not find a small enough angel for the top, another item for the search- along with working lights. Now you have to decide how you will wear your hair to best accent (and support) your newest accessory.

Now, be prepared to take a bit of blowback from your friends and passerby. You are after all, taking a fashion chance by wearing this piece of glory. Others of a lesser station may feel the need to say something snippy about your choice of accoutrement. Just tell this riffraff that you love your style and will never compromise. Period.

Merry Christmas Crafties!

ATCT

p.s- don’t forget to at least tidy up your living room before leaving the house this holiday season. You never know who may be dropping by with good tidings.

VIDEO TIME! Rosie The Riveter Bandana-Tie it!

Dear Reader-

Tying a Rosie bandana can be tricky, and keeping it on can be even trickier. Tune in to see how to keep one on all day.

Sincerely,

ATCT

Pumpkin Pie Hair Accessory, DIY

Dear Reader-

I have been asked many times about my unconventional hair accessories. The coffin, the vegetables, the party umbrellas….how did I make them? So when I went to start my latest project, pumpkin pie, I took notes.

The idea came from one of my clients, as we were discussing what food (fake food that is) I could use for my Thanksgiving accessory. I couldn’t find a fake turkey leg to save my life, so my client said “hey, pumpkin pie!” Oh yes.

Two types of felt, a pie tin, craft foam, fake whipped cream, (thanks to Etsy) and I am on my way.

Now for the “crust.” I cut the edges wavy and glued it to the pie tin as if I had laid in an actual crust. I then added the foam inside.

Now to add the “pumpkin” overlay.

Can’t forget the whipped cream! Just a few dollops.

Now the hard part- how to attach it to my hair??? My usual duckbill clip won’t work because the bottom of the pie tin is totally flat. It will be lifted on that side if I use one of these.

So I decide to go just with bobby pins, which is as flat as I can get.

Done! In and secure.

 

Eat dessert first,

ATCT

 

VIDEO TIME! Volume Shampoo, Making It Work For You

Dear Reader-

If you are finding that your shampoo isn’t getting the job done, it may not be the shampoo’s fault. It may be how it is being used.

Kind Regards,

ATCT

“Just As Long As It’s Cute”

Dear Reader-

I hear this often at the beauty parlour, and I must say- it makes me giggle a little inside. It is a perfectly natural thing for a client to say of course, they want their hair cute. But the obviousness of the statement sometimes makes me smile a bit wryly. I am in the beauty industry. This is code for the “cute” industry. If I do not make you beautiful, if you leave my chair and you don’t have something cute, I need to change jobs. If I want to give you something ugly, I am a sadist and I need to change jobs. Maybe to something involving patent leather or latex. I digress.

The point is this-cute is the way of the gun. It is the goal of us all, so I will ask you for more details about what you want. You may not know, hence the “cute.” What is that to you? Length, layers, curl, styling, perky ponytails, let’s discuss it all. We will discuss what you don’t like as well, it is all with the same end result in mind. Grandma says babies are cute, women are beautiful. As The Curl Turns absolutely agrees.

Happy Turkey-

ATCT

p.s-not a turkey fan? There is no rule that says you have to take some when it comes around the table. Make it a Thanksgiving of your favorite sides instead.