Side Swipe Dutch Braid with Ribbon

I always see these beautiful ribbon style on other hair blogs, but they are just too cutesy for me to wear. This was my compromise (sorry there are no step by step pictures but its easy, I swear!)

I seriously needed to colour my hair at this point.. Don't judge me I was busy with school!

 I started by making a Dutch Braid (if anyone needs a tutorial on this let me know) but instead of going straight down the head, I made it slant to one side.

Now you will need a piece of ribbon at least twice the length of your braid. Starting at the first plait of the braid, tuck one end of the ribbon into the hair and bobby pin it in

follow the arrow

Now thread the other end of the ribbon into a plastic craft need

I got a two pack of these at Walmart for 1$

(a safety pin will work too, or if you are patient and gentle you can just use your fingers to weave the ribbon through). Now following one strand of your braid, weave your ribbon through the braid. Do this one plait at a time or your ribbon will tangle up on your. Also don't pull too hard or you will unpin the ribbon at the top.

At the end of the braid I used tiny clear elastics to make a little bow. You could also just wrap the elastic with the ribbon, or trim off the extra ribbon.

Not that you care, but I cannot believe how much my hair has grown since this picture (May)

That's all!

Do you think its too cutesy? Would you wear this style?

Works for Me Wednesday

Hairstyles are a TON of fun, but I also think hair care, products and the like are really interesting. Therefore, I figured it would be fun to start a series of posts with different tips, techniques, and product reviews to address these things.  I have no experience with any hair but my own so anything I post will just be my own ideas/thoughts, I am not really into the science of it all, thus the title: "Works for my Wednesday". Hopefully some things will work for you, and if they don't you will share your experiences and thoughts with the rest of us in the comments!

If you have any tips, techniques, tools or products that "Work for You" and you would like to share please send me an email at: tweenteenmomhairstyles@gmail.com. I would LOVE to feature your suggestions here!

Now onto what Works for Me:

To begin, I should tell you, I have a small head which makes it very hard to find sunglasses, hats and headbands that fit! But I have found a way to make those adorable fabric-style headbands work for me. 
When I buy a new pack of these (usually under  5$ @ Walmart) I just throw them into the wash with my laundry. It seems the dryer causes them to shrink a little, which results in a better fit. I also find that once I have worn them a few times they tend to stretch back out. So I just wash and dry 'em again and they get nice and snug again. I think this may cause the headbands to become worn out quicker than normal, but it works for me...

Also, I don't know if anyone cares , but since my schedule has changed drastically this semester I have decided to move my hairstyle posts from Thursday to the Saturday. I think its better that way anyway, then you can spend Sunday experimenting with new ideas and go back to work/school on Monday with fun hair!

Thanks for stopping by!

Double Twisted Headband

Did you check out this hairstyle? Or this one? Well, here is a third (and last) option using those same twists.

Use them to create an all natural headband!

After you have finished the twists and pinned them back, let your hair out of the ponytail. Curl or straighten as you wish.

This is a great way to keep bang out of your face, and a nice alternative to the common Front French Braid headband.

Has anyone used these twists? How do you like to wear them?

2 Twists Variations

Remember this style? Here is something else to try with the same twists.

Instead of creating a full ponytail why not leave half your hair down?

Doing a half up-do is more casual and it also allows your to show off more of your beautiful length. You can curl or straighten the remaining hair. This option will also allow girls with shorter hair to still wear this style.

I really like these twists!

Do you prefer your hair all up? All down? Or half and half?

2 Twists into a Bun

I really love these twists and they get a lot of compliemnts (which every girl loves right?) Plus hair is more fun with some embellishments, slicked back do's are so five years ago! This style is inspired from here, I just do the twist a little differntly...

Yes the purple flowers again... I really like them!

To create your twists start with an exaggerated side part:

the comb tail shows where I normally part

Now you are going to section out the front bit of hair. From your part, section off the hair down to your ear. Section off enough hair to make two twists, I make each about 3/4 an inch thick, so I make 1.5 inch thick section. That all sounds really technical but just eyeball it, its hair! Tie back all the hair except your front section into a neat ponytail.

the bobby pins are just there to show the two sections

Divide your front section in half (as shown above). Clip one section out your your way while you work with the other. To start I add a little bit of pomade to the section, from root the tip. Then take a thin bit of hair by the side part, divide it in two.

Now twist both of those strands in the same direction (I twist them to the front). You dont need to twist very much, just a few revolutions. Then cross one over the other, in the OPPOSITE dirction from your twisting (I cross towards the back). Now add hair into the front piece, twist and cross again. Repeat.

Adding in hair

I stop adding in hair at about where the end of my eyebrow (again no science, just make it look how you like). 

Then continue make a twist down the hair (twisting front and crossing back) Add a small rubber band or clip to hold your first twist while you create the second one.

Banding it off

To get your twists to lay side by side when you pull them back make sure your front twist has a few more sections of hair added in (see at the top of this post if that doesnt make sense) When both of your twists are complete pull them back towards your ponytail. Secure with crossed bobby pins

Now you can make a bun of choice. Of course I did a messy bun. Add hairspray and accessories as you please.

back view

sort of top view

when you look like a dork, just stick a big old watermark over your face to hide it!

Do you think you will try this one? Also, I would like some feedback, is the tutorial clear? Are there too many pictures? How can I help you better?

New Shampoo

Let me being by saying this: I think I am in love!

I recently bought the new TRESemme Naturals shampoo and conditioner and it is seriously the greatest stuff since sliced bread!  It leaves my hair so silky I am afraid that my elastics are going to just slide right out some days! For the first time in months I can actually just comb through my hair after the shower without having to add Leave-In! My hair feels so clean and bouncy. Plus its so shiny! Even the ends feel moisturized. And my curls are coming out again!

I am not exactly sure how "natural"  it really is (I still cant read half the ingredients), but I can say with confidence that the shampoo has no additional colours added because it is kind of a murky, off-white colour. Both products have a very light fruity smell that is just lovely! The conditioner leaves my hair extremely moisturized while still rinsing out easily, its great! The bottles say 'Discover 10x stronger hair after just one use.' I wouldn't say 10x, but my hair does feel stronger, maybe its just the extra moisture, but whatever it is, I am hooked!

I am really picky about my hair products but I give this one a 5/5 rating. It is affordable, cleans well, moisturizes, has a good scent, applies easily and actually does what it claims too. Seriously, try it!

Has anyone else tried this new line? What do you think? Or what is your favorite shampoo?

Front French Braid into Messy Bun

I don't know what it is, but I am just really into side ponytails/braids/buns this summer! Two weeks ago I showed you the Front French Braid, and here is a second day style to go along with that. (FYI: I REALLY hate taking pictures of myself...but love sharing my hair-dos)

Please excuse my cranky face...

I tend to keep the braid in over night because it keeps my hair out of my face with essentially no damage to the hair. In the morning I brush out my hair, re-do the french braid, this time adding a few more french stitches and completing the braid to the end of the hair.

Then gather all hair (braid included) into a low side ponytail. You can leave it at that if you want. But, to take it further, create a big 'ole messy bun out of that ponytail. Add an accessory of choice and hairspray of course! And you are set to enjoy yet another beautiful summer day  ;) (enjoy it because its nearly over!)

From the back

Side view

As you can see I am not to concerned with this braid being neat and tight, I think it softens that look... What do you think?

What is your favorite look this summer? And how much do you hate taking pictures of yourself?

Also, wish me luck as my finals start tomorrow!