stacy said:
Do you guys use that foam bun thingie? I used this and I don't think I like it for her hair length because there seems to be so much hair left out after making the bun (I kinda twist the hair around the bun and put a scrunchie over the bun). How do you make your bun?
I have never used a foam form but imagine that they can be damaging to the hair if not covered with a satiny fabric first. Also, as you said, I've always envisioned that they are better for shorter hair because the ends of long would stick out and require more manipulation to hide them.
For a 'doughnut' bun, I hold my hair at the base of my neck as if I'm about to make a ponytail, then twist the hair around in a circular motion and tuck the ends into the under part of the bun. It requires no pins to or accessories to hold it, but hairsticks and other ornaments are nice for decoration. I either twist the hair firmly as I'm forming the bun or hold it loosely to create different effects.
Here are some ideas for other styles for your daughter to wear. I think these are nice for a fourteen-year-old (and ladies of other ages). They are all easy and most take about 2 - 10 minutes to do, yet people may comment that they think she spent much more time doing her hair:
One regular braid or one French braid (These can also be twisted into buns, or folded upward or under and pinned)
One 'banded' ponytail with four or more ponytail holders placed evenly down the length of the tail. (Holders cut from the legs of black pantyhose are very gentle and great for this)
Two regular braids or two French braids (w/ hair parted down the center)
Two regular braids or loose ponytails (w/ hair parted 'horizontally'). With two braids, she can also braid the top one first and merge it with the lower one.
Two buns (w/ hair either parted down the center, horizontally, or diagonally)
French twist (can be held with a few gentle, large, 'U' shaped hair pins, or a variety of accessories such as one large gentle jaw clip, one or a hair stick, etc.)
A variety of half up/half down styles. The top part can be a bun, French twist, or pinned up in some other tasteful, freeform way. The bottom can be worn straight or curly.
Hair roller-set with steam rollers (or wet set under a dryer) and worn down or pinned up in various casual ways.
A Bantu knot set done on dry or nearly dry hair, with about 8 - 10 knots set overnight. This produces a sort of bouncy, spiral-curl effect, but without it having a 'little girl' look to it. Can be finger combed and worn down or pinned up in various ways. (Garnier Fructis Smoothing Milk is a great setting lotion to use for this. A little goes a long way.)
That's all I can think of right now but I'll be back with more if something else occurs to me. I think it's wonderful that you continue to take an interest in your daughter's hair care and that she seems to welcome your input!