Braided top bun

Whenever I'm walking around downtown New York, I see tons of cute girls wearing buns on the tops of their heads. Well, what could be even better than a top bun? A braided top bun! My friend Caroline, a hair genius, came over to explain exactly how to get this easy spring look, and the fabulous Jamie Beck took photos.

Here are Caroline's easy steps...
1. This simple hairstyle is perfect for a warm spring day, when you want to keep your hair cool and off your neck. First, part your hair in a deep side part (instead of combing it back smoothly). This makes it look a little less fancy, perfect for bike rides or Sunday picnics. Then gather your hair into a ponytail on top of your head. The higher, the better.

2. Make a loose braid all the way down the tail. Don't braid it too tightly; a little messy is perfect and it will help it look less "ballerina." Secure the end with a rubber band; I recommend these clear elastic bands, since they'll blend into your hair color and won't be as visible.

3. Creating a circle on top of your head with the braid. You don't want to wrap it tightly like a bun; instead you want it loose and open in the center, kind of like a braided pillbox hat! (If your hair is really long, you may have to double up the braid, one in front of the other.) When you reach the end, tuck the bottom of the braid under the circle you've created to hide it.

4. Pin the braid in place with mini bobby pins, since they're easier to hide and won't be as noticeable.

5. A few suggestions: I like to make the look a little messier by pulling little strands of hair out at the back and sides, but if you prefer it cleaner, you don't have to do that. And if you'd like, you can pin your bangs out of the way with bobby pins.
Voila! Here's the look, beautiful and timeless. What do you think, my darlings? Thank you so much, Caroline and Jamie! xoxo

P.S. Past hair tutorials, including three twisted buns, the perfect side ponytail, a messy French bun.

(Photos by Jamie Beck for Cup of Jo. Caroline's shirt is from Cardigan, and her jewelry is from her own line Brvtvs.)

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Three twisted buns

I'm excited to share another hair tutorial! You know those days when you want your hair to look pretty but you only have a minute? Well, my friend Caroline swears by this gorgeous set of three twisted buns ("like cinnamon rolls!" she says). So she came over to explain exactly how to do them, and the wonderful Jamie Beck took a few photographs. And guess what? They really were quick and easy.

Here are Caroline's steps, if you'd like to try them out...

1. This style is so easy, it's laughable. Day-old hair is best (which is true for most hairstyles, since it's easier to work with hair that has a little dirt in it).

2. Divide your hair into three equal parts and quickly spray each section with a little hairspray to help give it hold. Let the hairspray set for a couple seconds, and then lightly comb it out.

3. Take the section on your right side, and twist your hair all the way down to the end. You want to twist counter-clockwise, toward your face. Wrap the right section in on itself, just like you're making a little bun. Let some of the hair stick out, it's ok (you don't want them to look like Princess Leia buns).

4. Pin the right bun in place. I like to use these mini bobby pins, since they're easier to hide and they're coated in rubber so they hold your hair better.

5. Next, twist the middle section clockwise and pin. Then twist the left section clockwise and pin.

6. Spray the three buns with a little more hairspray, and you're done!

See? Super simple!
Here's the look, feminine and easy breezy. What do you think, my darlings? Thank you so much, Caroline and Jamie! xoxoxo

P.S. Past hair tutorials, including the perfect side ponytail and braided top bun.

(Photos by the fabulous Jamie Beck for Cup of Jo. Caroline's shirt is from Cardigan.)

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Messy side ponytail

My lovelies, you know the messy side ponytail from J. Crew's spring lookbook? Well, I really wanted to learn how to do it myself, so I invited over my friend Caroline (who is a hair genius) to explain how to get the look, and the fabulous Jamie Beck took a few photographs. (What I love love love about this style is how the top looks like a beehive!)

Here are Caroline's steps, if you'd like to try it out....
1. Start with day-old hair...meaning it's been a day since you've washed it. (If you must wash your hair, then use a volumizing spray to add oomf; and if your hair is oily, use a French dry shampoo to build body and texture.) Now make a deep side part on one side of your hair. You can use a rat-tail comb to get an extra straight part.

2. Backcomb the top quarter of your hair. Basically, brush the hair downwards toward your scalp so it's sort of frizzy and can stand on its own.

3. Gently brush the very top layer of your hair to make it smooth on the top. That way, all the backcombing will be hidden under the layer that you brushed. Still, don't brush too much, you want it a little messy.

4. Take the entire backcombed section and pin it behind your head. To make it secure, place the bobby pins in an "X."

5. Now take all your hair and put it in a low ponytail at the nape of your neck. Tighten the rubber band as tight as you can. This will help "push" your hair up, creating more volume at the top.

5. You can either leave the rubber band exposed, or hide it by taking a small half-inch section of hair from the ponytail and wrapping it around the rubber band. Take a small bobby pin and pin the hair to the rubber band.

6. Rough up the ponytail with your fingers to match the texture at the top of your hair. Use the same motion as you did to back comb, but use your fingers instead, since this will create a messy texture but will be softer and gentler than using a comb. Remember, this look isn't about perfection; it looks best slightly messy.

Let's do it! Thank you so much, Jamie and Caroline! xoxo

(Photos by the wonderful Jamie Beck.)

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Messy hair

Ha, what a cute print. It would be good to put next to the bathroom mirror.

(Via Katie)

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Wedding hair

Isn't this bride's twisted bun beautiful? She looks right out of a Jane Austen novel.

(Photos by Steep Street)

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Fabric hair tie

Since Toby arrived on the scene, I've worn a ponytail almost every day. So, in an effort to jazz things up, I was happy to come across this idea of using a piece of fabric instead of a hair tie. Simple and pretty, don't you think?

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Holiday hair

Whoa! I literally gasped when I saw this fiery red side chignon. The instructions are here, and her tomato red lipstick is Clinique's Red Red Red. Even if you wore a black turtleneck and jeans, you'd be the most glamorous girl at the party.

(Via HipHipGinGin, This is Glamorous, and Wit & Delight. I couldn't help reposting!)

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Hair knot

Oh my goodness, is this woman's hair simply tied in a knot? I don't even think they used ponytail holders! So cool. I really want to try it out but know I'd end up with a serious rat's nest.

(Photos by Hanneli, via Wit & Delight)

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How to do Heidi braids

I'm terrible at doing my hair and usually wear it in a messy bun. So I was excited to see that Julie did a post on how to do Heidi braids. What a cute fall look! Will you try it?

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Wedding ponytail

These days, I keep finding myself drawn to relaxed, low-key weddings. My friends Erica and Patrick got hitched in Jamaica, and she wore a ponytail! Doesn't she look adorable and happy?

(Photos by Anna Robin)

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