a downton-inspired updo

This looks incredibly complicated but I did this with my own two hands! It's a series of twists, knot-braids, and tiny ponytails tugged into a delicate twist secured with only two bobby pins. I wanted to share because it reminds me of those beautiful, effortless yet complex Edwardian hairstyles of my favorite show: Downton Abbey!! And sorry there is no photo guide along with the steps, or better yet a DIY video...but I'll try to make some sense of the steps below!

Step 1. 
Split hair at a center part. Take two tiny top layers and tie into a "knot" (I learned how to do it here - it's easier than a braid). I did only two of these little knots. It does a great job of securing the front, especially if you have shorter layers here.

Step 2.
Using little clear rubber bands, take the remainder of the hair and, going downward, tie bands to form little ponytails underneath each other. This will create 3-4 little ponytails on top of each other. Take the ends and flip inwards (exactly like this). You'll be left with one ponytail, as the ends of the previous ones are now underneath your hair.

Step 3. 
You should start to see the intricate twist starting to form! Take the ends of your ponytail and form a braid. Secure with one last little clear band. The plait should be hanging loosely like a ponytail, towards the top of the neck. Take the braid and twist it into the rest of the twists above by simply tucking in loose ends. I have long enough hair to wrap it around 1-2 times. Hide all the hairs in the tail of the braid with bobby pins....I used two!

Ta-da! It's definitely a relaxed feel, not too tight or uncomfortable. And suddenly your hair is as elegant as Lady Mary Crawley. Use a light spritz of extra-hold hairspray and you should be good!

Takes about 5-8 minutes.

ciao, xo

hair products I swear by

1. Bedhead Superficial 2. L'Oreal Sleek it Hairspray 3. It's a Ten Miracle Leave in Product

I am not super high maintenance (you'll have to define super) with my hair, but my friends do know one thing about me: I take it seriously and you could even psychoanalyze my OCD with my hair. I think over the years I've cooled my jets but I have come to find that the absolute must-have products have seen me through some sticky situations.

My routine always stars with It's a Ten. I use this after I have towel-dried my hair a bit and one i spritz it in, my hair is SO easy to comb through. The scent is amazing, it doesn't weigh down my hair, and it adds a glaze-like gloss wherever applied. Right before drying (which I try to avoid in favor of air-drying) I dab a little teeny tiny bit of Bed Head superficial, which makes hair sleek and frizz free. I can't add too much though or else we will have a very very big mess. I also like this alternative by John Frieda.

I have never been a big hairspray person but I suppose lately I've used it and now I can't imagine not setting my hair before work, a nice dinner, or an event. I love the Sleek It line by Loreal and while its a cheaper alternative to their classic Elnett Satin, I find that the results are pretty much the same! I spray just a tad on the top for volume. sometimes I'll do that, sleep on it, and pray for the best.

ah, hair! you're fun.

ciao, xo

hair chop

A healthy hair chop a few times a year is something I completely believe in. Long, mermaid-like {real} hair that is fishtail-able and timelessly beautiful is hard to keep healthy. Especially if you're styling it all the time, with hair straighteners, wavers and curling irons. And processing it with highlights or some other sort of chemicals.

So, a few days ago I cut about three inches off my hair. And I feel naked. And awkward. And sort of like a second grader. During the cut, I was all, "yessss!" but then the days that came later, I tugged at my short ends and wished I could do what I used to. So my goal is, for the next few weeks, post some ideas for styling shorter length hair with some of my spring posts. A new start is always refreshing, no?

ciao, and happy friday! guys, aren't you proud that I posted every day this week!? :)