Hair and holidays, two things that I never seem to have enough time for anymore.
Maybe it’s just me but it always seems like the last thing I have time for during the holidays is my hair. Anyone else with me?
Between the food prepping, outfit planning and gift wrapping it seems like I’m always trying to throw a quick curl and shot of hairspray in my hair before running out the door, but not this year. Oh no, out with the frizzy last minute curls and in with the perfectly sleek and styled hair-dos.
I used to always think my hair was impossible to do anything with due to the massive amounts of thick curls that would frizz at the sight of humidity until I met Rebecca Shunick, hair guru and owner of b. / A Salon on Armitage in Lincoln Park. After 20 years as a stylist, educator and leader in the hair industry, this woman was one I knew I had to meet.
After only a few minutes with Rebecca, she told me what products to use, how to work with my hair and taught me two adorable quick and easy hairstyles that everyone can do at home this holiday season. Oh and did I mention, she’s a total sweetheart and even gave me insightful wedding advice? Talk about a day well spent at the salon!
After a few squirts of Kérastase Styling L’incroyable Blow Dry (aka my new favorite product for girls on the go who need to get more than one day of curls out of their hair) and a few quick twists and bobby pins, I was ready for a night on the town or holiday gathering. Too bad I was beyond exhausted from an early morning that day so went home and lounged on the couch instead…but hey, at least my hair looked good;)
So if you’re looking for the perfect quick and easy hairstyle for your holiday events, I’m sharing two that you can do at home or on the go below.
Style 1: The Tousled Pony Wrap
Step 1:
Pull hair back into a tight pony leaving a small strand outside the secured ponytail. (Trick: use a rubber brand with a bobby pin on each side instead of a ponytail holder when securing your ponytail. Grab the hair, place the bobby pin in one side and wrap the rubber band around the pony and secure the second bobby pin into the first as show below. This will help keep the pony in place.)
Step 2:
Take the strand of hair that was left out and wrap it around the base of the pony as show below. Secure with two bobby pins criss-crossed at the end of the hair.
Step 3:
To complete the look pull a few pieces of hair loose in the front and using a comb tousle the pony to give it texture and volume. Give the full head a quick shot of hairspray and you’re done!
Style 2: The UpTwist
Step 1:
Repeat Step 1 above with the pony except instead of leaving one strand out for the wrap, leave the front two sections of your hair out. The two sides that shape your face. Then take these two pieces and pull them back tightly and criss cross them over the pony and secure with a bobby pin. This will give the perfect slick back look in the front.
Step 2:
Next twist the pony to create a bun and secure with bobby pins along the way to keep the slick look.
Step 3:
When close to the end, secure the last twist of hair with extra bobby pins to complete the bun and leaving the end loose.
Step 4:
To complete the look, fan out the loose ends and secure with hairspray for some add texture.
Plus, b.salon is celebrating their 5 year anniversary this moth with a special promotion for the weekend of Saturday, November 26 – Tuesday, November 29. Each first time guest will receive 20% off any service and also 20% all retail purchases for first time clients and returning clients that weekend as well.
Photography by: Katie of Little Black Blog
What is your go-to holiday hair? Any favorite products that are a staple in your beauty routine?
This post was sponsored by b. salon but all opinions are my own. Thank you so much for supporting the partnerships that keep Sparkles & Sprinkles up and running!