Introduction
(Photo at left from the Mike Hinz Gallery of Long Styles). The best styles for long hair, in my opinion, are those that take limited preparation time. As we move further into the millennium, time becomes shorter and more valuable for everyone. If you have long hair, you can still do wonders in just minutes. I am always on the look out for long hair styles that I can try on my own long hair. Once I find some interesting styles, I try to recreate them myself. If I can figure out how to do them, it means the styles are easy. When it comes to styling my hair, I want cut-to-the-chase styles. Multiple Ponytails
It consists of three base ponytails. Once you have mastered this first style, which takes 10 minutes or less, you can improvise a variety of different looks. Note: This style looks especially good with hair that is highlighted or has chunks of color or streaking.
Before you create the multi-pony style, you will need to have the following supplies:
InstructionsYou can easily create the multi-ponytail look on either newly washed or "seasoned" hair. Depending on how you want to improvise the look, it may actually be more advantageous to try the style on "day old or older" hair. Newly washed hair can be slippery and harder to work with. When creating just the basic three ponytails, newly washed hair is great. If you would like to add knots, crimps or braids, you may prefer hair that is not as soft.
Creative Options
If your hair is in good shape, you can take small sections of each of the separate ponytails and crimp them to get a different textured look. The photo above demonstrates hair that is gathered into multi-ponytails with some hair left loose to flow around the neck. The hair has been crimped randomly. The top of the multiple ponytails have been decorated by tying ribbon around the elastic bands that hold the hair in place. Add Braids or Hair KnotsOnce you have created the basic multi-pony look you can also play with different braided or knotted styles. You can put each of the separate ponytails into one braid or into multiple braids. The braids can be simple three strand or more complicated, depending on your mood and the amount of time you have.
You also can create multiple ponytails where no hair is left to flow down your back. Multiple braids can be done to all the different ponytails and then coiled up and pinned on top of the crown to to make a beautiful updo of braids. The photo above demonstrates that each braid has a few inches of unbraided hair at the ends. This allows some hair to "splay out" and add even a more dramatic look. If you have long hair but it is on the thin side, use less ponytails and smaller braids. The photo to the left (created by James Kimber Hair in Birmingham, UK - 0121 643 6111) displays smaller braids that are looped against the back of the crown and then pinned. This creates a very elegant updo for any special occasion or event. While the braided updo created out of the multi ponytails is not difficult to do, you may want to ask someone to help braid your hair for special events to guarantee that the braids are uniform. I was able to create the braided look on my own hair in about 20 minutes. You can also braid the center of the multi-ponytails and leave the side ponytails unbraided. For a more unusual twist, you can tie each of the separate ponytails into one big fat knot and anchor it to the top of your crown. Or you can tie smaller softer knots at the bottom of each ponytail. The variations are endless and only limited to your time and imagination and the amount of time that you wish to invest in experimenting. Some of the updo styles that are created from multiple ponytails can be worn by people with short or medium hair by attaching clip on hair or braids. Helpful Hints
This helps hold the hair in position without doing any damage by ripping or pulling. The bungee simply wraps around the hair as many times as you need and then it is closed with a tiny hook. The hair bungee is a great hair friendly invention for long hair, no matter how long. Summary
You can also experiment with different color scrunchies to cover the elastic bands. The crown section of your hair can be decorated with floating hair jewels like sparkly ladybugs or butterflies.
The style is easy to create and will stay in place without muss or fuss. It is a perfect basic style for adding sizzle to long hair. An additional advantage is that the style does not require that you even wash your hair first. It can be created on hair that is "day old" or older. In fact, in some ways, seasoned hair will work better for the different braided and knotted styles. |
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