So, pretty so easy . . . 3 bobby pin easy!

Have you got an event coming up that needs a sophisticated look . . . that special party, a job interview or a friends wedding? Sometimes you need a quick and easy style, yet you want a clean, sophisticated look. This braided bun provides it all and this easy-to-follow video shows how to secure it using only three bobby pins. Here’s the simple insider how to:

What you’ll need:

• Natural bristle brush
• Water spray bottle
• Finishing spray
• Elastic
• 3 bobby pins

Mist your hair using the spray bottle and brush smoothly into a ponytail.

Mist the ponytail with water and braid, keeping the hair as smooth as possible.

Braid the hair leaving approximately 2 inches at the end.

Secure with an elastic, but on the last wrap, don’t pull the ends all the way through . . . leaving a small loop of hair at the end.

Put a bobby pin through the loop.

Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail and secure it underneath with the bobby pin.

Use the other two pins to secure.

Brush down any fly-away’s and use a finishing spray to lock into place.

How’s that for a quick and easy style for all of you women on the go! Plus, it can be so versatile. So, get creative! Make two small buns or incorporate the securing tip into another updo!

Contributing author Monica Voth is the salon owner and beauty artist at Monica’s 9th Avenue Salon and Spa. A cosmetologist for 18 years, Monica is passionate about enhancing beauty on the inside and out. Educating herself and her clients on holistic beauty, health, and wellness are as integral to her artistry as the latest hairstyles, cuts, and hair color. Follow Monica on FaceBook.

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Behind the Scenes of the Discovery of a New Steam Styling Tool

I went to beauty school in the days when hair setting was an art. As time went by, the gains in speed and convenience brought by curling irons and hot rollers came at a high price. The incredible glamor and high fashion of true hairstyling skills that I loved and trained for began to fade, and heat damage became a way of life.  

There has to be a better way

Considering some of the tricks we used during the time of my cosmetology training, I wondered if steam could be used to create strong, lasting curls, without the need for scorching high temperatures. With some experimentation, a product was born. A simple microwavable cap was created that surrounded dry hair, set on any kind of curlers, with warm gentle steam. You never know for sure what’s going to happen. And then we tested it . . . and we were amazed. 

We eventually realized how it worked. By letting the steam in the cap surround the dry hair on the curlers for 2 minutes, the hair was relaxed to the shape of the curlers. However, the trick that made it work came after removing the cap. Allowing the hair to air cool before removing the curlers was the unexpected part of the equation. With testing, we found that this cooling process was what “locked in” the curls, and that they lasted incredibly without the need for scorching high temperatures.

Asian hair, the ultimate test

An Asian model close to the project at the time had hair that was considered “impossible to curl”. We tried setting her hair dry in perm rods. We warmed the cap briefly in a microwave, and placed it (filled with warm steam) over the curlers on her head for 2 minutes. We then removed the cap, and allowed her hair to cool for 3 minutes. And then we held our breath . . . and removed the first curler. It was one of those moments that you never forget. Her long hair (which was normally to the middle of her back), had turned into incredibly strong tight spirals that came only to her shoulders. None of us had seen anything like this, including the model, who couldn’t recall seeing any significant curls on her head in her entire life. As we continued testing with more and more individuals, we found that the cap worked incredibly well on hair that was considered difficult to curl.

And then came the media

As production began, so did the publicity circuit. One of the first live on-the-air demos (WJZ13 Morning News) captures the spirit of early days of the release, along with the surprise of the interviewers after seeing the results. Give it a look:

As women learn more and more about the damage done to their hair by traditional heat styling tools, they will naturally seek new ways to move away from harsh temperatures and chemicals, and more and more toward more gentle and natural methods, I see a shift toward the use of pure steam, without scorching damaging heat, as the primary method of styling. It has been my blessing and privilege to be a part of this change.

Contributing author Carol Graves originally received her cosmetology training in the Washington DC area, and is currently the President of Microwaves Corporation. Microwaves Corporation produces the patented Microwaves® Steam & Style® Heat Cap. Facebook and Follow us on Pinterest and Twitter.

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Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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Little known insider secrets to tame frizzy hair

As the summer days approach, so does the humidity triggering our hair to become uncontrollable and seemingly impossible to maintain. But don’t worry, it’s possible to turn those frizzy hair curls into beachy waves, or the “frizzy-ness” into a more sleek and smooth look this summer. This is a common concern my clients have in the heat of summer and I’m always excited to share these tips. Here are some simple steps to follow to say “goodbye” to summer frizzy hair.

Shampoo

• Don’t wash your hair every day. Only wash it every couple of days to keep its natural oils. Learn how to create some second day hair looks.

• Use a moisturizing shampoo which is low in alkaline. High alkaline shampoo tends to dry out your hair.

Conditioner

• Always, always, always use conditioner.

• If you have fine or thin hair use a volumizing conditioner.

• Use  only a small amount on the ends and work it through your hair.

• For all hair types, use a leave-in conditioner. This will help control your “flyaways” and protect your hair from heat.

The Right Product

• Some of my favorite products are Moroccan Oil Frizz Control and Eufora Pure Polish. These products will control your frizz without weighing your hair down or making it feel oily.

• Always use a product that has UVA and UVB protection.

• Apply these products while your hair is still wet.

• Emulsify a dime size amount of product in your hands to get an even application. Repeat till proper amount is achieved.

• Everyone’s hair is different. After a couple of applications you will know how much product is right for you. But remember, less is more! You can always add more product but using too much can cause your hair to look and feel oily.

Hot Styling Tools

• If letting your hair air-dry doesn’t work for you, or you just want a smoother look,  use hot tools.

• Hot flat irons are great to tame down summer frizzy hair.

• The hotter and more powerful the blow dryer, the better it is at smoothing your hair. The high heat will help make your hair smooth and shiny.

Contributing author Nadwa Yono is a professional hair stylist and owner of Nadwa Hair Spa in West Bloomfield, MI making Oakland County her home. More info on Nadwa and Nadwa Hair Spa can be found at NadwaHairSpa.com and on Facebook.

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Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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