Work Wednesday: Hairstyles for Bad Weather Days
Apr 16, 2014
Boy, yesterday was miserable weather in D.C. It was windy, rainy and cold, a trifecta of awfulness. And every time I stepped outside, all I could think was, “There goes my hairdo.”
As I’ve mentioned in the past, I have a slight obsession with my hair. If my hair looks good, my day will go 40-percent better than if my hair looks mediocre. There’s just something about a good hair day that can lift my spirits. But when the weather takes a turn for the worst, keeping my hair looking nice is a nearly impossible task.
I discovered Kate from The Small Things Blog a few years ago, and she is still my go to source for easy, useful hair tutorials. The one above is for The Alternative Bun, my new favorite updo. This twisty chignon is great for someone who wants the look of the bun with a little something extra. Just don’t forget the Catwalk Firm Hold Hairspray if you want it to stay in place.
If the classic ballerina bun is what you’re after, LHJ.com reminds us how important volume is to the equation. I suggest a teasing comb or teasing brush and a good application of Pantene’s root-boosting dry shampoo.
Looking for a more unique updo? This double twisted do caught my eye. I was also really intrigued by this un-done hairstyle that is part French twist and part ponytail. It’s very unique and sleek. The double ponytail is always a good option. I recommend clear elastics for these styles as a visible hair-tie kind of ruins the look.
Have naturally curly hair? The Girls Guide offers 5 Easy Hairstyles for your hair type. I don’t have curly hair myself, but some of my kinkier friends swear by DevaCurl products.
If you are loyal to your blowout, check out these Five Pro Tips to make it last longer. I do my own blowouts at home, and I couldn’t get them just right without my Harry Josh blow dryer (cuts drying time by a third) and a can of Big Sexy Spray & Play Harder Hairspray. It’s the only hairspray I’ve found that can stand up to the humidity.
Lastly, if you want your summer highlights to last longer without fading or brassiness, try Aveda Sun Hair Veil. It’s sunscreen for your hair, because if you’re going to pay for those highlights, you need to protect them.
Do you have any inclement weather hair tutorials to share? Maybe a favorite fall back hair style you couldn’t live without?
I have an almost shoulder length bob. I like a pony tail at this length makes me look like a little girl, but my bun is TINY. Do you have any suggestions for shorter haired ladies who want to avoid looking like a poodle after getting drenched in the DC rain? Thanks!
Have you tried a sock bun? You don’t have to use an actual sock; they sell mesh donut things that come in blonde or brunette. My hair is a little bit shorter than yours, it sounds like, but I can manage a sock bun.
Seconded! I also can only produce a tiny rat tail with a ponytail or bun. 🙁
Question: I also like The Small Things tutorials, and this looks fun (I would have to make a few adjustments for my long hair, but it would work). But I always stop at teasing. Doesn’t that wreck your hair? How do you brush it out again? Any suggestions for teasing without causing split ends, or is that impossible?
The hairdo that is my go-to when I need to look polished ASAP is a french twist. I learned how to do a few variations on a standard french twist and have found that it’s the best way to get a nearly bulletproof updo. I have found that a little bit of volume in front, a few extra bobbypins and a good spray of hairspray keeps it looking good, plus I can re-do it in the bathroom in a few seconds if it starts looking sloppy.
Also, teasing and backcombing don’t break hair, they give it more texture. If you’re doing it correctly, you shouldn’t wreck your hair.
Yeah, yesterday my hair just plain gave up on me. It was not a good look.
I’m the same as you when it comes to my hair being able to make or break my day.
I’m pretty much set on blowing out my hair on a daily basis. I’m curious if an ionic blow dryer would do better than my current, $100 dollar ceramic one…
As for up dos, I like Wendy’s Lookbook’s sort of standard bun. She’s got a tutorial on Youtube somewhere.
Style by Joules
Got any tips for using the backcombing comb? I bought one. but it just gave me serious tangles and major frizz – I have wavy hair.
Congrats on your law school acceptance, btw!
Hot rollers are my go-to! I am actually shooting my tutorial tomorrow1
Umm… at the risk of being picky, the “curly” hair in those styles are really only wavy ……. if only mine were that easy! I keep it short because it’s the only way of not having a pre-Raphaelite cloud around my head the whole time …. (When I was little, I had platinum blonde snail curls all over my head.) And if I get in damp air, all the curls spring in tighter. Most hairdressers haven’t a clue what to do with it – if you find one who does, you have to hang onto them for dear life. But overall I’m not complaining – it never needs perming, never needs hours of attention, is dead easy for travelling……
Say that to a black woman with natural hair. Only wavy. Right.
Sorry to be dense but I’m not quite clear what your point (objection?) is. THe link goes to a page with 5 photos, all of blonde white women, with hair that is, well, wavy…..
Two words: Brazilian blowout. I got my first about five years ago and never looked back. My (formerly) curly, frizzy hair is now immune to rain, humidity, etc… It’s magical.
I tried this wrap-around bun for a job interview recently – it stayed up all day, including about two miles of walking in the wind, with only a little bit of hairspray and some bobby pins.
https://www.thesundayproject.net/hair/2014/4/4/wrap-around-bun
Thanks for the shout out! Im so happy to hear the hairstyle worked out for you!