Variety of wigs – which is right for you?

Wigs vs. Hair Pieces

Many people assume hairpieces and wigs are the same. Although neither of these options are the owner’s real hair, they both can look natural and sophisticated.

Wigs come in many different sizes and styles. Lace front wigs balance both versatility and density for a full look. Natural hair can come in both straight and wavy texture for whatever mood you’re in. All wigs, whether they have natural or artificial hair, cover the entire scalp. This is where hairpieces and wigs differ.

Hairpieces partially cover the head, leaving some of your natural hair exposed. Hairpieces can often enhance someone’s hair, giving it a thicker and more voluminous style. There are many different types of hairpieces. Some can be braided into your own, natural hair. Others can clip in. Depending on the quality of hair, they can be styled or teased like regular hair.

The Difference Between Natural Hair Wigs and Synthetic Wigs

Human hair wigs have a natural look to them that can be styled in almost any way possible. Because it’s not synthetic or plastic, human hair is heat resistant and can be used under blow dryers or curling irons without any problems. The four main types of hair used for human-hair wigs are Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and European. Human hair wigs generally last 1-4 years.

Many people choose to wear synthetic wigs because of the cost difference. While human hair can be expensive depending on the length and the style, synthetic wigs can be much more affordable. Synthetic wigs have the added bonus of holding their shape. Because they do not require daily styling, many people find wearing synthetic wigs to be easier. Synthetic wigs have come a long way in recent years and look much more natural than they once did. Even so, synthetic wigs do not last as long as wigs made from natural human hair. On average, synthetic hair lasts approximately 6 months.

How to Wear Different Types of Wigs

In addition to the type of hair fiber used in a wig, cap styles can vary. Whether you have short hair, long hair or no hair at all, there are specific wigs to fit any head.

Full lace wigs are some of the most commonly used wigs. These are lace units that cover the scalp. They provide strips that you can stick adhesives so that the cap is tightly secured.

Monofilament wigs are recommended for those who have sensitive skin. This material is a blend of fine lace, mesh, and nylon. One of the benefits of wearing a monofilament wig is that it takes on the color of your scalp making the entire wig look natural. With these types of wigs, you can part your hair in any direction and it will still look authentic.

Anti-slip wigs are another type of wig that uses monofilament. This type of wig is best worn by people who are completely bald because of the suction it provides for a secure fit. Elastic adjusting is not needed with anti-slip wigs and many come with an elastic front.

How to Maintain Wigs and Hair Pieces

If you are maintaining and storing synthetic hairpieces or wigs, make sure to wash the hair in cold water. Synthetic hair does not do well with heat and must be treated with care. First, make sure to detangle the hair gently with a brush before washing. This will make it easier to maintain once it is dry.

Human hair wigs and hairpieces also need to soak in shampoo and conditioner. They can be brushed and styled like synthetic hair, but because they are human hair, they can also be blow-dried.

Once carefully washed, wigs should be stored in an upright position. This can be achieved by using either a mannequin or a wall hook. Both of these methods will prevent synthetic and human hair wigs from becoming tangled or messy.

Conclusion

Whether you’re buying synthetic or human hair wigs, there are a variety of different choices available. Hairpieces, extensions, and wigs can all create a natural and effortless look for anyone who’s interested in great hair.

If you are not lucky enough to have naturally thick and bouncy locks, giving seemingly lifeless tresses some volume is a struggle.  Some people may feel that adding volume to thin hair is not achievable. However, this is not the case. With some interesting hair hacks and decent hair products, you can make your thin hair look thicker and voluminous.

The good news is that these hair tips are not only interesting but they do not take much effort. You can easily make them a part of your hair care routine.

Volumizing Begins with Hair Cleansing

While you can get guaranteed results by using various root uplifting products, you need to go beyond a simple hair styling routine to get long-lasting results.  You need to make smart choices when picking up hair care products. Generally speaking, it is important to opt for invigorating shampoos and conditioners to help hair follicles perk up.

If you have fine hair, any hair product with volumizing ingredients will improve the appearance of your tresses. Besides this, it will allow curling irons, mousses, and texturizing sprays to do their job easily. Remember that not all volumizing shampoos include ingredients that benefit your hair or add volume to it. Some are only for cleansing and do not add any weight to your hair.  Therefore, it is better to avoid hair products that are made with ingredients like oils and butters.

Meanwhile, try out these interesting tips to make your locks look a lot thicker and bouncy:

Use the Pancaking Technique on Your Braids

The pancake braid looks classy and elegant. This amazing hairdo is one way to hide the thinness of your locks. The braiding technique is commonly called “plumped up plaits.” It is an old style with loose, wide loops to help hair appear fuller and flatter. Whether you want to create a fishtail, or standard three-strand French braid, adding a little messiness lends a youthfulness to your looks and adds volume.

The pancaking technique is all about pulling at the edges of your braid to achieve a looser and wispier plait. Not only does it add a cool-girl appeal to your personality but it also makes your hair look thicker and heavier. 

All you need to do is make a tight braid (any style).  Once the loops are in place, gently pull the edges apart by holding the top most layer of each loop. It is better to use precise and short tugs.  When you strategically separate the braid apart, it becomes flat like a pancake while making your plait appear voluminous and full.

Bring Home a Volume Spray

Whether you want plumped up hair to make hair strands look thicker or are looking for an outdoor volume boost, a volume spray is the perfect solution. Volume sprays come with an incredible volumizing formula that adds instant volume to your hair regardless of your hairstyle. They do not stiffen your hair like hair setting spray does and you can use them on all kinds of hair textures.

Moreover, if you use sulfate-free volume spray, it keeps your locks moisturized by locking in the natural oils. Volume spray replenishes hair and is one of the great temporary techniques to make hair look thicker.

Cut Your Hair Short

Chopping your locks is undeniably one of the easiest techniques to create an illusion of voluminous hair.  When you trim your hair, the length that is weighing it down is removed. As a result, your hair looks thicker and fuller.

There is no restriction when it comes to choosing a haircut for thick hair.  Consult your stylist and discuss which haircut will suit you best to add volume to your locks. Layers and bangs are some of the chic hairstyles you can choose to create flattering and full hair.

 

Try Teasing or Backcombing

Teasing or backcombing is one of the traditional yet popular ways to transform lifeless hair into a voluminous mane. The technique is used to add an effective boost to your hair roots. What makes this old-school technique even more interesting is that it doesn’t require any fancy hair tool. You can use a simple tail-comb and wiggle it back and forth on a predetermined section of your hair.  With a few attempts, you will see great lift and bounce in your hair.

Give Dry Shampoo a Shot

If you have never used dry shampoo, you probably do not know how effective it can be for thin and dull hair. By using dry shampoo, you can make your locks look refreshed and bouncy. All you need is to spray dry shampoo directly on your hair roots and a few different sections, keeping it six to seven inches away from your face. You can use it after styling your tresses to boost volume, especially if your hair is limp. For backcombed hairstyles, it is one of the best ways to create long-lasting volume.

Go for the Old-School Velcro Rollers

You may have seen your mother or grandmother using Velcro rollers before a fancy party. The popular old-school hair styling trend is excellent, not only for curling naturally straight hair but also adding bounce to limp hair.

To put it simply, Velcro rollers are trendy, heatless, glamorous, and most importantly, the most affordable way to make your hair look thicker and luscious.

Use a Round Brush

Using a round brush is another easy way to deliver bounce and lift to your hair. It is mostly used with a blow dryer and is a quick way to get consistent results and bouncy blowout.

Bottom Line

Voluminous and bouncy hair is the dream of many women. These techniques are simple and easy ways to achieve instant yet lasting volume in your hair.

Greasy hair is not much different from a pimple that sneaks up on your face anywhere, anytime. It happens quite frequently if you are a gym person or genetically prone to an oily scalp. No matter how many times you wash your hair, if you use the wrong hair products or have a naturally greasy hair type, maintaining fresh-looking hair is a daunting task.

Fortunately, frequent washes or dry shampoos are not the only solutions to this problem. There are some quick fixes that you can try to combat oily or greasy hair, especially when you don’t have time to wash your hair. Greasy hairstyles, in this case, are ways you can style your hair if your hair is extra oily and cannot be remedied with dry shampoo.

For example, you can pull your slick hair back into a tight up-do to make it look less greasy and unkempt, or maybe opt for a quick high bun. Even if your hair type is different, you still have many choices to tie it and conceal its greasiness. 

Let’s take a look at some of the hairstyles for greasy hair you can use as quick fixes.

Smart Hairstyles to Conceal the Greasiness of Hair

Go for a Bun

Buns are the easiest way to deal with a greasy hair problem.  They do not need much styling and require only five minutes.

Tie your hair into a ponytail and twist it around the hair band. Use a bobby pin to secure the hairgrip. This hairdo miraculously conceals greasy hair, and you can make it work with a variety of outfits.

Pull Off a Perfect French Braid

Whether you call it French braid or French twist, the hairstyle works really well when it comes to fixing oily locks.  Although pulling off a perfect French braid may take you a little bit more time, it helps you hide both unclean ends and greasy roots. Besides this, French braids are the smart way to make your hair look thicker and fuller.

You can make them in various styles using front or back sections of your hair. The timeless classics are no doubt worth learning. Using simple French braiding techniques, you can make triple French braids, milkmaid braids, and side braids. The hairstyle is perfect for medium-length, second-day hair. Plus, by making a French braid, you can get the gorgeous waves and loose curls when the plaits are unraveled.

Try Low-Bun Double Dutch Style

The low-bun double Dutch style is for you if you would like to try something unique and interesting. It expertly conceals oily tresses while giving you a sophisticated and classy look. The low-bun double Dutch style is one of the popular traditional hairdos. Women used to love its easily disheveled, sleek, and intricate look. However, to create this hairstyle, you need to know Dutch braiding.

Part your hair into two equal sections, and make a Dutch braid with the hair on one side. Take all the hair of one side until you reach your ear. Make a regular braid with the remaining hair.  Repeat the same steps with the other side of the parted hair. Once all braids are made, gather them and pull into a low bun. Secure them with bobby pins, and you are ready to go.

Opt for a Messy Top Bun

Messy buns are not only one of the easiest hairstyles, but also spare you from the struggle of taming your frizzy and oily hair. They look elegant and add charm and youthfulness to your personality. The best part of this cool hairstyle is that it does not take much time and perfectly hides your dirty and unwashed hair. 

All you need to do is spray your hair back using dry shampoo and gather it into a ponytail (high or low is up to you). Use your fingers to set and gather the strands. Secure it with an elastic band and wrap all the loose ends around it. Fix them with bobby pins.

Once it takes the bun shape, fluff and pull out some strands. Don’t worry if you see many loose strands in your bun. The hairstyle conceals the greasiness of your locks without having to use styling products. Using a thick hair band on the messy bun is also a smart way to hide unkempt strands.

Drop a Ponytail on the Side

Easy, classy, and effortless, the side ponytail is your hairstyle if you are an on-the-go person. This hairstyle does not take more than five minutes and quickly hides the greasiness of your hair. Since the sleek look is one of the major requirements of this hairstyle, it is ideal to use oily strands in the side ponytail to pull off the perfect look.

To make the hairstyle, brush all your loose hair to gather it on one side. Part your hair deeply using one side of a tail comb and brush it down flat. Pull the sleek locks back into a ponytail. Make sure you keep brushing the hair down to accentuate the side part. Secure the hair with a setting spray and run the hairbrush again to give the final touch. 

With this hairstyle, you do not need to worry about styling your day-old tresses.

Get a Side Bun

A side bun is another easy and quick hairstyle for your day-old locks. If you do not like to leave hair in a side ponytail, just wrap it around the elastic band and get rid of greasy-looking hair.

Bottom Line

Regardless of the reason for the grease in your hair, dealing with it is annoying. It not only makes hair styling difficult, but also ruins your overall look. Luckily, the above given hairstyles are easy to do and are the ideal solution to hide greasiness. They are timeless and complement all types of outfits.

Just like personalities, not all hair types are the same. Some are silky, smooth, and shiny, and others may be dry, brittle, and frizzy. The appearance of your tresses is the indicator of your hair health. If the hair is dry, dull, and damaged, it may be a sign of overuse of chemical products, excessive combing, or thermal treatments. Some other internal factors that can cause damaged locks may include genetics and nutrient deficiencies.

No matter what factors have damaged your hair, if you do not take care of them, they affect both the appearance and health of your hair. Split ends are one of the common indicators that your hair is not getting the care it deserves. They are the broken fibers at the end of the hair strand and they cause your tresses to look brittle, uneven, and straggly.

Regardless of the cause, split ends are preventable. Although they are irreversible, you can prevent them by following a proper hair care regime.  But before we plunge into the discussion of how you can you get rid of the split hair fibers, let’s understand what they are and what causes them.

Split Ends—What Are They?

Split ends are known as schizotrichia or trichoptilosis in medical terminology.  They are the result of splitting and fraying of the hair ends. Although split ends typically appear at the end of the hair strands, the splitting can go further up as well. They crop up when a hair shaft splits up into multiple hair strands at the tip. Intense hair splits are a sign of unhealthy and damaged hair.

Once your hair fiber is split, it may lead to continuous damage. Hair experts see this progressive damage as “weathering.”  Your hair becomes tangled and frizzy. Repeated exposure to chemicals or styling tools on your hair affects the protective layer. As a result, the cuticles of your hair get damaged. Also, they no longer maintain their protective function. Once your hair loses its protective layer, it becomes susceptible to further damage and breakage.

Almost all hair types may get split ends due to various ethnic and non-genetic reasons. However, split ends may differ in the degree of severity. That means your hair may have split ends (more or less) depending on your hair care regime. If your hair has more split ends, you might be using intense chemical formulas/hair products, or styling tools too frequently. Sometimes, environmental conditions and lifestyle are the reasons your hair is prone to split ends.

The Different Types of Split Ends in Hair

You might not have heard this before, but there are different types of split ends. Although their origin is the same—damage and weathering—it does not mean that each split fiber is the same. All women have a different, personal, and unique way of washing, coloring, brushing, and flat ironing their tresses. According to hair experts, there are countless combinations and types of split ends.

Take a look at some of the common ones.

The Basic Split  

This is one of the common types of split ends and shows the early stages of split development. In this type, the cortical cells of your hair are held together while the large sections begin to separate. 

This indicates that your hair strand needs proper nourishment. Since it is the beginning stage of a split end, you can help your hair fiber seal the ends with a healthy hair-care routine.

The Mini

The mini is another common type of split and one of the signs of early split end development. These split ends are comparatively shorter in length than the basic split ends.  However, they indicate that your hair is deprived of the nourishment it needs. You can repair the ends before it is too late.

Fork Split Ends

As the name implies, the split ends have a fork shape. This type of split end is less common compared to mini and basic ends. The fork-shaped split ends are a sign of widespread damage to your hair. That means the splitting is significant and your hair needs hair-repair treatments such as hair masks and deep conditioning.

The Tree

Tree-shaped split ends show that one side of a hair strand is more damaged compared to the other. The damaged part branches out into multiple twigs of cortical cells as they begin to separate. Hair with tree-shaped split ends needs trimming and cutting. Also, your hair needs products that can protect it from further wear and tear if it has tree-shaped split ends.

The Reasons You Have Split Ends in Your Hair

Split ends develop rapidly if they are not taken care of at the early stages. There are numerous damaging factors that can contribute to the process that degrades the end of your hair cuticles.

Physical Manipulation and Damage

As mentioned earlier, your hair goes through a lot in terms of poor physical handling and maintenance. Damaging factors include the use of styling tools and chemical products.  Plus, the way you handle, touch, detangle, tie, or even brush your locks can affect their health as well. Physical damage is one of the most common reasons that cuticles break down slowly.

Heat/Styling Tools

No other hair product damages your hair the way styling tools do. Excessive heat not only causes damage to your hair ends but also makes them fragile and prone to severe weathering.

Environment

Whether it is cold and dry, or sunny and humid, the harsh climate can take a toll on your tresses. If you are someone who has a busy outdoor schedule, you are likely to expose your hair to the environment more frequently. It can accelerate the damage.       

Tips for Getting Rid of Split Ends

You can use the following tips to get rid of split ends:

• Choose the right brush type and detangle your hair gently. Know that split ends cause incremental damage over time. Handling hair vigorously can speed up the growth of split ends.
• Avoid styling tools as much as you can. Excessive use speeds up the weathering and wear and tear.
• Use heat protectors before using styling tools.
• Stay hydrated as it will help you protect your locks from environmental damage.
• Don’t forget to nourish your hair with natural deep conditioning methods and treatments. It will help fortify your hair and prevent split ends.
• Wear scarves and hats to prevent damage from the harsh climate.
• Go for a hair trimming once a month to get rid of the early broken fibers.

Conclusion

Overall, split ends show that your hair needs nourishment and care. You can prevent split ends by following the simple tips in this article. But if weathering is severe, it is better to cut them off.

Although a high forehead is a common facial characteristic, it can be a problem if it overshadows your other features. Having a high forehead doesn’t mean that you are less beautiful. But it is often so accentuated that it minimizes the other features of your face. No one wants a big forehead to overshadow their other facial features.

While you cannot reduce the size of your forehead, you can surely do something to make it look smaller. The way you style your hair can make a big difference in how you look, especially if you have a high forehead. Properly set front hair can change your facial balance and hide imperfections (if you think you have any). Luckily, there are plenty of hairstyles that go perfectly with a high forehead that can help you create a gorgeous look.

If you happen to have a high forehead and you are looking for some smart hairdos to complement your facial features, we have you covered here. We’ve included five amazing hairstyles here that will help your big forehead work for you and help you create the right look.

Best Hairstyles for Big Foreheads

A Top Bun with Fake Bangs

Bangs are a never-rule-out hairdo when it comes to covering a big forehead. Cool front bangs define your best facial features and assets. Whether you are long-haired or have a bob, bangs work well with everything.

Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

One of the best parts about opting for this hairstyle is that you do not necessarily need to get a haircut. If you do not want to lose your hair length, imitation bangs will do the trick. With a simple technique, you can create a perfect faux-bangs look paired with a long ponytail or top bun. All you need is an elastic band and a few hairpins to make bangs that can cover your high forehead, giving you a youthful look.

To get started, tie your locks in a high ponytail and take a one-third section of them. Fan out that section and place it over the forehead. Adjust the length according to your forehead and create faux bangs. Secure the bangs on your head with bobby pins.  Wrap the rest of your hair into a high bun and secure it from different directions.

 A Half Bun with a Messy Head

There is no denying that half buns with a messy head work wonders to hide a large forehead. This might sound surprising to you, but the hairstyle has worked like a charm for many celebrities. Take Zooey Deschanel, for example, who has pulled off some of her best looks with this hairstyle that covers her big forehead.

s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

The hairstyle is a combination of elegance and simplicity as you can make it work for all types of events. However, you will need to get a haircut with long bangs to create this hairstyle.

Set your locks with texturizing hairspray and tie hair into a half, messy bun. Then, part your bangs slightly towards the right or left direction (up to you) with the help of your fingers. It will help prevent your hair from falling into your eyes while also finishing off the look.

Beach Waves with a Messy Hairstyle

Beach waves are all the rage because not only do they add dimension to your hair but they also provide a perfect cover for large foreheads. It is a natural-looking hairstyle that gives you a lot of room to balance your facial shape with shaggy waves. Thin and limp hair is one of the major reasons some foreheads look large. If your hair is thin in the front, it recedes back from the forehead, making the forehead look bigger. This is when you need a hairstyle that can make your tresses look fuller and thicker.

The messy texture of beach waves is what creates the volume in your hair.  It can help you cover your wide forehead. Whether you roll out your hair in a loose ponytail, braid it, or leave it untied, the hairstyle will work well with your large forehead.

 A Messy Pixie

A messy pixie haircut can make hiding a large forehead a breeze. If you are fond of short hair and do not mind a cropped hairstyle, a messy pixie can be the best solution for your wide forehead. This wash-and-go hairstyle adds a lot of edge to your features and frames the cheekbones. Plus, you do not need extra styling tools to set your locks.

If hiding a large forehead is your main purpose, it is better to opt for a feathered pixie. The hairstyle has asymmetrical cuts and you can keep the front edges on your forehead.

The Shaggy Bob

A shaggy bob can be one of your go-to choices if you want a flattering, yet smart hairstyle for your wide forehead. It suits all ages and has a range of different cuts. To have a more feminine finish and casual smoothness, try a wavy shaggy bob. They are easy to style and add amazing volume to your hair.

© dackelprincess/CC BY-SA 2.0

Similarly, fine shaggy bobs have layer cutting and are easy to volumize. By using loose waves, you can create multiple interesting hairstyles to hide your forehead and define your features.  For thick locks, a razored shaggy bob will do a great job by creating a new shape. It increases the density of your tresses and gives a trendy smoothness to your hair.

Final Thoughts

A large forehead, although being one of many common defining facial features, can be seen by some as unattractive; especially if they have thin and limp hair. However, having properly styled hair can easily solve this problem. The above-mentioned hairstyles are attractive, easy to do, and perfectly hide a wide forehead. Thus, with these hairstyles, you can easily turn your large forehead into something attractive.

There is no denying that your hair is one of the most important parts of your personality. However, changing your hairstyle every time you change your look can cause a lot of suffering to your hair. Unnatural shedding is one of the many signs that your locks might be suffering a lot.

The latest study has shown that around twenty-one million women and thirty-five million men suffer from hair thinning in the United States. In general, people suffer from excessive hair fall for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons are hormonal changes, certain illnesses, genetics, poor diet, and overuse of styling tools and chemical products. Among all these reasons, the one you might not have thought of is excessive combing.

Yes, you heard it right. Excessive brushing is one of the contributing factors of increased hair breakage and significant hair loss. Not only does it break the fragile strands of your hair but it also damages follicles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a lot of men and women lose much more than the average hair count per day. This results in thinning hair, which not only lowers their perceived attractiveness but also affects their self-esteem.

Luckily, there is a plethora of ways to overcome this problem. But before delving into the discussion of how you can reduce over-brushing, let’s take a look at some of the common mistakes you might be making while brushing.

Common Mistakes While Brushing

Brushing hair seems to be a no-brainer, right? All you need to do is grab your brush and stroke your locks. However, there is a right way and a wrong way when it comes to brushing your mane. As mentioned earlier, brushing your hair improperly damages your strands and causes tons of breakage and tangling issues. On the other hand, brushing properly makes your hair shiny, soft, and strong.

Here are the common hair-brushing mistakes that might be causing you to lose hair without you even realizing it.

Untangling When Hair Is Wet

Many people don’t know that hair is in its weakest state when it is wet. That means it is so vulnerable that even a slight stroke of a brush can break the strands. That is why smoothing and detangling it before you take a shower or bath is of paramount importance. This is also why you should never get your hair cut wet.

According to hair experts, detangling hair with your fingers is far gentler, and is one of the better methods of avoiding excessive hair thinning and damaging.

Brushing the Roots First

Brushing in the wrong direction is another common cause of hair-damage that many people do unknowingly. Remember, brushing your hair from the roots not only creates unnecessary breakage and damage but also causes more knots.

Hair experts always recommend detangling hair from the ends (a few inches away from the bottom) and working your way up from there. Once all the knots are detangled, move your brush close to the scalp. Make sure you brush your scalp and hair roots properly to redistribute natural oils that are essential for your hair to retain moisture.

Working this way, you will not pull out hair or cause unnecessary stress that could lead to possible damage. If you run your comb directly down the full length of your mane in a single swipe, you will end up snagging your brush on a knot. However, brushing it from the bottom helps you detangle the knots gently and enables you to brush your hair smoothly from the roots to the tips later.

Brushing Backwards

Brushing backwards or back-combing is not a very uncommon method of making buns, or puffy hairstyles. No doubt, the hair teasing technique is a great way to add texture and volume to hair. But there is a negative side to it that must not be ignored.

Brushing your hair backwards regularly can damage and break hair cuticles. As a result, your hair becomes more fragile, frizzy, and susceptible to hair thinning. Using a light hair spray is a good idea for adding volume without damaging hair.

Useful Brushing Tips

Choose the Right Type of Hairbrush

Hairbrushes do not follow a one-size-fits-all mentality. While a round-tip brush does well for others, it might not do well in your hair. This is what makes testing the brush before buying or using it important for healthy hair. If your hairbrush feels rough or painful, that means it does not complement the texture and type of your hair.

Always go for the right type of hairbrush to relieve knots and avoid tearing your hair out.

Brush Before Bathing

Brushing wet hair causes hair strain and leads to excessive hair damage. That is why it is important that your hair is detangled and knot-free before you wash it. Brushing your hair before bathing helps you prevent hair loss and damage. Additionally, it allows you to wash out shampoos and conditioners from your hair properly.

Say “No” to Brushing While Your Hair Is Wet

As we said, hair is prone to breakage and damage when it is wet. It is clear how important it is to get rid of the habit of brushing wet hair. Always comb your hair when it is dry, with a brush that has flexible bristles or a wide-tooth comb to reduce tress stress.

Brush From the Middle or Bottom First

Get accustomed to brushing your hair in an orderly pattern. Always start brushing your hair from the middle or bottom to avoid damage. Gently detangle the knots and then move your brush upwards toward the roots.

Some Benefits of Brushing Your Hair

Brushing your hair is like dry shampooing. It helps you eliminate impurities, buildup of encrusted scalp crystals, and uric acid.

Brushing hair might seem like a chore, but it has tons of benefits if you want to get beautiful, luscious, and nontoxic hair:

• Brushing your hair daily strengthens your hair by stimulating the scalp and distributing natural sebum through hair.
• It makes your tresses manageable, adds sheen, and smooths by restoring moisture.
• Brushing your hair moderately prevents hair loss as it increases the transportation of nutrients, oxygen, and sebum.

Conclusion

Anything can be harmful when you do it excessively, and hair brushing is no exception. Although brushing hair has several benefits, doing it excessively is dangerous for your hair health. Follow the given tips and proper hair care regime to keep your tresses in the best shape.

Maybe you just fantasize about looking like your favorite celebrity.

Whatever your reason, there’s a surefire solution for every kind of shoulder-length hair. We’re talking bobs, lobs, layered, and angled. You can find hairstyles for diamond faces to hairstyles for oval faces. No matter what you want to do with your hair, medium-length hairstyles give you plenty of ways to rock your locks. 

Here are some mid-length hair ideas to help you make the most of your shoulder-length hair.

The Barely-Outta-Bed Lob

A quick brush and tease is all you’ll need with this always-chic, medium-length hairstyle. Don’t be afraid to go just past the shoulders, especially if you have wavy hair. This is a great way to shape your hair without making lasting cuts.

Calling the lob super-easy is selling it short. Instead, it’s one of the most versatile mid-length hairstyles. 

• The lob’s a great stepping-stone hairstyle for those seeking a comfortable conversion from long hair. 
• Lobs give long hair new life, drastically changing your look without needing a severe change in your style.
• Lobs are a great base for other hair complements like bangs and layers.

The Shag Baby 

© dackelprincess/CC BY-SA 2.0

If you’re looking to take your hair from hands-on to no-fuss fast, the ageless shag is always an option. Your hair ends should just kiss your shoulders and the flighty layering shouldn’t start any higher than your eyes. This will add dimension to your hair, especially if you have fine hair. The result will make your hair look full without requiring a time-consuming routine to get it there. 

Slicked Back 

Slicking back your straight hair can be one of the more stunning hairstyles. It hasn’t gone completely out of style since those music videos in the 80s and always seems to make a celebrity comeback when it gets close. This might not make the list of most beautiful hairstyles, but it always makes a statement. 

Try to Be Blunt

A blunt cut can help control thick hair and is a stylish complement to side-swept bangs. A blunt cut is a great option for those with shoulder length hair who are looking for a quick, fashionable hairstyle. 

Use Your Hair to Frame Your Face

Layering your hair around your face in different ways can have a drastic effect on your features, making this one of the best medium hairstyles for round faces. Starting all the way down at shoulder length can also add life to straight hair. 

Change Your Hair with a Bang

There are many beautiful hairstyles for shoulder length hair that pair great with bangs. While your overall look sometimes points to a certain style of bangs as a complement, different cuts (side bangs, straight/full) can have different effects on your appearance. For example: 

• Full bangs: Add this to your list of hairstyles for round faces because the thickness helps your face appear less full. 
• Side bangs: They use your hair to create lines that draw attention to your eyes, which makes beautiful hairstyles out of even the easiest shoulder-length hair. This a great hairstyle for diamond faces and small foreheads.
• Thin: Airy bangs create great hairstyles for oval faces because they provide a focal point to your hair while highlighting your features. 

So, even if you’re already a believer in medium-length hairstyles, keep in mind that you can always shake things up with just a few snips of your hair.

Side Part

This hairdo does a great job of keeping your hair in place while keeping the strain off your follicles. This is a great look for pretty much all hair types, including wavy hair and curly hair. It’s not one of the more head-turning hairstyles, but it’s a great medium-length hairstyle option for round and oval faces. 

Keep It Down the Middle with a Center Part

A few pins is all you need to secure a stylish look that’s great for wavy hair or straight. This medium-length hairstyle highlights one of the best benefits of having hair that length: being able to tuck it behind your ear. While many hairdos for medium-length hair may start out in a different style, they often end up here because of how low-maintenance it is. But that doesn’t mean it can’t look good, too.

Find Your Angle

Sharp angles in your shoulder-length hair can create some stunning hairstyles. Straight hair instantly looks more modern, making an angle cut a bold, but beautiful, choice for someone looking at medium hairstyles.

Add a Little Color to Your Hair

Experimenting with changes in your hair doesn’t always need to include scissors. Say you already love your shoulder-length hair and how your side swept bangs make your eyes pop, but you still want to try a little something different. Adding a little (or a lot!) of color is an easy way to tweak your style. 

You don’t need to jump from blonde hair to black to make a statement. Be careful though, there are some things you want to consider before giving the dye a try, especially if you’re pregnant. 

Clip Back Your Curls

This method offers easy styling for simple shoulder-length hairstyles, giving you a way to tame your curly hair. Plus, using a clip will keep you from using a hair tie, which can pull your hair away from your scalp and damage your strands. 

Lots and Lots of Layers

Layers have long been a must-have in most medium-length hairstyles and its easy to see why. Layers can add volume and depth, making natural hair that’s thin appear much fuller. Layers also let wavy hair shine by going from unruly to stylish. 

Here are some examples of different fashionable ways to use layers for your hair:

• Textured layers: These add volume and depth throughout your hair
• Face-framing layers: These layers are cut into the hair at or just below the chin to accentuate your jaw and chin, making it one of the more popular hairstyles for oval faces
• Flippy layers: This sassy retro hairstyle uses layers that flip out. To modernize it, isolate the flips toward the ends of your hair and incorporate long, side-swept bangs for a fresh take on the medium-length hairstyle.
• Stacked layers: These layers are most often used in angled cuts. It refers to cutting the hair shorter in the back to accentuate the volume upfront.

Soft Side Braid

This simple staple has always been a lovely hairstyle for those days you don’t need to dress it up too much. Putting your hair in a soft braid or a loose ponytail if your hair isn’t long enough, can get your wavy hair under control without straining your follicles with a tight tug.   

Change with the Seasons

This is an especially useful idea if you’re going from long, natural hair and want to give several medium-length hairstyles a try. Start with a lob and introduce a new change to your hair with each season. Here’s an idea of how to naturally progress:

• Winter: Cut your hair into an easy lob
• Spring: Frame your face with some layers
• Summer: Introduce side bangs
• Fall: Continue adding textured layers or go with a completely different medium-length hairstyle, like an angle. There’s no wrong choice here.

Seasons are a fun way to mark the time with your hair because it goes along with every other change you make with each season, from your clothes to your decor. 

While it may be the best season to experiment with your hair, summer has its own natural hair care tips.

Change How You Care for Your Hair

If you’re not satisfied with how your medium-length hairstyle is working out for you, it may not be the style, but how you’re taking care of it. You may want to look at adjusting some of your habits with some super-simple, all-natural remedies. 

Want an example?

Did you know that many people claim rinsing hair with cold water helps solidify and distribute the natural scalp and hair oils?

The Verdict?

Whether you have blonde hair or brown, fine hair or full, there’s a medium length hairstyle that’s perfect for you. Plus, adding side bangs, full fringes, or a splash of color means your hairstyle can always feel new. 

There’s a reason there are so many shoulder-length hairstyles. It can be functional and stylish at the same time and that should be the only reason you need.

This makes learning how to bleach hair at home a scary prospect for many people. 

And can you blame them? 

After all, a small mistake can have huge consequences when bleaching hair, and when you DIY, there’s no one else to blame when things go wrong. 

But when done correctly, bleaching hair at home can be a great way to save money and time while controlling your hair color. Plus, you won’t need to spend hours at the salon.

You just need to know what to do and how to do it. 

Luckily, we can help you with both. 

Before You Bleach

The single best thing you can do if you’re looking to bleach into a lighter color is to prepare your hair with conditioner. And we mean lots of it. Ideally, you would deep condition your hair for weeks before your treatment, as bleach is notorious for stripping your hair of moisture and nutrients. 

Keep in mind that despite all we put it through, our hair is very sensitive. Heck, even regular shampooing can do more harm than good if you’re not careful. 

When you prepare your hair, the idea is to infuse as much moisture into your locks as possible before the bleach removes it. Think of it like hydrating before a workout; the goal is to add more moisture than you’ll sweat out. 

And if we stick with this metaphor, bleached hair has been through one of the most intense workouts imaginable. 

Here are some methods you can try at home to make sure your hair has a fighting chance against bleach:

• Get ready to overdo it with your conditioner: If you do nothing else to get your hair ready for bleach, make sure to condition. Then, condition and condition and condition again. Ideally, you’ll have around a week’s worth of conditioning headed into your treatment—and you’ll need every bit of it, especially if the process includes stripping your previous color out.
• Think about your shampoo: A few things: First, think about skipping the shampoo for a few days before your treatment. This will allow your natural oils and scalp sebum to distribute evenly and help trap in the moisture you’ve gained from conditioning. If you must shampoo, consider a gentle, sulfate-free soap. 
• Try a high-fat hair mask: Conditioning hair masks are a hot trend right now because it’s difficult to get such a high level of hair nutrition by other means. There are thousands of recipes for DIY hair masks, but look for one high in fatty acids and protein. Some good options include coconut oil, eggs, and avocados. These will reinforce your hair and its strands before the bleach arrives. After all, what good is your new hair color if it doesn’t survive the process?

Bleaching Hair: What You’ll Need

If you’ve ever cooked a meal without adequately preparing the ingredients and utensils, you know that’s a recipe for burnt food. You really don’t want the same to be said for your hair. So, before you reach for the bleach, make sure everything you’ll need is laid out and within arm’s reach. That list should include: 

• Hair lightener (bleach)
• Developer (Volume 20 or 30—see Step 2)
• Tinting brush
• Hair clips
• Latex or plastic gloves
• Medium-sized mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Balancing shampoo or purple shampoo
• Protein balancing conditioner
• Toner (optional)

We also recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting damaged and picking out two older towels: one to wipe the bleach from your hair and another to lay out underneath you to catch any drippage. The last thing you want to do is tread active bleach all throughout the house (you would have a matching carpet, though). 

Step 1: Strip Your Hair

A few important things to note here:

1. You only need to do this if your hair is not its original hair color.
2. If stripping your hair, make sure you only put your hair through one round of bleach on the same day.
3. DO NOT RUSH: Uneven coloring from a bad strip job will be a dead giveaway that your hair was bleached in your bathroom instead of a salon. 

Existing dyes can mess up your desired hair color, so stripping them out and starting with a clean slate before you bleach will give you the best results. The chemical agents that strip your hair aren’t that picky though and will take a lot of other things with them, like natural oils and protective layers, further emphasizing the need to properly prepare your hair. 

Each brand of hair stripper has its own directions, so you should always refer to those specific steps. But make sure to remember your latex gloves and expect this step to take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. 

Step 2: How to Bleach Your Hair

If you’ve started by pouring some bleach into a bowl, go ahead and (safely) dispose of it. Hair bleach has been developed and improved into a relatively safe product. While it’s always best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, the process usually involves mixing a bleach powder with a developer. This is where you’re able to control just how much your hair color changes. 

A developer is basically what gets the bleach to work with your hair. It opens your cuticles and determines just how much color is lifted from your hair. Here’s a quick guide of the different levels and what they do:

• Volume 10: This is the lightest of the levels and really only works as maintenance on hair that’s already light. 
• Volume 20: This strength will lift 2–3 levels of color from your hair, so it’s a great starting point for those with light brown hair. For those looking for golden blonde hair color, use this volume with your bleach.
• Volume 30:  This is the way to go for platinum, but it’s bordering on too harsh to try at home, at least until you’ve gotten the hang of using hair bleach. Many experts even warn against letting it touch your scalp. It’ll lift 3–4 levels of color at a time, though.
• Volume 40: Nope, don’t even think about it. It’s too harsh on your hair and scalp and should only be used by the pros, and certainly not as a DIY project. It’s healthy to understand your limitations. Especially when it comes to hair bleach.

Mix Up Your Bleach and Developer

Most experts and instruction pamphlets will tell you to use two parts of developer with one part bleach. Some have tried a 1:1 ratio and lived to tell about it. Our advice is to start with the instructions. You can always tweak the process in the future at your own risk. Either way, blend until smooth. 

Clip Your Hair Into Sections

Give yourself a clear path. Use clips to separate your hair into sections. This will let you know which sections have already been treated with bleach as you go. 

Apply the Bleach to Your Hair

Using a brush, apply the bleach to each section individually. Start at the back and move your way forward so that you bleach the higher sections last. Unclip your hair as you go. Some people suggest starting with just the middle portions of your hair strands, leaving the ends and roots for last. 

How Long to Leave in the Bleach

This depends on a lot, including your desired effect and how powerful your developer is. As your developer volume increases, the time you want it to set decreases. Again, always refer to the instructions. If you’re looking for an estimate of how long it’ll be before you can wash your hair, expect anywhere from 30–60 minutes. 

Rinse, Then Grab the Right Shampoo

Rinse out the bleach with cool water until it runs clear. Then use either purple shampoo or balancing shampoo to thoroughly wash your hair.

If you’re curious, the purple shampoo contains a violet pigment that will mix with your new color to take away the brassiness that may occur. Balancing shampoo regulates the acidity in your hair, an important step after an abrasive treatment like bleaching.

Dry, Then Decide

Ideally, you’d let your hair air dry instead of subjecting it to heat at this point. Once dry, determine if you need more bleach or if your hair is light enough. If you still need to lift a few levels, repeat the bleaching step above. 

Also remember, if you’ve stripped your hair already, wait at least a day to do the process again. 

When to Tone

Some people prefer to try a toner first as it’s not as harsh as a bleach, but that also makes it a less effective option, especially for lightening dark hair. Depending on the brand and ingredients, a toner will last in your hair for either eight to ten washings or eight to ten weeks. Some people even swear by toning their hair after rinsing out the bleach for a more thorough, even blonde color.

Step 3: After Care

In many ways, the real work starts after the bleach is rinsed out. Your bleached hair has been through a lot and now needs a little TLC. The best bet is to use a balancing shampoo like the one we mentioned earlier. This will allow the hair to begin the process of regaining its cuticles and oil levels as soon as you wash your hair. 

Also be sure to use a protein-balancing conditioner. Giving it as much moisture as possible is key after you’ve bleached your hair. Plus, the protein in this conditioner will fortify your hair strands to make it more flexible and strong. 

Here are some more tips to make sure your hair survives your DIY bleaching:

• Go for a cut: The ends of your hair are typically most damaged by bleaching, so make sure to take about ⅛ off to lose some dead weight and stop your ends from splitting even more. 
• Start a regular hair mask: For all the same reasons we suggest using a hair mask before you bleach, you should incorporate it into your after-care routine. High-fat, high-oil hair masks are a great way to heal your hair while helping it look soft and natural. 
• Stick to sulfate-free shampoo: Harsh sulfates in your shampoo can negate all the other goodness you’re adding. To keep from undoing your conditioning, pick a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to wash your hair.
• Rinse with apple cider vinegar: This natural antibacterial also is amazing for sealing moisture into your hair. Plus it normalizes your hair and your scalp’s acidity levels, making it a great all-natural way to make sure your newly blonde locks rock.

© Megan/CC BY 2.0

Bleaching your hair at home isn’t a simple, carefree process. But it’s not impossible either, especially if you prepare, take your time, and have a plan for after you bleach. If you do, you can enjoy a whole new look and still have healthy, strong hair. 

Best of all, you can do so without spending a ton of time or money at the salon.

Unfortunately, there are tons of misconceptions and mysteries surrounding what exactly a keratin treatment is. Whether you’re headed to a salon or thinking about trying one of the DIY keratin hair products on the market, you need to know what to look for. 

Here are the facts about the keratin treatment process. If you know what to ask for and understand what to expect, you can have movie-quality hair with bounce and shine you never thought possible. All thanks to a keratin treatment. 

Here’s how. 

What Is Keratin?

First it’s important to understand that keratin is responsible for creating pretty much anything found on the outer layer of the human body, including hair, nails, and skin. It’s produced and excreted by our cells and a deficiency can result in weak nails and hair. Luckily it’s found in plenty of foods, including:

• Broccoli
• Garlic
• Kale
• Spinach
• Proteins
• Foods rich in vitamin C

Why Use Keratin for Hair?

If you’ve ever made a papier-mâché volcano in grade school, you understand the principal of a keratin treatment. The basic idea of keratin therapy is to fill the hair’s pores and strengthen the cuticles, eliminating frizz and boosting shine. 

This can be done by slathering keratin onto your hair.

The downside? 

It’s not the most hair-friendly option. 

A traditional keratin treatment involves lots of chemicals that react together and produce a toxic forming gas when put under intense heat, the kind of heat that comes from, say, a flat iron. 

The result breaks down the bonds within the hair, allowing your strands to straighten. Then, the treatment seals your hair with keratin (and chemicals), giving it an air-tight cover that can last for months.

Keratin hair straightening works because the solution actually breaks down portions of your hair strands that give it its texture and shape. This is what allows your hair to straighten out. Though the effect will be offset some by your new shimmer and bounce, the keratin treatment will actually thin your hair a bit.

Also, the fumes are not to be taken lightly. It’s actually the gas formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. 

That shine, though. 

What Is a Keratin Hair Treatment?

There are a lot of different names you may have heard for this, but, technically speaking, a traditional keratin treatment is completely different than some of the other names it’s often confused with, including a Brazilian blowout, keratin smoothing treatment, and keratin straightening treatment. 

What’s worse, all four will get you much different results. 

To further confuse things, the power of keratin has picked up a lot of well-earned buzz. It’s being added into all kinds of everyday hair products. 

So, don’t get confused when you’re sifting through the tons of products that say “keratin” on their labels but don’t offer the results of a traditional keratin treatment. 

So, how do you know the difference?

What Is a Keratin Treatment Process?

While the term “keratin treatment” is used as a blanket term that covers a lot of different approaches, a traditional keratin treatment is pretty well-defined, especially in its step-by-step instructions. When you consult your stylist, or if you’re looking for a keratin straightening treatment at the store, see how closely they follow these guidelines.

1. Wash your hair thoroughly with a clarifying shampoo
2. Dry hair completely
3. Separate hair by combing through
4. Coat hair evenly with keratin treatment using styling brush
5. Dry hair with blow dryer
6. Flat iron the hair (if you’re trying this at home, make sure you use an anti-static flat iron)
7. Do not bend the hair for three days
8. Wash out thoroughly

If the steps don’t resemble these very closely (especially Nos. 7 and 8), then you’re probably not getting a traditional keratin treatment, but a newer procedure like a Brazilian blowout. In this variation, the solution is left in for hours, not days, and is washed out at the end. 

How Long Does a Keratin Treatment Last?

There are a ton of factors that affect this, but the answer varies from three to six months when using an actual keratin treatment. Your hair’s health, texture, conditioning level, and purity can all determine just how well the solution absorbs into the strands, which accounts for how long it’ll work. 

Products and procedures labeled “keratin smoothing treatment” and Brazilian blowouts often aren’t applied as harshly as a regular keratin treatment. That means not only do they not straighten your hair as well as a keratin treatment, they typically only last between a few weeks to three months. Their focus is typically on simply eliminating frizz instead of straightening as well. 

How to Make Your Keratin Treatment Last

Here are a few tips to make sure your keratin treatments lasts closer to six months, instead of just three:

• Look for a keratin treatment that needs to be left in for three days as these are usually the longest lasting.
• During those three days, do nothing to bend your hair, including ponytails, clips, or even tucking it behind your ear. Don’t even look at it funny.
• At the end of three days, you’re going to want to lather up your favorite shampoo and clean your hair like you never have before. Fight that urge. Using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo is the single greatest change you can make to increase the life of your new do because it won’t strip the solution from your hair like regular shampoos. This can extend your keratin treatment’s life by weeks. 

Can Your Keratin Be Formaldehyde-Free?

Thanks to keratin’s popularity, manufacturer’s are figuring out more and more ways to use it in our hair products. While it may not offer the huge, mane-changing results some of the bottles claim, it’s very rarely going to be a bad thing. 

This push has also caused companies to explore formaldehyde-free keratin hair products. While the results are still in the early phases, formaldehyde remains an essential ingredient in the most effective keratin treatments, when super-shiny, straight hair is the goal. 

Should You Try a Keratin Treatment?

Giving your hair a protective, straightening layer of keratin will certainly change your hair’s appearance, but it’s no walk in the park for its fibers. The intense heat is damaging and the process needs to be done in an open or well-ventilated area. 

If your goal is to tame some unruly locks and minimize frizz, there are certainly other options that aren’t as taxing on your tresses. There are plenty of all-natural shampoos and conditioners that will manage your curls without frying them into submission with chemicals. 

But if you’re looking for hair that’s fit for a red carpet and you understand everything that comes with getting there, a keratin treatment is a no-lose way to get the look you’ve only dreamed of.

For starters, they’re a great way to keep cool while staying stylish. Plus, with countless variations, braids are perfect for taking advantage of the freedom the summer months allow us with our hair styles. And since braids are temporary, you can revamp with very little risk. 

The benefits of braids go past just their style and convenience though. When not pulled tight, braids are a healthy alternative to a ponytail’s tightly pulled scalp and strand-strangling hair ties. 

Plus, braids are a great way to protect your hair from the elements. While we all love summer, it can be brutal on your hair, and protecting it from humidity and sunshine can be an afterthought. Braids limit the amount of hair exposed to the sun and keep it in place in the moist air. 

The key to learning how to braid hair is to brush it out completely before you start. Who wants to hit a knot and have to start over? Here are some hair brushing tips that will make sure your braids are at their best. 

So when you’re deciding what to do with your new summer do, start with braids.

Here are some styles you can’t go wrong with:

The Tried-and-True Three-Strand Braid

Chances are, you probably learned how to braid hair with a three-strand technique. Of all the different types of braids, three-strand braids are quick, easy to do on your own, and perfect for the spontaneity that the warmer months allow for. Just a few minutes of weaving and even your work hair can be ready for happy hour whether it’s at the bar or the beach. 

The ability to put your hair in a three-strand braid quickly makes it a practical, healthy alternative to the ponytail.

© Stilfehler/CC BY-SA 3.0

French Braids Are Always In Style

Not quite a DIY style, french braids use more intricate weaving to create their classic style. If you have thick hair, creating tighter braids can make it manageable; those with thin hair can pull their stitches out a bit to add body. Looser, boho looks are in right now, so don’t sweat a few loose hairs in your braids.

You’ll also see types of french braids used in other styles, whether they’re in pigtails or halos. The point is, don’t be afraid to experiment with your braids.

© Stilfehler/CC BY-SA 3.0

Double Down on Dutch Braids

Dutch braids, sometimes called reverse braids, use a very similar technique to french braids, but weave their hair using an underneath method, whereas French braids are weaved together over the top of each stitch. What you get is a beautiful alternative to French braids. Of course, many Dutch braids are worn tightly, so we suggest incorporating the weaving method into other styles like a braided crown. 

© Stilfehler/CC BY-SA 3.0

Get in Season with Fishtail Braids

Want to dive headfirst into the mermaid life this summer? Perhaps the most descriptive of all the different braid names, fishtail braids offer intricate styling that unmistakably screams summer. It’s also versatile enough to keep in on that first Monday back in the office after vacation. At least your braids will look like you’re still on the beach. 

© Stilfehler/CC BY-SA 3.0

Crown Braids Fit for a Queen

When worn loosely, these whimsical braids offer the complete blend of boho and special occasion, making it the perfect do for a beach wedding or a romantic night out during vacation. Television shows like Game of Thrones have revived crowned braids recently and this is definitely a braided style not to ignore.

Go Over the Edge with Waterfall Braids

Another style from yesteryear, waterfall braids incorporate the crowned look but do so by creating interlocking braids all the way around the head that allow the rest of your hair to cascade down. This produces a textured waterfall appearance that looks styled and relaxed at the same time. With the braids beginning at your temples, your hair is pulled away from your face, which can be a huge help with long hair. 

They Go Together like Pigtails and Braids

Yes, we realize you’re not in grade school anymore. But using braids gives your pigtails the little bit of style they need to go from juvenile to playful. Also, by creating two different pull points (which are undoubtedly different than your normal ponytail placement), you’ll be able to put your hair up while still relieving the normal strain on your scalp. Always try to keep your braids as loose as possible for this same reason. 

Still not sure about going with pigtail braids? Relax! It’s the summer!

Go All-In with Half-Up Braids

Hopefully no one catches on to the fact that this is a super-easy way to add some texture and style with braids without having to work too hard at it. Half-up braids are a great way to thin out a sweaty mane during the hot summer months, and they’re a wonderfully breezy complement to your favorite sundress. Use it with all the different braids—fishtail, pigtails, crowned, or Dutch braids, there’s a half-up variation for every occasion. 

Going with half-up braids means your loose hair will be on display. To keep your hair healthy in the sun, consider using a sulfate-free shampoo to help preserve your scalp and hair’s natural oils, which help stand up to the elements while giving your hair a natural shine. That way your half-up braids won’t be displaying a dirty head of hair.

Should You Try Braids This Summer?

The great thing about braids is that they offer a style for everyone, from the ultra-conservative, bookish types that are simply looking for no-fuss, all the way to the ultra-stylish trendsetters looking to use braids in ways no one has before. 

Braids allow your hair to stand and shine on its own while still allowing the comfort of a ponytail.

So give braids a go this summer and try out any style from above to bring in a fresh new look.