Helpful Hair Tips

We all know that being a Pres student leaves us with zero time to think about our appearances at school. The following quick and simple hairstyles can take the thinking out of styling your hair during the school week.

Monday: You’re in a beginning-of-the-week slump, and there are still five more days of school left before your next time to breathe. Start your week off with the traditional Pres bun. Some variations can include: a low bun, top-of-head bun, or a braided bun.

For a twist on your everyday bun, try the braided bun. Place small, random braids throughout your hair, then collect it all into a bun. For another variation of a braided bun, gather your hair into a ponytail (high or low), then separate the ponytail into two sections. Braid each section separately. You can choose to secure them or not. Then, wrap one braid in a clockwise direction, and the other counterclockwise. Secure each braid underneath your bun with a few bobby pins.

Wednesday: You’ve made it halfway through the week, but you’re super tired from staying up until unbelievable hours of the night trying to finish that crazy load of homework you were assigned. Stay collected on the outside with a cute and easy fishtail, which will make it impossible for anyone to guess the exhaustion you feel inside. It will give you a casual, put-together look, keep the hair out of your face all day, and is a nice alternative to the normal everyday braid.

Simply separate your hair into two even sections. Hold both sections in your left hand, but keep them separated. Grab a thin section of hair from outside of the right side, and cross it over to the left side, joining it to the left side. Then hold the two sides with your right hand. With your left hand, take a thin section from the left side and cross it over to the right side, joining it to the right side. Repeat this all the way down until your hair is all braided. Then secure with an elastic.

Friday: It’s Friday! You have the weekend to look forward to, but still have a million tests to take care of. Keep your cool with this fun twist on braids. “The Waterfall Braid.” It will keep your hair out of your face in a pretty way so you can focus on acing those tests.

First, collect a small section of hair at the top of one side of your head, close to your part, and begin by braiding the strands three times like a French braid. Once you’ve French braided the left section of hair (now in the center) drop the right strands and let them fall along the side of your head.

Pick up a new piece of hair in the dropped section’s place, as well as a new piece on the left side like a traditional French braid, and braid the three sections again, dropping the right portion after you’ve completed the braid. Continue this process, wrapping the waterfall braid toward the back of your head as you go.

Once you’ve passed the back of your head with the waterfall braid, end with a traditional braid and secure the end with an elastic. If you’re feeling really up for it, braid in a pretty colored ribbon for an extra pop of color or add some style with a flower or jeweled clip where the waterfall braid and traditional braid meet.

Black and White is coming up. You’ve got the date, the dress, the shoes, but you’re having a dilemma over how to style your hair. Don’t worry, the Voice has you covered.

Rolled Up-do—Part your hair to the side, then roll the front section of one side upward into a twist, pinning it against your head as you go if needed. Then repeat this on the opposite side. When both sides are completely twisted, grab the twisted ends of your hair and wrap one twist in a clockwise direction, and wrap the other twist in a counterclockwise direction. This will then look like a bun, and use bobby pins to secure it. Use hairspray to prevent flyaways from slipping out. Secure your hair with bobby pins, then use a pretty headband to accessorize the look.

Curled Side Pony—Curl your hair (as loosely or tightly as you wish). Then simply gather your hair into a low ponytail, slightly to one side. Secure with a clear elastic. You can put a cute hairpin or flower (something to go with your dress) to cover the elastic.

Curled bun—Work volumizer mousse throughout your hair. Separate the back and front sections of your hair (sort of draw a line from ear to ear). Separate the back section into two parts: right and left. Tie a knot with the right and left sections, and fasten them with bobby pins. Begin curling each individual strand, and then fasten them to your hair. Repeat this until all of your hair is curled and fastened. Curl the front section of hair with some looser curls. Finally, either braid or clip your bangs and remaining hair to the bun in the back. You can choose to add a headband to complete your look.

So now your only worry should be which style to choose! With these fun styles, Pres girls can break their messy hair reputation, both at school and at Black and White. Even if you don’t wear these styles out of the house, I know at least half of us will try them out as a new outlet for procrastination. If this is the case, procrastinate away ladies.

Trend Report: All About Prom

The month of April is rolling around and we all know that means Prom season! You asked your guy in the cutest way, memorized the date and bought your bid. Now all that’s left is the most complex element for girls to execute perfectly: their outfit! Though you may be freaking out about what kind of dress to buy, what shoes to wear and how to do your hair, don’t have an emotional breakdown quite yet. The Voice has all best ideas to make your outfit (and night, of course) one to remember.

Dresses: there are only so many in our area and thousands of girls. No one wants to show up in the same dress as someone else, but even if you do, at least you’ll be confident in the dress you chose. The first dress trend is bright and colorful. Make yourself stand out and look striking while doing so. This is different from typical black and will show your date you’re confident and comfortable being bold.

If bright isn’t for you, another trend this prom season is gold dresses. Gold is timeless and very elegant. Whether your dress is full gold sequins or a faded gold shimmer, the color will make you look more mature.      

If you are not into the long prom dresses, you’re in luck. 2010 prom is welcoming short dresses. You will gain more attention in a short dress, since a long one is classic for prom. It will show you are more edgy and are not afraid to stand out and show a little leg. No matter what kind of dress you decide on, the number one most important factor is that you feel comfortable in it.  All dresses can be tailored for a low price to fit your exact size, so if one area is not fitting correctly, you don’t need to change sizes. Also remember that the size does not matter because all designers use a different scale. Just keep in mind that confidence goes a long way, so if you’re happy in your dress, everyone else will love it as well!

Shoes: You found your dress, but now you need some matching shoes. The first step to finding your perfect shoes is to take into consideration the type of dress you have. If your dress has a design already on it, a simple colored shoe is the way to go. If your dress is a solid color, feel free to go as crazy with your shoe design as you want! Just don’t overdo your look and make your appearance too busy. Sparkled shoes are in this season and bring a little pizzazz to your feet (they also help show off your new pedicure)!

If you are a shorter girl or just want to look taller, buy shoes that are similar to the color of your skin tone. This elongates the look of your legs and is very in this season. If you wear stockings, make sure to take them into consideration when picking your shoe color. Finally, if your dress allows you to show off your shoes, you may want to consider heels with straps that wrap around the leg. They draw in immediate attention and are not only in on the runway, but for prom as well. Many of these types of shoes come with the bonus that they help support your feet so that you are more secure in your shoes. Consider these elements when you are shopping for your prom shoes.

Hair: Your look is almost complete, but now something must be done with the un-brushed, knotted ponytail on the side of your head. A total transformation can be made by yourself, your parent or a professional hair stylist. If you are looking for an updo style, messy buns are very trendy this spring. When properly executed, they look elegant yet not to showy. The runways are especially fond of the side bun, so feel free to remain with your lopsided, Pres hair ways.

As many of us have seen, another hair trend is braids. Whether they wrap over your head, are only in your bangs, or reach the back of your head, braids are one of the most popular looks for prom this season. They are easy to do and keep the hair out of your face. 

Finally, the half-up look is always big for prom. You can have the best of both worlds with your hair up and down. This will keep the hair out of your way, but still display your beautiful head of hair which is usually covered by a hoodie. Again, no matter what you do with your hair, make sure that you like it. If you don’t like one element of your outfit, you can wind up ruining your entire night! Don’t be afraid to try something new or ask your hairstylist for a few changes.

Pres girls, you are now ready for your 2010 Prom. With a lovely dress, perfectly matching shoes and a hairstyle to complement them both, you will surely be a star of the night. Remember when finding these elements out for prom to stay calm, breathe and most importantly, have a good time!