Effortless Top Knot Tutorial: Spring Hairstyle

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GoodyStyle #CollectiveBias

Ready for a spring hairstyle that requires no heat, no bobby pins, and is super easy to do? Enter the top knot, and it's one of the hottest hairstyles right now--just search "celebrity top knot" and you'll see what I mean. It's not as structured as a ballerina bun but more structured than a messy bun. And it only requires a brush and hair elastics. 

I went to Target and picked up the Goody Clean Radiance Oval Cushion Brush and the Goody Ouchless Elastics.

I picked the Goody Clean Radiance Oval Cushion Brush because the copper bristles massage the scalp to help reduce buildup, which means hair will will healthier and more radiant. Plus, it's adorable. I even painted my nails to match it. What? Just make sure you don't use it with a blow dryer since the copper bristles will get hot. To clean it, just dip in lemon juice and wipe away!

The Goody Ouchless Elastics are a must for me, since they give a comfortable, secure hold. I chose black but they have neutrals and colors. And you get 10x more ponytails than the leading competitors.

Here's my Top Knot Tutorial:

Brush dry hair to remove tangles. This hairstyle can be done on freshly-washed hair or needs-to-be-washed (me). 

Pull hair into a high pony on top of head. Make sure it's centered.

Now twist the tail. It doesn't matter the direction of the twist. 

Bend the twist into a horseshoe or donut and secure with elastic at the base.
There should be a bit of tail sticking out.
Note how it's not flat against the head like a bun--this is a "knot."

Take the tail that remains and divide in half. Wrap it around base of knot. If you have thin hair you can simply tuck it under the elastic, or you can use another elastic (that's what I did) to secure it. Bits of it should stick out.

And that's it!

Singing with your brush as a microphone, optional! ;)

TIP: If your hair is shorter than mine, try a mini top knot. Just pull back the top layer and do the steps mentioned above.

FYI: Before you head to Target to pick up the brush and elastics, CHECK THE CARTWHEEL APP for a discount (and keep checking since they update it):

20% off Goody Hairbrushes 

Would you try a top knot?

Fess up: do you use your hair brush as a microphone?

Winter No-Heat Hairstyle: Refresh Your Hair Fast!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RethinkMyColour #CollectiveBias

So winter finally arrived in Atlanta over the weekend! And with it, just a sneeze of snow, but cooler temps. The cold is doing a number on my hair, and it's looking dry and drab. I won't be able to get to the salon until next month, and I decided to do something about the situation--an easy winter refresh with some new products. You're going to love these, and they've got something for brunette and blonde hair.

I headed to my local Walgreens (a must for this busy beauty blogger) and grabbed some new products from the John Frieda Colour Care line. I easily found the Brilliant Brunette® Visibly Brighter™ Subtle Lightening Shampoo/Conditioner and the Brilliant Brunette® Visibly Brighter™ In-Shower Treatment. 

FYI: Buy 1 Get 1 50% off with Walgreens Balance Rewards card. 

Available both in-store and online.

Valid 1/1/16 – 1/30/16, so hurry and check out this deal!

I love the Brilliant Brunette Visibly Brighter line because they gradually brighten hair for a natural-looking sun-kissed brunette & they illuminate glowing tones. Plus, it only lightens your natural spectrum, so no worries for your hair type (like for my color-treated hair for example). I used the shampoo, then the in-shower treatment, and finished with conditioner. Look at the results below:

Doesn't it look brighter and not so dark and drab? Now that the hair color is looking refreshed, time for a quick no heat winter hairstyle. You need 5 minutes and some bobby pins. You can do this on straight, wavy, or curly hair. My hair is still curly from using a curling wand the day before.

If you have "hat head" or windblown hair and need to freshen it up, this is my go to. I call it the Double Bun, a twist (pun intended) on the regular bun. 

Pull back half of your hair, like pictured above. 

Now take the hair you pulled back and twirl it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins. 

You can leave it like this, or take it an extra step, and repeat with the bottom half. 

Just twirl it into a bun and pin!

And that's it! Just a fun way to mix up the usual bun by doubling it!

I love this look the more undone it becomes. It works well on shorter hair, too. And now, my winter hair is no longer drab--it's a little lighter and fabulous!

Would you try the double bun?

Have you heard of the new John Frieda products?

4 Fall Hairstyles in 4 Minutes

Hey you! How was your weekend? The week dragged on and the weekend was over in a blink. Saturday I went to SoFabUOTR, a blogger conference. Sunday, ended up being a super busy day of catch up, after being sick for a week. I'm ready for a do-over. How about you?

And since I've been so busy, I've been doing a lot of quick hairstyles to mix things up. I've got 4 hair ideas that are perfect for fall, since the biggest hair trend is effortless with a bit of polish--just a little messy. These don't take much time at all and can be dressed up or down, as desired. Plus, they all kind of build upon each other, as you'll see 4 Fall Hairstyles in 4 Minutes:

Sleek, Low Pony

• This has been named as a huge fall hair trend--expect to see it everywhere.
• I secured mine with a clear elastic and wrapped a section of hair around it to hide the elastic. I secured it with a bobby pin.

I had to give a shout out to Irresistible Me, who gave me a full set of hair extensions--just a few are pictured above. Since my hair is shorter now, I used these for fullness and length. I highly recommend trying them! They've got a variety of products, as well as various lengths to give the look you desire. 

Flipped Pony Bun

• This is a fun twist on a regular bun. To build upon the low pony, reach above the elastic as pictured, to create a hole. Pull the pony tail through it (this will look just like the Topsy Tail, if you remember those).

Gather the tail into a bun and secure with bobby pins. You can make this very messy (above) or very elegant (below). I've even done this for weddings.

Side Twists

• Try this when you are growing out your bangs. Take a section from the side and twist it. Pin in the back. Repeat on the other side.

Criss-Cross Pull Back

• This builds up on the last hairstyle, as you are going to keep adding to the back. Take a section from the left and cross it over to the other side. You can hold it or pin it. 
• Now take a section from the right and cross is over the left. It should go a little lower than the first section you crossed over. You can pin that or hold it. 
• Repeat at least once more. You can see in the right pic above I'm showing you about how low I go with my sections. Make sure everything is pinned.

And that's it! Four no heat fall hairstyles in 4 minutes!

Extra Elle:

• Did you watch the Emmy's last night? I had it on and looked up every now and again.
• Don't forget--my first link up is tomorrow. More info is HERE.

Twisted Together: Easy, 3 Minute, No Heat Hairstyle

I've got a really easy hairstyle today that you can do it 3 minutes. This is perfect for back to school or those days when you don't want to use heat on your hair.

DIY Vanilla Sea Salt Beachy Waves Spray

It's summer, and my favorite hairstyle has to be Beachy Waves. I love it. And one of my favorite posts is my annual diy beachy waves recipe. This year's recipe is for those who want a light hold, less frizziness, and a vanilla scent. Check out the recipe:

Need:

• spray bottle
• kosher salt
• aloe juice
• carrier oil
• vanilla oil
• water
• funnel

Do:

• The amount of each ingredient depends on the size of the bottle. I used a small travel-size bottle in the pic above, so my sizes will reflect that. 
• I took a very small handful of salt and put it in the bottom of the bottle.
• Using a funnel, I added 2/3 of aloe juice. Mine is from Trader Joes, but try any health store or online.
• Next, I added three drops of vanilla oil and half a teaspoon of carrier oil. Think jojoba, argan, or castor oil (coarse hair), or many more.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with filtered water, secure the top and shake.
• Spray damp or dry hair. Scrunch hair with an old tshirt to help with frizziness.

FYI:

• This works well to add texture and volume to hair. 
• This spray is awesome for heat or no heat waves. 
• If you have stick-straight hair, pretty much no spray will make it wavy, if you don't have natural wave to it, so that's why I suggest using this in conjunction to waves or curls.
• If you find your spray nozzle is clogged, shake your spray, and add more water, or consider skipping the oil. I have also added small, clean pebbles or rocks to help break up the spray.  I also have poured a little into my hand and dispersed through hair.
• This will keep for a couple of months.
• Since salt is drying, be sure to use a good clarifying shampoo on hair to remove any residue and condition afterwards.

Beachy waves in my hair--just missing the actual beach. ;)

More beachy waves recipes:

• 1
• 2--my most popular one
• 3

Are you a fan of beachy hair for summer?

How To: Easiest Fishtail Braid Tutorial (Video)

Hey you! How was your weekend and your first day of summer? It was a rainy weekend, but the sun decided to come out Sunday, so I finally got a dip in the pool. One of my favorite summer hairstyles (for the pool, beach, or anytime) is the fishtail braid.

But no matter what tutorial I tried, I just couldn't figure the braid out. Instead, I tried a trick using the same method of when I taught myself how to braid as a little girl: I visualized the braid unraveling and then how to put it together. I came up with this method and everyone who has tried it can now fishtail braid. And now so can you. Here's how to:

Need:

• large mirror (if doing this on yourself)
• brush or comb
• hair elastic

Do:

-Brush or comb hair to remove tangles. This will make it easier to braid.

-Do a side part.

-Now, take your hair to the opposite side of where you just parted it. TIP: I like braiding my hair in front since it's easier when you can see what you're doing! Even if you wouldn't wear it on the side, try it this way for practicing the braid until you get the hang of it.

-Divide your hair in half. The two sections should be equal so your braid will be even. I call them the right section and the left section.

-I consider each section to have an outside and an inside. The outside points toward the wall. The inside points toward hair (see pic above).

-Take a piece from the outside of a section of hair. You can start with either the left or right section. 

-Make sure the pieces you choose remain the same in size so the braid will be consistent and even.

-Take that piece from the outside of your section and cross it over to the inside of the opposite section.  For example, take a piece from the outside of the right section, and cross it over to the inside of the left section.

-Now, you'll repeat the same steps but with the other section of hair.

-Take a piece of hair (it should be the same size as the first piece) from the outside.

-And cross it over to the inside of the opposite section.

-Now, go back to section 1, take a piece from the outside, and cross it over to section 2.

-Take a piece from the outside of section 2, and cross it over to the inside of section 1.

-Repeat until you are ready to finish the braid.

-Secure with hair elastic and you're done!

-Tips & Tricks:

• I suggest pulling hair taut after you complete a piece to help keep braid from falling. 
• If you have fine hair, try using smaller pieces.
• You don't have to wear this as a side braid, just try this method for practicing.
• To give hair texture, try using a dry shampoo, volumizing powder, or beach waves spray on dry hair before braiding. Don't use this on the roots, but instead, put product on fingers and rub through hair.
• For a bigger braid, try a volumizing shampoo or beach waves spray (the latter makes me hair frizzy and gives me bigger hair). Also, once hair is braided, gently pull at pieces to make the braid a little bit bigger and more undone.
• For those sprigs of hair (if you're like me and have layers), spray a little dry shampoo on a bobby pin. Insert bumpy side down pushing the sprig back into place. See video for demo.
• Or you can create an undone braid look by embracing those sprigs of hair. Use beach waves spray, dry shampoo, or texturizing paste to define those pieces.
• I like allowing a dampened fishtail braid to dry. You can spray it with water after you braid it. Once dry, let the braid out for no heat waves.

-Still need help? I am arranging Google Hangouts for one-on-one tutorials (more details in video). So before you say you can't do it (yes you can!) check out my video tutorial below of the fishtail braid:

Click here if you can't see video above.

Love Target? Want to win some giftcards? Enter these giveaways:

• $100 Target giftcard from Sonia Kashuk (also enter here)--ends 6-30 
• $100 Target giftcard from St. Ives--ends 6-30

How To: Milkmaid Braid in 5 Easy Steps

Happy Friday! I can't believe the weekend is upon us. I'm looking forward to doing nothing, since this sinus infection has overtaken my life! But seriously, if you know me at all, you know I'm horrible at doing nothing. If I do venture out, I'll definitely be doing this Milkmaid braid--it's a classic style that's easy to do. I got it out of DIY Braids by Sasha Coefield.

Sidenote: This book was sent to me last year and unfortunately was part of the Hard Drive Crash of 2013. I'm still a little bitter about losing that info. Anyway, I was showing a friend a hairstyle out of the book, and asking her didn't she remember seeing it on the blog? She didn't because I never posted it. Oops. So without further ado, here's a Milkmaid Braid (via the book DIY Braids) in 5 easy steps.

               1--Section off the upper right quarter of your hair and secure it in a ponytail. My tip: If you have fine hair, try using some dry shampoo to give it texture.

2--Sweep the hair from the left side of your head over to the right and start braiding it upwards.
3--Braid until you reach the ends of your hair, then secure the braid with an elastic. Pin the braid to the top of your head. My tips: To get pins to stay, I spray them with a little dry shampoo and insert them bumpy-side down, and criss-cross (will make ya jump, jump) them.

4--Take the first section you secure earlier and remove the elastic or clip. Sweep it to the left side of your head and begin braiding upwards, following the same as steps 2 and 3.
5--Bobby pin the braid to the top of you head. Tuck under the ends of each braid so that they don't show.

My tips: This looks great on on fine, curly, or thick hair--I like it best on fine hair, as I always feel my braids look too thick! A fishtail version looks cute too. Sounds pretty easy, right? It came from the book DIY Braids. Here's some more info:. 

from a Triple Fishtail to a Tucked French to a Traditional Milkmaid, Sasha Coefield, creator of the popular beauty and fashion YouTube ChanneAskSash88, shares her braiding secrets in DIY Braids: From Crowns to Fishtails, Easy, Step-by-Step Hair Braiding Instructions.

Overall, I loved this book. I think it's awesome a vlogger has a book! DIY Braids features over 30 braid styles, for all skill levels (easy, intermediate, hard). While the Milkmaid Braid came in at 5 steps, most of them are around 9, but they are very detailed, making the tutorials easy to follow. 

There is also great, simple, clean photography--just the hair and the style in progress. There are also styles featuring a model with curly hair. If you've ever wondered how to do a certain braid, this book has it.

 It also covers the basics, like the 3-strand braid and other techniques.

While many of the styles are cute and casual, there are some that are perfect for day, night, work, formal events or weddings. This would make a great gift for teens, those who want to learn the basic braids and beyond, no-heat hairstyles, and for those looking to mix up their hairstyles. This book would come in handy especially in the summer! I even learned a couple of new styles! I highly recommend this book and suggest checking it out.

A Month of No Heat Hairstyles

I'm finishing up my Back to School series with a request! If you've asked for hairstyles that are easy, quick, and require no heat, then you'll love today's post. I've got a month (31 days) of hairstyles just for you! Enjoy!

Before We Begin:

• These are mostly classic hairstyles, with a few fun ones thrown in.
• Hairstyles are shown in no particular order.
• I suggest having bobby pins, dry shampoo, hairspray, hair elastics, a hair brush, and teasing comb/brush.
• If these are too basic for you, no worries! I have plans for more months of no heat hairstyles.
• Since I have long hair and no bangs, naturally my hairstyles are geared towards that. Many of these can be modified for other lengths of hair.
• If I've shared a hairstyle before, it is linked. Click the link for more pictures and step-by-step instructions.

1. Bun Waves--Wrap damp hair in 2-3 buns. Once dry, you'll have loose waves.

2. Triple Bun--Divide hair in 3 sections. Make 3 buns and pin.

3. Pony Twist--Pull hair into a pony but leave one section out. Twist remaining section and wrap around hair elastic. Secure with bobby pin.

4. Double Braid Headband--Take 2 small sections of hair from both sides of your face. Braid and pull across top of head and secure with pins.

5. Flip Pony Bun--Make a pony and pull hair back through. Wrap into bun.

6. Side Braid--Make a braid on chosen side of your hair.

7. Braided Half Updo--Take 2 small sections of hair from both sides of face and braid. Place across back of head and secure.

8. Milkmaid Braids--Divide hair in half and braid each half. Pull up and over each side of head and secure.

9. Low Big Bun--Use a sock or hair donut.

10. Low, Sleek Pony--Make a pony at neckline. Use serum or cream to smooth.

11. Side Bun--Pull hair into side pony and wrap into bun.

12. Rope Braid--Divide hair into 2 sections. Twist each in opposite directions and wrap around each other.

13. Messy Bun--Gather hair at top of head and secure.

14. Princess Bun--Use a sock or hair donut.

15. Loop Waves--Twist hair into loops and pin on top of head. Allow to dry for loose waves.

16. Waterfall Braid--Click for tutorial.

17. Braided Bun-- Divide hair into 2 or 3 sections and braid each one. Form into a braid.

18. High Pony--Make a low pony and pull the "tail" up to give your pony some height.

19. Headband Side Pony--Side pony with a headband.

20. Knot Pull Back--Take a section from each side of your head and tie into a knot (or more). Secure.

21. Hidden Side Twist--Take a section and divide in half. Twist and pin back. Pull hair over the twist to hide.

22. Fishtail Braid--Click for tutorial. Want a video? Let me know!

23. Sponge Rollers--Roll the ends of hair into sponge rollers for easy curls. Mine are from Ebay.

24. Knot Bun--Hair is divided into 2 sections and tied in a knot. Repeat this step an additional time or two. Secure with bobby pins.

25. Hair Bow--Take two sections and tie into a bow. Secure with pins.

26. Double Twist Side Pony--Divide hair in half, and then half again. Twist each half and bring into one pony.

27. Side Twist Bun--Twist a section of hair and wrap around side bun.

28. Double Side Twist--Make twists on both sides of head and secure with pins.

29. 3-in-1 Braid--Divide hair into 3 sections. Braid each and then make the 3 braids one big braid by braiding them together.

30. Rod Waves--Wrap hair around curling rods and roll up. Allow to dry for loose waves.

31. Side Braid--Make a small braid on the side of hair.

Which hairstyle is your fave?

PS: I've got 2 amazing giveaways for you to enter:

• Enter to WIN $100 SPA FINDER giftcard from Summer's Eve.
• Enter to WIN $100 TARGET giftcard and a RuMe phone case.