We haven't done a hair tutorial in ages! So, my friend (and hair genius) Caroline, photographer Jamie Beck and I decided to come together to whip up this gorgeous mermaid tail. It's perfect for those lazy summer day (or date nights) when you want to surprise and awe people with your hair. I absolutely love it--in fact, it might be my favorite hair tutorial yet. How gorgeous is that braid, above?!
Here are Caroline's steps, if you'd like to try it out...
1. Divide your hair into two equal sections.
2-4. Braid each section, and tie the end with an elastic band. You'll want to do what's called a "Dutch braid." For a normal braid, you take the outside section and cross it IN FRONT of the middle section. A Dutch braid is the opposite: the outside section goes BEHIND the middle section. It's important to do the braids this way so that they'll look seamless when when you connect the two sections later.
5-6. Fatten out the two braids by pulling apart the outer edges. I like to "smush" the braid back and forth in my fingers, too—whatever makes them fuller and fatter and not so sleek.
7. Line up the two separate braids so they begin to look like one big fat braid. It's important to make sure the middle section of the mermaid tail lines up--don't worry if the ends of your braids (the hair that is sticking out underneath the elastic) are uneven, it won't matter. It's more important to line up the braid correctly, so the center of the tail matches.
8. Pin the center of the two braided sections together. I tend to use mini bobby pins since they are easier to hide, and I like to pin them in and up (you start with the pin facing horizontally, then as you push it into the hair, you direct it vertically). Use as many bobby pins as it takes, until you feel the braid is secure. I used about five little pins, and pinned about 1 1/2 inches apart, wherever I could best hide them.
(Optional step: You can remove the two separate rubber bands at the end, and just use one to combine the two tails together. I didn't do this because I used smaller rubber bands to begin with.)



"That's it!" says Caroline, "Such an easy fun way to wear something other than a plain ol' braid!" Would be great to wear this braid all summer, don't you think? :) (And here are our eight previous hair tutorials, if you'd like more summer hair ideas.) Thank you again, Caroline and Jamie!
(Photos by Jamie Beck for Cup of Jo. In the outdoor photos, Caroline is wearing this chambray top. Her jewelry is from her own line, Brvtvs, and her lipstick is So Chaud by MAC. In the how-to photos, she is wearing a vintage striped tee--similar one here--and vintage jeans--similar ones here.)
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Mermaid Tail Braid
Posted by creation of the nation at 8:42 PM 0 comments
Labels: beauty, Fashion, hair, hair tutorial, tutorial
Mermaid Tail Braid
We haven't done a hair tutorial in ages! So, my friend (and hair genius) Caroline, photographer Jamie Beck and I decided to come together to whip up this gorgeous mermaid tail. It's perfect for those lazy summer day (or date nights) when you want to surprise and awe people with your hair. I absolutely love it--in fact, it might be my favorite hair tutorial yet. How gorgeous is that braid, above?!
Here are Caroline's steps, if you'd like to try it out...
1. Divide your hair into two equal sections.
2-4. Braid each section, and tie the end with an elastic band. You'll want to do what's called a "Dutch braid." For a normal braid, you take the outside section and cross it IN FRONT of the middle section. A Dutch braid is the opposite: the outside section goes BEHIND the middle section. It's important to do the braids this way so that they'll look seamless when when you connect the two sections later.
5-6. Fatten out the two braids by pulling apart the outer edges. I like to "smush" the braid back and forth in my fingers, too—whatever makes them fuller and fatter and not so sleek.
7. Line up the two separate braids so they begin to look like one big fat braid. It's important to make sure the middle section of the mermaid tail lines up--don't worry if the ends of your braids (the hair that is sticking out underneath the elastic) are uneven, it won't matter. It's more important to line up the braid correctly, so the center of the tail matches.
8. Pin the center of the two braided sections together. I tend to use mini bobby pins since they are easier to hide, and I like to pin them in and up (you start with the pin facing horizontally, then as you push it into the hair, you direct it vertically). Use as many bobby pins as it takes, until you feel the braid is secure. I used about five little pins, and pinned about 1 1/2 inches apart, wherever I could best hide them.
(Optional step: You can remove the two separate rubber bands at the end, and just use one to combine the two tails together. I didn't do this because I used smaller rubber bands to begin with.)



"That's it!" says Caroline, "Such an easy fun way to wear something other than a plain ol' braid!" Would be great to wear this braid all summer, don't you think? :) (And here are our eight previous hair tutorials, if you'd like more summer hair ideas.) Thank you again, Caroline and Jamie!
(Photos by Jamie Beck for Cup of Jo. In the outdoor photos, Caroline is wearing this chambray top. Her jewelry is from her own line, Brvtvs, and her lipstick is So Chaud by MAC. In the how-to photos, she is wearing a vintage striped tee--similar one here--and vintage jeans--similar ones here.)
Posted by creation of the nation at 8:42 PM 0 comments
Labels: beauty, Fashion, hair, hair tutorial, tutorial
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
How to: Front Braid Hairdo


Ever since Madewell's spring catalogue came out, I've been dying to try the front braid hairdo. Isn’t it sassy? So, you can imagine my excitement when Lisa (the actual stylist from the Parisian shoot) did a foxy little tutorial on it. Psst, she also let us in on a tiny little secret to messy braid perfection: always use a bit of hairspray beforehand to prevent your hair from being too slippery - interesting, isn't it? (Here is the step-by-step instruction if you fancy giving it a go). I can't wait...
(Photos by/via That Kind of Woman, Anna Marie and Sarah)
Posted by creation of the nation at 3:30 AM 0 comments
Labels: hair
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Fanciable

Speaking of fanciable. If I had guts (which sadly, I don't) I'd be at the hair salon right now getting this cut. Crikey, Rachel McAdams always looks glowing but this hairdo definitely gives her an extra spring dose of sassiness. Bouncy, messy & adorable. Would you wear it? xo
(Photos by Mark Abrahams via Happenstance)
Posted by creation of the nation at 3:30 AM 0 comments
Labels: hair
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Haircut inspiration
How long is your hair? Mine has been halfway down my back for as long as I can remember, but this morning I stumbled upon photos of this Madewell model, and her choppy locks are tempting me to go shoulder-length. I tried holding up my hair in the mirror to see what it would look like, but it's hard to tell. Are you daring with your haircuts? My sister will dye her hair in the sink, and cut blunt bangs without blinking an eye. But I'm such a wuss, even over a few inches! :)
(Photos from Madewell)
Posted by creation of the nation at 10:45 PM 0 comments
Haircut inspiration
How long is your hair? Mine has been halfway down my back for as long as I can remember, but this morning I stumbled upon photos of this Madewell model, and her choppy locks are tempting me to go shoulder-length. I tried holding up my hair in the mirror to see what it would look like, but it's hard to tell. Are you daring with your haircuts? My sister will dye her hair in the sink, and cut blunt bangs without blinking an eye. But I'm such a wuss, even over a few inches! :)
(Photos from Madewell)
Posted by creation of the nation at 10:45 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Braided Bun

Oh boy, don't you just love this bang-licious hairdo? It oozes simplicity in the most adoring way and it would look great with a pair of red pants, slouchy blouse and ballerina flats this Sunday for an Easter brunch. I really want to try it but I need to have my fringe trimmed first - le sigh. I'm on it! Loves would you give it a go? xo
P.S: Full tutorial here.
P.P.S: More sassy bangs and some cute braids on loose:)
(via Angela + Ithyle)
Posted by creation of the nation at 3:26 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Do or don't: Middle part
This spring, there's a new trend in town: The middle part. Here are some photos...
Read more »
Posted by creation of the nation at 10:35 PM 0 comments
Labels: beauty, do or don't, Fashion, hair
Do or don't: Middle part
This spring, there's a new trend in town: The middle part. Here are some photos...
Read more »
Posted by creation of the nation at 10:35 PM 0 comments
Labels: beauty, do or don't, Fashion, hair
Friday, March 30, 2012
Unfussy and Classy
I'm utterly swooning over this cutie's hairdo. She totally proves that an unfussy twisted bun & a few cute hairpins with a matching lipstick can look incredibly stylish and classy, doesn't it? Would you try it? (Wonder where she is off to) xo
P.S: A cool bun trick and this sassy double knot updo.
P.P.S:Also, how to avoid lipstick faux pas.
(Photo via That Kind of Woman)
Posted by creation of the nation at 3:19 AM 0 comments
Labels: Fashion, Fashion Trend, hair
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Top-Knot








Darlings, as you know by now, there are a few things I simply can't live without like, stripes, snazzy lips, scarves, ballerinas, foxy underwear and messy French buns, right? So, when this morning I spotted a whole tumblr dedicated to top-knots, I almost fell off my chair (literally). There is something so sassy and classy about this look that I'm simply head over heels with. Le sigh.
What's your hairdo of choice? Buns, braids, twists or maybe ponytails? Did it change over the years? Do tell. xo
P.S: More hair goodness here:)
(via sho and tell)
Posted by creation of the nation at 10:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: hair
Monday, March 26, 2012
New Twist On The Messy Bun



Posted by creation of the nation at 5:03 PM 0 comments
Labels: hair, Spring 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Hair: Spring Blooming

Messy braids and spring flowers make a totally romantic pairing, don't you think? Each time I see a girl wearing a tiny flower with her French bun I literally gasp! So, there is no surprise that I’m in love with this do. It has that wonderful 70s vibe and besides looking swoon-worthy for a weekend picnic-party in a park, it would also be perfect for an outdoor wedding.
Posted by creation of the nation at 6:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: Fashion Trend, hair, Spring 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Spring Hair Tickle





My oh my, this weekend felt like the beginning of spring. On Saturday we took a long stroll on the island and the sun was shinning in all its glory. Each year around springtime, I fancy cutting off all my hair into a messy bob or a snazzy pixie to brace the new season with a fresh do. I'm never actually brave enough to go through with it (I think, I would miss my longer hair) but I indulge in plenty of hair-daydreaming. Here are a few of my favourite dos.
Loves, do you change your hairdo with different seasons? What do you dream of? Curls? Bangs? Blonde? Straight? Short? Ginger? xo
P.S: Also, Ombré hair:)
P.P.S: My hair is in love.
(Photos via A Lovely Escape, Wit + Delight, The Dirty Stache, ffffound & Refinery29)
Posted by creation of the nation at 6:00 PM 0 comments
Labels: hair
Friday, March 2, 2012
How To Blow Dry Bangs To Perfection



Fringe at times can be like a wild animal that doesn’t want to be tamed, don't you agree? Many girls tend to say that they've tried the look but sadly they lost the taming game. I think, I finally managed to master the trick and I was so thrilled when Kristen and Rubi posted this tutorial as that is exactly how I blow dry my bangs. I sent the link to my entire group of friends with a little note, "now you know - go for it". (Little tip: I use this hair serum that helps it too).
Posted by creation of the nation at 4:30 AM 0 comments
Friday, February 17, 2012
Get Twisted

Oh my, how beautifully feminine is this hairdo? Would look perfect with a chambray shirt and a tweed blazer for a casual lunch with a friend or a sassy sweater dress for a date. I simply adore the understated vibe of it and guess what? The awesome Red Mag did a little video tutorial on how to style it and it looks fairly easy to me, so I'm going to give it a go tonight. Can't wait!
Loves, fancy twisting it up? What would you wear with this do? xo
P.S: More hair fun, including the perfect bun trick! (It works each time like a charm).
(Photo via Ana Degenaar and video by Red Magazine)
Posted by creation of the nation at 4:30 AM 0 comments
Labels: hair
