MATERIALS:
* brush with natural or nylon bristles
* thick, covered elastic* spritzer bottled filled with water
* hairspray (non-aerosol kind works best - eg. Final Net)
* plenty of heavy-duty hairpins (thicker wire ones hold hair best)
* bobby pins to match hair colour (it helps to bend the curvy side of the bobby pin slightly, so as to keep it closer to the head and to provide a better hold)
* mesh hairnet to match hair colour (sold in packages of 3 or so at most drug stores)
1. Brush hair to remove all tangles.
2. With 1 hand, gather hair into a "bunch" at back of head. With other hand, lightly spray hair around head with water (there is no need to spray ponytail unless hair is layered).
3. Neatly brush hair into a light ponytail and secure with covered elastic. Ponytail should be no lower than middle of back of head. (can be higher if preferred)
4. Use side of brush bristles (or a comb) to smooth hair towards ponytail.
5. Spray hairspray evenly around head.
6. Twist ponytail and begin to coil hair around elastic. Insert hairpins every inch or less with some hair from ponytail and some from head in each pin. Coil hair into bun a bit at a time, insert pins, coil a bit more, insert more pins, etc. until all of ponytail is wound around to make a "snail coil" that is as flat against head as possible.
7. Wrap hairnet around bun, doubling or tripling net according to size of bun.8. Add a few extra hairpins to ensure that bun is closely attached to head.
9. If needed, insert bobby-pins on top or sides of head, or below bun, to secure wispy pieces in place.
10. An additional, very light spritz of hairspray may be used if needed.
1. Follow same procedure as for Long Hair steps 1-5.
2. Braid ponytail as far as possible, then secure end with another covered elastic. Fold end of braid under and press it flat against head. Secure in place with hairpins.
3. Finish by following the same procedures for Long Hair steps 7-10.
1. Put a circular, black fabric hair-band around head to keep hair off face.
2. If possible, make a small ponytail low at back of head just above the hair-band.
3. Insert one bobby-pin behind each ear to hold hair-band in place.
