Tainna in Ottawa

Hair... for MEN!

Remember Seb? Well, the other day he asked what I knew about certain hair products for men (I'll be honest, I do not know much). All I really told him was about paste and how to apply it, but this really got me thinking about hair-styles for men!

I spent a lot of time writing about women hairstyles, but men need advice too! Plus, I am dying to convince my boy-friend to try something...new...and nice! He has this Kevin Spacey hairdo going on. Needless to say, a change would do him some good.

I have been reading up about it, and wouldn't you know that Men have hair trends! Haha! I thought men hairstyles consisted of either gel, wash-n-dry or a buzzed cut!

Some trends I like... other are not so great ( In my opinion! It could look good, if it is the right style for YOU)

I visited AskMen.com, and here are a few trends they dish out:

The Buzz Cut:

Classic. I always like it. I think it's a easy hairstyle, no maintenance and if you have thinning hair, it does not show! 

The only problem I could imagine with this hairstyle, is that if you have  a weird head shape (it happens, and it's not your fault) it could not be as desirable.

But really, I love this style.

The Bangs:
I don't know... I am not a fan. Maybe this is a bad pic, but I can do without this look.

I guess if you are artsy or free-spirited, this can be it for you... but I don't know...

In my opinion, this looks seems to make a guy look younger, but not in a good way. I like men looking like men, not pre-adolescent boys.

For the sake of argument, I decided to get another picture of a man with bangs. I decided to use Zac Efron and well, I still think it's subpar.

The Textured Crop:

Love it! (Or maybe I love Casey Affleck...) Either way, I agree with AskMen's quote:

"The low-key layering of this cut brings something extra to the table -- it’s updated but understated, and the proof lies in the mature, poised style of Casey Affleck."

This hairstyle is great for men with thinning hair. The Textured crop with its short layers could make your hair appear thicker and fuller.

The Messy-do:

I am not sure about this one. It's nice, but I am not wowed by it.

The problem is, on some guys it could look cute, but on others they can seem... dirty (See picture on right).

I think an excellent candidate for this hairstyle is Robert Pattison (You know, the Twilight Vampire?). Does he EVER comb (or wash) his damn hair?

I honestly feel like tackling him down and running a comb through that shag! Euh!

The Layers

The layers, without bangs, is also a classy look that I love. For men, who enjoy having long hair, without looking like a greasy computer technician (Or Dog the Bounty hunter).

Well, these are the trends, and no matter what I say, choose a style that you love and fits your personae.

For those of you who are upset that I did not include dreadlocks, braids, etc.... I am writing about hair trends from Askmen.com's point of view.

But personally, I hate dreadlocks more than any other hairstyle in this world! And that includes the Mohawk!

How to make a Bun Ring (aka Donut Ring) with a sock

I got a message from a reader, and she asked if I knew how to make a Bun Ring. Now, I decided to do one just for the hell of it, and I tried it on.

I really liked how it looked! I know have a new staple hairstyle! I followed these directions.

But, where to get a Bun Ring?

Well, if you do not have any socks, like spending money, or you are downright not a Do-It-Yourself person, you can buy a Bun Sock. Sally Beauty has this one (See image right). 

However, we ARE in a recession, and although I do not believe in being too frugal, here is a good opportunity to practice saving some cash and reusing old socks, which helps the planets! Yay!

This is what you do:

• Head to your sock drawer and grab a old sock ( you know the one with a hole, or the one that is not paired up.) or you can grab a knee-high sock or panty-hose. (Yes, now we have a use for run-in stockings.)

(Note: It is a good idea to use a sock or stockings that are close to the color of your hair. If you have dark hair, refrain from grabbing a white sock! It could show!

• Put the sock on, and roll it down. You can also, put it on your arms and roll it down. By rolling it down, you get a doughnut.

(Note: You can use two or more socks, to create a thicker bun! All you have to do is roll the first one, and once you have about 3-5 inches left, take the second sock and wrap it over the first one, so you can continue to roll.)

Some people use glue to secure the seams, but I honestly to not bother. It is at your discretion. Once I roll the socks, it's fine and will not come undone.

So, you see, it is quite easy and inexpensive to make your own Donut Ring!

How to Make an Easy and Cheap Doughnut Bun!

After mentioning how I did not like Doughnut Buns, someone asks me how to do them! Lol!

Fine, I will post a method that I know of... If anyone has a better method, please let me know or add a comment!

1. Tie your hair up as a pony-tail. You can do a high, low or centred pony tail.
2. Use hair serum or gel to sleek your hair in front. You will want to make it as smooth as possible.
3. Grab an old tube sock and cut out the foot. ( I hear panty hose (i.e Stocking) works well, too.)
4. Put the sock on, and roll it down. You can also, put it on your arms and roll it down, but I find it easier on your legs. By rolling it down, you get a doughnut.
5. Like an elastic, put the hole of the sock doughnut through your hair to the start of the ponytail.
6. Spread your hair evenly over the doughnut. (Note: it is a good idea to use a sock or stockings that resemble your hair colour. My hair is black, so I would use black stockings.)
7. Use another elastic band and stretch it over your doughnut. You should have the ends sticking out.
8. The ends should be wrapped under the doughnut, by securing them in a clockwise or counter-clockwise motion.
9. Secure with bobby pins, ribbons, scrunchy or a even chopsticks .

Voilà!

Copy Reese's Updo!

Hey Guys!
I ran across this video and I thought it gave good tips on how to get an nice updo hair style!