Rope Twisted Ponytail Hair Tutorial

I'm in the mood for a fun spring hair tutorial! Ready?!

I like to call this the rope twisted ponytail hairstyle.  I'll show you how to do this hairstyle in six easy steps. If you want to see a video of how I did this hairstyle, I've included that at the end of this tutorial.

Step 1: take your hair and loosely part it down the center and back. The part does not have to be perfect, so don't worry about that.  Gather one of the sections of hair off to the side to keep it out-of-the-way, I'm going to work with the right side to create the twists, but you can work with the left if you like.

Step 2: taking the right side section of my hair, I parted that in half one more time. Then taking the back section of the half, start twisting it upwards towards my face all the way down the length of hair.

Step 3: taking that twisted section of hair I'm going to pull it across the back nape of my neck and bring it over the top of the first parted section of hair that I had off to the side.

Step 4: gathering that loose section of hair into a ponytail, take the twisted rope that you've created, and wrap it around the base of your ponytail, until you run out of rope.

Step 5: with the remainder section of hair that I had on the right side, twisted upwards the way you did the first section, creating another rope. Then take that second row, and bring it along the back of your head, to the left, and begin wrapping it around the ponytail.

Step 6: wrap the entire length of your second rope around the ponytail. Secure in place with an elastic, or bobby pins, and you're finished!

So what do you think of this hairstyle!? Are you excited to try it?! Look below to see the video hair tutorial of this look.

And if you try this creation, I would love to see your photos! Make sure you tag me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter below:

Instagram @SpankieValentine

Facebook @SpankieValentine

Twitter @SpankieV

Get The Look: Beachy Waves

Beachy waves can be accomplished with a subtle wave to even soft curls depending on the look you’re going for. Let’s face it, everyone’s hair is different. Finding a method that works best for you comes with lots of experimenting so get to it!

Beachy Waves in 5 Easy Steps:

1) For extra volume, apply a volumizing product at the roots when hair is wet then blow dry.

2) Spray a texturizer all over your hair.

3) There are 3 tools to consider: flat iron, curling iron, and triple barrel curling iron. For a softer look, try a flat iron. A triple barrel curling iron is great for creating mermaid like hair. I, personally, use a one inch curling iron. Without using the clamp, wrap a small piece of hair around the barrel. Curl away from your face!

4) Run your fingers through your curls to create a tousled, messy look.

5) Finish with a light hairspray to keep your curls in tact and bouncy.

Posted by: Carolyn

Photo: Victoria Secret

4 Daring Beauty Looks To Try From Fall 2012 Fashion Week!

From New York to Milan, the collections emerging from fall 2012 fashion week have us beyond excited for the season, despite the fact that we're barely breaking into spring! Aside from the fabulous frocks that are hitting the runways, what we're really swooning over are all of the stellar beauty looks that we can't wait to try! So in anticipation for the fall season, we've put together 4 daring beauty looks for fall that we adore!

While the fall 2012 collection was nothing short of perfect, Rodarte most definitely takes the reigning spot on our best beauty list! The inspiration stemmed from the vision that the girls "are in the Australian Outback and they've been caught in a dust storm." We totally get it. We love the amazing bronzer that accentuates the cheeks, the silver shimmery highlight at the inner eyelid, and that little flair of pink about the outer eye. The peachy matte lip brings it all together, giving an overall glamorous glow. And while we imagine typical dust storm hair would be a thrashed, tangled nightmare, this slightly teased wave look is definitely more our style.

The clothes were complex, but when it came to the makeup, Lanvin kept it simple. This look is super cool because it's "like a pen-and-ink sketch," as said by one of the backstage makeup artists, 'which inspired her to draw on a meticulously pointed flick that extended up through the crease of models' eyes and out toward the temple.'" And worn with a hint of blush at the cheeks and lip gloss, this look is cool, edgy, and all around fierce!

Roberto Cavalli got glamorous with their rendition of the smokey eye. We love how they kept the dark shadows at the outer eyelids, but used jewel-tone shades throughout the eyelid and added a dash of golden glitz at the inner corner of the eye. The nude lip and bare face bring all the attention to the sultry eyes. Can you say va-va-voom?

Valentino's 70s-inspired beauty look was so simple, yet stunning! The thickened eyebrows are definitely on the radar as a trend for fall, as well as the "barely there" look throughout the face. And once again, the eyes are the standout area. Eyeliner added to only the outer portions of the eye and worn with a pale shimmer shadow at the inner corner of the eyelid make this look quite lovely. And the mascara-laden lashes really make the eyes stand out in a captivating way.

We can't stop raving about these amazing looks! Which of these beauty looks are you going to try for the fall season?

Posted by: Kameron S.

Photos: Style.com

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Oscars 2012! The Hairstyles on the Red Carpet!

Hollywood’s biggest night came and hit with a fashionable bang that left us drooling…. Over the gorgeous gowns, stunning couples, surprise wins, decadent jewelry, and of course, the hair!

Some of our absolute favorite hairstyle looks for the night were bold, dramatic, unexpected, and infinitely chic.  Thick, heavy bangs, oversized buns (and we’re not talking about JLo’s gorgeous bod) and retro glam ignited the carpet.  And honestly, who could forget Viola Davis’ au-natural and gorgeous short crop?!

If ever there was a woman who could pull off a bun at any given moment, it would be JLo.  She simply looks like a goddess with this elegant, simple, yet chic topknot.

Tina Fey was also not one to shy away from an oversized bun, and we love her for it.  Looking uncharacteristically regal and elegant, she stunned us with her slightly-below-the-crown enlarged crescent bun.

Natalie Portman went for the simple elegance of the old Hollywood retro look, with a soft side swept bang and gentle rolled curl on the ends.  We say, bravo!

The lovely Gweneth Paltrow opted out of the traditional updo, and instead went for a sleek low ponytail to offset her sleek, simple, yet wow-factor gown.  Classic!

How can we not adore the beautiful new Miss Marilyn herself, Michelle Williams.  In a pale blond pixie and peony lips, her look was one of our very favorites of the night.

Rounding out the top of our Hollywood glamour list was Penelope Cruz, who accented her soft pastel gown with equally soft side swept curls, pulled away from her face to showcase that amazing smile.

We are so excited to see Viola Davis take off her wigs (at her husband's encouragement) and rock her natural locks!  There are few things more beautiful than a woman proud to showcase her personal style with freedom and grace!  Bravo!

Lastly, we loved the look of Rooney Mara's blunt cut bangs!  So thick, dark, dramatic and chic!

Here are some of our favorite hairstyle looks for the night!  Who do you think wore it best?

Posted by:  Spankie V.

Photos:  Getty, Fabsugar, cambio, justjared

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Brazilian Blowout Seekers Beware!

It’s time to take a serious look at Brazilian Blowouts ladies!  At least, the California Attorney General encourages you to…

Last year the CAG warned people against the hair super smoothing treatment after their research found 8% of the carcinogen Formaldehyde in it’s formula.  In case you’re wondering…. That’s the same amount that’s used in embalming fluid!  GROSS!

State officials have just issued an order to the manufacturers of Acai Professional Smoothing Solution stating that they must use hazard warning labels on their packaging. 

I’d like to think that people can find a better, healthier way to smooth their locks. 

What do you think?  Have you had a Brazilian Blowout before?  Will you take the risk now?  If not, please spread the word about it’s risks to your friends!

Posted by:  Spankie V.

Photos: blog.su.spectator / beauty-mania

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Bring On The Braids

Braids simply achieve a youthful, playful look. From a French braid to a fishtail braid, there are endless possibilities to rock a braid. As Spring and Summer are approaching us, braids are the perfect addition to complete a Spring/Summer outfit. We are loving how easy it is to accomplish different looks by recreating different hair braid styles.

A messy, side braid is easy to do yet can make a dressy outfit look a lot more casual and fun. This braid is versatile as it meshes well with a casual or dressy look. 

Make a statement by mixing in a messy, fishtail braid. The fishtail braid creates a quick fix to a bad hair day.

This wrap around braid pulls your hair out of your face but also creates an interesting style to wear messy or tight depending on the outfit.


Posted by: Carolyn

Photo: Kiss and Makeup, Bella Sugar, Glamour

Drew Barrymore’s New Ombre Hair

Drew Barrymore is know for many things…. Her adorable personality, mega on screen talent, and… switching up her hairstyles.

And after frolicking a while with a red since last April, the lovely star has just made a dramatic change back to her old ways.  She hasn’t been out in a while, but Saturday she joined good friends Cameron Diaz and Kate Hudson at the LACMA Film Gala Honoring Clint Eastwood, sporting her pretty new locks.

She went with a cut above the shoulders, and two-toned color, dark chestnut on top, blended into blonde on the bottom.  I think the blond does a wonderful job of bringing the eye in and highlighting her face. 

What do you think of Drew’s new do?

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

Top 6 Hair Colors for Fall

If you’re anything like me, Fall is your favorite time of year as hoards of women all over love to update their wardrobe.  The trees are shedding their leaves in prep for a new cover, so why shouldn’t we right?

And while you may be adding awesome new changes to your wardrobe, have you thought about doing the same for your hair?  A revamped, fresh change to your hair can do absolute wonders to your groove, and prime you up for new things come the new year. 

So here’s a look at the top 6 new hair colors for the season:  Natural auburn red (Emma Stone), grown out blonde (Sarah Jessica Parker), blended brunette (Mila Kunis), tawny, (Maria Menounos), chunky brunette (Ciara), and pure coffee (Freida Pinto). 

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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Back to School Hairstyles – 5 Looks in 5 Minutes

As our last week of freedom comes to a close, bringing with it the start of a new school year, many girls ask me “Spankie! What can I do with my hair??”

Well, dear reader, I’m so glad you asked, coz I’ve put together 5 simple and adorable hairstyles that will take you 5 minutes or less!  So feel free to hit that snooze button a couple more times, coz these hairstyles got your late behind covered!

Look 1:  Romantic

With a center part, section each half of your hair into 2 parts.  Then take the ¼ section of hair and split that into two.  Twist each section until you have a long enough twist to reach the back of your head.  Pin each twist to the back of your head and repeat on the other side. 

Look 2: Updo Bun with a Twist

Create a side part, and with both hands combing through the hair, start to twist all the hair, grabbing new sections as you move down your face to the back of your head (much like a French braid).  Secure with a bobby pin, and tie all hair into a low ponytail.  Take the ponytail and twist around into a bun, securing with a bobby pin.  Add a headband as desired.

Look 3: Boho Chic

With a center part, section the top portion of your hair on one side and clip out of the way.  Take the underneath section that’s level with the center of your forehead, and braid it all the way down.  Take the braid and wrap across your forehead, and pin behind your ear.  Unclip the top portion of hair and lay over the side that the braid originates from.

Look 4:  Flirty Pony

Create a soft side part and pull all hair back into a low ponytail.  Loosen the hair around the bottom crown of your head over the ponytail.  Add a thin headband over the side part, and using a rattail comb, gently fluff out the bangs and crown of your hair creating a pouffy look.  Take  a side section of your ponytail, lightly twist, and wrap around the elastic hair band, and pin in place.

Look 5:  Triple Take Side Braid

Create a side part, and pull all hair over one shoulder.  Section hair into 3rds and clip the top 2/3rds out of the way.  Braid the entire bottom 3^rd.  Unclip the rest of your hair and section in half.  You should now have 3 parts including the pre braided part.  Braid all 3 sections together and secure with hair tie.  Add headband or bow as desired.

Want a video tutorial of all these looks?  You’re in luck!
http://www.youtube.com/urbanogcom

Enjoy!

Posted by:  Spankie Valentine

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