Thread: cute hairstyles for long hair?

Hi.

So we bellydancers have a bit of a different aesthetic. Many of the gals I work with have very short, styled hair. I've always had long hair, between waist and bra length. I wondered if anyone could share with me things they like to do (in real life as well as on the dance floor) to make their hair look modern or cool. A few years back I got some layers, and that helped my hair to look more styled. I, unfortunately can't do bangs due to a double-cowlick. I know lots of braids and twisties. Nontheless, sometime I think my hair is a bit old-fashioned. ;-(

What do you do to keep it interesting? I need some inspiration. Thanks!

Hi

I don't think your hair is old fashioned!! Mines is also very long (almost till my hips)....and I think I have the same problem as you have. And when I dance it's sometime very flat, I don't know what I have to do to make it more volume.

So don't think your old fashioned, there a lot of other women who have also long hair ;-)

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Originally Posted by ssille

And when I dance it's sometime very flat, I don't know what I have to do to make it more volume.

ugh, me too. i've been told i should use a hairpiece but i don't really like to, and i never use hairsprays.... i wonder if there are tricks to add volume to long straight hair... i've done the braiding it when wet so it's a bit wavy when dried, that adds volume to the bottom but doesn't do much for the roots..

anyhoo, back to you, i think you look fab! when i can be bothered enough to do something to it (which i usually don't, lol), i usually pull it up with a hairstick (or 2 small ones), or half up, or pull a bit back with lots of little clips (but that takes forever and doesn't hold too well, unless maybe you use hairspray to add grip?)

Elianae, you have gorgeous hair. Mine is so fine, it looks terrible when it gets too long (even though I've stubbornly grown it out multiple times, anyway). I just now gave in this week after about 9 months of growth & had 4 1/2 inches cut off...and it's still below my shoulders.

I find that layers go a long way in helping long hair look purposefully styled to be long.

As for flat hair, well, mine is VERY flat. Root volumizer can help, hairdrying with head upside down helps (but humidity will kill it immediately), steam curlers help (but take forever--at least 2 hours to set my hair, and if it rains the curl is gone).

The longer your hair, the harder it is to maintain root volume just because of the sheer weight of the hair. I've come to the conclusion that a daily hairstyle is fine, and if I want super-long for a performance, well, I'll just suck it up and wear a 3/4 wig.

Personally, I am in love with old fashioned hair. Sometimes nothing looks better than a neat chignon or styled pony tail.

What I did when I need a change, I just took of some inches and had it layerd so that it does have more volume while wearing it long. Looks great in just a headband. I don't have bangs per say, but she trimmed the layers to frame my face and the "bangs" are long enough to tuck behind my ear/ pin back if need be.

The ponytail works well as a retro look. If you want to go funky, secure the hair high at the top of the back of the head and decorate the base with a small tiara or fancy hair ornament. If your hair is unusually long, another option is to braid the ponytail, loop the end of the braid back through the elastic, and work the ends under so you have more or a swag in the back. (Depending on your hair texture, you might also be able to create a similar effect without braiding first, but if your hair is very fine, it'll probably slip out.) When my hair was down to mid thigh, I used to make a handful of smaller braids and loop them together at the back of the crown, and clip a dangle of coins onto the top of the elastic for a look that was unusual enough to be bellydancer-y but practical for dancing with that much length in hot weather.

Tourbeau, I lie the braids idea. I tried something similar to that one time (but without the coin dangle -- love that!) but when I looped them together I had trouble keeping them from slipping them out from the point where I clipped them. How did you fasten yours to make them stay?

I too have very long hair and the weight of it makes it flat. So I tease it at the crown and then lightly tease the rest of it, then spray it underneath. I have long layers so that helps too.

Originally Posted by JeanneLF

Tourbeau, I lie the braids idea. I tried something similar to that one time (but without the coin dangle -- love that!) but when I looped them together I had trouble keeping them from slipping them out from the point where I clipped them. How did you fasten yours to make them stay?

I used those dime-sized elastics on the end of each braid with a spritz of hairspray at the knot to give it traction, and then I caught the smaller bands in the bigger one that held the ponytail together. After I worked the ends under, I held them in place with a few bobby pins. I wasn't doing any hair tossing, so this stayed pretty well for me. If you plan on whipping your head around, an unobtrusive barrette or a comb under the ponytail might be a sturdier choice to manage the ends. I think the trick is to use a small enough elastic that you can get it really tight. I've used both the silicone bands and the old-fashioned rubber ones. The silicone slip a little more, but the rubber ones pull on the hair, so it's a trade off. You also need to leave yourself enough of a rat tail on the end of each braid that the braid is still "meaty." If you put your elastic too close to the ends, the hair will be more likely to slip out--this is true for both the individual braids and the bottom end of the loop.

As for the coin dangle, that was just a bit of chain, some jump rings, a packet of fake coins, and about fifteen minutes with a pliers (...and a lot of squinting to make sure the ends on the jump rings met tightly). I attached the coin piece to a regular, fabric-covered elastic that matched my hair, looped that around the ponytail, and anchored it into the hair with a bobby pin to make sure it didn't shift out of place. No reason why you couldn't attach it to a comb or a hair pick instead if that works better for you, though.

I've only recently discovered some long hair "secrets" and thank goodness, 'cause I was ready to chop off the whole mess! This is what I like to do, especially for performance:

Layers and regular split end trimming are always good to keep the long hair in check. You can get away with nice deep layers too with an ample head of hair. Try also experimenting with a non-center part, or even a jagged-on-purpose one, as I know the dead center ones can scream "homespun old-fashioned lady!"

Last but not least, get some product to enhance whatever curl your hair might have (you'd be surprised!) Wash, then dry your hair 75% of the way, work in product then continue drying with a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. When hair is dry, correct curls with curling iron, and/or finger comb for the smaller bits.

I have long (below the bra strap) fine hair. In real life, I french twist, french braid, wear in a pony tail or clip. I also wear down. For volume, I will back comb. There are times, though, when I regret the death of Aqua Net!

A little product can go a long way! I am thinking that I will get some molding goo and start wearing a bun low on my neck with my hair artistically molded to my head ala a stereotypical Flamenco / Tango dancer. Flower optional!

The other thing which no one here has talked about is hair accessories. French braid your hair, take the tail and tuck it under the braid on your head, tie the bottom off with a scrunchie, a fancy clip, a silk bow. Head bands over sleek straight hair look great! (Get yourself a sleeking serum for this.)

The last thing I am going to bring up is what condition is your hair in? Does is look and feel healthy? Is it shiney? Does it move well? All of these factors will contribute to your hair style choices.

{{{HUGS}}}

I do very very high ponytails most days, a big bun/pouf with a fancy clip that I like to call the "prom hair" or the fish tail braid (usually fairly tight, with small strands)

How to Fishtail Braid - Seventeen.com

Originally Posted by Dawn_Nashida

Last but not least, get some product to enhance whatever curl your hair might have (you'd be surprised!) Wash, then dry your hair 75% of the way, work in product then continue drying with a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. When hair is dry, correct curls with curling iron, and/or finger comb for the smaller bits.

If you have curly hair, long or short, the curly girl threads are GREAT!

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/off-topic/...irls-book.html

http://www.bhuz.com/forum/belly-danc...ny-others.html

The Curly Girl book, method and cut really has done wonders for my hair!
Wash with conditioner, no silicones, natural dry (with clips for life)... It's easy.
I've just gone back to wearing flowers in my hair when performing. It's festive.

Originally Posted by najla86

I do very very high ponytails most days, a big bun/pouf with a fancy clip that I like to call the "prom hair" or the fish tail braid (usually fairly tight, with small strands)

How to Fishtail Braid - Seventeen.com

I like to do this too but the heaviness of all that hair gives me a headache ..cr.: So on many days, I have a braid or French braid running down my back. I guess it's lazier for me when I don't know what to do with it.

Also, I pin the sides up with all different kinds of hair holders and that's always been a good look for me. Headbands, though, give me a headache too

It's funny you should start this thread now. A couple of weeks ago I was inspired by my Elle magazine that had one girl style her hair differently every day for a month. I tried it for a week--every day I had to do something different with my hair to get out of the "hair rut." I took pictures of each style, so I can post those when I get home tonight.

I've had long hair my whole life and I am thinking of cutting it short. I wear fake hair when I perform so it doesn't matter for that. I just want something different. I sweat so much I'm wondering if having less hair in my head if that would help me stay cool and I am always wearing it up, kind of sick of that.

Originally Posted by MahiraRaqs

I've had long hair my whole life and I am thinking of cutting it short. I wear fake hair when I perform so it doesn't matter for that. I just want something different. I sweat so much I'm wondering if having less hair in my head if that would help me stay cool and I am always wearing it up, kind of sick of that.

About a month ago I had my hair cut into much shorter layers all over with the longest being slightly below my shoulders. With my bangs and all the layers I feel like I am wearing a helmet! I miss my long hair - hoping it grows back fast.

Originally Posted by MahiraRaqs

I've had long hair my whole life and I am thinking of cutting it short. I wear fake hair when I perform so it doesn't matter for that. I just want something different. I sweat so much I'm wondering if having less hair in my head if that would help me stay cool and I am always wearing it up, kind of sick of that.

Maybe and maybe not. With longer hair if you don't feel like washing it you can "disguise" it by wearing a ponytail or something like that. I used to have short, short hair and (1) I was always getting it cut, and (2) I was always washing it because I produced as much oil and sweat as I did with long hair. Think about it - once it's gone it takes soooooooooooooo long to grow back. But I know you would look really cute with short hair though

Originally Posted by Fotia

Maybe and maybe not. With longer hair if you don't feel like washing it you can "disguise" it by wearing a ponytail or something like that. I used to have short, short hair and (1) I was always getting it cut, and (2) I was always washing it because I produced as much oil and sweat as I did with long hair. Think about it - once it's gone it takes soooooooooooooo long to grow back. But I know you would look really cute with short hair though

I'm thinking of a Bob, that way I'll still have a tony ponytail to clip a fake one onto.

Originally Posted by Elianae

Hi.

So we bellydancers have a bit of a different aesthetic. Many of the gals I work with have very short, styled hair. I've always had long hair, between waist and bra length. I wondered if anyone could share with me things they like to do (in real life as well as on the dance floor) to make their hair look modern or cool. A few years back I got some layers, and that helped my hair to look more styled. I, unfortunately can't do bangs due to a double-cowlick. I know lots of braids and twisties. Nontheless, sometime I think my hair is a bit old-fashioned. ;-(

What do you do to keep it interesting? I need some inspiration. Thanks!

Other than curling, crimping, straightening, all I ever do with mine is put it up. Some braids throughout it is cute, or brush it to the side for a sweep or a side pony. I've never tried them but I've heard those Bump it's are cool, there are ways of making that bump look without them though.

I'm always afraid I will tangle up a veil on those bump-its, meaning that I am such a klutz that I will hit it then get it caught.

yeah! I really want to get some bumpits or Braidies.

Originally Posted by Elianae

yeah! I really want to get some bumpits or Braidies.

I was watching Wendy Williams show and she says to use a tube sock. Roll it up and pin it in your hair. I' also heard to take the hair accumulated in your hairbrush and put it in a nylon booty and pin that in your hair.

My Five Day Hair Experiment (please excuse the craptastic florescent light that makes me look like so pasty):

Day 1: Not wanting to start too drastic, I parted my hair down the center rather than to my usual side part.

Day 2: I kept the center part and pull the long side bangs back with a clip.

Day 3: Tried one of those elastic headband things. Worked until about 2:00 pm when I had to take it off due to the headache.

Day 4: Ponytail!

Day 5: Curls. I liked this the best, but of course it only lasted about 30 minutes.

I'm thinking of modifying the Bumpit. My hair is naturally curly and fine so if I don't get the hair just right going over the plastic, then you can see the bumpit through it. Also, my hair gets tangled into the bumpit because it's hip length and sort of velcro like naturally (even though it's soft... go figure) ..l;, I'm thinking of taking some synthetic hair from Sally's Beauty Supply and running it over the top of the bumpit. Maybe gluing it on the underside or something. That way I get a little extra hair on top to fill in gaps and keep my hair from sinking so deeply into the little teeth on the bumpit.

I'm also a big fan of crown braids for performances. Instead of a 3 strand Dutch braid for the crown I use a 2 strand rope braid. This is a little less work for me. Once I've gone all the way around and rope braided the tail I tuck the end under (all the way around...) and bobby pin. At that point I can clip on my false pony tail through the crown braid in back and it has more evenly distributed pull so I don't get headaches.

I'll give myself 'bangs/fringe' by parting out the hair that would be short and combing it forward and to the side. I bobby pin it to the side and then use the end to wrap a half-pony tail- this look is more modern.

My most common thing is just a single braid. Simple, plain.

My favorite style is a variant on the crown braid for performances. It's called a rope lace braid. I do the little rope braid/french braid type thing across the top of my head like a headband and do two rows like this on going over to the right and one going to the left. Then I can leave the ends down or join them under my hair where they're hidden OR I can take the finished ends back over the top to cover the parts on either side of the lace rope braid. This is the best, IMO :) Keeps my hair out of my face and looks very romantic. I'll wear it this way for every day or for performances.

I just got my hair done last night and got much more layers in my hair while leaving the length. I went back to my old hairdresser who also understands long hair - her hair is down to her hips. I gotta say the result is terrific - my hair looks fuller and more bounce and is less flat than before while still keeping the length.

And the cost? Just fifteen bucks! I feel like my luck is turning!!

Originally Posted by Fotia

I just got my hair done last night and got much more layers in my hair while leaving the length. I went back to my old hairdresser who also understands long hair - her hair is down to her hips. I gotta say the result is terrific - my hair looks fuller and more bounce and is less flat than before while still keeping the length.

And the cost? Just fifteen bucks! I feel like my luck is turning!!

Just curious. How short are the shortest layer and how long are the longest layer. I recently had mine cut into layers but I feel she went too short. My shortest are like 3" - much shorter than I had in mind, but what can you do but let it grow out.

Originally Posted by Surida

Just curious. How short are the shortest layer and how long are the longest layer. I recently had mine cut into layers but I feel she went too short. My shortest are like 3" - much shorter than I had in mind, but what can you do but let it grow out.

My longest layer is waist length; the shortest is about 12 inches. But I bet the 3 inches gives you some height and not that flat look; however, I think I would let it grow out too. I have bangs though which are layered too.

Originally Posted by Tourbeau

I used those dime-sized elastics on the end of each braid with a spritz of hairspray at the knot to give it traction, and then I caught the smaller bands in the bigger one that held the ponytail together. After I worked the ends under, I held them in place with a few bobby pins. ... leave yourself enough of a rat tail on the end of each braid that the braid is still "meaty." If you put your elastic too close to the ends, the hair will be more likely to slip out--this is true for both the individual braids and the bottom end of the loop.

As for the coin dangle, that was just a bit of chain, some jump rings, a packet of fake coins, and about fifteen minutes with a pliers (...and a lot of squinting to make sure the ends on the jump rings met tightly). I attached the coin piece to a regular, fabric-covered elastic that matched my hair, looped that around the ponytail, and anchored it into the hair with a bobby pin to make sure it didn't shift out of place.

I would LOVE to see a picture of this, Tourbeau *hint hint*

I like this idea except for all the time that obviously goes into the braiding. Wow, good for you! I am sure it looks great, but wow.

I have mid-thigh length hair, and am trying to wear it down more, but it's pretty hot on the back of my neck. There is only a slightest of waves, and it really does not have too much body. I don't know if it even looks nice. I do keep it out of my face by putting the hair from ear to ear forward into a braid, which falls down the middle back.

But most of the time when the troupe performs, it goes up into a good, secure bun that I learned how to do.