Keeping veil on head?

[shimmy21]

Does anybody have any tips or tricks for keeping veils in place while dancing? I have the aptitude of a 3 year old when it comes to styling hair, so covering it up sounds really appealing! My head is freakishly shaped, in my opinion, and scarves or bandannas refuse to stay on my head without the aid of strong bobby pins. They don't always work, so looking for a stronger hold! Something invisible, or at least more decorative than bobby pins would be nice. My hair is fine and limp, but also medium thick and a little wavy. Yeah, I know that sounds weird, but I guess I'm special! It is very delicate around the hairline, so I try to keep from pulling it too much to prevent a frizzy halo. It is also very slippery. I have some really fine hair around my hairline that refuses to grow longer than a couple inches, but the rest grows REALLY fast, about an inch a month! The longest layers are a couple inches above back bra strap length, and the shortest about shoulder length. I also get face framing chin length and longer, but right now the shortest part is just above my shoulders. Are there ways to keep it on securely, and quickly remove it during a dance, or am I ask for the moon? ;) I want to be able to keep it on during backbends! (When I get strong enough to do them again!)

Thanks so much!

[*Shira*]

Am I correct that you want the veil to stay there all the way through to the end of your dance? If so, here's what I suggest...

Make a row of small silly-looking pony tails with the rubber bands securing them at the point where you want to pin the veil into place. Then pin the veil on, with the pins going into those pony tails. The fact that they're pony tails rather than loose hair will serve as an anchor. If the pins are too visible, then make yourself a headpiece to match your costume that you can put on after pinning to cover them. I usually put a felt backing on mine to make it less likely to slip out of position - the felt is less likely than a metallic fabric to slip on the hair.

If you want to be able to remove the veil to dance with it mid-stream, that's a little more complicated. Still possible, but more complicated. In this case, I'd suggest that you try to wear your hair in either an "I Dream of Jeannie" style of ponytail, or pull the front hair back to the crown of your head to form a single ponytail at the crown. Then pin the veil so that it attaches to this thick ponytail. This uses fewer bobby pins than my first option, and the bobby pins can be hidden in the base of the ponytail.

Whichever way you go, spritzing hair spray onto your hair at the roots before you make the ponytails will make them less slippery and more likely to hold. Or, instead of ponytails, you could make braids for better hold.

[jahbie]

I saw a tip once where the dancer secured the veil to her head with an elastic band which went round her whole head and then it was easily "jumped off" when she raised the veil sharply.

[Lesgemini_Zafirah]

This is a tip from Moria, one of the tribal girls of BDSS:
sew little toupee (sp?) clips all around in different spots into your headpiece, elastic headband, whatever and clip it in close to the scalp.

[steffib]

Not tried that for dancing yet, but in real life I love the non-slip rubber-coated hair accessories. They stay in nicely, and I don't have to worry too much about having to make things too hair-damaging; I have so little hair that I'd rather not brake it by putting in aggressive hair clips and gum bands.

Also, on tribe, I read the advice of using bridal hairpiece holding combs.

[sabrinabellydancer]

Originally Posted by Lesgemini_Zafirah

This is a tip from Moria, one of the tribal girls of BDSS:
sew little toupee (sp?) clips all around in different spots into your headpiece, elastic headband, whatever and clip it in close to the scalp.

in my experience, the little toupee clips need to be anchored as well if you do any athletic dancing or turning.
the little toupee clips will slide and move if not clipped to hair that's anchored, as suggested by shira.

why not just get yourself some fake hair!
pin on a ponytail or a half wig. they look great and save your real hair.
that veil-on-the-head thing sounds like more trouble than its worth.
just put your real hair up in a braid or ponytail, pin on some fake hair and you're good to go. it looks better and is more secure. imo

[Lauren_]

Originally Posted by sabrinabellydancer

why not just get yourself some fake hair!
pin on a ponytail or a half wig. they look great and save your real hair.
that veil-on-the-head thing sounds like more trouble than its worth.
just put your real hair up in a braid or ponytail, pin on some fake hair and you're good to go. it looks better and is more secure. imo

I second this!! I have terrible hair, so I just buy it pre-styled and slap it on.

[shimmy21]

Hey all

I'll keep the fake hair in mind, but I can't really afford any that would look realistic! Maybe in the future? I could see it working if I was far away on stage. One of the places I want to wear a veil is the renaissance festival I work at in the fall, and plastic hair sounds like torture in 100F degree weather! I actually used to do the little ponytail thing in middle school, so I'll have to drag that back out! The bridal comb also sounds really good.

How does everybody keep tribal turbans in place? They have to be heavy with all the decorations! What if I put my hair up in a bun, wrapped a small turban around it, then stuck a couple or more long hat pins through the veil, turban and bun? A turban still sounds too hot if it is super hot, but it gets colder sometimes. What are some easy ways to wrap a turban? Not a huge one, just a little head covering to create some friction for the veil and to stab hat pins through.

Thanks for all the information!

Rachel

[kashmir]

Does it have to be invisible? A band isn't an option? You can put sequins on it

Also consider not washing your hair for a couple of days - honestly it won't make you socially unacceptable unless you work somewhere really smelly - like a fish factory. Alternatively, spray your hair to give it some grip. Also consider a veil with little bit sof metal in it if you can find one. At least get a veil that is very light and not too slippery.

[Kimahri]

Originally Posted by shimmy21

Hey all

I'll keep the fake hair in mind, but I can't really afford any that would look realistic! Maybe in the future? I could see it working if I was far away on stage.

My favorite headband (3/4) wig style ran about $22 on eBay

~~Kimahri