Clown Inspired Messy Bunchies

For our final hair technical lesson of this unit, we were shown images of modern, curly and distressed styles that resembled buns or 'bunchies'. The image shown in class was a theatrical clown look but I also found a gorgeous catwalk look with a similar style that shows to versatility of the look.

Process:

1. Create a zig-zag middle parting by dragging the pin-tail comb in different directions across and down the back of the head.
2. Put both sides up into ponytails.
3. Use a small barrel curler to create tight curls in the ponytails.
4. Tease and background the curls to create a distressed effect.
5. Pin randomly around hairband to disguise it and create a roughly round shape.
6. Use pins to tease the hair in different directions to change shape and cover any gaps.

Moira O'Hara Inspired Hairstyle

The Maid - American Horror Story

In our technical session with Lottie, we learnt how to re-create a similar hairstyle to the Femme Fatale in season one of American Horror Story: Moira O'Hara. To the women she is an elderly, kind and helpful maid. However, to the men she is a young, sexy and forward girl who attempts to entice and corrupt any men that cross her path. This look and technique is an interesting one to learn as it can be used in a multitude of characters - even for two versions of the same person! 

Process:

1. Heat up rollers
2. Section the front of the hair and clip the back section of hair away whilst rolling
3. Create side parting and start inserting large (red) rollers - roll away from parting on each side
4. When moving onto back section, use medium (blue) rollers to create a brick work pattern at the top of the head down to the nape of the neck to create volume at the top
5. Use small (white) rollers at the bottom of the head and roll the hair away from the neck to create an upwards curl
6. Leave to cool
7. Unravel rollers and brush out gently
8. Backcomb the section of hair behind the parting (blue rollers) softly at the roots to boost the volume
9. Gather all the hair in the back section and part into three
10. Curl each section up into a roll at the bottom of the head
11. Connect each section by teasing it with a bobby pin
12. Dress the front sections to connect into the back - pin curls above and around the roll at the bottom of the head

Reflection

This was the first time I have ever used heated rollers properly! So it was a very useful experience and I feel like I got to grips with it quite quickly. I don't feel my sections at the back are neatly arranged in rollers and I have a few small sections of loose hair I had in between rollers. However, overall the hair once released had great volume and curl. I found it very difficult to roll up the bottom of the hair to look similar to Lottie's demo and I feel the final attempt of mine is very rough and loose. Also, I was unsure on what I was doing with the top sections of hair so I placed the curls randomly but they did not look like they fitted in well from the back. Although, from the side the hair looks very stylish and pretty. I did really enjoy this session but I feel I would need another practice of this to feel confident as well as practising it on a human head!

Practising Late Victorian Hairstyles

Process:

• Heat up rollers.
• Section pieces of hair horizontally to the same length as the roller that is being used and roll into piece and pin.
• Repeat this 4 times on top of hair, all roller going the same way
• Use same rollers but vertically to heat up hair above the ears
• While hair in setting in the rollers, section the back half of the hair into two sections
• Use to top section to create a bun - plaited or twisted (no modern styles)
• Unpinned rolled hair and pin these sections of hair back into the bun to create volume at the front of the head
• Curl the bottom portion of the hair
• Pin random pieces of hair up and around the bun to create curls all around the top of the head
• Pin up hair alongside the jawline up into the updo to create a late victorian style silhouette

Self Reflection

As I was Beth's model for her practise and we did not have enough time to fully style both of us, I was only able to practise rolling the hair and seeing the curls that were created. My character is based in the early part of the era so these styles are too elaborate for her design but it was still very interesting to see Beth's final creation. Using the rollers were difficult at first but I feel they created lovely symmetrical curls that would be well suited for my character design (a distressed victorian bridal style). It was useful to see how the rollers worked but I do wish I had the time to create a full look. Beth's design was beautiful from the side and behind and really incorporated the classic Victorian look. 

Beth's look mid way through and then completed

Practising Early Victorian Hairstyles

Process

• Divide hair - create a front section from ear to ear (and click hair out of way) and leave rest of the hair from the back to create bun
• Put back section of hair into tight ponytail 
• Create bun - plaited and twisted are historically accurate
• Section front of hair into neat middle parting
• Plait each side, loop round ear and pin neatly into bun

Self Reflection

Unfortunately, I was ill in Helen's practical lesson so I could not practise this with her aid. My classmates sent my information and photos for me to practice from. Ideally I would've liked to have been in this class to get feedback for my first attempt at a Victorian hairstyle, however, I am pleased for a first go. The plait is tight, neat and in the correct positioning and the plaited bun is effective within the rest of the hairstyle. 

Next time, I would make sure that the parting going up from the ears is completely straight. I would also make sure the hair is slicked down to the head, maybe with the aid of some gel or hairspray (although I was not sure if products would've been used in this style). Also, ideally I would be able to work on someone with long hair to be able to create a bigger bun to work with.