Buns and Plaits

Making buns and plaits

During my lesson with hair and postiche I learned a series of simple buns and plats. I first watched a demonstration constructed by Lotty Davis, I then took what I learned into practice. 

   

http://www.weddingomania.com/diy-beautiful-french-braid-bun-hair-for-your-wedding-look, viewed 06.11.15, (digital image)

https://www.pinterest.com/ukhairdressers/hair-bun-ideas, http://www.ukhairdressers.com/Latest-Hairstyles-Gallery/Hairstyles, viewed 06.11.15, (digital image)

These are examples of types of hair styles I will be practicing, I have chosen the second image because it is a mixture of designs; a bun and crimping. I admire the two styles of techniques added together and I will practice this look for my final design. I chose these images because they are examples of designs I will be learning and they illustrate a good example of contemporary Elizabethan hair styles.

For these designs i have used: 

• pintail comb
• brush
• grips and wide tooth clips to hold the position of the hair 
• small bands 

The doughnut bun:

This was my first demonstration of a doughnut bun on my ‘Katie’ doll, I had done this bun before in the same way; using a thin metal handled comb and grips, not using accessories. I used eight curvy grips to hold the structure and four finishing grips to bring the sides of the bun together and hold. I found this task easy to construct because of my previous experience, but I thought it was hard to get it neat and smooth. I liked the overall shape of the end result, and feel confident to practice this in real life.        

The twisted bun:

Again this was an simple task because I had experience in practicing this bun before, I found it easy to construct but it was difficult to get the curvy grip to hold the structure. It took me a few tries to get it to stay and feel sturdy but after a practice I felt confident with it. I tied the hair in a small pony tail to begin with and then twisted the hair and placed in the bun position, I then used one grip to hold the position.

   

The plait bun:

Again I started with a small pony tail, then I plaited the hair and placed into the bun position. This was the same technique as the twisted bun, I used one grip to hold the structure in pace and after a couple of tries I felt confident with it.  

The french plait:

I found this task difficult to do, even though I originally knew how to do a straight forward plait, I had trouble getting my hands in the right positions for this one. This was my first attempt at this design and I found that after practicing I had better control with my left hand. This is something I will need to work on to get the standard up. I particularly like the look of the middle picture for this design, it gives the most effect and makes me think of the Elizabethan style of hair.  

Fish tail:

These are my three attempts and the fish tail plait, it was a simple idea but difficult to construct for the first time. It is my favourite design and also ties in with the Elizabethan style of hair. I found it was hard to do it loosely without it coming undone or looking messy. This design doesn't need any clips, once practiced I got the hang of it. Again I found I have better control with my left hand.

The ‘Katie’ doll has thin and short hair, this means I found it quite hard to complete these designs without having to try again a few times. Knowing different hair types will enable me to practice for the future and be ready for whatever hair the client has. 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/439593613601175213, viewed 24.11.15, (digital image)

This image shows a 16th century lady with plaits in her hair, this was another way to style the hair up and away from the face, in keeping with Queen Elizabeth I

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/439593613601175293, viewed 24.11.15, (digital image) 

This image shows a woman from the 16th century with a bun on either side of her head, buns were used thorough history to hold the hair in pace away from the face, influenced by Queen Elizabeth I.