Coiffure Class 101: French Side Braid

I've not done many hair tutorials on here, but after receiving some requests, especially over the past year or so, I thought it would be fun to show you (with a little help from my styling maven of a sister) how to create some of the styles I wear on a regular basis. First up, the French-style side braid. This is a simple twist on a classic summer look, and a favorite of many a camp counselor. Having invested many years in summer camps, this fun, oversized braid is a subtle, styling nod to those happy memories. It looks so pretty, and in the high temps, will also keep you feeling nice and cool! A few subtle tweaks take it from camp-style to chic in a matter of seconds. 

{Step 1}

Brush out your hair, and sweep all of it over to one side. For those of you with thin or extra silky hair, a spritz or two of texturizing or styling spray will help with a little extra grip. For added volume and fullness, I like to use Big Sexy Hair Powder Play, and for extra hold and to zap oil, Psssst Dry Shampoo is pretty fantastic. 

{Step 2}

Begin by french braiding*, starting a few inches back from the top, pulling hair across the back of your head to keep the braid on one side and not down the middle of your head. 

*If you need help french braiding, here's a good tutorial

{Step 3}

Finish braiding off the rest of your hair, making sure to keep the braid tight, and secure with a hair tie. 

{Step 4}

Here's where the magic happens! Start loosening up or pulling apart the braid to give a softer, fuller effect. Begin at the top of the braid and work your way down; this gives your braid the 'Disney Princess hair' effect. If you have super thick hair, this step will alleviate a lot of the pressure and weight that comes from braids pulled tight on your scalp. 

{Step 5}

Fluff up the end of the braid, as well as around the top and crown of your head. Tuck in any super loose ends, but remember, this looser-style braid will naturally have a few pieces that may stick out, that's part of the casual I always look this fabulous charm of the hairstyle. For those of us with lots of layers, myself included, you may need to employ the help of a few bobby pins to keep the larger, shorter pieces from falling out, but use your layers to your advantage to keep the style from looking too slicked back from your face. Your braid should look full and effortlessly glam, not sloppy. 

{Step 6}

I always pull out a few pieces around my face for a little extra softness, and because I think it makes the style look better and less 'done', if you know what I mean. After you've tweaked it to your liking, I always finish the look off with a spritz of natural hold hairspray and a bit of shine spray. I like to use Chi Enviro 54 Natural Hold and Mermaid Hair Shine Spray (It has the perfect hint of coconut, tames frizzies, and makes your hair super soft and shiny!). Voila! Enjoy your fabulous, french side braid!

Happy Styling!

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Summer Locks

 Here is an easy hairstyle that you can do to get your hair off of your neck during the warm summer months. One of the things I love about this hairstyle is that it is quick, simple, and can be worn elegantly or casually.

Here we go!

You will need a hair brush, bobby pins (I like the long ones), and a hair elastic

1. Begin with dry, brushed hair. 

 2. Brush top of hair over to one side

 3. Separate 3 pieces from the top section of hair

 4. Begin french braiding the hair but try to keep it to the side instead of straight down the back of the head

 5. Continue braiding all of your hair, and when finished, tie off with the elastic. Fold the end up.

 6. With the end folded, twist the braid into a bun and secure with pins.

7. And that's it! Above is the back view and below is the front view!

*This tutorial does require that you know how to French Braid. If you don't here is a video tutorial of the classic french braid.

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7 Tips to A Beautiful Summer

Hello! It's Dulce again from The Dulce Taylor Blog and today I'm bringing you 7 Tips for a Beautiful Summer! Let's get started shall we...

1. Make-up :: It is my personal opinion that summer is a time when we shouldn't wear a ton of make-up. I hate seeing a girl with sweaty globs of make-up running down her face in the middle of July. Instead of painting on thick layers of make-up this summer, show off your natural tan. Focus more on your eyes or your lips. Choose an eyeshadow or eyeliner that looks great with your eye color and make those babies pop! Or, you can do a softer eye and experiment with a bright pink lipstick. Have with it! Break away from your norm...

2. Sunscreen :: Always, always wear sunscreen if you are going to be out in the sun for a long period of time. Because burns just aren't pretty, and neither is peeling. But don't let that keep you out of the sun! Vitamin D is super good for you, and you can easily get some by being in the sun for at least a few minutes everyday. 

3. Swimwear :: Invest in a swimsuit you love! You will feel so much more beautiful and attractive if you feel great in what you're wearing. Also, think about the tan lines your swimsuit will give you. Anything with awkward lines might not look good later in certain clothes. Just think about that before you buy one...

4. Natural Hair :: Like your make-up, your hair should look effortless and carefree. Find a good beach wave hair spray to give your hair that natural, wavy look.

5. Casual Wear :: Summer is the time to wear less clothes. Keep it simple with a patterned tunic, or a simple dress, or even a great pair of white shorts. I think summer is the perfect time of year to experiment with color. Throw a bright colored shirt on with a pair of classic denim jeans. Or wear a bright colored dress with gold shoes and accessories. Just keep it simple. If your outfit looks too put together, you lose the relaxed, summer-y effect. 

6. Accessorize :: While your outfit should be simple, your accessories should really stand out. Wear bangles on your wrist, or drape a bright colored scarf over your neck. Get a colorful bag that looks great with everything. And, of course, invest in a pair of sunglasses that look great on your face. Accessories can make the outfit, especially in the summer. Wear them wisely.

All pictures via Pinterest

7. Smile :: Nothing will make you more beautiful than a smile! It's summer! The sun is high in the sky and the weather is wonderful! You should never stop smiling. (Also, white teeth look great on a tan face...whitening strips are always a good idea!)

I hope you enjoyed these little tips! To read more from me, visit The Dulce Taylor Blog.

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Effortless Beachy Waves

Hello all! I'm Dulce from The Dulce Taylor Blog, and today I'm going to show you guys a quick and easy tutorial on a beach wave hair spray that will give your hair that just-off-the-beach look, not matter where you are! If you're like me, your hair is not straight and perfect. Summer is the time when we want to be doing, well, summery things, not fussing with our hair (do we ever?). Beach waves are the ideal summer look, but unless your hair is naturally and perfectly wavy, those waves can take time to get and may come with a lot of frizz. 

Thankfully, my crafty and beauty-savvy mother helped me come up with this awesome (and inexpensive) hair spray that gives my hair an effortless beach wave look. And it's super easy to make! Here's what you'll need to buy:

1. Epsom salt (look in the pharmacy section at Walmart)

2. Any brand of water-based hair gel

3. Spray bottle (I found this one in the Art section at Hobby Lobby)

You won't use all of the salt or the gel, but you will have some left over to use for extra spray when you run out! All together, this cost me $5.

1. Heat half a cup of water in the microwave for one minute. Then mix 3 teaspoons of Epsom salt and stir until dissolved.

2. Add 3 squirts of hair gel and mix well.

3. Pour into a spray bottle.

Just spray on your damp or dry hair and scrunch with your fingers. If wet, just let you hair air dry for natural, beach-y waves. Enjoy!

To check out more my blog, click here. To see my mother's blog, click here. 

xoxo,

Dulce

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That Day My Hair Looked Like Lady Gaga

So I may or may not have worn my hair in a "hairbow" a la Lady Gaga today... 

I had to do something to spice things up at the beginning of the week! 

(mine is slightly messy..being the end of the day and all)

This lovely tutorial makes it easy to figure out. Have fun! :)

Hair Bow Tutorial

Blessings and Hair bows,

(did I just combine those two?)

Candice

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