I used to curl my own hair for competitions (actually my mom did) I've also used the curly-scrunchies that fit over top of a bun, and they also save a lot of time. (the middle picture below is of me wearing the curly scrunchie) My dance school used those for our figures.
***NEWS***I confess that I recently bought a wig. The convenience finally won me over. hehe. It's very nice, although I miss the curler adventures, and it's a lot easier to handle :)
On the right and left are pictures of natural hair
Curling your hair
There are many different rollers you can use to curl your hair:
Although I've used all three, my favorite are spike curlers....I love the strange stares and weird looks people give you when you're wearing them.
- pink sponge rollers
- rags
- spike curlers
Once, at the Victoria feis, I was at McDonalds with some of my dancing friends and the place was packed... And these two punk/skater guys came up to me and were like, "MAN, that's awesome! That's some unique hair!" It was so hilarious...
Sometimes the experiences I've had with them aren't so funny, though. (I get some pretty mean stares from elderly people in church; and parents with little kids are always like, "shush! Don't stare!" And make a point of ignoring me.....) Oh well....the good times with my spikes out-weigh the bad...and the curls from them turn out great!
SPIKES!
Preparation
- When curling with rollers, it's usually best to start by washing your hair.
- Let it dry until there is barely a hint of moisture left
- grab some gel and start curling. Curling
1. Select a small strand of hair, and comb through
2. Apply gel sparingly down the strand
3. Roll hair around the curler to the base of the hair and secure tightly next to the scalp
4. Repeat until entire head is done
(*****HINT*****Wrap the ends in small strips of paper towel to prevent frazzled curls)
Taking out the curlers
1. Start at the bottom of the hair and remove two rows.
2. Split each curl into 3 or 4 sections, spiraling around finger to ensure that the curls keep their shape
3. Spray split hair with hairspray
4. Repeat, going up two rows at a time until the hair is all done
5. Keep a few curls forward to frame face then pin the rest back from the face.
6. Place tiara or crown on and pin in place
7. Spray with hairspray again
(*****HINT*****In order to keep the curls from drooping, you might want to place a hairnet around them til you have to dance.....however, this won't work if you hair is really full)
Wigs
If you decide to buy a wig, make sure that you invest in a good quality one, and take good care of it. Long Wigs
The most popular, realistic-looking ones are the 3/4 cap wigs. Irish Curls makes some very nice ones.
This picure is from the Petri School Web page: www.petrischool.com/main_page.htm
(*****HINT*****Make sure the hairstyle underneath the wig is very secure - eg. a french braid. Also, use bobby pins to give the wig extra backup hold.)
Curly buns
Good quality curly scrunchies can be purchased from most department stores or upscale hair salons. Some drug stores also carry them, but they tend not to be as good quality.
Instructions
1. Simply style your hair into a bun high on your head and secure tightly.
2. Place srunchies around the bun and secure with more pins.....(*****HINT*****The pins meant for hot rollers work great)
3. Select a few pieces of hair to frame the face in front and curl with a curling iron.
4. Spray with hairspray to ensure that it stays.
(*****HINT*****If you use two curly scruchies the effect is fuller and the bun underneath is completely covered)
