The Homestylemom

Elegant Side Pony Twists

2012-01-22T21:08:00.000-05:00

Elegant Side Pony Twists

Lately Ruby's hair has been so naturally lovely when it's down that I hate to pull it back. Since it is winter she usually doesn't mind having it down to keep her warm. I was feeling creative today so I decided to try another variation on twists. This really is a lovely, soft look that is perfect for tweens and older girls as well. Ruby's curls are clean and have dried naturally. We gathered the toolbox and she picked through her locks. Skill level -3, Time Factor -3 and Cuteness Factor -3.

1-Start with tangle-free hair that you've sprayed in front to help with neatness and fly aways.

2-With your rat tail comb, part hair on the outside of the eyebrow. Come across diagonally until just on top of the opposite ear.

3-Remembering that this look is somewhat soft and loose, begin by gathering two small sections from the front of the head and twist one over the other. Twisting the hair is very similar to a French braid, except you are working with two strands rather than three. Although this look is soft, I still stop and comb through as I go to keep the twists neat. When you finish gathering hair from the scalp, continue twisting until the end of the length of hair.

4- Clamp or have her hold the hair twist. Neatly begin another section behind the first and gather and twist as before all the way down the length of her hair.

5- With the two twisted sections out of the way, begin smoothing and gathering the rest of the hair into a low side ponytail.

6- Gather and secure with an elastic. Pull back the two strands and wrap them once around the back of the ponytail and secure into the elastic. You could add bobby pins if you feel they are necessary to secure the twists.

7- This look is perfect as is. Or, add your bow and you're good to go!

Now go enjoy your day! -The Homestylemom

Hooray for the 4th Lil' Lady

2011-12-21T17:52:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to announce the arrival of the newest addition to The Homestylemom hair blog. This one already seems to be "sugar and spice and everything nice." But alas, no one will be writing in to comment "My what a head full of hair that one has!" for she's follicly-challenged like Merry was. That will be all right. I'll just decorate her with some skinny headbands topped with dainty flowers. Enjoy your first glimpses of my little Lovebug. Her bloggy name was easy to determine. More great hairdos to come for 2012 so keep stopping by.
-The Homestylemom

Recital Hair UpDo with...Socks!!

2011-05-29T12:04:00.029-04:00

You have seen my post about the sock buns, now see where they saved the day! I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would have to use this 'do as a life-saver. Many of you know that we homeschool. Well, this particular Friday was a Field Trip day. We spent the day downtown at the Capitol. I knew we had the recital this same evening and had planned accordingly. I left 3 hours before we needed to be home to get ready...but Atlanta traffic struck. Hard. By the time we got home I had to put my plans aside for Firefly's lovely updo and rely on socks instead. Yes, they were clean! I parted her hair and pulled it up into two smart-looking little sock buns. I was all right with it and Firefly was pleased. Her recital was a success and so was her hair. Here is a peek at her onstage. This reminded me of the Boy Scout Motto: Always be prepared. With a few hairstyle tips and tricks in your arsenal, you will never need to worry about a bad hair day for your lil' lady.
Now go enjoy your day together!

-The Homestylemom

Lil' Bows for Lil' Baldies

2011-03-08T12:01:00.002-05:00

So I got Merry's hair to gather up into some semblance of a 'do. Here I've sprayed her hair, parted it to the side and gathered what little I can into an elastic. That is THE ONLY way to get the bow to stay in on it's own. We had just snacked on some ice cream and this was the only time I thought to whip out my camera and grab a quick shot of her first official hairdo. She never knew the difference and didn't try to take out her bow once. I was so proud!
-The Homestylemom

Our Little Man

2010-08-03T12:05:00.002-04:00

While I realize that this is a girls hair blog I feel I must post this little bit about my guy, Freckles. Yes, this is the boy in the house full of girls. He puts up with alot and we are very appreciative of him. Sadly, he only has one hairstyle, but that's all right. He always looks neat and well-groomed wherever we go. This is our lil' man and 3 lil' ladies are very proud to call him Brother.

Wash and Wear Hair

2010-05-29T12:03:00.039-04:00

Summertime Standby Style: With summer swim team practice first thing in the morning, I often need to go run an errand as soon as we are done. Wet, drippy pool or beach hair is not always easy to style attractively.
We've come to appreciate this style on such occasions when it's necessary to get out and go with wet hair. I call this standby Messy Bun Piggies and it's great for short or medium hair fresh from the pool or shower.

Skill Level -2 Time Factor -2 and Cuteness Factor -3. Remember to be careful when working with wet hair as it is easier to break or damage it in this state. You'll only need 2 elastics and your rat tail comb.
1- Part the hair into two sections from the front to the nape as desired. 2- Comb and smooth each section. 3- Secure each of the two sections into an elastic but on the last time through only pull through halfway. 4- Top off with the "icing" of your choice and you are on your way. Firefly is modeling my Firecracker Loopy Bows.

Enjoy your day together!
-The Homestylemom

Spring Has Sprung

2010-04-09T12:07:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to give an update on the hair situation for Merry. So far I would still classify her as a baldie. I have high hopes though. Spring is finally here and with everything else green and growing I figure her hair can't be too far behind! She is still in a crochet baby headband and they are comfy. She looks ripe for the picking with the flower blooming atop her head.
Now go enjoy this beautiful spring day together!
-The Homestylemom

Sunday Morning Hair for Three

2010-01-18T12:15:00.002-05:00

With three lil' ladies to get out the door now on Sunday mornings I guess I should be thankful that one of them is pretty sparse in the hair department. Here is Merry (her bloggy name) already ready while I am working on Ruby and Firefly's hair.
Merry is sporting a crochet baby headband and bow from my shop. I have a feeling these will become a staple around her while we wait on the hair fairy to visit Merry!
Now go enjoy this Lord's Day!
-The Homestylemom

Our New Model

2009-12-13T12:09:00.003-05:00

-In case you've been wondering where I've been...

This is my new lil' lady. I don't know what her bloggy name is going to be yet, but she sure is a happy little gal. She also has a red tint to her hair...what little she has:( but you really can't tell in this photo.
I am looking forward to lots of new 'dos with her as her hair comes in. I am hoping that will be soon. I am so thankful for this precious new little lady.
-The Homestylemom

What's in Your Toolbox: Tools of the Trade

2009-06-13T12:23:00.075-04:00

I have received several emails asking me, "What do you mean grab your toolbox"? That is what I call my hairdo kit. I learned early on with lil' lady number one that I need to have all my stuff that I use to do her hair in one place and that it would be really convenient if that "one place" could be portable. Hence, the creation of my hairdo toolbox. I could grab that and take it to the girls as they were playing without any big commotion and it was convenient for taking along when it was vacation time too. Just grab and go. Pictured is my much loved, much used divided basket with a handle. I think this is actually meant for picnics. You can choose whatever you have on hand. I keep in it all the things I need for a successful hairstyle (except my heat-styling products.) Here is a quick rundown of what I keep in mine:
1-Spray bottle: I use a trigger spray bottle filled with water to mist dry hair, for parting and to smooth fly aways.
2-Elastics: in a lidded container to control runaways. Two sizes. Small clear or any color imaginable about the size of a dime. Available in any Wal-mart, Target, etc. These are cheap!!! 500 for $1 at the Dollar Tree. Also, for longer hair or large ponytails I use the larger version that fits around your wrist to secure big bunches of hair.
3-Clips/clamps: like your hairstylist uses. These are usually plastic and shaped like an alligator. Use to clip hair out of your way or as an extra hand.
4-Curling Gel - love, love, love this for defining Ruby's natural curls. Garnier's Curl Sculpting Cream Gel.
5-Hair Spray - your choice. I am a big hair aerosol girl from the South.
6-Heat Protectant - again your choice.
7-Topsy Tail - yes, remember this. If you can't do pull through pony knots get yourself one of these. The kit comes with two sizes. Referred to by me as TT.
8-Bobby Pins - self explanatory. They hold best when x'ed over one another.
9-Leave In Conditioner - I use Infusium 23, put it in a spray bottle, and call it "Princess Potion." So necessary if you've got a curly girl.
10- Paddle brush, rat tail comb, wet comb.
Collect these as you need them and you'll soon see what you need and what you don't.
-The Homestylemom

Wrapped Ponytail with Piggies for Medium Hair

2008-11-07T12:00:00.000-05:00

Here is Ruby again and her hair is a jewel to work with for sure! It is at a great length right now and I love to just play in it. You may not have much time for playing in the morning if you are on your way out. This 'do is sure to please Mama and girl with plenty of compliments heading your way. Skill level - 3, Time factor - 2, Cuteness - 4. This is the new 5 point ratings scale I plan to use when sharing new 'dos with you.
Gather your toolbox and here we go. You will need 5 elastics for this one. You can use wet or dry hair.
1-Bush hair until it is smooth and shiny.

2- Part hair: I am a side parter but the middle works great too. If she has a cowlick, perfect, use that.

3- Separate out a section from each side of the part and secure each in an elastic. Stay forward of the top of the ear.

4- Take a small section of hair from each of the ponies, wrap the pony and pull through using your finger or your TT.

5- Outta time? You can stop here as this is a cute look too. Still with me? Well here we go. Part out a great big section from the middle of the crown, smooth it with your brush.

6- Take the front 2 ponytails and add them to this section of hair from the crown. Secure with your 3rd elastic band.

7- Once again, wrap this ponytail elastic with hair and secure inside itself using your favorite method. This style is cute too. Stop here if you like or continue on...

8- Part the remaining hair down the middle and secure with your two remaining elastics. Be sure to divide the pony from above and include half in each pigtail section. On your last time through you can pull the piggies only partway through. This will make a nice, full fun look. Or, you can pull through and allow them to hang the traditional way, depending on how long her hair is.

Here it is au natural...

Or, with the sweet little Boutique Bow Set that you can find here in my shop.

Now go enjoy your day together1
-The Homestylemom

Something Squirrely

2008-11-03T11:59:00.003-05:00

This is another 'do for the lil' shorties out there. We do alot of headbands with this cut too but I did want to show you another quick and spunky style that will get you out the door in no time. 1-Start by gathering your toolbox and parting the hair as shown.

2-Separate out your front two sections and secure with elastics. You can do this with or without bangs. Either way will look cute.

3-Just behind the ear, separate out another 2 sections. Include the hair from the front ponytail and secure each side with an elastic as shown below.

4- Insert the bows, ribbons or barrettes of your choosing.

5- And Voila!! A Perfectly spunky do for your precious little girl.

Enjoy your day together!
-The Homestylemom

Playtime Piggies

2008-10-21T11:57:00.001-04:00

Whoa! Those are some big ol' bows!! I love to sew and have purposed to set aside time for this beneficial and enjoyable activity. I am introducing this skill to my girls as well. Here you will find tutorials, tips, and pictures of projects I am currently working on as well as lovely finds from across the Web. This is a Nemo themed set that I sewed for Firefly along with the bows I designed to accompany it. The pattern for the top can be found here. It is by Dainty Designs and it is completely adorable! We took lots of pictures because I am planning to use this set as the photo on my business cards. I took the pics without a shirt underneath because this October weather here in GA has been so HOT!

The Homestylemom

Party Pigtails

2008-09-27T11:55:00.004-04:00

I love my 2 little girls. I love that they are girls. I love that they play with girls... That is precisely what they are GIRLS! What is the big deal if they like to play swords or guns or soccer? Does it matter what they play with and how they play? I believe so. That is why I plan to purposely dress them and train them for their role as girls, ladies, and women. We talk often as we are playing together about how much I enjoy being their mommy and that I wouldn't be happy doing anything else. Girlhood is short so make the most of it!

Here is a shot of Firefly getting ready for her 4th birthday.It's not the best 'do for her little bob but it allows me to add some pizazz up top for her big day.
1- With your rattail comb just part the hair slightly off center (or whatever your parting preference is) then, 2- collect two even sections from in front of the ears on each side. 3-Secure with elastics. I find that I like to do this so that the style lasts all day. Her hair remains secure and in place without the assistance of the bows. They are just there to be the "icing on the cake" so to speak. 4- Add your bows or ribbon of choice and you are good to go.

I just love how these loopy bows turned out! They are bright and cheery just like Firefly..
-The Homestylemom

The Accessory Aisle: Headbands II

2008-06-11T12:28:00.110-04:00

Skill level -4, Time Factor -3, Cuteness Factor -3
So last week I vowed to find a way to keep a headband in my lil' lady's hair. I've decided to try to weave it in place. Firefly's hair bob is just too short for me to try to weave something into it so I used Ruby's thick, wavy tresses instead. She's got the curly locks rather than the straight strands that this style would be more suited for, but here goes. You will need several elastics, based on the number of sections you'd like to make. We made 6 across the front. Instructions are below each photo.

1- Begin by parting the hair from ear to ear. Pull back the remainder of the hair into a ponytail elastic to keep it out of your way.

2- Divide the front hair in half and get one side out of your way.

3- Separate each half into three sections that you secure close to the scalp with elastics.

4- Here are our 6 sections across the front.

5- Now place the headband in the hair. Split the front two ponies in half and cross your two front center pieces over each other forming an X.

6-Secure these X'ed ponies into an elastic. Use just a small section of hair from the crown. Secure it closely to the headband in order to hide it and to keep from having the "slide up lumps" when you tighten them.
NOTE: I should have used the elastics we have that match her hair color in order to avoid the stark contrast. You really want the pony elastics to not show.

7- Continue to divide, X, and secure from the middle out until you are left with one remaining outside tail at each ear.

8- Grab one final elastic and have her pull her hair up off her neck and hold.

9- Secure this section with an elastic at the nape of her neck.

10- You should have something that looks like this. As you can see, the elastics contrast too much and the headband is too dark for her hair color. It should have been lighter.

Thanks for your patience, Ruby. You are a jewel!!
Now go enjoy your day with your headband in place!
-The Homestylemom

The Accessory Aisle: Headbands

2008-06-02T12:13:00.002-04:00

My girls, especially Firefly, love to wear headbands. I may be stubborn as a mule, but I really hate headbands! I go through the trouble to get their hair all smooth and silky and then I carefully arrange the headband in their heads and away we go. Moments later, the headband is out, being played with or repositioned, and she looks like her hair was never combed today. I want the girls to wear and enjoy the lovely accessories I take the time to create for them, but I won't sacrifice them having ratty looking hair for that. I am working on some 'dos that will be headband AND mom friendly. I'll get back with those as soon as I can. In the meantime, here are some of the headbands I've been working on.

These are just the plain grosgrain-wrapped headbands with interchangeable loops.

And here are some with the bows permanently attached. They are so delicate and sweet and look great in the girls' hair. I just need them to stay in like the hairbows do! Maybe I'll have to weave them in place...hmm?
-The Homestylemom

The Homestylemom Hairstyles for Girls

2008-05-14T15:06:00.004-04:00

Welcome to my blog. I am so blessed to be the mommy of two beautiful little girls. I am enjoying motherhood and love dressing my little ladies in all things girly. I especially love fixing their hair and putting them in hair bows. Unfortunately, that love was getting expensive, so it was time for some DIY hair accessories. Crafting and creating have always been favorite pursuits of mine so I decided to begin making bows and things for my girls and plan to share that here with you. I have tons of ideas that I would love for you to stop back by soon to see. I began selling my handmade creations in 2007 and it has been so much fun!
Hope to see you often,
-The Homestylemom