Hair Isn't Everything, Even If You're Competing For Miss America!

I'm a little late at posting this, as the Miss America Pageant for 2011 is now over. But, I watched the pageant when it aired on January 15th and was intrigued by one of the contestants who made it to the top ten - Kayla Martell (Miss Delaware.) Kayla was diagnosed with Alopecia when she was a little girl and lost all of her hair at age 13. She obviously didn't let it slow her down or keep her from achieving her dreams though.

Here's an interview she did on the Early Show about her disease and beauty pageants :


During the Miss America Pageant they showed another interview with her where she said that she thinks of her wigs as fun accessories she gets to wear. She seems to be completely comfortable going bald and actually competed in a few pageants without a wig.

I know the pre-teen and teenage years can be very hard and a lot of focus seems to be on the outward appearance at that age. I think Kayla is a great role model for young girls. It's great that she is so confidant and doesn't let her hair loss get in the way.

I am a strong believer in what is on the inside of a person is much more important than what is on the outside. Besides that, isn't she gorgeous either way?!

Photo courtesy of people.com

Photo courtesy of naaf.org
I love that someone made it to the Miss America pageant who doesn't necessarily fit the standard of "perfection" that is usually represented. I hope to see more of that in the future!

If you are someone you love is struggling with hair loss, there are resources available which may help. Hair Loss Help

Quick, Easy & Cute Heart Ponytail

Here's a fun Valentine hairstyle that is quick and easy. This one took us 8 minutes and that's including the time it took to curl the pony!

We had a lot of requests for a video back when we first posted this one several years ago (I must have done a really bad job at explaining it lol) so here you are:


And, in case you prefer to follow along by photo: Here's the good old picture tutorial. :)Start by parting out a box in front and do a pull-through. (With or without a topsy tail.)Leaving the end of the pull through out, (you'll need it later to secure the heart.) Make a low pony and do 2 braids with the top half of the hair in the pony.Bring the braids up and position them into the shape of a heart. When you get them the right length on both sides, secure them together with an elastic. You don't want the braids too long or they'll flop around and won't stay put. Also, you need some ends left to add back into the ponytail.At this point, you'll bring the ends from the pony on top down and add them in with the ends of the braids. So, you'll have another elastic over the same place you just put one to tie the 2 braids together, (to secure the heart into place.)Now, add one more elastic at the base of the pony to keep everything together. If you don't make the braids too long, you won't even need anything to help it keep it's shape. I didn't add any bobby pins or anything and it stayed just like this all day!Add a bow if you want. I just used some spare ribbon I had hanging around the house and tied a bow with each piece.

A New Haircut - For Me!

I've been growing out my hair for awhile now. It actually was getting fairly long, and well... I decided it was time for a change.

Here's what I looked like before the haircut (kinda.) I am a little too embarrassed to make an appearance on this blog, so my kids were kind enough to help me with some creative "editing." Apparently it looks like I have a small problem with some extra facial hair... I might need to look into that. :)

Before:


(These before pictures were both taken awhile ago, but you get the idea.) My hair was on the longer side, about halfway down my back. Unlike the princess, my hair is naturally wavy/curly like the photo on the right.

After:

I'm not sure if this specific cut has an official name, but I would say it's a mix between a Bob Haircut, and an A-Line Haircut with layers. Maybe a Graduated Bob? A typical "mom cut."
Although it's a little shorter than I had planned on, I'm loving how fast and easy this new haircut is to style! My only complaint is that I pretty much have to straighten it every day now, or it shrivels up into a frizzy ball. :)So, what do you think?

Basket Weave Hairstyle Video

One of our all time favorite hairstyles is the Basket Weave Hairstyle that we posted a couple of years ago. Anytime we make this hairdo, the princess always gets lots of compliments and attention. And... it really is surprisingly easy to make. :)

We've had quite a few requests for a video tutorial and we finally got around to making one!


When we do this hairstyle, I like to make curls with the hair that is left down. It seems to help keep the weaving in place and looks more finished as well. Besides that, what could be cuter than a little girl with ringlets? Here's the video tutorial:
The weaving tool used in this video is part of the Design Weaver Toolkit which can be found at the Hair Flair Boutique.We usually save this hairstyle for special occasions (church, recitals, weddings) it's really beautiful but it's not a hairdo that will hold up very nicely to rough playing or recess/school.

Knotted Braid Hairstyle

This is a great hairstyle for school days, as it is quick and easy. From start to finish, this hairdo took less than 5 minutes! I love the look of french braids wrapped around the head on both sides (very princess like!) This hairdo has that same basic look, but is much easier and quicker to make in my opinion.
Not to mention a more unique looking braid than a standard french braid when you are done. :)
Just in case you are wondering, the cute flower hair clip shown with this style came from Every Little Detail.
Knotted braid hairstyle for girls video tutorial:

I think this hairstyle would work for little girls as well as tweens, teens and maybe adults. Braids look cute on everyone, right?