I just flat out SUCK at hair.

[Kristy C]

Anyone else in my boat? Try everything? (videos on the internet, books, styling lessons, ets) and STILL can't get it? I guess I am just hair challenged. I have bought everything.....3 different kinds of rollers, bobby pins galore, combs, you name it. Even a vintage hair dryer. So it's not lack of supplies......

I see other girls with rad hairstyles and want SO badly to be a "good hair" person but I always end in frustration with bobby pins, cans of hair spray, and junk strewn all over my bathroom and I still don't have victory rolls, just a matted up mess of hair and breakage everywhere from backcombing.

I've tried doing it the pincurl way and that was an even bigger disaster.

Has anyone ever tried that book "Vintage Hairstyling"?

or has anyone been like me for a long time and FINALLY found that one thing that helped you finally "get it"?

[Kristy C]

^ My hair is like that, only I need like 3 days for it to do anything. I am having my hair done tommorrow for an event, forgot, and washed it last night. So hopefully she'll be able to do something with it.....I see alot of hair spray in my future! The dirtier my hair is, the better. When it's clean, forget it.

Every year at Viva, Sunday is usually my best hair day (I don't wash it when we are there) It's dirty, yes, but it's the only day I can actually half-ass do something cool. I just put some baby powder on my roots to absorb some of the oil, so I don't look like a dirtbag, hehe. But amazing how well it will hold a curl. Then just set it with some shine spray to take away the dullness and boom.

When we get home on Monday, and I finally wash my hair, the water in the shower is like, brown!

[Miss Tanya Christine]

Don't worry, it takes time to "train" your hair and figure out what's right for you. It all depends on your hair type, hair cut and how the style will flatter your face. You might also keep in mind any natural calics you may have and find hairstyles that work with them, instead of against them.

I have fine soft hair that styles best when I set it. Although I've heard many people say it's best to set your hair wet with product, I find my hair will take days, yes days, to dry because it is so long and will only come out frizzy. I set mine dry with out any product and love to do pincurls or waves before styling. Once my hair has set for an hour or so, I give it a good light spray of hairspray all around and let it dry for a minute. Then I let it down and am ready to style.

For rockabilly or authentic vintage hairstyles, I NEVER backcomb! It is horrible for your hair. You can use rollers, a bit of hair from your hairbrush (wierd, I know. You can hide it in a pretty hair reciever, often found in vintage hair and vanity sets.) or now they have "Bump'Its" out. If victory rolls are your goal, try parting and seperating your hair and curling each side inwards with a large barrel curling iron first and get your hair ready to take. When it's ready, 'stuff' under your pretty rolls, pin and spray away!
It's ok to be off center. It will take time to get perfect and symmetrical rolls but I think making them off center and of different sizes add more depth and personallity. Don't get frustrated if the second roll dosen't match the first and don't worry about what other girls rolls look like in comparrison. Each girls hairstyle is as unique as thier personality. :)

A fine tooth comb and a small bristle brush come in handy to smooth out any unwanted frizz and give a softer, more feminine look as a final touch. Grease is for the guys and I wouldn't sugest it, ever actually, because it can lead to baldness.

I'm sure by now, you know what products work best for you. Gel can help hold a style but can look hard and flake when combed through. It also has a high alcohol content which dries out your hair and leads to more breakage and frizz. Mouse can make your hair look greassy and dirty unless you are blessed with thick and coarse hair. There are many types of hairspray, some for bounce and some for hold. I like to use the light hold on the ends of my hair, because I know I will comb it again later and a strong hold for up'do's and for any rolls I have on top.

Once you get it down, you'll be able to do a complete hairstyle in five minutes.

I hope I helped, let me know if you have any questions. If you live near me I could style your hair for any occasion. I'll have to post a folder of work I've done on other girls. I'm a bit limited with long hair.

Best wishes and good luck!
-Miss Tanya Christine

Post pictures when you're done, I can't wait to see. :D

[Harlow]

I can completely agree with you. I feel as if no matter how many times I try it doesn't work. And it looks simple to do but not so much I guess with more and more practice the easier it will get...
Here's hoping.

[JiJi Lee]

Yes, it takes a lot of practice, practice, practice! Also, I think it helps to know what your hair is capable of doing/taking. I have straight, thick, Asian hair. That limits me from doing certain styles, or takes a lot more to achieve some looks. But I'm ok with that. Start with something basic, perfect it and build from there. Good luck :)

[Eliza Little]

I think if got some really good make-up it would be easier for me. Hopefully

Christi I *AZVK* said:

Eliza Little said:

I know how ya feel!!!! Everyone elae can get my hair do what they want. But if I try, it's a whole different story! So I get fed up grab a do rag and throw it up in that. My Grandma told me how to get my hair up so I can tie the rag on the top of my head. So nine times out of ten you see me like that.

Make-up is also not my thing!!!!

Hehe! I find myself in the do rag ALOT too. Thank god I am good at makeup, or I'd be screwed all around!

[Sara A]

im the same way with not much luck.... but seriously...dont give up keep trying and keep attempting to learn! youll get it eventually, hopefully...

[Shalynn Monrose]

Totally feel you! I am completely hair challenged. My Man got me the Vintage Hairstyling book for Christmas and I very unsuccessfully tried one hair style. lol
One trick I learned was to bobby pin sponge rollers into your hair. That way you get the perfect roll with volume and it wont go anywhere. The book is awesome but she uses a lot of different products and tool and I don't know about you, but I can't afford to get all of them at once. I have to improvise.

[KandyK]

Hi sweetie,
I see your a part of the Arizona Voodoo Kittens, could you maybe get some lessons off one of the other girls? Or possibly just hire a stylist, if i have a big shoot coming up, i like to use someone else and not bother with the stress. There's a lot of local hair stylists that are really awesome!
Check out Amber Dexstress and lady Scissorhands :)

xox

[Miss Rockwell De Vil]

Girlie, come see my classes at Viva for step by step tutorials.
The book you speak of is a great book. Unfortunately, I found it hard to understand if you are not savy. I am hoping that my book and tutorial videos will be more helpful to non professionals. Be on the look out. Also, read my articles in my myspace image folders for tips on specific products.
xo

[Kristy C]

Funny......all the AZVK's except for one (who's a hair stylist, haha!) have their hair done for them before all the events! We have a great stylist, and she does some good 'dos, but I am never able to make it to get mine done because of my work hours and transportation issues. She also has styling sessions that I can't make it to, also cause of work hours. So I am left with the internet and books trying to teach myself!

KandyK said:

Hi sweetie,
I see your a part of the Arizona Voodoo Kittens, could you maybe get some lessons off one of the other girls? Or possibly just hire a stylist, if i have a big shoot coming up, i like to use someone else and not bother with the stress. There's a lot of local hair stylists that are really awesome!
Check out Amber Dexstress and lady Scissorhands :)

xox

[Kristy C]

That sounds like fun! Are you having them this year?

Miss Rockwell De Vil said:

Girlie, come see my classes at Viva for step by step tutorials.
The book you speak of is a great book. Unfortunately, I found it hard to understand if you are not savy. I am hoping that my book and tutorial videos will be more helpful to non professionals. Be on the look out. Also, read my articles in my myspace image folders for tips on specific products.
xo

[Danielle June]

Hi Ladies!!!! I am here to help with good product suggestions for your retro styles!!! I specialize in retro hairstyling and I have tried and true products for you to use when recreating the perfect look.

I always apply Paul Mitchell Liquid Sculpt to damp hair before blowdrying to aid in hold of the hairstyle you are putting time and effort into!! You want it to last!!! Its a very light liquid setting gel that is totally brushable after dried into the hair.

Whatever method you use to set your hair, whether it be hot rollers or irons, use a heat setting product. I use Redken Spray Starch. It has flexible hold, and protects against heat damage, Gives your curls memory and it smells delicious.

When combing out your styles, use a light hairspray during teasing and forming your waves and curl patterns. I use Paul Mitchell Soft Spray aerosol. Totally brushable. DOES NOT FLAKE!! So important!!! Does not dull the hair either.

Lastly, when you are satisfied with the shape and style, use Elnet by Loreal. Its only available at Target. It is the industry professionals choice and has been around for years and once you use it you will know why. The mist is super fine and the hold is unparalleled. Its in the famous gold can. I pay retail for it cause I love it so much!

As an extra last touch, I use a fine mist spray shine by Aquage. I think its just called spray shine. Anywhoo, it adds shine and reflection and in pictures will look beautiful.

I know that is alot of products to help sustain your 'do, but trust me, you won't be sorry you put the effort into it. It won't go unnoticed!

And as Mae West once said, "Its better to be looked over than overlooked".

I would have to agree. Cheers!