Can't master the Pin up hair do Please help!!

[MizzBootyfull]

Ok, so this is my first post here. I haven't been very active cause I'm very new to this whole style, and super busy, so I haven't had much time to take pictures and work on my look.

 

I wanted to hear from others about how to perfect pin up hair styles. I have attempted, for the first time, after watching about a dozen or more youtube videos, to imitate the pin up hair style, but feel I failed miserably.

 

I redid and sprayed my hair so many times I had to jump in the shower, wash all the hair spray and mousse out, and try it while it was still wet. I was having a real hard time getting my curls to look sleek and perfect like the pin up models.

I have very thick hair and it has a lot of natural wave and curl to it already. I also have my hair thinned since it is so thick, so I have a lot of loose fly aways, and every time I tried to spray and smooth it out I ended up with a bunch of stray matted down hair on my curls lol.

 

Did everyone have this much of a problem when they started, or am I doing it wrong? I have included pictures of my first attempt and would like to get any suggestions or feedback I can on how to get perfectly sleek looking curls.

 

I get the hair rolled up, but it seems like the curl just isn't tight enough, or isn't in the right position for anyone to tell what hair style I'm trying to  pull off.  The ends are varying lengths, so it makes it difficult to keep it all rolled up together. On the youtube videos the girls make it look sooooooo simple. 

 

Here is a slide show of the pictures before and after my attempts at pin curls and to do victory rolls in my hair. http://www.kizoa.com/slideshow/d1933576k9280697o1/pin-up-hair

The pin curls turned out alright I think, but the rolls gave me a lot of problems. 

These aren't the best pictures :P plus I was practicing my pin up face expressions, so don't laugh too hard lol :)

PS. I know the pins aren't suppose to show, and one should go one way, and the other from the opposite side of the roll going in the opposite direction, but my hair is thick and heavy, so I had to use extra pins, plus I couldn't figure out how to get it to slick down so I used pins to help with the poof. Maybe section off even less hair next time?

Thanks for listening :)

 

 

 

[Roxy Tart {PL Team / Comm. Mgr}]

Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice, oh and more Practice. It's a skill, and like most skills if you are not born being able to do it, you can learn by taking some time and Practicing.

[Pinup Doll Ashley Marie]

Girlfriend it takes A LOT of teasing for me! And when I mean A LOT I MEAN A LOT! For example:

 

THIS IS HOW I TEASE:

 

 

 

AND THIS IS WHAT I TURN THIS MONSTER INTO:

 

 

I use tons of hairspray too. I have a youtube video that a bit more simplier styling. Heres the link :)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26CNtw3clU8

 

 

 

[MizzBootyfull]

Awesome! I'm at school right now, but when I get home I'll be sure to check out the video. WOW that is some major teasing, how do you get it to look so damn sleek when your done? Mine seems to smooth on the top but because of the thuinning I have a lot of shorter strays that just look a hot mess and I can't get to smooth out without brushing out the ratting in my hair that I just did. Practice is a must with this skill lol Your hair looks amazing by the way!

Pinup Doll Ashley Marie said:

Girlfriend it takes A LOT of teasing for me! And when I mean A LOT I MEAN A LOT! For example:

 

THIS IS HOW I TEASE:

 

 

 

AND THIS IS WHAT I TURN THIS MONSTER INTO:

 

 

I use tons of hairspray too. I have a youtube video that a bit more simplier styling. Heres the link :)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26CNtw3clU8

 

 

 

[MizzBootyfull]

That's not as bad as I expected chunky cuts would look. I might try it out on my next cut cause these stray hairs are not fun to try and mess with.

Tracy 'Dezzie' Rhodes {★} said:

No problem! My hair is pretty short now...killed the ends going from died black to red. Tried to find a good shot of my hair before, but not much luck...but this is what I mean:

 

 

 

 

Ignore the color as much as you can on this one...it's horrific, but it really shows the different layers well!

 

Tell your hairdresser you want long layers throughout with shorter layers around the crown...no shorter than 5 inches. Hope that helps!

 

[MizzBootyfull]

Yes, lots and lots of time lol my arms get tired I have to take breaks between ratting and trying to roll lol

Roxy Tart {PL Team / Madam} said:

Practice, Practice, Practice, Practice, oh and more Practice. It's a skill, and like most skills if you are not born being able to do it, you can learn by taking some time and Practicing.

[Crissy Lou!]

Homegirl here is S\*SO* right in every which way!  My suggestion for a styling lotion, BED HEAD's MANIPULATOR.  Works great for hair textures like ours.  BUT JUST A SMIDGEN!  If you use too much it will make your hair wavy again.

As an alternative to ratting your hair, I suggest trying to curl your hair w/a 1/2 inch barrel and once the hair is out of the curling iron, wrap it up in the direction of the curl and pin it.  Once completed let your hair cool before you take out the pins, about 20 min.  Section out the area you want to roll and go for it!  the curls will help hold it all together along w/the tiny bit of the Manipulator, pin and spray.  You may want to take your ratting come to the root to help w/the fly aways.  Then spray again, slightly.  Enjoy!  Keep us posted on your progress!

Tracy 'Dezzie' Rhodes {★} said:

Oh dear...if you can, try not to get your hair thinned out anymore. It is very difficult to get a smooth look when that's done. I had it done several years ago and regretted it. Try long chunky layers instead, especially at the back in the crown area where the hair seems the heaviest.

 

I get my best curls when I use a styling lotion, then put my hair up in hot rollers. The smaller the sections, the better...1 to 1 1/2 inch wide and not too thick. (Sometimes I only have enough rollers for the front of my head, so I have to do it in 2 sets or use curling iron for the back.) While they cool down, do your makeup. Then unroll the curls carefully. After they are totally cooled down, brush them out.

 

Start sectioning the peices you want to roll, ratting just at the root to about 3 inches up. Create a roll, smoothing out the top with a teeny bit of pomade on your fingertips and a comb to smooth a little more. Pin when you get it to look the way you want. Use as many pins as you need to, but as hidden as you can get. Add hairspray and after you've finished and voila!!

 

It does take practice and I still have trouble doing my left side...rarely turns out as good as the right. Good luck!!

[MizzBootyfull]

I will make an attempt again this weekend, but I really need to get my hair cut again. I will try to invest in some more products, but for now I will have to make due with the mousse, hair spray, and curling iron. I will take some more pictures of my next attempt after being able to try some of the suggestions. So I need to curls, rat, and then apply product, and pins, right?

 

Crissy Lou! said:

Homegirl here is S\*SO* right in every which way!  My suggestion for a styling lotion, BED HEAD's MANIPULATOR.  Works great for hair textures like ours.  BUT JUST A SMIDGEN!  If you use too much it will make your hair wavy again.

As an alternative to ratting your hair, I suggest trying to curl your hair w/a 1/2 inch barrel and once the hair is out of the curling iron, wrap it up in the direction of the curl and pin it.  Once completed let your hair cool before you take out the pins, about 20 min.  Section out the area you want to roll and go for it!  the curls will help hold it all together along w/the tiny bit of the Manipulator, pin and spray.  You may want to take your ratting come to the root to help w/the fly aways.  Then spray again, slightly.  Enjoy!  Keep us posted on your progress!

Tracy 'Dezzie' Rhodes {★} said:

Oh dear...if you can, try not to get your hair thinned out anymore. It is very difficult to get a smooth look when that's done. I had it done several years ago and regretted it. Try long chunky layers instead, especially at the back in the crown area where the hair seems the heaviest.

 

I get my best curls when I use a styling lotion, then put my hair up in hot rollers. The smaller the sections, the better...1 to 1 1/2 inch wide and not too thick. (Sometimes I only have enough rollers for the front of my head, so I have to do it in 2 sets or use curling iron for the back.) While they cool down, do your makeup. Then unroll the curls carefully. After they are totally cooled down, brush them out.

 

Start sectioning the peices you want to roll, ratting just at the root to about 3 inches up. Create a roll, smoothing out the top with a teeny bit of pomade on your fingertips and a comb to smooth a little more. Pin when you get it to look the way you want. Use as many pins as you need to, but as hidden as you can get. Add hairspray and after you've finished and voila!!

 

It does take practice and I still have trouble doing my left side...rarely turns out as good as the right. Good luck!!

[Crissy Lou!]

Well the using the curling iron and then pinning it is an alternative to ratting it.   Ratting your hair can be damaging but hey so is heat.  You would want to do either or.  But yes the order you have is right: curl, pin, release the pins when cool, and begin to style.  Use a VERY small amount of product as your hair prob starts to change texture when it gets too wet as mine does.  (mine starts to get kinky).  

I just joined PL so as soon as I can I will post pics of my hair trials.  

I also suggest try buying this book called: VINTAGE HAIRSTYLING.  Its very good read to give you insperation and 'how to'.  Keep up the good work! You look great. :)

MizzBootyfull said:

I will make an attempt again this weekend, but I really need to get my hair cut again. I will try to invest in some more products, but for now I will have to make due with the mousse, hair spray, and curling iron. I will take some more pictures of my next attempt after being able to try some of the suggestions. So I need to curls, rat, and then apply product, and pins, right?

 

Crissy Lou! said:

Homegirl here is S\*SO* right in every which way!  My suggestion for a styling lotion, BED HEAD's MANIPULATOR.  Works great for hair textures like ours.  BUT JUST A SMIDGEN!  If you use too much it will make your hair wavy again.

As an alternative to ratting your hair, I suggest trying to curl your hair w/a 1/2 inch barrel and once the hair is out of the curling iron, wrap it up in the direction of the curl and pin it.  Once completed let your hair cool before you take out the pins, about 20 min.  Section out the area you want to roll and go for it!  the curls will help hold it all together along w/the tiny bit of the Manipulator, pin and spray.  You may want to take your ratting come to the root to help w/the fly aways.  Then spray again, slightly.  Enjoy!  Keep us posted on your progress!

Tracy 'Dezzie' Rhodes {★} said:

Oh dear...if you can, try not to get your hair thinned out anymore. It is very difficult to get a smooth look when that's done. I had it done several years ago and regretted it. Try long chunky layers instead, especially at the back in the crown area where the hair seems the heaviest.

 

I get my best curls when I use a styling lotion, then put my hair up in hot rollers. The smaller the sections, the better...1 to 1 1/2 inch wide and not too thick. (Sometimes I only have enough rollers for the front of my head, so I have to do it in 2 sets or use curling iron for the back.) While they cool down, do your makeup. Then unroll the curls carefully. After they are totally cooled down, brush them out.

 

Start sectioning the peices you want to roll, ratting just at the root to about 3 inches up. Create a roll, smoothing out the top with a teeny bit of pomade on your fingertips and a comb to smooth a little more. Pin when you get it to look the way you want. Use as many pins as you need to, but as hidden as you can get. Add hairspray and after you've finished and voila!!

 

It does take practice and I still have trouble doing my left side...rarely turns out as good as the right. Good luck!!

[MizzBootyfull]

Yeah, I hate ratting it it scares me cause my hair is horrible afterwards, so I kid of like the curling iron method better, but we will see which works out. I think the curling iron might be better due to the thinning, I'm tryig to grow it back out again, but really liked the lightness the thinning gave me, less head aches :)

 

And yes, my hair will easily become wavy and curly depending on what product I use in it, so I need something that will both smooth it out and make it look sleek, without the side effect of waves lol. I was thinking pomade might be best, but then it might look clumpy, however, it will be a trial and error process I'm sure. When I use any new product on my hair it is a trial and error process lol. I do want to invest in something to help limit the damage of my hair since I can already see a bit of a difference after ratting it several times. Again, I had never been one to do much with my hair other than scrunch it with some mousse, or maybe straighten once in a while, so this is extreme for me lol. I'm still getting use to it.

[Veronica Von Minx]

I read this thread a couple days ago and definitely knew where you were coming from. I had been trying pin up hair for ages and fail time and time again. But tonight was the night! SUCCESS IS MINE!!!

Not to mention my hair is very much like yours (if not a little more curly). So for us thick curly/wavy haired girls we need to blow dry/flat iron it straight, and actually our thickness is a help so we don't have to tease it like most girls do. Pomade for fly aways and viola!

[Lolita Black]

I couldn't see your pictures unfortunately but I also have very thick hair. I don't thin my hair though so for flyaways I recommend a pomade or hairspray. But the thing about rolls and thick hair for myself is I have to rat the back of my rolls so the hair will grip together. I also can't pincurl my whole head otherwise it would take me all night from all of my hair (would drive me crazy). Difficult hairstyles work better with day old hair or hair that isn't super clean because it'll grip better (that's just something I was told). Another thing that helps me is that I will roll the sections of my hair the night before in a sponge roller or some times hot rollers. That way when I wake up in the morning the hair is already curled and will follow my hands and fingers into a better roll. BUt these hairstyles take so much practice. Women back in the day had a a hairdresser that they had appointments with once and week and they didn't wash their hair, except for once a week because the hairstyles were just so touchy. So even the ladies back in the day didn't take chances with their hair, had to practice or saw a hairdresser.