Cheerleader in Isolation - What can I do with my long hair? Part 2

We are now on week goodness knows what into lockdown in the UK, and with hair salons still not open - unless you are lucky enough to live with a stylist - many of us are wondering what we can do with our hair as it continues to grow longer and longer

So I thought I'd put the extra time on my hands and my now super long hair to good use.

In part 1, I decided to test out some hairstyles and to see how they fare in terms of

A - Ease

B - Comfort

C - Time

D - Look

E - Sturdiness (How they hold up throughout daily activities)

This time, I've added one more test to this list:

F - Taking out

Because when you watch tutorials they tell you to twist it this way, pin it that way, backcomb it, spray it, knot it. Its turns out looking fabulous, but what they never tell you is its going to take you an hour with a hairbrush and lots of frustration to un-twist, un-pin and de-tangle the thing! This is a personal issue as my hair is so fine, so I thought this would be a good test for them too.

For those who haven't seen part 1 yet - the hairstyles I tested were pretty simple and easy, so if you're looking for a comfy, quick and casual do, take a look back at part 1. This time, I decided to up my long hairstyle game and test out some more, not too difficult, but definitely more unique looks.

I've also included videos so you can see how I did them and can give them a go yourself, and why not? If it doesn't work, no one has to know you did it! And its not permanent!

1. Twisted Pigtails

A - Ease

The hardest part of these is getting them even, they often turn out a bit wonkey and you have to try to adjust them so they match. Other than that, they are fairly simple to do.

B - Comfort

Pretty comfy actually as long as you don't do them too tight, you can position them to the back or further forward depending on where is most comfy for you

C - Time

Once you get the hang of getting them even, this is a very quick style to do if you dont have a lot of time

D - Look

I have always liked pigtails, but I think these give a more grown up, tidy look than the standard ones.

E - Sturdiness

The only thing that can fall out is the wrap around hair used to cover up the hair tie. Its secured with a pin but it can slip as you move around. This style looks good without that bit too though, so its not so bad. The style itself stays in even if you sleep on it

F - Taking out

Super simple. Just remove the hair ties and untwist the hair. Because its just a simple twist, it isn't full of tangles to brush out, it just falls out with a shake of the head.

2. Hair Bow

Thanks to @dianne_buswell_official on TikTok for this one!

A - Ease

Easier than it looks, but a little bit tricky. I think this one would be easier the thicker your hair is, I had to do it a few times to get it to sit right.

B - Comfort

Its not painful at all, it doesn't pull the hair of feel heavy. However, I wouldn't recommend trying to sleep on it or exercise in it.

C - Time

Doesn't take long at all with a bit of practise. If you are doing for the first time though, allow some time for a few tries to get it looking how you want, especially if you have really fine hair

D - Look

I think this one looks so pretty, but I do think my thin hair means the bow looks a bit droopy. Thicker hair seems to achieve a fuller bow. Maybe with some practise and hair products I could make the bow look better, so I might keep trying. If you find a way to improve it, let me know!

E - Sturdiness

Once its in its pretty secure. Again, I wouldn't recommend sleep or exercise as it does flop around a bit and too much movement will loosen it

F - Taking out

This one is easy to take out, just remove the clips and brush through it

3. Rockstar

Thanks again to @dianne_buswell_official on TikTok for this one!

A - Ease

So much easier than it looks, and once you've done it once you can keep doing it effortlessly. It doesn't even have to be neat so there's no fuss with this one. Even better, it doesn't even matter if your hair isn't clean

B - Comfort

This depends really on how tight you tie it, bunch it and put those grips in. I find it really comfortable as it takes a lot of the weight off my head. Its even comfortable to sleep in or exercise in.

C - Time

It only takes me about 5 minutes to put in now. Once you understand the base of it, its so quick and easy to do.

D - Look

I think is my new favourite out of every style I've tried so far. I've worn it several times and been complimented on it each time. It looks like a complicated style you've put in loads of effort into, but in reality it takes barely any effort. You can pin it how you want and have it look different every time. Plus I'm all about an edgy rock and roll look. Add some rockstar makeup to complete the style and you just look fabulous. I love it!

E - Sturdiness

Depending how you pin it, the back stays in no problem. I have exercised and slept in it and it hasn't even flinched. The only part that can start to fall is the front, but it doesn't take much to give it a brush and re-pin / spray it.

F - Taking out

I suppose this also depends on how many pins and hairspray you put in, as well as how you bunch up the hair. I do find it tangles a bit but I have very fine hair so it doesn't take much to make it do that. I tend to wash my hair the day after wearing this style.

4. Side Buns

A - Ease

It seems easy, but its trickier the longer your hair is. It took me a few goes before it looked good because you think you've got it, then you look at the back. Id suggest adding a few grips at the back and adjusting it to get it how you want

B - Comfort

Its not uncomfortable at all, lighter on your head than pigtails

C - Time

Again, it takes longer than it looks as you have to faff with it a bit to get it even and looking good.

D - Look

I think this looks really cute and gives Princess Leia vibes. Its very unique and adorable.

E - Sturdiness

Honestly, not great. It didn't take it long at all to fall out, although if you add some more grips at the back it should stay for longer. Definitely, don't do any exercise with these in!

F - Taking out

You don't have to, these will just fall out! If you do though, it really takes no effort, just pull on them .

5. Topsy Tail Pony

A - Ease

I didn't find this that easy, but I think that's because of my super thin hair. It tends to want to cling to itself at every opportunity, so using small sections with those little bands can cause tangles and be a bit fiddly

B - Comfort

Its very comfortable, easy to lie down in and wear throughout the day

C - Time

It doesn't take very long as long as you get it right first time, otherwise you have to remove those fiddly small bands to re-do it.

D - Look

I really like this as an alternative to the standard pony tail. Its still casual, but more stylish and pretty, great for a summers day.

E - Sturdiness

Oh, this isn't coming out without a fight! It will happily stay in all day and night if you wish.

F - Taking out

Its not fun to take out this one. Those fiddly little bands often have to be cut out and then if you have thin hair like me you have to get rid of all the tangles that are left behind.

6. Dutch Braid Pigtails

A - Ease

Many a video you watch on this will tell you this is easy. As someone with very long, fine hair who is not used to french or dutch braiding, I can tell you its not. This one takes some practise, and I still haven't figured out how to do it without eating my hair! You can see on mine one side is not as good as the other, so this definitely needs some work.

B - Comfort

Its pretty comfortable, I wore it all day without issue, and if you leave it in pigtails you can lie down on it

C - Time

I'm sure I'll get faster at this with practise but for a first try, it took me ages. Again, I do think it would be quicker and easier with thicker hair

D - Look

I like it, but I still need to work on getting it right. I think it looks better the thicker and fuller the braid. When done well, I like this look for festivals or even the gym.

E - Sturdiness

Its as sturdy as any other pigtails, its not likely to fall out. I wore it for a whole day including exercising and it was fine.

F - Taking out

I found this reasonably easy to take out, there weren't really any tangles to contend with and the braids just shake out.

That's all this time. If you try any of these after reading this I'd love to know how they went, or if you have any tips for how I can make these better or easier - please leave a comment and let me know! Also get in touch if you have any ideas for other styles I can try as I do enjoy doing them. Stay fabulous and stay cheery!

Jen x

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