Words by Ciler Peksah
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Party season is on its way, so I thought I’d talk to you about party hair!
If it’s an easy up-do you want, I’ll show you how to create a really beautiful Party Pony – like I did for Holly at the Pride of Britain Awards (above). But if you’re looking for an instant transformation that will take you from your desk to the office Christmas Party, clip in hair extensions are the answer – and you can get ones that are so simple to use you don’t even need to visit to the hairdresser (talking myself out of a job!). I would say the key to any party hair-do is the prep. You have to use products that give your hair some volume and texture so you have a good, grippy base to work with – and one that won’t fall flat as soon as you hit the dancefloor. And then the secret ingredient to every party hairdo – a good BACKCOMB!
Look one: How to use D.I.Y. clip-in hair extensions
Clip-in hair extensions are an instant way to turn up the glam! They can be heat-styled however you want and give immediate length and volume. Just remember, if the extensions are made from real hair, apply a heat protector as you would to your own hair.1. First, find the best colour match clip in extension for your hair.
These Foxy Locks, Elegant 18” Silk Seamless Clip in Human Hair Extensions, £130 are expensive but a good investment if you’re going to be using them again and again. Made from Remy human hair and suitable for fine hair, these discreet and seamless wefts lie flat against your scalp and therefore remain completely hidden in your natural locks. They come in a multitude of colours, are lightweight, don’t shed and the unique fusing of the hair means that the silk wefts can be cut to customise. For a cheaper synthetic hair option if you want to see how you get on before investing in higher quality extensions, try Pak’s, Soft N Silky Hot Clips 3 Piece Clip In Extension, £6.99.
2. Brush the extensions using a bristle brush that won’t drag.
If they are tangled, use a wide tooth comb to smooth them out before brushing. To heat-style, try clipping them to the side of your own head (or phone a friend!) so you have something to pull against. My current favourite tong is the Beachwaver®, B1 Rotating Curling Iron in Glitter Pink, £119. It’s an automatic, self-rotating curling iron helps you create beachy waves or glam curls really easily, with 3 pre-set heat settings to choose from up to 450 °F (232 °C) – great for thicker hair!
3. Wash and blow-dry your own hair.
You’ll need a clean and smooth base to work with.
4. Use a comb to section off the hair just below the top of your ears.
Clip any hair above that section out of the way so it doesn’t get in the way when you’re placing your extensions in.5. Then take the section that’s free and backcomb it at the root.
I really like the Hairshark, 3 in 1 Pro Styler Retractable Backcombing Brush, £14.99. It’s the first, three-sided, volumising brush, equipped with a retractable handle, to create body and a firm structure while smoothing the hair, and has a pointed tip for precise sectioning and easy teasing. What’s not to love!!
6. Spray hair-spray on backcombed areas. Allow it to dry and become stiff.
Try Hair by Sam McKnight, Modern Hairspray Multi-Tasking Styling Mist, £22. I love this spray for creating hold that lasts all day. It’s buildable too which sets hair, but still leaves it soft and moveable. It also this hairspray brushes out easily to allow for mistakes and changes.
7. Clip the hair piece to the backcombed area.
Start with the middle clip so you get the hairpiece central, clip the hair piece as close to the scalp as is comfortable to get a firm grip.Then repeat with side clip-in sections if you’re adding more pieces.
Look two: How to get Holly’s Party Pony Tail
1. Section off a horseshoe-shape of hair at the top of your head, and clip it out of the way.
Then take the bottom section that’s hanging loose and secure with a band to make a low pony. I always use these Amazon, 15 Hair Styling Ponytail Hooks in Black, Brown & Blonde, £5.99 as I find you can get a tidy tight ponytail that doesn’t slip. But you chose whatever you know works for your hair type.
2. Then go back to the top section and tong to give it movement.
Add products like texturizing powder, dry shampoo and texture sprays to the roots to create a full base to work with. Take sections of hair and tease at the roots to give it body. Klorane, Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, £9.99 is a great dry shampoo, formulated with a unique combination of highly absorbent powders and gentle Oat Milk, rich in active ingredients that moisturise, soften and protect. They also do a tinted version for brunettes. Winner!
3. Roughly grab this top section back into an invisible hair band and secure just above the bottom ponytail.
I use these Cosy Companions, 250 x Clear Elastic Bands, £1.97. You can remove these by inserting the pointy end of a comb and levering it away from the hair to avoid breakage.
4. Join the two ponytails together using a piece of hair from the back of the low pony tail, to wrap around and secure with a hair pin to hide the bands.
Here’s a video to help you through the steps…
Look three: For some serious Ariana Grande-esque impact, you could try these pony tail extensions!
Hairtalk Extensions
Hairband™
prices start at £200
And finally, here are a few party hair accessories to add sparkle to up or down do’s this season!
Now, go forth and sparkle!
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Ciler Peksah
Hair Stylist and Consultant
@cilerpeksah_hairstylist
