up, up, and away

"In four more years we'll be able to put our hair up," said Diana. "Alice Bell is only sixteen and she is wearing hers up, but I think that's ridiculous. I shall wait until I'm seventeen."

"If I had Alice Bell's crooked nose," said Anne decidedly, "I wouldn't-- but there! I won't say what I was going to because it was extremely uncharitable."

--Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

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Why do I put my hair up so often?

First: I don't like my hair. The only haircut I've ever loved was a stacked bob. However, the husband wasn't such a fan of that style, and I got tired of paying for a trim every month! So I went back to long, where at least I can do something pretty with it in order to disguise the fine texture, dishwater color, and unimpressive volume (whine whine whine). Jared does really like when I put it up, so I figure it's a nice solution all around.

Second: my face is rather plain. I mean, I'm not the Countess of Tyrol, but modeling agencies sure won't be calling me either. I think a good hairdo counterbalances what my face lacks . . . I can make my hair feminine and interesting, even if my square chin and wide cheekbones aren't. haha :)

Third: it's fun. This last reason is the best, as it's positive rather than a mere attempt to mitigate (what I see as) my flaws. So it's the one I have chosen to focus on. A sleek half-ponytail or twist makes me feel elegant, even if I'm wearing ratty old jeans. I'm amassing quite a collection of headbands, flowers, and pins to pretty up my creations.

Most recently I have been amusing myself with mini-beehives. Don't worry, I'm not doing the full Winehouse . . .

I just like making a tiny part in the front, with the rest combed straight back and teased for some volume, then a messy bun to finish it off. Then I can pretend that I look like Brigitte Bardot. (Please don't burst my bubble.)

A high bun is something else I've been trying out, and I think I like it. This style will work even better when my hair grows another inch-- at the moment, it's a bit hard to keep every strand piled up there.

(Now if I only had as much hair as Hailee Steinfeld, we'd really be talking!)

What do you like to do with your hair, ladies? Any ideas for me? :)