Your honeymoon is a very exciting time for your hair because you are in a position to infuse several moods into your style. You are embarking on a new phase in your life, creating new memories and will be the centre of attention on certain occasions, due to the fact that you are enjoying this very special interlude in your union.
Ensure your going away style looks great, even if it is simple, it will need to look glossy and shiny.
Once you reach your destination you will have the opportunity, particularly if you are in a tropical location like Barbados, to include a variety of looks from casual and fun to exotic and elegant.
WEARING PONYTAILS
Ponytails are extremely versatile and serve more than one purpose. Putting your hair up in a ponytail is actually good for your hair in a warm climate as it allows it to retain the moisture while still looking good. Wear the ponytail loose or in a long plait for more protection so it will be soft and shiny for evening wear.
The positioning of your ponytail reflects different images for your use:
1. Placed high on the head is a style of very classic elegance, reminiscent of ancient goddesses.
2. Worn low is a very sophisticated, polished version, particularly dramatic with a deep side parting.
3. Wear in the middle for a carefree, casual look but be careful of this placement for the evenings, as you do not want to look as if you are working out, where a more stylish positioning would be more flattering.
TIPS
Don’t pull too tight on the hairline which is a very fragile area.
If you intend to wear ponytails a lot, vary the positioning to reduce pulling in the same spot.
Use silk covered elastics which are kind to hair. Avoid rubber bands which rip and damage.
ACCESSORIES
Enjoy infusing protection and style into your hair with the use of accessories. This includes hats, scarves, clips to hold your hair off your face etc.
The sun can be very drying to hair, the use of a hat doubles for preventing parched hair and protecting your complexion from the suns rays. Have fun with accessories; use them to infuse colour and character into your style. There is nothing more tropical than bright vibrant tones to brighten up an otherwise plain outfit.
BRAIDS, TWISTS & CORNROWS
Wearing a plaited style allows you to reveal the carefree side of your personality and can be enjoyed in several ways depending on your personal style. You can choose to have anything from a few isolated braids which are decorative, to a whole head of plaited, twisted or cornrow style.
You will find the process easy to come by, as there are always offers from braiding technicians in various tourist spots and beaches who propose to do the service for you, alternatively you can go to a local salon or do-it-yourself.
However, please be advised that to get a really good result it is better if someone is doing it for you, as you cannot see behind you are basically guessing. It can also be very tedious on the arms, having to contort yourself into the different positions needed for full coverage.
Once a decision has been made on the style and number of braids then you can address how you will decorate them.
Options include beads of various colours including transparent, small seashells or weaving fine ribbon through selected braids. Braids are not only a casual look, they can be extremely elegant, consider a long cornrow braid starting from the crown worked down to the length of the hair, tuck it under for even more sophistication.
TIPS
Place a dab of sunblock on the exposed areas of the scalp to prevent sunburn or spray with UV protecting spritz
When shampooing concentrate on the scalp instead of the braids and smooth gently, to enable the style to last longer
Sleeping with the style tied down with a silk scarf will minimize shuffling and keep it looking beautiful longer
When removing, apply conditioner first to loosen and make it easier; gently undo one by one and then shampoo and condition as normal
Don't be alarmed on taking out the style, if you comb out a little more hair than usual, it is just the hair that you would have shed daily if your hair was loose
EVENING HAIR
Prepare yourselffor evening glamour. If you have followed simple basic rules for warm climate hair care, your crowning glory should be in good condition for almost any direction you wish to go.
The sun has now gone down, so you do not havethe protection issues as you had to address during the day, although you may have to accommodate for traveling in an open roofed car, mini-moke etc or if there is a chance it might rain, which may make your hair frizzy.
A good style which will account for any eventuality is a classic chignon and it is very simple to accomplish for medium to long hair. Simply brush hair into a low, secure ponytail sitting on the nape of the neck and secure it with a hair friendly, coated band. Twist the hair until it forms a rope like appearance along the length and simply twist it into a bun, according to how many times your length allows.
TIPS
Use hairpins with plastic balls on the tips for securing. Those without protected tips, cause abrasion to the scalp and hair breakage
Sleek with gels, sprays, mousse and other products which do not contain alcohol which is very drying to the hair
Adding hair sticks creates an oriental approach to your chignon.
For a more carefree look consider wearing your hair loose and flowing. Regardless of the length, hair always appreciates the glamour that adornment provides. Enhance your style with a crystal band, beautiful combs and sparkly clips.
Don’t forget the option of the ultimate tropical style, which is to enhance your hair with the strategic placement of flowers. Blooms add natural elegance and colour to your look which can be matched, coordinated or cleverly contrasted with your outfit. Larger flowers in rich, deep tones look great for evening while pale colours on smaller varieties work well during the day.
Don’t forget your jewellery, even simple costume pieces will add that instant touch of evening appeal. Coordinate carefully so that you don’t overdo it.
This is an extraordinary time; don’t be afraid to explore all your options while respecting the condition of your hair.
This is your honeymoon and your time to shine.
