Hairstyles With Sticks

Hair sticks are used in a variety of hairstyles to either secure or decorate your hair.

Hair sticks are used to dress up hair styles as well as secure them in place. They come in various lengths--from two inches for shorter styles to twelve-and-a-half inches for longer styles. The sticks are made in numerous materials, such as wood, bone, plastic and metal and may be adorned with flowers, beads or gems. Typically, they are used in a variety of hairstyles like braids, buns and modified ponytails, but can be used in nearly any updo.

Braided Updo

The braided updo is achieved with hair sticks that are six inches in length or longer. First, braid hair about midway up the back of your head in two sections. Keep them as close together as possible. Insert a hair stick through the top of the braids horizontally. Take the braids at the bottom and wind them around the stick until you come to the ends. Tuck those underneath the coiled braid. Push the second hair stick through the top. Weave the end in toward the center of the braid and then back out through the bottom, outer braid. This will secure it in place. Thicker, heavier hair may need a couple of hair pins to secure loose pieces.

Basic Knot

The basic knot is one of the simplest styles using hair sticks. It is best for hair that is medium (shoulder) length or longer. To do the basic knot, gather your hair at the crown of your head (back, near the top), then twist the entire length. Coil the twist beginning with a small coil in the center. Wind the twisted hair, surrounding that coil with the next while keeping the bun flat to your head. Tuck in the ends. Secure first by wrapping a hair tie (elastic) around the outer coil. Then place one or two hair sticks through the bun. The basic knot can be modified to a smaller knot, leaving half of the hair down and only coiling a small section. Shorter hair sticks work best for this. You may also choose to do two knots if your hair is thick or exceptionally long.

French Twist

A French twist can be worn traditionally, messy, or half up and secured or adorned using hair sticks. French twists work for any hair type that is medium to long in length. Create a traditional French twist by taking large sections of hair and brushing them back (backcombing) everywhere. This gives your twist volume. Gather your hair to one side of your head once you've brushed it all back. Make sure the hair is smooth without brushing out the backcombing. Place your thumb in the center, twist the hair around, and place the hairpins in as you go. Secure the sticks when you've wound your twist to the crown of your head. You can use one stick, inserting it straight down or use two hair sticks and cross them, inserting them downward, but at a slight angle.

Tags: your head, hair sticks, your hair, basic knot, crown your, crown your head, hair stick