The Hot Crossed Bun

During summertime (and well... the rest of the year too) it's nice to put your hair up. But you still want to look stylish. For me with hair around shoulder length (it's growing out after a short almost pixiecut a few years ago) updos can be a bit more tricky. This so called hot crossed bun caugth my eye instantly. There's also a version for those of you with longer hair. Tutorial from thebeautydepartment.com, they have loads of great tutorials both for updos and manis, makeup etc.

1. Use a 1″ barrell curling iron to give the hair some wave when you’re trying to do an updo or chignon on short or fine hair. This will give it texture and bulk it up so you have more to work with.
2. Add a little water-based texturizing pomade to the root for even more visible texture and bulk. You can see that her fine hair looks full in this photo, right? Now you have something to work with!
3. Split the hair right behind your ears and push the front sections forward. Take the whole middle section/back and put it in a clear elastic.
4. Wrap that into a little mini or messy bun. Just see what your hair will do. Every short haircut will do something a little different. If you need to add some hairspray to help, go for it! We did.
5. Now do an inside-out french braid from the hair line back toward the bun. It’s okay if little pieces pop out. You can pin them at the end.
6. Tuck the ends of the braid into the bun and secure it using a bobbypin or two or three.
7. Repeat the previous braid on the other side and pin it into the bun as well.
8. Pull some soft pieces out around the hair line for a more romantic vibe. Then pin in and spray any little unwanted pieces that might pop out.

Tutorial courtesy of thebeautydepartment.com