Textured Updo [Inspired by MsVaughnTV]

I'd watched MsVaughnTV's UpDo with Jamaican Braiding Hair a while back and really liked it but didn't think I would be doing it because I don't like to use weave. No real reason why, just personal preference. This weekend I was playing around with my hair and had the idea that I could achieve her updo with my current length. I am happy to say that it worked and I really like the style. See my rendition below:

To achieve this look:

Products
Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo
Herbal Essence Long-term Relationship Conditioner
Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner
Raw Shea Butter
Fantasia Aloe Vera Gel

Tools
Hair Clips
Hair pins
Bobby Pins
Wide tooth comb
Soft boar bristle brush

[My]Steps
Wash, Condition, and Detangle hair into two top sections.
Leave front section (bang area) loose and secure the back portion with a ponytail holder
Cornrow the front section forward
Plait the hair in the ponytail
For a neat set, let the hair dry completely before removing all braids
Remove braids and pin into place as desired
To maintain at night you can wrap your hair in a satin bonnet

A Fun Christmas Updo

Because really, I don't know what else to call this.

We did this little ditty on Sunday and I LOVED it. I curled it tighter because, well, I felt like it. Today the curls aren't as tight and I STILL love it!

Start by pulling the hair into little triangle ponytails. With Tess, I started on either side of her bangs and went to her crown, then from that ponytail (and the one on the other side) I went just beneath the ear. What was left, was one more ponytail...like so.

Then I pulled each ponytail into a knot.

A bit closer.

Next, I took each ponytail and combed it to the center. When I had them all in my hand, I went around to each ponytail and pulled a little hair out of either side. You can see them hanging down. The middle I secured in another ponytail that I didn't pull all of the way through. That's just a temporary fix for a minute while I do a few more things.

Curl each of the pieces that you had pulled from the original ponytails and then spray the heck out of them with hairspray (dumb humidity).

Now I pulled the ponytail all of the way through and curled the rest of the pieces. Then I tied a bow around the base and fluffed the ponytail.

Ta-da!