Hair Archives | Alexandra Adams

December 9, 2016 — No Comments

Hair How To: Crown French Braid

As we move into cooler weather, I’ve been digging deep into my sweaters and scarves to bundle up–one of my favorite things to do! I am such a sucker for chunky knits and blanket scarves I can bury my face in. However, when I’m wearing bulky clothing like these, the main problem I run into is what to do with my hair? I have really thick hair, and it’s getting longer (I need to trim those split ends!), so I’m always looking for new ways to put it up.

This braided updo is so pretty, and can easily be dressed up or down. It’s been a go to of mine for work, but I’ve also been known to fall back on it for a date, too. It would be a great look for a holiday party! Check out the video below to see how to achieve this look.

If you recreate this braided updo, tag me on Instagram @xheightment so I can see it! I love to see your posts. 🙂

Published by Alexandra Adams in Hair, Style

February 10, 2016 — No Comments

Wrap Around Dutch Braid Tutorial

I am so excited I've finally nailed this braid, you guys. I've been doing it for a while, but it's always proven kind of tricky for me, so I've hesitated on making a tutorial for it until I was comfortable with all the switching hands. And now that I've mastered it, I know you won't have any trouble either!

Watch the video below for the tutorial!

I love that this braid looks good from any angle, since it wraps all the way around the head. Let me know if you try this tutorial, and tag me on instagram @xheightment so I can see! Do you have any other hair tutorials you'd like to see?

PS. Check out my last hair tutorial!

Published by Alexandra Adams in Beauty, Hair, Style, Tutorial

January 13, 2016 — 15 Comments

Braided Half Up Hairstyle

Generally, I tend to stick to my standard of curling my hair in the winter and letting my natural wavy texture take precedence in the summer, but sometimes you just want it off your neck or you want to try something new or you're just having a bad hair day! And that, my friend, is where braids and fishtails and twists come in to save the day.

This is one of my favorite styles to wear when I need to get my hair out of my face but still want to look cute. Only pulling half my hair back gives me a chance to show off whatever earrings I'm wearing and keeps me from touching it constantly.

I made this short video to show you how it's done. It's my first ever hair tutorial, so I'm by no means an expert; but I thought it would be helpful to see it in action rather than just still photos!

Let me know if you try this hairstyle, and tag me on instagram so I can see! Do you have any hair tutorials you'd like to see?

PS. Check out my french v. dutch braids post!

Published by Alexandra Adams in Hair, Style, Tutorial

October 22, 2015 — No Comments

Braids: French v. Dutch

One summer when I was around twelve, I spent a week teaching myself to french braid. I braided my hair over and over and over again until I could finally do it without taking forever. Dutch braiding has proven to be quite the struggle for some reason, even though it's literally french braiding backwards. BUT I have finally mastered it, and today I'm here to teach you both braids and the differences between them.

The biggest difference between the two braids is super simple. With french braiding, you cross the sections over the middle as you continue braiding, and with dutch braids, you cross them underneath. This difference is so slight, but it gives two completely different looks. Check out the step by step instructions below.

DUTCH BRAIDING

Take a small section of hair at the crown of your head and divide it into three equal sections.
Cross the front (left) section under the middle, and then do the same with the right.
Add hair from the left side of the head to the original section as you cross it under the middle. Do the same with the right.
Continue to add hair from both sides as you continue down the braid, smoothing it out as you go.
When you've added all your hair, continue with a normal three strand braid until you reach the end.
Tie it with an elastic and then repeat with the other side.

FRENCH BRAIDING

Take a small section of hair at the crown of your head and divide it into three equal sections.
Cross the front (left) section over the middle, and then do the same with the right.
Add hair from the left side of the head to the original section as you cross it over the middle. Do the same with the right.
Continue to add hair from both sides as you continue down the braid, smoothing it out as you go.
When you've added all your hair, continue with a normal three strand braid until you reach the end.
Tie it with an elastic and then repeat with the other side.

Let me know if you want to see more tutorials! I might make a video next time, so what kind of hair or makeup tutorials would you like to see?

Published by Alexandra Adams in Hair, Lifestyle, Style