Do Your Hair For A Luau

Luaus are a Hawaiian tradition.

A luau is a Hawaiian custom, celebrating the abolition of gender segregated meals in Hawaii. Typically a lavish celebration, there are abundant amounts of food, drinks and decorations. Usually, women wear skirts or dresses and leis around their necks. While many women choose to wear their hair down with a floral accessory, there are no strict guidelines for wear your hair. You can embrace the carefree essence of Hawaii, and the celebration of a luau with several different hairstyles.

Instructions

Relaxed Luau Style

1. Wash your hair and let air-dry.

2. Part your hair with a comb in a zigzag pattern wherever is comfortable. Use short "zigs" and "zags" along your part to create a line that appears messy or accidental. A straight part will look contradictory to a natural, messy hairstyle.

3. Spray a saltwater-based styling product in your hair to encourage carefree waves.

4. Pull a small section of hair away from your face, to the side of your head, in line with the corner of your eye. Add a floral clip to hold your hair in place.

Simple French Twist Updo

5. Brush your hair back into a ponytail near the nape of your neck. Hold the ponytail in place with your hand.

6. Hold the ponytail a few inches from the base; twist it clockwise as you pull the ends so that they face up. This will create the French twist.

7. Hold the base of the twist to your scalp as you fold the ponytail in half, down toward your neck.

8. Curl the ponytail slightly so that there is a small space between it and your scalp. Push the top of the folded ponytail down into the space; continue folding your hair in this manner until the ponytail forms a neat, twisted roll.

9. Pin bobby pins that match your hair color at the bottom of the twist where it meets your scalp. Continue pinning up the roll to create a seam.

10. Pin any loose parts and spray with hairspray.

Messy Low Ponytail

11. Add texture to your hair with a curling iron. If your hair is naturally smooth, wrap 2-inch wide sections of hair around a hot curling iron; hold for 10 to 15 seconds. Continue until you have curled all of your hair.

12. Run your fingers through the curls to separate them and create texture.

13. Sweep your hair to one side, at the nape of your neck.

14. Use a hair tie to secure the ponytail.

15. Separate a piece of hair from the back of the ponytail, and wrap it around the hair tie. Secure it with a bobby pin; spray with hairspray.

16. Use a brush or comb to tease the ends of the ponytail to make it messier.

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Hairstyles For Graduation Ball

Learn easy hairstyles you can create yourself for your graduation ball.

Finding the right hairstyle for a graduation ball can be tough. Let your dress dictate the rest of your look, even when it comes to hair and makeup. Consider the neckline of your dress and any other accessories you'll be wearing, including earrings or a necklace. You don't want too many things competing with each other around your face or neck.

Long Curls

Long curls work best with a strapless dress or dress with a straight neckline and simple spaghetti straps. The simplicity of the dress's style allows you to showcase your curls. Start with clean damp hair and blow it dry. As you blow your hair dry, lift the hair at the roots to add volume. Once the hair is fully dry, run a brush through it. Using a 1 to 1 1/2 inch curling iron, curl hair in small sections of one to two inch pieces at a time. Continue until you have curled the entire head. Spray the curls with a soft hold hairspray to lock in the style without creating hard, crunchy curls. Gently break the curls up with your fingers to give them a modern look.

To decorate this hairstyle, pull back a three to four inch section of hair just above one ear and secure it with a rhinestone comb or barrette.

Classic Chignon

If you are wearing a busy necklace or a dress with embellishment at the neck or bust, a classic chignon hairstyle will work for your graduation ball. Working with clean, dry hair, apply a smoothing cream to the hair. Brush hair back into a low ponytail and secure it with a hair elastic. Split the ponytail into two equal sections. Use a one to two inch curling iron to create a loose curl with each section. This will make the hair easier to wrap around the base of the ponytail.

Take one section and wrap it around the base of the ponytail. Coil the hair and secure it with bobby pins similar to your own hair color. Do the same with the remaining hair; this time, wind it in the opposite direction. After hair is secure, apply a soft hold hairspray. Rhinestones can be applied to the chignon portion of this hairstyle; you can also dress up a classic chignon with a flower decoration on one side of the bun.

Sleek Ponytail

If you are wearing a dress in a bright color or print, a sleek ponytail will play nicely with the look. Start with clean, damp hair. Apply a smoothing cream and use a paddle brush while blowing hair dry. Pull the hair taut as you dry it and move the dryer in a downward motion to avoid frizz. Once hair is dry, use a flat iron to straighten your hair, working with one to two inch sections of hair for the best results.

Once hair is straight, apply a gloss to add shine. Brush hair into a ponytail at the round of the head and secure it with a hair elastic. Take a two-inch piece of hair from the underside of the ponytail and curl it with the iron. Take that same section of hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to cover the hair elastic; secure with a bobby pin. Finish with a soft hold hairspray.

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Proper Care For A Cloth Convertible Top

Convertible owners might not realize that the cloth top of the car is made of chemically treated breathable fabrics and needs just as much care and attention as the rest of the car. Chances are if a convertible is taken to a car wash, the top will be detailed with a bleach solution and the material will be harmed. To avoid damage and keep the cloth convertible top in good condition, follow some important tips.

Initial Treatment

When buying a new convertible, it is necessary to treat its top right away. Begin by vacuuming the top with an upholstery attachment. Then wet the top down and mist with an approved cleaner. Rinse the top and let it dry completely. Use sunshine or a hair dryer to speed the process if necessary. Then apply a protectant in three light coats. RaggTopp Fabric Protectant is the only product recommended by the original equipment manufacturers. It will repel liquid and dirt as well as protect the top from ultraviolet rays. Make sure to retreat the top every four to six weeks.

Cleaning the Top

Every four weeks, the top needs to be washed with a non-detergent based auto shampoo. Haartz, the main supplier of convertible tops to car manufacturers, has done extensive testing on products available and recommends Wolfstein's RaggTopp cleaner. After wetting down the top and applying the cleaner, use a soft scrub brush to lift out the dirt. Do not use cloth, a chenille sponge or lambs wool because these will leave lint. For dirt that won't come off, use a stiff upholstery brush--but nothing that would scratch the back of your hand. Don't use the brush on the vinyl window.

If there are stains, scrubbing will only make them worse. Instead, apply the cleaner full strength for three to five minutes before rinsing.

After the top is cleaned, rinse well with lots of cool water until there are no traces of foam. If the top is not dirty, this cool water rinse is all that is needed to rid it of dust.

Cleaning the Vinyl Window

Cleaning the vinyl window can be tricky and is best done with a microfiber cloth and plain water. Wring the cloth so that it is just damp. Wipe in one direction, and every time that the window is wiped, change to a new part of the cloth. Then, repeat the process on the inside by kneeling in the passenger seat.

Care When Lowering

A cloth convertible top can incur damage from being bunched up or wrinkled while down. To prevent this, lower the top half-way. Then, smooth it out so that it folds flat before lowering it the rest of the way. It is also important to protect the vinyl window from being scratch. To do this, insert a small layer of fleece or cotton on the window when lowering.

Tags: vinyl window, cloth convertible, cool water, four weeks, from being

Different Hairstyles For Teenage Girls For 8th Grade Graduation

A graduation cap isn't the most stylish accessory, so selecting a flattering hairstyle is important.

Eighth-grade graduation ceremonies mark a milestone and an academic accomplishment. They mark the transition from middle school to high school. The event will, no doubt, be immortalized by numerous pictures and video recordings. Eighth-grade girls will be looking for different hairstyles that are flattering beneath graduation caps. Hairstyles should be age-appropriate and chic.

The Bun

Lauren Conrad rocks the side bun.

A bun is a versatile style. It can be tweaked to look sophisticated and youthful at the same time. The style works with any hair texture but requires hair to be at least shoulder length. Girls can opt for a simple nape of the neck bun, or choose something trendier such as a messy side bun. It will appear more fashionable if your bun isn't too slick or tight. If you have bangs or face-framing layers, allow a few strands to come loose and use them to frame your face. All you need to do is secure the hair at the nape of the neck or on the side of the head with an elastic band. Twist all of your hair into a low bun and secure with bobby pins. Use a rat-tail comb to loosen the bun by gently lifting strands. It will give your hair a softer shape.

Waves

Demi Lovato looks effortlessly chic with tousled waves.

Beachy waves are less formal but tousled waves will look fresh and easy-going peeking out from under your graduation cap. This style works on any length of hair and almost every texture. If you have straight hair, use barrel curlers and then tease the curls with your fingertips. If your hair has natural waves or curls, scrunch it during blow-drying and gently cork-screw thin sections around your fingers.Gel or mousse helps hold the waves. Spray with hairspray to set.

Chignon

Fresh flowers will look elegant and charming.

A more formal hairstyle would be the classic chignon. This particular style works on all hair textures but it requires shoulder length hair.To keep the chignon from looking too dated, add a few accessories to keep it fashionable. Gather hair at the nape of the neck and secure with a clear elastic band. Twist your hair into a knot or a figure eight shape at the back of your head and secure with bobby pins. Add fresh flowers, sparkly barrettes or other embellishments -- think feathers or a spray of jewels -- to your chignon for a more youthful take.

Hidden Shorts

The deep side part will emphasize your facial features.

Shorter hairstyles are a challenge because the graduation cap will cover most of your hair. A pixie cut, for instance, will be completely hidden by the cap. One option would be to create a deep side part, which will add a bit of drama. Use gel or mousse to hold your hair in place. Allow a few bangs to touch your eyes or frame your cheekbones. Then simply position the graduation cap a bit further back on your head so the part is clearly visible.

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Diy Long Hairstyles

Sometimes caring for long hair can be challenging.

Hair is an important part of our look, so great-looking, easy hairstyles are something almost everyone wants. To make already-complicated lives easier, people want styles for long hair that are easy to manage.

Ponytail

This ponytail is straight, simple and sleek.

Ponytails are possibly the most versatile hairstyles. They can be sporty and functional, loosely and romantic, fun and youthful, or sleek, chic and professional.

Ponytails are easily styled. All you need is a hair tie or elastic and possibly bobby pins if you have short hairs that fall out.

You can straighten a ponytail, curl or or wear it wavy. It can be placed high, low or in the middle of the head. It can be worn traditionally centered in the back or on the side. You can even vary how tight you pull it back.

Braided

This braid is sporty, but still cute.

Like a ponytail, the braid can be styled different ways. A braid can be worn with bangs or without, and you can pull back all your hair or leave a few tendrils loose for a more carefree, romantic look.

You can create a traditional braid, a French braid, a side braid, or even tie you hair back, then braid it for a combined, braided, ponytail look.

Loose

This woman is wearing her hair down with her natural texture.

Hair worn down long and loosely can still vary in style. You can wear it straight, curly, wavy or even crimped. You can flip the ends out, or curl them under, or you can tousle layers if you have any.

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Female Formal Hairstyles

There are lots of choices for a formal hairstyle for proms, weddings and special occasions.

You should decide on a formal hairstyle for a wedding, prom, dance or other special event well ahead of the day to avoid any last minute problems. Many formal hairstyles can be done yourself without the assistance of a professional stylist. Lots of options are available for women with long or short hair to achieve a well groomed, formal style. Hair jewels and accessories can all complement a formal hairstyle for a special occasion.

Curly Ponytail

A curled ponytail is a groomed and elegant option that will complement a backless, strapless or one shoulder dress. Ponytails do not need to be boring, and many celebrities have been seen with a glamorous ponytail on the red carpet. To style on your own hair, simply scoop hair back into a high ponytail and secure with a hair elastic. Using a curling iron take one inch sections of the ponytail and curl, finishing each section with hairspray. Curl the entire ponytail and arrange curls with your fingers into a position you are happy with. Add a hairband to keep any front sections off the face or frame your face by leaving wispy strands or side-sweeping bangs.

Side Bun

A sleek side bun is a neat and timeless option for a formal event. While this style looks beautiful, it is also practical as it will stay in place for the entire evening. Try this look if your hair is mid-length or longer by trying hair into a low side ponytail. Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic to form a neat bun. Pin the bun into position using bobby pins and tease a few strands out of the bun for a messy look. If you have side bangs, add a roller to give volume to the front of the hair and remove after ten minutes. Use a shine spray for a glossy, sleek finish.

Long and Loose

Long, loose hair still remains a popular option for women attending formal events. For a sleek and smooth option, use a flat iron to smooth the hair for a super straight finish. Alternatively, loose waves and curls are a popular choice that can be achieved with a curling iron. If hair is very long or thick, then take an inch section from the front of the face near the parting and pin back with a bobby pin to keep hair out of your eyes. Playing around with your hair parting will also give you a different look for a formal event---if you usually wear your part in the middle, try wearing it to the side or vice versa.

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Hawaiian Luau Attire For A Bride At Her Renewal Wedding Ceremony

Achieve a Hawaiian-themed renewal ceremony with careful planning.

Hawaii, romantic and alluring, is a popular destination for weddings and wedding vow renewals. If you're planning to renew your wedding vows in Hawaii, or want a Hawaiian-themed event in your own backyard, you may be wondering about the best attire for a tropical climate or luau theme. The exact location of your event influences your clothing choices. Follow a few standard rules to make your dreams of a paradise wedding vow renewal ceremony come true.

Clothing

You may have donned the traditional white gown at your wedding, but you don't have to wear the same attire at your Hawaiian-themed vow renewal ceremony. For a more casual look, consider wearing a white or Hawaiian floral print sundress. The length of the dress depends on the dressiness of your event. Make sure your outfit complements your spouse's - you won't want to mix bold floral prints with more conservative wedding attire.

Footwear

Flip-flops are a mainstay of everyday Hawaiian wear. If you plan on having your renewal ceremony at the beach, consider adopting this casual style for your day. High heels tend to sink in the sand, and dressy wedges simply aren't comfortable in this type of setting. Consider going barefoot if your event is directly on the sand. You may even wear a dressier flat sandal if you prefer.

Since formal footwear is impractical in outdoor, tropical settings, these more casual footwear rules apply at renewal ceremonies located on the Hawaiian Islands. If you're having the event indoors or planning your luau-themed event closer to home, you have more leeway in your footwear options.

Hairstyles

While you might be worried most about your clothes, one of the first things guests will notice is your hairstyle. In Hawaii, brides prefer wear up-dos because the incessant trade winds unravel and tangle other bridal hairstyles. Hula dancers adopt this policy so they don't get strands of hair in their faces. Even if you're planning a Hawaiian-themed renewal ceremony outside of the islands, you might consider an up-do hairstyle for a more authentic look. Polish your look with fresh flowers, but make sure they are pinned tightly.

Accessories

Accessories can make or break a luau-themed renewal ceremony. Flowers are a must-have, and this goes beyond the standard bouquet. Consider wearing a head lei while your spouse wears a traditional neck lei. Kukui nut leis are also popular among men who don't want to wear flowers. Shells and leaves also complement luau-themed vow renewal ceremonies.

Tags: renewal ceremony, Hawaiian-themed renewal, Hawaiian-themed renewal ceremony, your event, luau-themed renewal, more casual, renewal ceremonies