Make A Church Veil

A veil is the perfect accessory for a bride to wear in a traditional church ceremony.

For brides who desire a traditional wedding in a church, the bridal veil is almost as important as a classic white gown. Classic church veils include the chapel length veil, cathedral length veil and the mantilla, which is commonly chosen by Catholic brides to represent modesty and innocence. Women who are handy with a needle and thread will save considerable money by making their own veil. Relatives or bridesmaids may wish to sew a church veil to give the bride "something new," or a bride can proudly wear her own homemade veil as she exchanges vows.

Instructions

Chapel Length Veil

1. Measure from the crown of the bride's head to the floor and the train of the wedding gown. A traditional chapel veil extends three inches past the train of the wedding gown, so add the bride's height to the length of the gown's train, then add 3 inches to the total.

2. Cut tulle 18-inches wide by the length determined from your calculations in the previous step. Slightly round the edges of one wide end for the tail.

3. Hand sew a running stitch along the long sides of the veil. Along the wide end you did not curve, measure 3 inches and fold the tulle to the underside of the veil.

4. Stitch ribbon, piping, lace or strung beading along the edge of the tulle to trim and give a polished finish.

5. Sew through the folded wide end of the veil by hand, pulling tulle tightly across the thread to gather and bunch. Tie off the end and cut excess thread.

6. Attach the gathered end of the veil to a 4-inch bridal comb by pulling thread through the bunched tulle and wrapping around the teeth of the comb.

Cathedral Length Veil

7. Measure and mark tulle to the dimensions of 120-length-by-30-inches wide. Cut the veil and round the edges of one end, for the tail.

8. Sew a running stitch along the long sides of the veil. Measure 3 inches from the wide end you did not round, and fold the tulle to the underside of the veil.

9. Trim the edge of the veil by stitching ribbon, piping, lace or strung beading on three sides, leaving the folded end untrimmed.

10. Sew through the untrimmed veil edge by hand. Pull the tulle tightly across the thread to bunch and tie off the end.

11. Pull thread through the bunched tulle and thread around the ring of a bridal wreath or tiara to mount on the bride's head.

Mantilla

12. Fold your tulle into fourths. Mark a 1/4 circle with straight pins forming the arc, and the folds composing the straight edges. The radius should be 24 inches. Cut along the pin marks and remove the straight pins before unfolding.

13. Back stitch 1/4-inches along the edge of the mantilla to secure to the veil. Hand stitch the lace trim around the entire circumference of the tulle circle, and back stitch to prevent unraveling.

14. Place two bridal combs approximately 3 inches apart on the underside of the veil, near the edge. Weave through the teeth and sew through the veil where the tulle and lace meet to hold in place before inserting into the bride's hair.

Tags: underside veil, across thread, along edge, along long, along long sides, bride head, bunched tulle

Different Styles Of Coiffures

A layered coiffure with side-swept bangs gives an updated look for long hair.

Coiffure comes from the French origin "Coiffer" and it means "hairstyle." Whether a coiffure is vintage or contemporary, elegant or simple, or smooth or loose, a hairstyle gives a woman an individual look. Before deciding on a coiffure, consider your face shape -- oval, round, heart, square, hair type -- curly, wavy, coarse, straight, and the desired length, three factors that can help you determine the right style for you.

Layers

Layers provide body and definition to any hair length. A layered coiffure is considered one of the most popular hairstyles because the style is versatile for most face shapes and hair types. Different types of layered looks include a short crop, soft and wispy layers, and graduated layers.

Bobs

A bob is a versatile, short hairstyle that can be edgy or soft-looking and accentuates any face shape depending on the cut. This style also requires less maintenance because of the hair's length. The bob can be cut with layers or straight depending on your hair texture. For example, if you have fine, straight hair, a chin-length bob can give the style more volume and the illusion of thicker hair. For wavy or curly hair, a wispy-layered bob cut gives movement and texture.

Pixie Cut

The pixie, or boy cut, is super short and does not require a lot of style maintenance. A pixie cut is a daring and bold hairstyle with either wispy or long bangs depending on the face shape. The style looks more appropriate if you have petite features.

Perms

Permanent waving, or "perm" for short, is a chemically-processed coiffure for straight hair if you want curls to last a long time. Unlike hot rollers or curling irons that provide a temporary style for one day, perms can last up to six to eight weeks. If you decide on a perm, make sure your hair is healthy and clean from any product buildup as this can affect the chemicals for the perm.

Tags: face shape, hair length, layered coiffure, straight hair, your hair

Cute Christmas Hairstyles For Teens

Look your best for holiday pictures with a cute hairstyle.

The Christmas season is a time for parties, celebrations and ceremonies. Look your best for the holidays with a cute and festive hairstyle. There are formal and informal Christmas hairstyles and updos for teens. The right hairdo for you depends on the occasion, as well as your personal tastes and preference.

Curls and Waves

Curls and waves are very formal and fancy-looking, making them ideal for formal occasions, such as church services, caroling or elegant parties. For short hair, wave your locks. Use a narrow flat iron, turn the device 180 degrees and run down the hair to curl as you would curl a piece of ribbon. This will give your hair bouncy waves. For medium to long hair, use curlers, hot rollers or a curling iron to achieve more defined and spiral curls. Lightly spritz hair with hairspray after styling.

Hairstyles With Flowers

Many Christmas hairstyles incorporate holiday flowers. Wear your hair down and tuck a red carnation, rose, poinsettia leaf or sprig of holly behind one ear. Alternatively, wear hair partially up and attach the flower with a bobby pin on top of the section of hair gathered behind the head. A third option is to wear your hair in a ponytail or bun and tuck a flower into the bun or behind the elastic hair band of the ponytail. For added effect, add a bit of white baby's breath around the bun with bobby pins.

Hairstyles With Ribbons

Ribbons add an elegant and decorative touch. They are also especially suited for Christmas hairstyles, since they can be made to look like the ribbons atop a gift or package. Spiral curl the hair, gather the hair around the face into a section behind the head and secure with an elastic band. Tie a few plastic ribbons onto the band. Curl the ribbons with a pair of scissors. For a more formal look, arrange the hair in a bun behind the head and tie a satin or silk ribbon into a large bow around the bun. Another option is to leave the hair down and wear a red, green, silver or gold ribbon as a headband. Cut a 14-inch ribbon. Place the ribbon around your head, a few inches behind the hairline, and tie in knot at the nape of the neck.

Braids

Braids create a cute holiday hairstyle, while also keeping the hair off the face. Braids are ideal for outdoor holiday gatherings, where there may be wind, or for holiday performances, in which you want to tightly secure the hair behind the head. Gather the hair behind the head in a ponytail and braid. Alternatively, part the hair down the middle of the head and arrange in pigtails. Braid each pigtail. For more formal-looking braids, French braid the ponytail or pigtails. Accessorize braids with jeweled clips or rhinestone bobby pins. Use diamond tones for a frosted, icicle look.

Tags: behind head, hair behind, hair behind head, hair down, your hair, bobby pins

Care For Overly Porous Hair

Care for Overly Porous Hair

Porous hair refers to damaged, fragile hair, prone to excessive breakage. Injury to the hair cuticle and shaft causes the hair to grow weaker and split. Having overly porous hair also means that the hair releases moisture easily making the hair dry and brittle. Care for porous hair is a combination of repair and proper maintenance. Restoring hair to its natural state of movable, strong, shiny tresses takes patience and discipline.

Causes

Hair can be broken down by a number of different factors including excessive use of chemicals for perms, permanent dye, the lack of proper conditioning, sun and wind damage, and the extreme use of hot styling products. High exposure to chlorine is also a cause of porous hair.

Repair

Overly porous hair is prone to high levels of moisture absorption and loss. Water flows in and it flows out just as quickly. The cuticles aren't able to adequately hold in the moisture. Repairing the broken shafts and cuticle layers is essential to getting the hair healthy again. Finding a shampoo that is pH balanced will assist in not stripping the hair of its natural oils. Protein treatments will work to mend the damaged areas along the cuticle. Don't overdue it, however. Using a clear or colored semi-permanent rinse will add similar amounts of protein found in conditioning treatments and has the same effect as conditioners while enhancing your color and adding shine. Products for damaged or color-treated hair are gentle enough for your hair to handle and also assist in tightening up the cuticle layers to give hair more elasticity.

Care

Discontinue any chemical use on your hair. Avoid using heat whenever possible. Once weekly, deep condition your hair to help build up your hair's strength and repair its shafts. Leave-in conditioners in addition to your regular conditioner help to reduce the shock and breakage when combing through wet hair. Leave-in conditioners reduce split ends and frizz. Use a wide tooth comb or brush to detangle hair.

The heat used in hot-oil treatments for the oil to penetrate the hair might also have a harmful effect. It is best to stick with your regular conditioner. Minimize combing and brushing your hair this reduces the amount of stress you cause. Incorporate hair vitamins into your diets. Our health and beauty are interrelated and healthy hair is the result of taking care of your body and drinking plenty of water. Creating a regimen and sticking to it is the key to recreating a healthy head of hair.

Tags: your hair, porous hair, your regular conditioner, Care Overly, Care Overly Porous, cuticle layers

Spice Up A Black Dress For The Holidays

Emma Watson shows how the right makeup and accessories can transform a little black dress while attending a premiere in New York.

Each year as the holidays draw closer and calendars fill quickly with fabulous soirees, women face the task of choosing the perfect holiday party outfit. More often than not, they reach for the tried and true little black dress. The key to sprucing up basic pieces like the black dress lies in using the right accessories. Shoes, jewelry and other fashion fixes are your best bets for making a variety of outfits from this one versatile garment. The holidays are all about the glitz, so pair your dress with glamorous pieces that sparkle and fit the season.

Instructions

1. Pair your black dress with gold jewelry for a fast and easy way to create a glamorous outfit. Hoop earrings, cuff bracelets and chain necklaces create a chic and trendy look with your dress.

2. Choose jewelry that shines. Jewelry with crystals, diamonds or rhinestones will look fabulous with a basic black dress. A pair of diamond stud earrings and an embellished necklace take your dress from drab to fab in an instant.

3. Wear lace tights under your little black dress. Lace adds some extra adornment during the holiday months. The tights also help keep your legs warm if the weather is chilly. When wearing tights, do not wear peep-toe shoes or sandals.

4. Pair your black dress with metallic, strappy sandals or other shoes with embellishments to dress up your look for a formal event. For holiday cocktail parties, pair your dress with glittery pumps in a fun color to add festivity to your frock.

5. Opt for hair accessories to spruce up a little black dress. Embellished headbands with rhinestone or crystal appliques will easily jazz up a simple hairstyle. Embellished bobby pins and hair clips also work well.

6. Choose a statement clutch in a gorgeous print or with beading or other embellishments to look more festive for the holidays. Statement clutches help give your little black dress more of an impact.

Tags: black dress, little black, little black dress, black dress, dress with

Beach Bride Wedding Hairstyles

Wavy hairstyles tend to withstand the elements of a beach wedding.

Wind, sun and moisture can all add to the challenge of finding the perfect hairstyle for your beach wedding. Your hairstyle should reflect the fact that a typical beach wedding ceremony is often a casual affair. Loose waves or curls tend to work better for an outdoor ceremony as you do not need to worry about an intricate, sleek style holding in place. Add a large flower to complement the bouquet to enhance any bridal beach style.

Beach Waves

A wavy up-do is a classic look to adopt for a beach wedding. Waves can be achieved without the aid of a professional stylist using a curling iron. Twisting each wave around your finger while it cools from the heat of the iron will help your curls stay intact. Use bobby pins to pin the hair up at the back of your head. A wavy up-do style should look effortless and relaxed, so do not stress over every strand of hair. Instead, let the hair fall in place naturally.

Side-Swept Curls

If you like to frame your face with sections of hair, then a side-swept, curled ponytail is an elegant option. Once your hair has been curled all over, sweep it over to one side. Use a hair wrap that matches your hair to tie it into a side ponytail. Take a 1 inch section of hair and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair wrap. Leave the hair in a loose side ponytail or twist it in to a side-curled bun.

Half Up, Half Down

A half up, half down style is ideal for a woman who likes to wear her hair loose but would rather keep some of the front sections back from her face. This style works particularly well for a beach wedding as you get the appearance of loose flowing hair but will not be caught off-guard by the sea breeze. Simply take 2- to 3-inch sections of hair from either side of the face, pull them to the back of your head and pin them back using bobby pins. Back-comb the roots of your hair before pinning it back for a fuller, more voluminous look.

Flipped-out

Flipping out the ends of your hair breathes new life in to an otherwise straight style. Use a large barrel curling iron or heated rollers to flip out the ends of your hair. If you have side-swept bangs, add a roller to give the front of your hair more definition and to frame your face. Flipped-out hair looks relaxed, yet groomed. Add a flower to one side of your hair for a sweet finish.

Tags: your hair, beach wedding, hair wrap, back your, back your head, bobby pins, curling iron

Short Haircuts For Thinning Hair

If your hair is thinning, it's a good idea to get a shorter haircut. Short hairstyles draw attention to your face, and away from your hair, which may be enough to help you hide thinning spots. There are several classic short hairstyles that may work for you, but keep in mind that a good hairstylist will be able to tailor any cut to your specific face shape, hair type and tastes.

Bangs

You may choose to go without bangs, but if you do choose to have bangs, consider heavy bangs. Heavy bangs give the overall illusion of thicker hair, and if you keep them short, people may not be able to tell that they are thin at all.

Asymmetrical bangs may also give the illusion of thickness. Side-swept bangs complement an asymmetrical haircut and can also hide a thinning hairline.

Bobs

The bob is a classic short haircut that makes hair look thicker than it really is. This is because the hair is all one length, and it frames your face. Many bobs are cut chin-length, but if you want an even shorter cut, Hair Boutique suggests that an earlobe-length bob can look even thicker than a chin-length bob, because the widest part of your face is typically around your ears. Bob haircuts work for most face shapes, but if you have a long face, make sure the cut is fullest at the bottom. This will balance the length of your face.

Layers

It seems counterintuitive to cut layers into thinning hair, but lots of layers actually give the illusion of thickness. Cutting layers into the classic bob gives the style more shape, which can make it look even fuller than it really is.

Layers are especially helpful if you have a round face, because a cut like a bob that is all one length can make your face look too wide. If you have a round face, use layers to add volume on top of your head, but also to leave some longer strands just above your shoulders. This will help elongate your face.

Styling

No matter what haircut you get, thinning hair needs special care when you're styling it. You should pick a cut that allows you to style your hair without too much heat, which can cause damage. Try to choose a style that allows your hair to air dry, and use straightening irons, curling irons and rollers sparingly.

If you choose to color your hair, you should know that strategically placing highlights and lowlights can make your hair appear as though it is more voluminous than it actually is.

Tucking your hair behind your ears is also a good way to create the illusion of thickness. You can do this on both sides with a classic bob, or if you get an asymmetrical haircut, tuck the thin side behind your ear.

Tags: your hair, your face, illusion thickness, asymmetrical haircut, behind your, classic short