Save Those Curls!

Ever since I discovered pin curls, I've always thought it's something every woman should know how to do. It may seem like a lot of trouble at first, but it has big dividends. One of the advantages is that it can last for days, keeping you from washing your hair as often, which is healthier for your hair, too. I do have naturally curly hair, but sometimes use pin curls to get a specific look, to tone down the curl, or to have more control over my curls.

If you're looking for a great tutorial on how to do wet set pin curls, check out this video by Lisa Freemont Street. Her videos are amazing for teaching all kinds of vintage and vintage-inspired hairstyles and makeup. I've learned so much from her.

Lauren Rennells also has written a great book that teaches both basic and intricate vintage hairstyles that I highly recommend. She covers everything from traditional techniques to modern heat styles, and all with lots of pictures of each step in detail. Not only does it teach you specific styles, but gives you the information and techniques to make the styles your own and take the basic techniques and create your own unique styles. It's also just a fun and educational read.

Today though I want to tell you a little bit how I keep my curls going for a long time. I once went camping for five days, and never had to wash my hair, just used a dry shampoo at the roots and kept resetting my hair. Please look over the fact that the before pictures are of me without makeup.

My hair was washed and set three days before taking these pictures. (Sorry, I didn't take a picture of them before repinning them, but they were very flat looking and just blah.) I took the basic sections and followed my original curl pattern and rewound them dry. I sometimes do this at night and sleep on them, but aside from that not being a very romantic look for my husband, I don't always remember or feel like doing it then. So, today I did it first thing in the morning, because I knew we'd be home for a while today. My oldest son, who's two, is an early riser and woke up before 5:30 am this morning. Since he share's a room with his one year old brother, they were both up bright and early. Perfect timing for a reset.

It is a little harder to roll it up dry, but I have sprayed a little water on the ends before to get them started. I didn't need to do that today.

It also doesn't matter how messy they look while rolled up, they will turn out fine after sitting for a while. I will spray a mist of water over the curls and they will set for about five to six hours.

You don't have to, but I usually tie a scarf of some kind over them just to keep them tidy. It also keeps little hands from messing with the pin curls.  I often use a shower cap and take a shower like this too, or work out in a scarf, or do cleaning.

Voila! Much fresher looking curls, and it took just a couple minutes to reset them. I've always thought every mom with a new baby could benefit from this, too. Washing and fixing your hair with a newborn seems impossible, but pin curling takes only a couple minutes, lasts for days, and looks like you've spent a lot of time. Pin curls are actually the lazy way to fix your hair and still look good. Did our grandmothers know what they were doing or what?

I hope you try pin curls. I think with some practice and getting to know how your hair works best, you'll be just as sold on them as I am.

What shortcuts do you use for keeping your vintage style fresher longer?