Quick Style Tips for Busy Moms on the Go

Posted September 5th, 2008 by Will Williams

Back-to-school hair care is one of the basics for moms everywhere. And as we all know, the first day sets the tone for styles for the entire semester. Let's make sure we have all the basics covered. There are three tried-and-true hairstyles that are not only fashionable, but if done right, can promote a child's hair to grow.

Ponytails with ribbons

A pony tail can be girly and still completely fashionable. No looking in the mirror when she needs to be studying, because style simplicity lends itself to the task at hand. This is probably the first hair style most girls learn how to create on their own. So let's style a pony.

If you want to have lots of volume in the pony tail, you can start by setting the hair in rollers. Use some lotion on her scalp, just enough to moisturize it, like you would for arms or legs. Adding a little more to your hands, work some through the hair. Using a large tooth comb, start in the nape area and comb curls out gently, making small partings and working your way up to the crown. Do the same on the sides, working from bottom to top. At the forehead, comb forward while working your way toward the back.

By now you should have noticed that the curls are trying to reform in the back section where you first started. Using a flat, soft, natural bristle brush, begin to smooth the top and sides, brushing them back into your hand and smoothing. Do not comb the ponytail out. Isolate a few strands of hair (10-15) and wrap them around the pony tail to hold it in place, and finish off with a ribbon.

When starting with the basic pony each week, you can add tendrils at the temples, swoop bangs on the forehead, and so forth. The possibilities are endless.

Shirley Temple curls all over the head

Shirley Temple curls are timeless. You can choose to set the hair in rollers vertically or use cold wave rods to make the coil spring curls. Some moms may choose to show their mastery of the curling iron by making coil spring curls with thermal heat. No matter how you arrive at the curls, your choice of styling options are wide open. Curls can be left to hang, and combed later in the week. Another option is to take a little natural oil, like olive or soybean, and smooth the curl from scalp to ends to loosen the curl somewhat. The coils can be pulled apart, allowing for maximum volume. This is a style that can last all week long and go from curly to straight gradually.

Beautiful braids

Braids are classic and low maintenance. No fuss is probably important to you. Styling options run the full gamut from just letting them hang loose to making a small bend on the ends. Braids can be sectioned and styled in various ways. Pony tails, cornrows, bundles and tendrils are all part and parcel of styling braids.

Whether you chose the ponytail, the Shirley Temple curls, or beautiful braids, all of these styles are classic, and fashionable. There are countless options for wearing each hair do. Experiment, and let your daughter experiment, if she's bored with her style from last year and she wants to wow the kids with something new. Buy some books on hair styles and practice creating her favorite style. Just remember that the key to great hair is healthy hair.

Will Williams
Director of Education
M&M Products Company
www.mmproducts.com