Many women love the look of long hair and determine to grow their own in the anticipation of wearing many different styles. However, a common complaint is that after going through the agony of growing their hair out, they don’t know what to do with it. I’ve devoted many pages to the “how-tos” of creating updos and long wavy or curly styles. This article is devoted to quick fixes. This is for the time when wearing your hair down is not appropriate – or it is in need of a shampoo. You may want a change of pace for school or need a more conservative look for the office - or perhaps something dressier.

Hair clips are the perfect quick fix. There are many shapes and sizes and I suggest stocking several kinds in your dressing room. Spend some time practicing with them so that you aren’t always confined to the same last minute ‘do.’

I picked up several to see what I could do if I had just five minutes to change my style.

This is the classic jaw clip. It is handy for at least two styles. In the first, pull all of your hair straight back, catching it in a high pony tail. Turn the ‘tail’ over into a twist with the ends extending up. Hold it with one hand while you secure it with the clip.

For a change of pace, create the twist upside down. Gently back-brush or tease your hair on top for a full, rounded crown. Smooth the top without taking out the teasing and then gather your hair into the pony tail about midway down the back. Twist it with the ends extending out of the bottom. Insert the clip.

The ends of your hair can be curled with a small barreled curling iron, spiked out with styling paste or smoothed and kept close to your head. More excitement can be created by setting the back of your hair on Twister bendable rollers before forming the pony tail and twist. After the clip is applied, spread the ends out to form and attractive fan of curls.
Remington H2002 Twister To Go Bendable Rollers
at Amazon


For this style, create the pony tail and twist it as you did for the classic clip. This flat clip has the spring on the side and appears to be a large barrette. Slide the long teeth through and under the twist. The top then clamps right down over the top. This design is very easy to insert yourself and useful for when you want the hairstyle to remain flat at the back of your head.

You may find clips with hair attached. They are amazingly easy to wear. This curly pony tail is attached to a long clip inserted vertically over the twist that you create with your own hair. Keep a few bobby pins on hand. If the piece is heavy, slide the pins through the added hair and your own close to the sides of the clip. This anchors the curls and helps to support the weight. Arrange the curls with your fingers, pulling some of the strands down over your own hair.

The pieces come in many shades and also in highlighted hair so the hair colors are easy to match to your own.

All of these styles were created in less than five minutes. Spending a few minutes more in preparation and finish will produce a polished look suitable for any occasion.

France Luxe Lattice Slide Clip - Classic	Jessica Simpson hairdo(tm) Salon Clip-in UpDo
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