“Lockdown” Diaries – Fashion & Manageable Hair Care.

As well as attempting to keep our mental and physical health in check during lockdown, this is also a trying time for maintaining motivation for our self-care and appearance.

Some mornings, I wake up determined to make an effort to feel more glam and put my glad rags on. But, in all honesty, it doesn’t materialise that often. Fresh work-out gear or a clean pair of pyjamas is usually as good as it gets.

The impact of not having our usual routine of work, or whatever it is, can have a huge effect on how we feel, for some more than others.

Daily Exercise in our Local Country Park.

I recognise that we are all making the best of it. Everyone’s situation is different, and we’re all trying to get through it, however best we can.

Both my boys are living with us during “Lockdown”. My youngest was working in London when the Coronavirus hit, which resulted in his job abruptly coming to an end. His own property in Newcastle is being rented out, so he’s with us. My eldest is having work done on his home – so, with his place being upside down, he’s with us, too.

Like everyone, we had no time to plan or prepare for what was to happen. Luckily, one son is now “working from home” (in our home), and our youngest son is studying for exams, in June. So, they’re both “occupied”!!

 

The tools I used. My camera shy son didn’t want any pics taken! 

My youngest had to dial into a video conference meeting and was desperate for a haircut.  He asked if I knew how to give his hair a quick trim.  I wasn’t keen on doing a DIY cut without checking out some hairdressing tutorials on YouTube. So, after taking advice from the “pros”, I decided to give it a go.

The videos I found were helpful – there are loads to choose from. The two I loved were “Regal Gentleman” and “Hair 101”.

Haircutting requires an incredible amount of skill. So, I thought, if I keep it simple and do it slowly, by just trimming the ends of his hair, it would be okay.

Thank goodness, it was! I was incredibly nervous and did proceed with great caution, trying my best not to look too much at my son’s terrified face. Of course, I wasn’t confident. But, I kept going – trying my hardest to do a good job – this was mainly because of his threats to “shave it all off”, if it went “haywire”.  There was room for more hair to come off. But I stopped and played it safe while we were ahead!

So, if the menfolk in your life trust you with the scissors, give it a go and check these tutorials out. Remember to use a good pair of scissors and “take it slow”.

At present, my own hair routine is very “low maintenance”. I have only been washing it, once, maybe twice a week. I do my usual straightening when dry, then, after a few days, I tie it up in a ponytail/plait, or bun.

I use:

• any shampoo or hair conditioner with Keratin in – John Frieda conditioner

• a dollop of Argan oil – applied to hair, following a wash; and

• “Hair Serum, usually Creighton’s”. This tames my hair, beautifully, prior to straightening – and it’s a great price.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer.  I use this once a week – it leaves my hair soft and smooth.

For those with long hair or even shoulder length hair, I have set out, below, some easy steps to follow, either for yourself or one of your family, who may want to wear their hair tied up in a plait, or bun, for a change.

Three-Strand Plait/Braid

Step 1: De-tangle hair – use a brush or wide-toothed comb to de-tangle strand. Hair is much easier to braid when it is knot-free.

Step 2: Lift your hair up to the height you want it.  Smooth it back then wrap a tie around the ponytail.

Step 3: Divide your hair into three equal sections – A, B and C.

Step 4: Cross the sections – hold the right section with your right hand and the left section with your left hand. Cross the outside strand over the middle, interchanging right and left side. Example A over B, C over A, B over C.

Step 5: Secure with an elastic band – I have included this link to instructions which are great to follow: https://www.wikihow.com/braid-hair

Step6: If you would like a topknot – start to twist the plait, wrapping it around the base of the ponytail.  Then you can use hairgrips to secure or alternatively tuck it into the hair tie.

 

The dress I am wearing for this post is from Warehouse.  I’d had my eye on it for ages. The week before we entered lockdown, it was reduced from £65.00 to £28.00, so I snapped it up. Sadly, Warehouse, along with Oasis, are going through the process of administration.

Writing this, I checked Warehouse’s website to see if they are still up and running. They are still there, but, right now, they are unable to take orders. Hopefully, this will be resolved, shortly. I feel for the many staff losing their jobs. Retail is being hit so hard during this period, as are other businesses, and I worry how many small and large will survive. Hopefully, it is a temporary measure and, when we are out of this crisis, they can salvage their businesses. I have read Warehouse’s owners, Aurora Fashions, were in talks to sell, prior to Lockdown.

Thank you for reading my post. I hope you have enjoyed it and found it helpful.  If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.  All products are my own.

To shop The Look, I have picked out some similar items, (hover over the pic to see the price). 

If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments. This post may include a few affiliate links. All products are my own. Best wishes to you and keep safe.

Alison

x

28 Comments

  1. Jayne
    /

    Thank you so much for sharing the braided bun tutorial. I am way overdue for a trim and I have had some trouble figuring out how to make my “bun” hold. I just tried your suggestions and it worked like a charm!

    • Jayne, I’m so pleased to hear it worked for you. It’s an easy way to tie your hair back in a neat, stylish
      way. xx

  2. Enjoyed reading this, Alison. Nice that you have your family with you. It’s just my husband and me. I haven’t seen our kids or grandkids in 6 weeks. Good for you on the successful men’s haircut! My husband has a lot of hair, but he won’t let me do his. lol. The salons here in Arizona open on May 15th.
    Take care,
    xx, Lisa

    • I certainly do feel lucky that we’ve had them with us at this time. Though,
      the food bills have been huge! I offered to cut my husbands hair too but
      he politely declined – don’t think he trusts me with a pair of shears. We
      seem to be behind you in respect of things starting to
      open up. Hopefully things will start to improve soon.
      Take care. xx

  3. /

    You have gorgeous hair Alison! I love your braided bun! Must try that although my hair is not as long or thick as yours. Funny, I do the same: leave my hair down the first few days, then put it up in a bun or ponytail till I wash it again. Your dress is very pretty with a touch of nostalgia. 🙂

    ❤️carmen

    • Thank you Carmen. I have to admit to wearing my hair tied up in a plait or bun most of the time. My routine is
      so different as everyone else’s is. There’s no need to dress up, though I still like to. I’m living in workout gear
      and pj’s most of the time. I saw some gorgeous summer dresses in H&M the other day – but didn’t buy though I
      was tempted. xx

  4. Your hair is jus t beautiful so I am happy to read your tips! I would love to be able to try and give my hubby a haircut if I could find a place that has clippers in stock! It’s getting so long!

    • Thank you Laura, that’s lovely of you to say. With not knowing when our hairdressers will be open again I
      May be called on for another trim. xx

  5. Oh, I love the braided bun! I will have to give this a try. I have been doing a side braid a few times a week and double braids or low ponytails the other days. I rarely wear my hair down these days. I am loving your floral dress, too! Thanks for sharing and linking up with me.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

    • I’m the same Shelbee. It’s low maintenance all the way at the moment. There’s not much need to dress up – and I do miss it.
      Maybe those times are just round the corner hopefully. Take care. xx

  6. /

    That’s exciting that you get to have your boys with you during this, though I know it has to be hard for your one who lost his job. Our boys (we have 4) are all young so I’m suddenly home-schooling. It was terrifying at first, but that’s improving. Kudos on the hair cutting. I have somehow managed to escape it, thanks to having an Army husband who can cut hair.

    • Thank you April. It was a lucky accident my boy’s being home during this time. The alternative of not seeing them would’ve
      been awful, and I do feel for everyone in that situation. Hats off to you tackling the home schooling – that certainly sounds like
      a huge challenge, and how lucky for you having a husband who can cut hair. I was so nervous cutting my youngest sons hair,
      I watched lots of video’s – it certainly made me realise it’s no easy feat and to appreciate the long training hairdressers do. xx

  7. /

    What a great tutorial!! Thank you! Your hair is always so gorgeous!

  8. I love hair buns and your tutorial is so easy to follow! I also also love the two in one perk. If I didn’t want a bun, I can just leave as a braided pony! Very neat!

    Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com

    • Thank you so much Maureen. I have to admit to wearing my hair tied up most of the time, which
      Isn’t the case normally. I’m so pleased you found it useful. xx

  9. Such an enjoyable read- loved your long- hair tips for wearing it up. thanks!

  10. Karen
    /

    Love your hair in a bun, I may get round to that soon !!! My hair looks similar to yours in texture, but I had a few layers put in a week before lockdown and its just below shoulder length at the moment. I have trimmed my fringe, it was easier than I thought …followed the vertical cut method I’d seen on youtube ! Fortunately husband self trims his……keeping him away from mine as he once cut my fringe when we were first married and it looked like the Tyne Bridge lol !!!
    Its lovely that your boys are with you, mind you I don’t envy your food bill Alison ! Take care xx

    • I was just going to make the appointment to see my hairdresser when lockdown happened, and with not seeing her since October last year I’ve had to trim it myself. If restrictions are still in place in four weeks I’ll put a few highlights in as it’s so dark. Even though I managed to cut my youngest son hair, the hubby isn’t very keen ha ha! Yes, the food bills are huge and food is so high on everyone’s list of priorities – that and what we’re watching on Netflix! Take care. xx

  11. I always love to see how ladies do their hair! Your hair looks great in a braided bun, love the tips. YOur floral dress is very pretty too! I have been dresses around the house too for a change up.
    Take care!!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  12. Your dress is lovely, it’s such a shame about Warehouse and Oasis. I love how you did your hair. I use Creighton’s haircare too sometimes, it’s great value for money, and according to their website they don’t test on animals . Thanks for linking up!

    Emma xxx
    http://www.style-splash.com

  13. /

    I wish my hair was long enough for some up-do’s sometimes Alison. I’ve been cutting my own hair for years, so I’m lucky in that respect. Shame about Warehouse. I fear they won’t be the only ones. Even Laura Ashley has fallen and this is so sad xx

  14. My friend is coming to my house today (I usually go to hers) to cut and color my hair. We will do it on the porch and I will take advantage and have her cut my boys’ hair too: it has been 2 months and 10 days for them and for me, I am not even sure!
    http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

  15. Your hair is fabulous and a great lock-down look. I’ve been trying to master the messy bun! Look more like a messy mess! Thanks for sharing on the #linkup Jacqui x

  16. Alison, great post! YouTube is an awesome place to learn, but it was still brave of you to cut your son’s hair. I do trim mine, but my hair is wavy. If it’s off by 1/2 an inch, it really isn’t noticeable. You’ve got beautiful hair! If your son’s hair is like yours, he’s a lucky guy. Lovely dress! I hope Warehouse is able to survive.

    Thanks for linking up to Creative Compulsions!
    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

  17. Your hair and this post are fabulous! I need more hair so I can do cool hairstyles like this! 😉

  18. I have just a bit of arthritis. Makes it hard to braid my hair. I sure do wish I could do that braided bun you often wear. (Without help).

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