If the ballerina-bun scraped-back hairstyle looks too severe and you find side parts and cntre parts unflattering, you may feel like you don’t have a lot of options! These styles add a bit of height and softness around the face.
Crown Braids Add Softness to the Hairline
Crown braids take some practice to accomplish, but the resulting style frames the face like a halo, adding softness and texture to the hairline. Because the braid is performed using the French/Dutch or lace braiding method, the hair avoids a visible part in favour of many small parts which “hide” in the hair.
Loose French and Dutch Braids
French braids (or their inside-out cousins, Dutch braids) can pull hair severely back if woven very tightly– worn more loosely, however, they can be surprisingly soft and flattering. To avoid an overly tight braid, create volume at the roots with a volumiser or by air-drying the hair with a roller the night before.
Lace Braids
Lace braiding, like crown braiding, results in a number of hidden parts across the hairline and adds height and softness. Because lace braids are braided across the front of the head only, they are very versatile. The rest of the hair can be left loose or made into an elaborate updo for a special occasion.
Victory Rolls
For a fun 1940s look, try victory rolls. The rolls do require an off-centre parting in the hair, but once the parting is angled diagonally and softened with the rolls most women will still find it flattering. There are several different ways of making victory rolls; some look distinctly period, while smaller rolls will blend in better with a modern look.
Fairytale Half-Up
To make a faux medieval half-updo, grab a small handful of hair by your ears on each side. Twist both sections slightly towards the centre of your head, and secure at the crown with a clip. If done carefully, this style will not result in a definite part in your hair.
Flipped Bun
A flipped bun worn on top of the head and flipped backwards will add height to a hair style, and looks much more complicated than it is!
Gibson Girl Hairdo
This look is admittedly situation-specific. The Gibson Girl style was popular at the turn of the century, and now looks reminiscent of either Anne of Green Gables or Kathryn Janeway. However, for special occasions or cosplay some women will be able to pull off this very flattering hairstyle. The style involves tucking hair or fake hair in the form of a foam pad under the front hair to create a bouffant hairstyle; the remaining hair is bunned simply or elaborately at the back.
Sarah Tennant - Sarah Tennant is a onetime English major who lives in New Zealand with her husband and two small children. Her interests range from ...
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