New Hairstyling book

MissS · May 15, 2008

It was waiting for me this morning, so I'll let you know tomorrow!

roots66 · May 16, 2008

I second everything KittyT says regarding the book, the positives and the negatives. I'll just add a few nitpicks of my own.

While the instructional photos are plentiful, detailed, and easy-to-follow, somehow I'm not that crazy about a lot of the photos of the finished styles. They seem to lack a certain "wow" factor for me...I've had my breath taken away far more often by pics in the "hairdos" thread and the LJ Vintage Hair community. The "moon manicure" pics would have looked better on someone with more elegant nails, but I guess the author couldn't afford to hire a hand model.

And there's an over-reliance on the use of a curling iron. The author advises that hot rollers cannot achieve a tight curl...apparently she never heard of Hot Sticks! More detailed discussion on the many curling methods/tools would have been welcome...but of course, that's the raison d'etre of *this* forum.

Nevertheless, I'm enjoying the book. The pincurl and "comb out" sections are particularly informative and helpful, though they're simultaneously oddly intimidating--she manages to simplify and complexify the concepts all at once! You probably won't regret buying the book, but don't expect it to be the ultimate authority on vintage hair.

Rockapin-up · May 17, 2008

Yay, I just got my book today, Haven't really looked at it, but I can't wait to try some of the styles. I agree that the finished hair styles don't look all that great, but it's way better than what I can do.

SarahLouise · May 18, 2008

I received mine earlier this week. The detailed pin curl and brushing of waves sections are excellent. I was disappointed to find that the vast majority of the styles used hot methods (tongs, hot rollers) as these do not work for me at all but then the book title does say 'modern techniques'! It doesn't bother me much to be honest as I can just use swap them for sponge rollers/pin curls/perm rods etc and experiment myself. I think you have to use your initiative sometimes and change things if need be. For example in the 'Pageboy' style she used two rows of rollers in the back but in my experience you only ever need one, so it's all about experimenting yourself. Since I'm growing out my hair I tried the 'Veronica Lake' style which worked but it'll look better once my hair is longer I reckon. I find the hair in the end result photos looks like it's wet or has too much product in it, does anybody else think that?

roots66 · May 18, 2008

SarahLouise said:
I find the hair in the end result photos looks like it's wet or has too much product in it, does anybody else think that?

YES!!! And in some cases, kinda messy, or just not brushed out enough.

(I shouldn't be so critical as I need a plethora of product myself, but I do try to avoid the "wet look" as much as possible.)

Fleur De Guerre · May 18, 2008

That's exactly how I feel - they look like the need an extra 5 solid minutes of brushing!

MissS · May 18, 2008

Ladies, finally had a chance to read over the book this weekend and I agree with all of your comments.

Whilst I'm not overly crazy about a lot of the finished styles (a little to 'slick' and I'm not a fan of Perfectly Defined and Over Pomade'ed curls), I did find it to be a good reference book. I think I'll be mixing and matching some of the front & back styles and certainly useful to teach you about techniques, placement and brushing out.

sixsexsix · May 19, 2008

I did the "Red Hot" last night and it came out beautifully

Lady Day · May 19, 2008

Im so jealous of you girls

Vintage hair styles for my type of hair are so rare to find. Even if I do find black women with a great vintage hair style, its because their hair was relaxed (straightened) and I refuse to do that.

So no pin curls, waves or anything of the line for me

Altho I absolutely do LOVE my hair, there are sometimes I wish I could do some of those styles. Oh well Ill live through you gals

LD

Polka Dot · May 19, 2008

LD -

I once saw a black woman at the Gap with a fabulous vintage hairstyle, and I don't believe her hair was relaxed. I think it was braided, however. She had two reverse rolls in the front and then the back was pulled into a snood. It was really cute!

How do you wear your hair now?

-- PD

P.S. As you can see from my avatar I also live vicariously through all these posts. I don't have enough patience for vintage hairstyling!

KittyT · May 19, 2008

Lady Day said:
Vintage hair styles for my type of hair are so rare to find. Even if I do find black women with a great vintage hair style, its because their hair was relaxed (straightened) and I refuse to do that.

Have you ever tried using a pomade or pressing oil and straightening your hair with a straight iron or hot metal comb? I know the metal comb was a pretty traditional, non-permanent method of straightening.

The Shirt · May 19, 2008

I tried the "for the boys" this morning. We'll see how it goes. I could use about 3 more inches of hair. I just dyed it red so otherwise I would have used some hairpieces to get the volume needed in the back. I love the book to be honest. The photos aren't the best - but I'm comparing it to photos of the glamorous hollywood set - and these are just your average pretty woman of today. I love that included is a photo of the model's hair prior to setting so one can see what they are starting with.

I think it really is good for a beginner. I never realized the angle of the pincurl could have such effect on the end style. I often wondered why someday mine ends up all wonky when I think I am doing the exact thing as the day before.

Lady Day · May 19, 2008

KittyT said:
Have you ever tried using a pomade or pressing oil and straightening your hair with a straight iron or hot metal comb? I know the metal comb was a pretty traditional, non-permanent method of straightening.

lol lol lol lol

Im not going to sit through 3 hours of getting my head burned (and ears), and the smell of scorched hair and oil in the Los Angeles summertime heat, only to have my hair sweat back to its normal state during the night and be left with an oily scalp and nappy stiff hair in need of a deep conditioning.

I stopped having to go under the hot comb when I was twelve.

LD

SarahLouise · May 19, 2008

roots66 said:
YES!!! And in some cases, kinda messy, or just not brushed out enough.

(I shouldn't be so critical as I need a plethora of product myself, but I do try to avoid the "wet look" as much as possible.)

Yeah, they look very crispy! In the products section at the front she does mention that pomade is used in every single style so perhaps that is the reason, combined with the fact that the curls look like they need brushing out.

Lady Day - you always look as cute as a button anyway!

MissHannah · May 19, 2008

SarahLouise: Having seen you in the flesh I have to say that i don't think you are in need of any sort of tips, on hairstyling or anything else - you looked perfect! Sorry I didn't get to chat to you - I had hostess stressy-fever and lost all powers of social niceties

SarahLouise · May 20, 2008

MissHannah said:
SarahLouise: Having seen you in the flesh I have to say that i don't think you are in need of any sort of tips, on hairstyling or anything else - you looked perfect! Sorry I didn't get to chat to you - I had hostess stressy-fever and lost all powers of social niceties

You are too kind, I thought you (and Lyburnum) looked perfect too. Honestly I need all the help I can get! No need to apologise, it was a bit of a hectic/sweaty/packed/noisy night.

~*Red*~ · May 21, 2008

SarahLouise said:
Yeah, they look very crispy! In the products section at the front she does mention that pomade is used in every single style so perhaps that is the reason, combined with the fact that the curls look like they need brushing out.

After checking out the book, I have to agree with the crispy look. But I have always used pomade, and my hair has never looked crispy. Always soft and shiny. It might feel crispy because of the hairspray though!

Also, I use "traditional" hair pomades and dressings.. none of that fancy stuff they call pomade these days. Many of those have some sort of hardeners in them to help hold a style.

Snookie · May 21, 2008

If I sleep with the book under my pillow, will I wake up with magical vintage hair???

That's my solitary criterion. [huh]

helvissa · Jun 13, 2008

I know this thread is a bit old, and that I don't post on here very much! However, I just wanted to let you know that I run an online shop based in the UK and I have this book in stock. I post stuff the day after I receive your order and send by 1st class recorded. It's £17.

(but yes, I think the hair could do with being brushed out more! However, loads of handy tips!).

www.pinup-parade.com/shop/books.htm

Smuterella · Jun 13, 2008

goldwyn girl said:
Still no book and no response to my enquiries, not happy :rage:

same here :rage:

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