how to style a hair bow and a sock bun:

It's 8:05 in the morning and you realize that you slept through your alarm and you're going to be late for class or work. You hop out of bed and grab the clothes nearest to your bed, still getting dressed as you make your way to the bathroom to brush your teeth. Let's face it, you look like a hot mess. There is good news though: you can still look semi-put-together! Now, instead of simply pulling your hair into a ponytail or a messy bun, my lovely cousin Sam showed me how to style two super fast up-do's that look like they require lots of time and talent. I figured I couldn't keep this information from you all so here are her two super simple hair tutorials:

1. A Slightly Modified Sock Bun: Here is a new take on an old classic. Begin with an old sock. Cut off the foot part and fold it into itself so it makes a donut. Place the sock donut aside and pull your hair into a simple ponytail. It can be high or low, whatever your preference is. Pull your hair through the hole in the sock donut until it rests against your head. Depending on how gently you do this, you may need to brush out your ponytail to make it smooth. Pull your hair around the sock and fasten it with another hair tie. Adjust your hair so that covers the sock completely. Tuck the spare pieces of hair around the bun into the hair tie so that it creates a "nest." (This is the only word I can think to describe it.) Spray with some hairspray if necessary and you're all set to be on your way!

2. Hair Bow: Start by making a regular high ponytail but on the last tie, don't pull your hair all the way through. Leave a pretty long tail with the extra hair. Part the bun in half and pull the tail through. If it's long enough, you can loop it through to the other side and fasten with a bobby pin. If not, you can fasten it to the top of your head using a bobby pin, just be sure to blend it into the rest of your hair. Fluff out the sides of the bow if needed and take care of any flyaways with bobby pins. I'm not a fan of Ms. Gaga but I am a fan of this hairstyle, so I guess I gotta thank her for making it popular! Side note: This style works best with straight hair so if you're planning on wearing it, you may want to straighten your hair the night before!

Thanks Sam for sharing with us! (Sam will be attending beauty school in the fall so she'll be sharing more tips and tricks with us soon!)

xo, e.m.