Good Hair Post-Bun

        If you have an obligation after a ballet class or performance, and you want to wear your hair down, it can be hard to get long lovely locks after having them twisted in a bun.  If you don't have the chance to go home and freshen up before heading back out, here are some tips to have good hair post-bun.  I regularly use them for post-opening night parties.  (Note: unfortunately these tips will not work for very curly or tightly coiled hair).

        1. Spritz dry hair with a little water in a spray bottle before bunning.  This will help achieve a smooth look with less hairspray.

        2. Use a ribbon-type hair tie to form the base of your ponytail.  It will still make a slight bump in your hair, but it won't be nearly as noticeable as the bump that comes from a rounded hair elastic.  Making a low bun (if you can) will also reduce the prominence of the bump.

        3. Wrap your bun loosely if you can.  This will help reduce the overall curliness of your hair when you take it down.

        4. Use a hair net and bobby pins to take care of flyaways on the bun.  This will enable you to use less hairspray.

        5. Use clips or bobby pins for flyaways around your head (if you can).  This is more appropriate for class than the stage.  This way, you won't have to use hairspray at all.  If you can't use clips or pins, use only the lightest spritz of hairspray and smooth hair down with your fingers.

        6. When you take your hair down, use a plastic or metal bristled brush to brush through it.  This will break up hairspray and reduce bun-curls, but won't flatten your hair to your head or poof it out.  Don't over-brush.

        7. If your hair feels too flat at the top and more voluminous on the bottom, try adding a thin headband to balance the look.