Hair design ideas

Following previous practical hair trials, I realised that I often plan styles that are a little too complex, and consequently leave me unhappy with the result. For this reason, in my designs for my final piece, I decided to simplify the styles, keeping elements that related to Elizabethan hair, such as plaits and crimping. 

This design includes plaits wrapped over the forehead, with the rest of the hair slicked back to create the illusion of a high hairline. I felt that the plaits and large forehead created an Elizabethan feel, while the slick ponytail and 'milkmaid' braids modernised the look. When practicing this design, the length of the hair will need to be taken into consideration - if it is not long enough, four plaits will be needed (two in the ponytail and two on either side of the head), instead of two (only in the ponytail, wrapped all the way around the forehead). 

For this look I wanted to create a heart-shaped style without the typical crimping/backcombing/padding. I decided to use plaits. If the hair is quite thin, or not very textured, wire may be required to structure the plaits to stay stiff and upright when pinned as pictured. Continuing the modern feel, I decided to simply use a high ponytail at the back, but added an Elizabethan element by wrapping a fine plait around the base of it. The tendrils in front of the ears are more common in modern day hair styles, but I felt that by curling them, they would give the effect of Elizabethan styles, when they would have draped down the neck and shoulders, like so;

http://s222.photobucket.com/user/RiceCrispySquare/media/aaa-queen-elizabeth-1st.jpg.html

https://instagram.com/ingridnilsen/

For my third look I felt inspired by a look by Kandee Johnson on YouTuber Ingrid Nilsen. The large heart-shaped hair and loose curls felt Elizabethan, while the excessive volume and bleach blonde colour was more contemporary. 

Once I had finished this style design, I felt that it was too Elizabethan, and less modernised. It includes crimped and voluminous heart-shaped mounds at the front, a twisted bun with a plait around the outside, and curled tendrils down the neck. 

I think I like my first design most, and so will begin working with this one. However, I like elements such as the heart-shaped plaits from my second design, and so may experiment with adding such features in.