Grecian/Athenian Style Recreation
Kylie Martin
The look to be
recreated here is often called “the Grecian”. Throughout history you will find this hairstyle complementing the empire-waisted gowns of the 18th century, as well a love affair of this look in the early silent movie era, a la Theda Bara, a big favourite of mine. You don’t need to be a hairdresser and you won’t need a lot of expensive equipment. It works best on shoulder length or longer hair but can be adapted with a pony-tail piece on shorter hair. In fact, if you have really short hair, you can fake it by dressing out a wig in the same manner.This style is popular today in bridal parties, period looks, and can be adapted and decorated to suit any hair type and influence. Even dreads and braids can be tressed out this way for a little cyber – romance.
You will need:
Hot rollers/Curling iron
Bobby and Hair pins: Bobbies are closed and kiss, with one rippled side. Hair pins are open and have an a-framed shape, rippled or straight. Get both, and try to match your hair colour if you can.
A hair elastic. Coated, but not big and fluffy
Hair spray, hair mist.
Tail comb
Hair clip/s
Any accessories you may want to add (flowers, ribbons, use your imagination).
STEP 1:
Set your hair on hot rollers all over for a nice clean curl. Let them cool down completely before you take the rollers out, and let them drop and settle for a while before you start. A good time to do your make-up and/or nails.
STEP 2:
Use your tail comb to divide your hair into two major sections. One is a circular section just below your crown, the other is the perimeter. I’ll call them the inner and outer sections. When taking the inner section, make it at least a 2-1/2" to 3" radius. Too small, and it will be swallowed whole by the outer section, too large and you’ll have nothing to work with later. Experiment to find your ideal. Allow the outer section to hang loose and clip the inner section into a loose bun ready for styling. Pay attention to where your circular section is. A strong chin will benefit from placing this section a little higher on the crown; the opposite will suit something placed a little lower with lots of detail left loose around the nape.
STEP 3:
Back comb the inner section lightly near the scalp for a little cushioning. Make a ponytail with that section, as close the lowest par of the perimeter as you can, without making it too tight. Take a small piece of hair and wrap around the elastic band the hide the evidence. Now check for symmetry, and if you notice any curls you think are too loose, prop them up with the curling iron or a hot roller. As much as you don’t want a very tight ponytail, do pin the loose tie to your scalp, this will provide better security. One pin will do; you’ll add more latter.
STEP 4: Leave the ponytail and let’s move on to the outer section. Decide if you want a side, center or no part. Then, take individual curls or small pinched sections and use the hair pins to bring them back loosely towards the base of the ponytail. Do leave some soft wisps around the face and the nape of the neck – it lends to the romance. Just don’t pull it all back and then leave a single tendril over each ear – that looks ridiculous. If you have thick hair, take slightly larger pieces and twist them before using bobby pins to secure as close to the scalp as you can. Be sure to let the hair drape. If it’s too tight, the overall look will lose that romantic feeling. Work around the entire head; leave pieces at the nape if you like, but this is optional. Be sure you constantly check for balance.
STEP 5: The last step is to address the ponytail. You can either leave it loose, or take random sections and pin them back into the base of the pony with a bobby or hairpin. Pay attention to the shape you are creating. Do you want to build the width or the length of your hairstyle? Remember to check your profile view; mirrors or the trusty web-cam can help you there. Friends are also good.
STEP 6:
Decorations! So many ways to decorate this look too. You can use glitter hair spray, live or fake flowers, hair sticks, ribbons and lace... just be sure to check your over all look for balance and don’t over-do any of your accessories. It just looks tacky. Use bobby pins to secure heavier additions. When using bobby pins, cross them into an X for added security. If you choose glitter but have no glitter hairspray, you can spray wet pump-mist hair spray on your hair do and sprinkle loose glitter over before it dries. Just do it in the shower, glitter is the gift that keeps on giving.
Hints:
Don’t back comb wigs. It’s too hard to get out without damaging the wig, and they don’t typically need it.
When doing an up-do, work in front of a mirror and constantly check for balance.
Got lots of hair? Then you can play with two ponytails. Just be sure to place the bases very close together, gaps are difficult to hide. This looks good placed lower rather than higher on the crown.
Hide bobby and hairpins under hair so as not to give the game away, with a little practice you should be able to hide them completely.
Live flowers will wilt in a hot, smoky club, put them in last and keep them in the fridge until the 11th hour.
Dreads may or may not curl. If they are synthetic, do not use hot curling irons, because they’ll melt. Loop them instead.
Leaving ends out in little fans is an interesting way if you want to mix straight and curly hair. Spray them so they don’t wilt.
Want to share your hairstyle with us? Send pictures to us at hairstyle@morbidoutlook.com |
