Morning Doughnut!

In preparation for an upcoming conference, I have given up doughnuts for breakfast. BUT, that doesn't mean I can't have a morning lock doughnut!

Now, my locks are unique, so unique that no two are the same length or color! I am laying off of the "thin lock" stuff and I don't intend to focus on another issue here. My only point is that sometimes the unevenness of my locks make styling at this stage somewhat challenging.

Alas, my new discovery...
Well, it isn't all that new. I have seen various YouTube videos and real live people sporting this particular style. When I wore braids someone attempted this look on me using a sports sock...

Thus, I am happy for this recent purchase at Sally's. I bought one for my friends and daughter, but this is the first one I saw that has a color and texture that "matches" my own (my hair texture is not exactly like a Brillo pad...).



Anyway, I took pictures to show the process and a look that works well for (thin and) uneven locks. To make this work, you need the "doughnut," bobby pins (only for ends that won't lie flat), and large earrings (cuz they make updos super chic!). I tried to curl my bangs and the pieces around my face (even though my curl sets only last 15 minutes these days...).


(All those curlers for this?! Those curls just won't hold up!).

Use the doughnut to make a ponytail. With longer hair, the instructions suggest making a ponytail with a ponytail holder, then pulling it through the "doughnut."

Find the center of your ponytail. Put your index finger through to make a little burrow or hole. Out from that hole, flatten your locks against the doughnut.


I now used a ponytail holder, stretching it around the doughnut in order to force the locks underneath.



The stray lock ends you see on the sides of the bun can be hidden away with bobby pins, as necessary. (Even after almost 3 years, you can still see a lot of scalp after a re-tightening...blast!).


Voila! A super chic updo and a delicious "doughnut" for breakfast!

New Headshots

You may recall that in the fall of 2007 I was asked, for the first time in my career as an academic, for a headshot. I got a lot of great advice about which photo to choose from many of you, but I have to admit that none of the photos I sent were chosen. Instead, two other fellows and I posed for a group picture that was featured in the Department's newsletter.

Take a look at my first headshot.


Fast forward 1.5 years: I now have my PhD and am being asked for a new headshot! The good news is that someone is asking! The other good news is that the photo shoot (gracias a Keen-ah!) gave me the opportunity to compare how different my locks look now.



Amazing eh?! If you have seen the early stages of my locking experience you know that I was very concerned about how thin my hair was. I have mentioned several times that much of the thinning, especially around the temple, was due to what used to be a commitment to braid extensions. Other problem areas were due to a horrific relaxer I got on a whim while on vacation in Madrid (don't ask what possessed me. It just seemed so unfair that I couldn't walk into a hair salon anywhere in the world and get my hair done...)!

Although I don't think my hair has grown so much in the past 1.5 years, I am very surprised by how much fuller and thicker it is.



So know, all I have to do is to choose which photo I like best. I think one of them is a bit "sexier" than the other (definitely the look I am going for), but maybe one is more appropriate. I would love to hear your thoughts, but remember, I am single and looking!