Short/Medium layered hair need updo ideas

Hey guys,
I used to have the cutest hair, it was really short and layered. But then I got tired of not being able to put it in a ponytail when it was hot, so I decided to let it grow out. Well now it's grown a little longer, it's still layered, and it's boring. I'm tired of either just fixing it or leaving it down in a mess. I want some interesting updos! Since my hair is layered, the top of it isn't long enough to pull down into a ponytail. It's really weird! I have thick hair, and I own some really good gel. But I don't know how to curl hair with a curling iron either! Please help me, I need some updos, and maybe advice on curling with an iron. Thanks so much!

Wow, I'm very surprised this message is two weeks old without a response.

I'll sure try to help.

Are you trying to grow your hair longer? While it's been a while since my last hair cut, I know how you feel about having a new style. It doesn't take long before you miss pony tails, braids, updos, etc.

When you say that you are not familiar with a curling iron, is this as in you've not used one before? I'll try to assist, but I rarely, if ever use a curling iron. Try not to use one with a super hot heating element. While it might give you one heck of a curl, it won't be long before your hair exhibits stress from the heat. On the other hand, if you have your hair trimmed on a regular basis and are not letting it grow out to longer lengths, you should be fine, just be sure to keep the other stresses to a minimum...brushing, combing, products, etc.

Would you consider using rollers? If your hair is short, you could put soft curlers in while you sleep, wake up and poof! A head full of curls!

If you are longing to use a curling iron, you might practice putting curls all over your head, no particular order or place, just curl all of the hair as much as you can. Add a headband and this is one of the cutest, freshest styles you can wear for the summer heat.

If you are crafty, you might even check the fabric department at your local hobby or box store to find fabrics that match your clothing. You can then make your own hair ties and such. I remember when I was younger I wore quite a few bandanas for head scarves / headbands. Just fold them diagonally and tie the ends around your head either at the top, side, or even hide the knot in the back. Quite fun!

Or, you can just hop over to the Marketplace to find hair toys.

At present, there are 905 items in Headbands alone:

http://mp.hairboutique.com/category.asp?CtgID=211

There are fabric, plastic, stretchy, beaded, metal and so many more to choose from. Karen Shelton also has a line titled "Karen Marie's Jewels":

http://mp.hairboutique.com/brand.asp?MnfID=1081

You really should check out her headband line. There are fun fabrics and colors! Have fun if you decide to go shopping.

Karen Marie / Accolady

Not to be confused (though I would be flattered)        &n bsp;         &n bsp;    with the owner...also named Karen Marie

Are you wanting to use a curling iron, because if your hair is real short it may be hard to curl all of you hair.