I protect my ends (especially during the winter months) in buns approximately 95% of the time. Keeping my ends away from the elements i.e. extreme weather, has allowed me to retain moisture and length. For me, the less exposure and manipulation, the better. 

There's nothing wrong with wearing your hair down and enjoying your length - I'm all for it! However, this is something I reserve for special occasions. I tend to keep the exposure of my ends to a minimum. So, on a daily basis, you'll probably catch me in a bun :) 

There are a variety of buns that I love doing i.e. slinky high bun, twisted low bun, top-knot bun, donut high/low bun etc. There's just so many. Lately, I've been wearing my ends tucked under, as seen in the pics above and below. I also like to style my hair like this while I'm air drying (approx. 70-80% dry, technically it's still damp). Sometimes I'll use bobby pins to pin it under, other times I'll just secure my ends with my ponytail holder (by not removing my hair out of the ponytail holder completely). 

 I love how quick and easy this style is!!

What are your favourite "go-to" bun hairstyles?

If you're a fan of braid-outs, like I am, then this style is for you! I've been doing "pigtail braid-outs" (yes, that's what I call it... LOL) on my hair for years now. It's an easy "go-to" hair style that can be achieved overnight with great definition for any occasion. Usually braid-outs are done on wet/damp hair; however, this style can be achieved on dry unwashed hair - so convenient! I love how defined my waves are and this style lasts all day long! Below you'll see my steps to achieving this look.

Tools:

Not in picture (optional): Alcohol-free Gel to prevent frizz and extra definition (I like to use Fantasia IC Gel or Aloe Vera Gel)

I start off with thoroughly combed moisturized hair. Hydrating my hair first, will ensure that it remains moist during the style. I part my hair down the middle, with my fingers or my comb.

I begin to braid one section at a time. I braid each section hair firmly to increase wave definition.

I secure the end of my braid with a ponytail holder. This will prevent the braid from unravelling.

Braid #1 complete. I continue the same steps on the opposite side and secure the braid with a ponytail holder.

Braid #2 complete! 

At this point I'll put on my satin bonnet and head to bed. I typically pin up my ends with 2 bobby pins so that they are not hanging down in my bonnet, just a personal preference. That's it! In the morning I unravel each braid with a little bit of oil on my finger tips (you can use serum as well) to prevent frizz. I carefully separate each braid, fluff it out and go!

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Still trying to get the hang of it. I need all the help I can get :)