Hairstyle File: All Shook Up

'Hairstyle File' is a column by hairstylist extraordinaire, Sloane Sera, filled with easy fixes, how-tos, tress-tastic anecdotes and more!

Most girls with straighter hair ask about creating movement in it without having to touch a curling iron. This rag set (similar to the one my mom used to do on me, pre-perm) is a fun way to change up your hair without any chemicals!

All shook up! My prediction: killer bed head in the morning. See how it's done, below.

Meet Erin, my makeup artist friend who always shares her secrets on set with me, came to my studio with twice shampooed, fluffy hair.

Before she arrived, I cut up two old t-shirts into wide strips to make the rags.

Working off the natural parting, wrap sections starting at the middle. Make sure you're tucking in the ends and working towards the roots. I sprayed each section with Bumble and Bumble "Spray de Mode" (though you could also use Surf Spray).

For the top, I used more tension by working straight off the head.

Okay, now they're in! Because they are soft, you could even sleep with them in, wrapping your hair when it's still a little damp. 

I wanted to speed up the process, so I used my portable bonnet that attaches to my hairdryer, which I don't get to use as often as I'd like. If there is any moisture in the hair, now's the time to make sure it is totally dry. We let her sit for about an hour.

Unwind the curls, trying not to make knots.

I like when the curl pattern isn't too perfect.

You may think you're done, but you're not. We want to stay away from the Victorian doll-straight-out-of-the-box look.


And the Toddlers & Tiaras look...

By stretching the hair and really brushing from roots to ends, we get into more Veronica Lake territory.

Putting in a polishing creme like Bumble and Bumble's Brilliantine makes it more lived-in. We want separation—a little fuzzy mixed with a little shiny is best!

Voilà! Tuck behind one ear and you've got a romantic roll in the hay!