An Update

Annelise Rowe, Bye Bye Beehive

You know, I haven't been as active on Bye Bye Beehive as I thought I would have been since my challenge finished a little over a year ago. The BBB 365-day project taught me that coming up with fun hairstyles is still fun, but that rocking simple & easy hair is also, well, easy... and I tend to stick with simple styles more often now.

Despite my lack of updates and posts on Bye Bye Beehive, I'm still around a few times a week over at Aunie Sauce, my personal blog that covers everything from big life events (I just joined the Air National Guard!) to little details and memorable moments. I would love to see you there.

Short & Straight Hair

Short Straight Hairstyle
Quilted Jacket: c/o Joules USA
Short Straight Hairstyle
Short Straight Hairstyle

This hairstyle is so easy with my short hair! I washed it in the evening and let it air-dry while I slept. When I woke up, added a spritz of dry shampoo, straightened it, teased the crown and sprayed a light mist of hairspray. So easy!

Products & tools used for this hairstyle:

Disclosure: The Mitch Stone Session spray is a c/o product.

Straight and Flipped Hairstyle for Short Hair

hairstyles for short hair, straight in front flipped out in back
Shirt: Macy's (similar), Bracelet: Thrifted, Nails: OPI I Ate Berries in the Canaries and China Glaze Turned Up Turquoise
short straight hairstyle with a flip in the back

This is my go-to short hairstyle. It's so easy, and literally takes less than 5-minutes.
  1. Blow dry your hair, curling the front under with a round brush, but leave it slightly damp (if only just in the back).
  2. Add a bit of Pure Abundance Hair Potion to volumize your crown.
  3. Tease your crown (I use a steel pin brush).
  4. Smooth a penny-sized amount of wax through your fingers and flip/spike the back of your hair. Mine does it naturally, you may have to flip yours out with a round brush. 
  5. Finish with a quick shot of hairspray (I love Mitch Stone's Session Spray—it doesn't make my hair stiff but gives a great hold).

Products & tools used for this hairstyle:

Disclosure: the Aveda Products & Mitch Stone Session Spray are c/o products, though I use them daily and love them regardless of the fact that they are c/o.

The Hair Cut Details

I posted last week about cutting my hair, but I didn't have a chance to break down the details. If you haven't been with this blog from the beginning, here are the details.

Back in October of 2011, I started this blog, Bye Bye Beehive. It was a 365-day journey to "stop doing" my hair. I stopped teasing, highlighting, hairspraying, using any heat tools, and any products other than shampoo and conditioner. Basically, I only shampooed, conditioned and air dried my hair every day for a year. It was in an effort to help grow the long hair I'd always wanted and had never had. I've been a blonde almost my whole life, and due to all the over-processing over the years, my hair never seemed to get longer than just past my shoulders. At the end of the year-long project, my hair ended up growing 6.5 inches and was so thick and healthy, I couldn't even believe it! (If you're looking to grow your hair, give my Bye Bye Beehive Challenge a try!)

In addition, after a year of "not doing" my hair and learning to love air-dried, natural hair, it was hard for me to want to go back to blow-drying and processing. So I didn't. I did make the jump and dyed my hair brunette back in March (and had it touched up in April), but since then, I hadn't touched it. It had been almost a year since Bye Bye Beehive ended and I was starting to crave a new style. My hair started seeming a little stringier (I'm sure a trim would have fixed that), and I know Daniel loves my hair when it's short, so I finally made the decision to change it up, and I knew if I was going to do it—I had to go big or go home. I took this photo the night before I cut my hair, showing the growth I had achieved over the almost two-year period (the left photo was Month 1 of Bye Bye Beehive, the middle was the end of Bye Bye Beehive, and the right photo was almost a year later after still not using heat tools).

Hair growth, donate your hair

Despite how much I had grown to love my long hair, it was so much longer than I was used to, and to be honest—if your husband gives you the googly eyes and says how cute you'd be with short hair... why not give it a shot? It's just hair, right? So I chopped off 14 inches, and donated 12 to Children With Hair Loss. I picked their charity because they take hair that has been highlighted & color processed, which many organizations do not accept.

Donate your hair

And now here I am with this new shorty-short hair cut, and I'm having so much fun with it. I haven't worn it the same way yet, opting each day for waves, beach curls, a front braid, a ponytail, air-dried waves, pinned half back... seriously, the options are endless and since it's so much shorter, it just takes a minute or two to style. It's also just the right length to fit in a ponytail when I'm running so I don't have to worry about hair in my face or on my neck. And hey, if I decide I want to go long again, now I know how fast my hair grows, right? I could be back to longer locks in no time!

Short hair cut, short hair soft beachy waves

Have you ever donated your hair? Made a drastic change? Cut your hair because your husband thought it would be cute (and no, I didn't just cut it because he wanted me to—I love short hair, too!). I would love to hear your thoughts!

I CUT THE BEEHIVE!

Today is my twenty-seventh birthday. It's my Golden Birthday... 27 on the 27th. I'm not sure why, but for my whole life, I've always told myself that 27 would be my favorite year... and now that 27 is finally here, I can't wait to see what it brings.

Also, I kicked my birthday off with a "why not" of all why-nots:

Long to short hair cut, Haircut before and after
Long to short hair cut, Donate your hair
Long to short hair cut, Haircut before and after

I've always been a fan of change, and for this new year of mine, I'm embracing it fully. I ended up having 12 inches cut, and I'm donating my hair to Children With Hair Loss—they accept all kinds of hair and since the tips of my hair were bleached a few years ago, I picked their charity because some of the others have requirements against bleached & highlighted hair. I went to Kendall of Roots Salon in Boise (208-514-5895) and can't recommend her enough. This new cut is spunky, sporty, and of course—extra saucy. Why not, right?

Last year as I blew out my candles, I made sure that I didn't wish for "babies or anything crazy like that." This year, let's just say I can't promise the same, though I'm in no rush to make any changes that big (or small) quite yet. Oh, 27, I can't wait to see what joy you'll bring.

Here's to new short hairstyles and a brand new year!!

Messy Bun Updo

Messy Bun Updo
Messy Bun Updo
Messy Bun Updo

Since my hair has gotten longer, it's harder for me to get it into (and keep it in) a messy bun. My messy bun go-to these days is a triple-bun of sorts that—after adding a fancy hair clip c/o Lilla Rose by Rachel (win one here!)—turns into a pretty little updo.

I do this hairstyle by creating a ponytail at the nape of my neck. I then pull my ponytail through the hair-tie, stopping halfway down my ponytail to create a simple "poof" of hair. I then create another "poof" of hair with the rest of my ponytail. Then I tug and tug until it looks nice and a couple pieces fall out of the bottom poof, those of which I then tuck back into the hair-tie at the middle of the bun, hiding the hair-tie and creating a third "poof." Since that probably makes no sense at all, I plan on doing a video tutorial for this look so stay tuned for that to come soon.

Would you like to see a tutorial of this hairstyle? What's your messy-bun go-to?

Lilla Rose Giveaway on Aunie Sauce!

Lilla Rose Hairstyles

Recently, I was contacted by Rachel from Lilla Rose about checking out of her Flexi Clips. I've heard of Lilla Rose before, and for some reason hadn't jumped on the bandwagon of ordering anything. To be honest, now that I've tried these clips, I'm in love. I had tried one a long time ago, but it was a tiny one and it didn't hold my whole ponytail. This new medium one I ordered not only holds my whole ponytail, but I can do awesome French twist-inspired buns without bobby pins, hairspray or any worries. It's honestly a lifesaver. I tote my Flexi Clip in my purse with me everywhere and by the end of the day, my hair is usually twisted up into some fun updo with my brightly colored clip (see the left and top right photos above!).

Today, Rachel is doing a giveaway on my blog Aunie Sauce for one Lilla Rose item of your choice! All you need to do is CLICK HERE and leave a comment on THAT POST! 

My Hair Identity Crisis

Long Brunette Hair
Top: very, very old (like, wore it to my high school senior Honor Society banquet in 2005 old), Skirt: Thrifted F21, Belt: old, Shoes: Mossimo, Bracelet: Premier Design, Photos: Taylor Love Studios
Long Brunette Hair
Long Brunette Hair
Long Brunette Hair

Despite taking a year off from using heat or styling tools, an excess of hair products, teasing often, and "doing" my hair—and even though I knew my hair was growing—it never seemed to get any longer... until I saw these photos! I looked at them and thought, "That's me?"

Here's where I get frank with you... I feel like I've been having a bit of a physical identity crisis lately.
  • First, I'm still not used to myself with brunette hair (I've been brunette now for over 3-months... my longest brown-haired record yet!). After being a blonde for 26-years of my life, this change—though one that I like—still catches me off guard. 
  • Second, my hair has almost always been a mid to short length. Never did it ever come down to my bra straps in the back. And now that it does... it's just different. I'm not used to myself, the way my hair feels (it's getting thicker due to my lack of highlighting & damaging habits), and how it looks. 
  • Third, I haven't dyed my hair since early April, and I'm very surprised at my lack of roots. I had thought they would grow in ashy blonde like before... but I really haven't noticed them and it's throwing me for a loop. Am I a brunette now? A real brunette? 

Anyway, I think that all of this, coupled with a recent bit of weight loss (more on that later) has had me asking, "Who is that person in the mirror?" To be honest, I'm not always sure... but I like her!

What's your preference? Blonde or brunette?

Is My Hair Falling Out?

Is My Hair Falling Out?

I realized something yesterday—I think my hair is the longest it's ever been. It currently stops about two inches below my bra line in the back. It's fun having longer hair... I've always been a shorter-haired, chin/shoulder-length kind of girl. But you know what I'm noticing? It seems like my hair is falling out! 

Here's what I do to my hair on a usual basis. I wash & condition (a couple times a week) with Joico or Yes To products. After the shower, I loosely wrap my hair in a towel for about 10 minutes to absorb moisture, and then I just let it down and let it air dry—without brushing or combing it (my hair dries rather straight and tangle-free). I don't use many products (the occasional beach spray), and I occasionally use hair spray. I don't usually tease it and I never use heat styling tools. On the days when I wake up with 2nd day hair, I put in a little dry shampoo and put it up into a pony/bun/braid—nothing too special.

So... basically—wash, shampoo, air dry (no brushing or combing), and the occasional dry shampoo when it's dirty. That's all. It's a really easy routine, but am I missing something? All day, I find stray hairs on my back, on my clothes, around my office, and if I even touch the bottom of my hair, it seems like strands come right out. I claim to be the hair expert, but then why does it seem like my hair is falling out? Am I the only one in this hair battle?

Now, I've spoken to a friend about this, and she suggested that since I don't usually brush it, that the hair falling out is what most people probably catch in their brush in the morning. Also, I've heard that when your hair is longer, more does seem like it's falling out. Long-haired ladies, is this true? It honestly makes me want my short hair back (and we all know that Daniel wouldn't complain if I cut it, because he encourages me to do it daily... see this post for proof)! Anyway, does anyone have any advice? Maybe I'm just being paranoid... but any input is appreciated!

Just A Little Bit Darker...

boise hairstyle blog

Since going dark was the first thing I've done to my hair in over 2 years, the color faded a little quicker than I would have liked—especially on my previously highlighted tips. I went back and had the same shade put on again, and this time I think it's here for the long haul. ♥

What My Hairstyle Says


My hair is always doing something different... wavy, braided, curly, twisted, or all slicked back & out of the way. The style always seems to match my mood. In honor of my brand new blonde-to-brunette hair change, I've compiled a fun little list of what my hair is "saying" on a given day.

My hairstyle says:
  1. All down & Hollywood curly: This took a long time so I must be going somewhere where I want to look goooooooood.
  2. Loose, messy braid: Let's keep it low-maintenance & playful, this hairstyle is for the girls.
  3. French braid: Don't pay attention to me today.
  4. Tight ballerina bun: I mean business.
  5. Messy bun: My hair is really dirty, I hope no one notices...
  6. Hat: My hair is really really dirty. I knew I should have washed it.
  7. Ponytail: Feelin' sporty.
  8. Top knot: I am a blogger—take my photo. (Hence, the photo above... obviously).
  9. Pinned bump on top: I know my husband hates this, but it's so convenient.
  10. Wet so it can air-dry: I just don't care today.
  11. Side ponytail: Feelin' sporty & chic.
  12. Updo: Must. Be. Fancy. Updo. Means. Fancy.
  13. All down & straight: Finally... just me & natural.
What does your hair say about you?

Ombré to Brunette

Bracelet: c/o Outfit Additions (use code SAUCE for 15% off)

And... my 2-year long no-coloring-my-hair streak is over—I'm officially a brunette!

You may remember a year ago when Daniel wrote his one (and only) post on Aunie Sauce, and showed you a photo of me with brunette hair. Let's just say that since he stumbled upon that photo, he's been asking me with big puppy-dog eyes to go darker, and finally—I did it—though I let him pick the color... if I'm gonna do it, you bet I'm gonna do it right!

Of the 26 years I've been around, only about 1 of them has been enjoyed as a brunette (I've gone dark 3-times before... 3 short times), so here we go...here's to new hair!

PS> My natural color? The top left photo's roots! That's 2-years of grow-out!

Diagonal Dutch Braid

Ring: c/o rosieMADE (use coupon SAUCYrosie for $15 off a $50 order)

These days, braids are my favorite hairstyle. They take me just a minute or two to do, and then I'm usually able to sleep in them overnight and get to rock some killer crimped hair the next day.

I did this style the other day while sitting at my desk at work. It's a Dutch braid that begins on the right side of my head and crosses diagonally in the back so it hangs down like a side left braid in the front.

It's easy. It's effortless. It's chic. To see the style post that went with this braid, click here

No-Heat Curls with the Friar Tuck


About a year ago, I made a post called Curl Your Hair Without Heat about how to curl your hair with a headband after watching a video on YouTube. It has since turned into my most-viewed post and has generated a ton of emails from readers who want to know exactly how to do it.

Today, I bring you my very own video tutorial for what I like to call the "Friar Tuck."


More details:
  • I have fine hair—and a lot of it. It holds curl well. 
  • This curling method does not work if your hair is wet. It must be completely dry.
  • If your hair falls out of this easily, try wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before going to sleep.
  • If you have long hair, try using two headbands to reduce tangles & make it easier to tuck! 
  • Dry shampoo used: Suave
  • Sea salt spray used: Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Spray
  • Songs in the video: (1) 1234 by Feist (2) New Soul by Yael Naim
  • The photos below show my hair after an entire day. Some days the curls don't last quite as long.

Products used in this video:

/ / Like this video? Subscribe to my channel on YouTube! If you try the Friar Tuck, tweet or instagram me a photo with the hashtag #auniefriartuck. Love love love

Simple Twists


Tease your crown for subtle volume. Twist the front pieces of your hair back & pin. Add a flower or bow clip & you're set!

My Daily Hair Styling Routine

 Glasses: c/o Firmoo

Lately, I've gotten quite a few emails from ladies who want to know how I style my hair on a daily basis. Frequently asked questions include:
  • What do I do with it when I sleep? 
  • What dry shampoo do I use? 
  • Do I tease it?
  • Do I use hairspray?
  • How do I get natural-looking waves?
  • How do I style my bangs? 

Today, I'm answering your questions. Here's a short video of exactly how I style my hair when I wear it down.



More details:
  •  Fave overnight keep-it-out-of-your-face methods: ballerina bun, French braid, or Friar Tuck (video tutorial coming soon)
  • Fave dry shampoo: Suave 
  • Fave hairspray: Lamaur Sprayage (I used Big Sexy Hair in this video)
  • If I shower in the morning, I just let my hair air-dry naturally. It ends up with this same wavy texture. Once it's dry, I follow the same process.
  • To keep my hair healthy, I avoid heat styling tools and I haven't colored/highlighted my hair since May, 2011.
  • My bangs are longer here than usual--I'm growing them out!
  • Song in the video: White Sky by Vampire Weekend 

Products used in this video:

/ / Like this video? Subscribe to my channel on YouTube!

Yes To Resolutions


Recently, I shared my 6 beauty resolutions for 2013. Visit my post at Yes To Carrots to check 'em out!

What are you saying "YES to" in 2013?

3-Month Hair Update


I'd like to preface this post with something that isn't related to it at all—today is my mom's Birthday, so I'd just like to say "HEY, MOM! HAPPY B-DAY TO YOU! Let's run another half (or full) marathon this year, OK? Love you!"

Now—I've gotten a lot of questions since the end of Bye Bye Beehive (3-months ago today) about what I'm doing with my hair these days. Am I blow drying? Teasing? Using products? Coloring? The questions keep coming... so here's a little rundown!

Since BBB finished, I have adjusted my hair routine—somewhat. I am still washing, conditioning and deep conditioning, and I rotate every couple of days between three hair-care systems (Yes To Cucumbers, Yes to Blueberries, and Joico).  I do not wash my hair daily. After the shower, I apply a deep conditioner. My favorite is this one. Usually, I just leave my hair to air-dry at that point, except for making sure my bangs are in place and giving them a light spritz of hairspray.

About once a week or less, I use the blow dryer. I have found (after a year of not using one), that I don't really like to blow dry my hair too often. Not only do I prefer my natural and almost straight hair, but I think that blow-drying was the biggest thing that was damaging it before. Sometimes, if I let my hair air-dry overnight, I'll wake up and curl the ends in the morning, but that's only for special occasions like parties or holidays. To be honest, I'm not really into processing my hair anymore. I still love the Friar Tuck method for curling my hair, and I do that often.

I do use a dry shampoo. I love Suave's Dry Shampoo, though my sister recently introduced me to a Paul Mitchell one and I think that will be my next purchase. I also tease my bangs, and occasionally tease the crown of my hair when I'm putting it up, though I'm trying to not do that as much these days. I use a hairspray almost daily, and again, I think my sister just convinced me to switch to a Chi hairspray versus the Lamaur one I have been using since I was in high school.

Last but not least, I haven't colored my hair since May of 2011. I don't plan on changing my color anytime soon, though I know Daniel would love for me to go darker, and my Nanny would cry tears of happiness if I put blonde streaks in. But for now, I'm just doing what's easy (and natural), and that's what makes me feel best!

I also wanted to include a little growth update, since I hit the post three-month mark today. For all the past monthly updates, click here. It's not a ton of growth, but I like what I see... now I just need to get a little trim to keep it healthy and I'll be good-to-go!


Did I miss any hair questions? Leave further Q's in the comments if you have any.

And again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! I love you! Love ♥ Icy