PonyTail to HairPin Demonstration

A Singlet Style hair accessory(made with one button, as opposed to two buttons which are used for Doublet Styles) works best for this transition. You can use multiple ornaments and place them strategically within the hair style if desired.

Why a Talisman Studios accessory, and not just any single-ornament hair accessory? It has to do with the elastic band. At Talisman Studios, we work with vintage and antique buttons. Not only that, as an integral part of our aesthetic, we honor their functionality by threading our elastic cord through the button shank; as was it's original purpose.

To do so, our elastic cord is thinner than what other hair goods designers use. Our cord IS a commercial grade elastic manufactured for use in apparel, and will sustain frequent and prolonged use at the same rate as machine-produced hair bands. But it is the thinner diameter of cord that allows one to create the hair pin transformation in this demonstration. Wider elastics simply can not be accommodated by the hair pin. It is too bulky for the legs to tighten fully, which in turn does not allow the pins to hold once placed in the hair style.

For a hair pin, choose a 2 1/2" length as shown in the photos. The longer length allows for more stability by holding a larger section within your hair style. Our accessories are fairly lightweight, but you do want to have the security that the pin's extra length will provide.

Bobby pins are available in several color shades, so choose the one that matches most closely to your hair color. Though the pin will be hidden within your hairstyle, it's best to camouflage just that little bit more and be confident in your appearance.

You may want to also purchase some smaller bobby or hair pins, which can be used to further anchor the ornament once it is in place. Again, use a pin that matches your hair color.

Slip the hair accessory elastic through the bobby pin at the rounded head of the pin as if you were threading a sewing needle. The larger opening makes this very easy to do. Or, slide the elastic up the pin, between it's legs.

Pull the elastic loop up and over the hair accessory, as shown above.

Gently pull the hair accessory away from the bobby pin. You needn't pull it too snugly yet, but do keep the elastic hitched closely to the pin.

Move the ornament toward the pin's leg openings as shown. As you get to within a half inch from the opening, pull snugly. Note: the elastic is around one leg only. It is better for stability to use the rear, fully straight leg of the pin.

Keeping the elastic slightly snug, begin wrapping it around BOTH pin legs. Note: You should wrap in the direction that turns back against the hitched area. This further tightens the hitch onto the pin. Note, the tension should be snug, but not overly tight. You want to have some stretch to remain in the elastic so as not to wear it out prematurely,

Keeping the ornament near the leg openings, wrap around the pin several times until you have nearly all the elastic wrapped.

Slip the elastic between the pin legs.(You will have one more wrap/less "unwrapped" elastic than is shown on the photo.

Your ornament should be fairly snug against the pin, but not wound so tightly that it is difficult to move. Gently push the elastic and ornament upwards toward the head of the bobby pin.

Once you have brought the ornament as close to the pin head as possible, you're ready to set it within your hair style! Note: The ornament will not be solidly held without movement. It will have some flexibility.

Choose your favorite upsweep hair style and set it as you'd like. This is the item to spritz with a setting spray if you use it. Avoid spraying chemicals after the hair ornament is in place as it may leave a film on the accessory. Some materials are susceptible to damage from chemicals. Mother of pearl, and vintage plastics in particular are particularly fragile in contact with such materials.

Once your hair ornament is in place, you may want to use one or two additional hair pins to further stabilize the piece.

Mix and match tow or more ornaments for a more elaborate look.

When you are ready to remove the ornament, simply pull the entire piece gently away from your hair in the direction that you placed it going in. Take care with stray hairs that may have become twisted around the ornament since then.

It's important to "undo" your pin once you have finished wearing it, so as to allow the elastic to relax and regain it's memory. By leaving the elastic pulled tightly, over time it will lose it's ability to spring back into shape.