Thanksgiving meals presented by Lady Perfection (pictured above) are such a thing of the past that the only photo we could find of the phenomenon requires the role of our glamorous chef to be played by a doll. Indeed most would argue that the shift from seeking perfect presentation to a focus on food and family is a positive to be celebrated on our day of appreciation in the United States. But for those of us who man the helm in the kitchen on Thanksgiving, there is still a head of hair to be dealt with and at least a photo or two to be prepared for, and we want to look good! In preparation for the upcoming holiday, we have chosen our top three cook-friendly hairstyles for Thanksgiving 2014.
The Pretty Pony
If your gut instinct when hitting the kitchen is to pull your hair back into a ponytail, you will be hard-pressed to transition those locks into a down-do once the cooking is finished without a big fat crease where the hair was secured. Instead, make the ponytail a full day look by keeping it low, sprucing it up with a simple twist or braid that frames the face, and wrapping a piece of hair from the ponytail around the hair tie to give it a finished look. Out of the way while you cook, pretty while you eat!
Barefoot Blonde’s Dutch Braid Ponytail Tutorial
The Small Things Blog’s Twisty Ponytail Tutorial
The Classic Bun
A bun is an excellent choice for a cook with longer locks. Buns keep all hair pulled up and entirely out of the way of any preparatory or cooking spaces (no one wants to find a stray strand in their potatoes!). If done properly, they also last all day, allowing Thanksgiving Day to be about cooking and then enjoying without a break in the middle for styling. High or low, messy or neat, buns are an excellent choice for a classy look that transitions from kitchen to table. Experiment with different heights and styles before the big day so that you know what works for you.
Join the Mood’s Twist Doughnut Bun Tutorial
The Freckled Fox’s 10 Second Top Knot Tutorial
Twist Me Pretty’s 2 Minute Braided Low Bun Tutorial
The Easy Headband
We can’t overlook the power of a well worn accessory to completely change a look. With a headband, the cook simply needs to wash up and throw it on to make the switch from manning the stove to tasting the fruits of her labor. There are many options here too, from thick wraps to thin adornments, colorful to muted, and for long locks to pixie cuts. However you opt to wear your hair while preparing the meal (preferably out of your face and the food space), a headband allows for transition without requiring the hair itself to look all that fancy or done.
Treasures and Travel’s Headband Tuck Tutorial
Missy Sue’s Headband Top Knot Tutorial
InStyle’s Dress Up a Pixie