Jules came over for some new color and a little lunch the other day. We went with seaweed green panels within the layers of her hair.

It reminded me of the story of the Selkie, the myth the Seal Woman from coastal Scottish and Irish folklore. I had posted this photo the previous week, from a fellow hair artist Aylah Rose. She created the look inspired by the Selkie and the Wild Women of our global folk history.

Jules took me on a tour of Scotland when we were 19. She is a Scotswoman. Not much in the blood, but 100% in the soul. It is funny how a tiny bit of actual ancestral rootage can come through so strong in some people. She lived in Glasgow for several years, and is a fiddler and a flat foot dancer. She is now a Rick Steve’s Scotland guide in the Summertime. In short, she’s a Secret Selkie.

After we finished Jule’s hair, I fed her my favorite soup that I have been making lately. It is Seaweed Soup and I can’t stop eating it. It is made with chicken broth, fresh ginger, turmeric, garlic, green onions, cilantro, wakame seaweed, and kelp noodles. No measuring, just throw it all together and boil it for 20 minutes. Turn stove off, let it cool a bit. Add a large spoonful of miso and mix it in. BAM!

Solstice Braids

Then, we did some braids.

These braids are my new favorite way to do Milk Maid Braids, and I re-named them Fire Maid Braids because I originally did them on Fire Keeper Miriam at last years Spirit Weavers Gathering and she rocked them so beautifully. I love them because they are very sturdy and can be worn for weeks at a time, and they look so great from all angles. Finally…….here is a tutorial:)

• Begin by creating 2 french braids. Dutch braids also work, it is totally up to you. Secure the ends with small elastics.
• Now, gently pull the edges of the braids apart, starting at the ends and working your way up. This softens them and plumps them up a bit:)
• Now, pull the ends of the braids forward and overlap them at the top of your head. Use bobby pins to secure them every few inches. Add extra pins as needed to the places that stick out. Tuck the ends under the braids and pin them so that the hairstyle appears continuous.
• Pull down soft pieces of hair around your face and neck to soften the look.
• Add little Cedar boughs and bits to adorn the braids for the perfect Happy Solstice/ Holiday Hair Vibe.

xo, HTHG