How to tie back my thick locks?

[Newbeginning1]

I've got mid length hair and I need to start tying it back because DS loves to pull it and quite frankly i've had enough of it hurting.

Apart from a ponytail or messy ponytail are there any quick ways of tying it up that are also fashionable as i'm 22?

[foureleven]

Backcomb it and tie it in a messy plait on one side of you head just behind but below your ear.

You can flick it beind your shoulder out of his reach then back over the front when he's not about!

[cruelladepoppins]

I use a scrunchie to put mine in a low bun. Brush it into a ponytail shape, use the scrunchy round the tail once, twist it and make a loop with the hair, tucking the ends into the 2nd loop of the scrunchie. Tidy up any wispy bits with kirby grips and there's your off-duty ballerina look ...

[foureleven]

Arghhhhhhhhh 'scrunchie' please be kidding

[Newbeginning1]

Thanks foureleven cruelladepoppins - wow, scrunchies, i remember them from back in the day. I had a great multi coloured one.

Any other ideas?

[chardom]

I use a swinky which is a bit more like hair jewellery than a scrunchie! You can do loads of different styles with them and all the style ideas are on the swinky website and there are lots of different swinkies you can buy on there too . They are the only thing that I can put my hair up in that doesn't give me a headache by lunchtime!

[GladioliBuckets]

Get some little butterfly/bulldog clips from Claire's. Twist up a front side piece and clip it on the top of your head out of your face. Do the same the other side. Either leave the back down (will be less noticeable to DS) or twist that up in a big butterfly clip. Cross between Edwardian and Regency look.

I also do plaits with those side pieces, cross them over on top of my head and clip in place. Useful style for yoga as you have to get your head in so many positions!

Claire's also do a thing that's like a giant comb with a bunch attached. You twist up your hair like a French pleat, slide the comb down behind it and stretch the bunch across it. Very firm and even comfy lying back in the bath with it in.

I've also been known to wear low bunches or plaits but I'm sure that is frowned on on MN.