IN THE MIRROR with Cassidy Pearce Buns are back, but there’s a right way and a wrong way...

Whether you’ve been scrolling on TikTok or looking at photos of your favourite celebrities on the red carpet, there’s no doubt you’ve come across plenty of sleek buns.

Slicked back hair is back in a big way, and I’m hoping it’s here to stay for a little while longer.

It’s the perfect versatile ‘do, that’s perfect for anything from a night out, to just going to the gym. But, there is a right and a wrong way to do it. Here are some of my best tips for creating the perfect ‘clean girl’ bun.

Start with dry (and slightly greasy) hair

Although starting with wet hair can be the easiest way to create a smooth, sleek bun or ponytail, hair is also the most fragile when wet, meaning that styling it this way can often lead to breakage.

Because of this, it’s definitely best to start with dry hair, but even better for your hair to be a little bit dirty, so it has more grip, and you’re not wasting your best hair days on an updo.

Find your favourite product combination

Hair masks, hairspray, gel – there are so many options to help you achieve your desired look.

As someone with a background in ballet, and who has naturally curly hair, I take the egg look very seriously. This means layering a hair mask with gel, then often finishing it off with a hairspray to get those flyaways.

If you’re having a particularly hard time slicking everything back, using your hairdryer on a cold setting after applying gel can help to set it all down perfectly.

When it comes to specific products, the Ouai Matte Pomade has also become increasingly popular recently, due to its ability to tame unruly hair without all the asso- ciated shine. Definitely a winner.

Use the right tools www.pancakesontherocks.com.au

Using the correct tools is imperative in creating a flawless look.

Of course, you can use any brush or comb you like to detangle your hair. But, I’ve found that using a boar bristle teasing brush is the best way to make sure there are no lumps or bumps when getting your hair into a hair tie.

As for what type of hair tie to use, this will depend greatly on your hair type. Look for one that has grip without the rubber band texture to avoid breakage where possible. For even less damaging options, I like the Kitsch Hair Coils, or the Slip Pure Silk Skinny Scrunchies.

Since 1975 Pancakes On The Rocks has been a Sydney favourite with restaurants at The Rocks, Northmead, Darling Harbour, Beverly Hills & Darling Square. With something for everyone from Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert we have a wide range of meals including Ribs, Steak, Pizzas, Salad, Crepes & of course our Pancakes.

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Relax & Unwind

Have you been questioning your purpose in life? Or do you feel as if you’ve got the worries of the world on your shoulders? Take a step back and view things from a wider perspective. Doing good deeds will leave you with a warm inner glow. So think up some dynamic ways you can help those who are less fortunate – whether locally, nationally or internationally. As Yoko Ono (a fellow Aquarian) observes, “Helping yourself is connected with helping others.”

Taurus

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

Jupiter and Uranus are in your sign plus the Sun, Mars and Mercury are visiting fellow earth sign Virgo. So it’s time to be the practical and productive Taurus you were born to be. But don’t just focus on facts and figures. Jupiter and Venus push you to expand your creative horizons, as you strive to make the world a better and more beautiful place. Be inspired by birthday great Mother Teresa, “The world is hungry not only for food, but also for beauty.”

Leo

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Expect a rather wonky week for relationships and finances, as Venus reverses through your sign and Mercury starts reversing through your money zone. So love and money are a precarious mix at the moment. Clever Cats – aim to be super patient with your partner, extra kind to your family, and oh-so cooperative with your work colleagues. And keep spending to an absolute minimum, as you curb shopaholic tendencies and stick to a strict weekly budget.

Scorpio

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Scorpio is the sign of deep transformation. And this week – with Venus and Mercury both in retrograde mode – it’s time to do anything with an ‘re’ in front of it … revise, rehearse, review, remember, return, recover, reconnect. Especially in areas involving career, colleagues, peer group, hopes, goals and dreams. Wisdom for the week comes from birthday great Tori Amos, “Sometimes you have to do what you don’t like to get to where you want to be.”

Pisces

The Mars/Neptune and Sun/Saturn oppositions could drain energy and sap confidence so pace yourself and prioritise projects. Don’t commit to an ambitious new plan unless you have the time to follow through on your well-meant intentions. If something can be put off until another week – or completely ditched – then do so. Communicating with loved ones also looks frustrating, as Mercury starts reversing through your relationship zone.

Gemini

MAY 22 TO JUNE 21

Put on your problem-solving hat! Retrograde Venus and retrograde Mercury reignite your desire to help a friend, neighbour or family member in a creative and hands-on fashion. So you’re keen to tackle a problem (at home or within your local community) in a strategic and (uncharacteristically) patient way. Your motto is from birthday great Mother Teresa, who was born on August 26, 1910, “Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home.”

Virgo

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

Mercury (your ruler) starts reversing through your sign on Wednesday night. Mercury is the planet of clear thinking, communication (talking, texting and writing), transport, travel, commuting, commerce, computers, media and the Internet. So – when it’s retrograde – it’s not a good time to sign contracts; start a job or business; buy a phone, computer, car or home; launch a website; install new software; go on a business trip or embark on a holiday.

Sagittarius

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

Revisit your career goals and take steps to make them a reality. But, when it comes to close relationships, keep your cool. And avoid the temptation to overtalk and over-react. You can’t control what others say but you can control your responses. There could also be some tension between shining brightly at work and fulfilling your responsibilities to family and friends. If anyone can juggle, multi-task and have fun, it’s a versatile and humorous Sagittarius.

On Tuesday and Wednesday be on alert for confusing information, fake news and dodgy deals. Mars (your power planet), the Sun and retrograde Mercury are highlighting your health and wellbeing zone. So it’s a suitable week to revise your fitness routine and choose exercises that you really enjoy. Be inspired by actress Blake Lively (who turns 36 on Friday), “I really don’t like the gym. I like experiences, so I take any chance to ride a bicycle or go on a hike.”

Cancer

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

Courtesy of the Sun, Mercury and Mars, the buzz word is communication. Your Crab curiosity is piqued, and you’re keen to connect and converse with a wide range of stimulating people, especially within your local community. But remember Venus is retrograde, and Mercury turns retro on Wednesday night. So relationships will be complicated, and communication will be increasingly tricky. Smart Crabs will slow down, shut up, listen and learn!

Libra

S EPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Do you have ridiculously unrealistic expectations about a close relationship?

This week Venus (your patron planet) is in retrograde mode, and Mercury turns retrograde on Wednesday night. So it’s time for a major reality check as you reassess the past, and then bring your full attention to the here and now. Focus on the wise words of birthday great, Mother Teresa, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”

Capricorn

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Pluto is still transiting slowly through your sign, which amplifies your ambition and boosts your drive to get things done. But Venus is in retrograde mode (and Mercury is about to turn retrograde) so progress will be slow. And the Sun/ Saturn opposition could put you in a cranky and bossy mood, as challenges frustrate you and other people don’t do what you want them to do. Just remember Capricorn – the only person you can control is yourself!