[bellazmama]

For Bella's photos, I bought some curly synthetic hair that looks like long fringe attached to something all along one edge. (I hope that makes sense.) It's probably supposed to be used for extensions, but I just cut short a length and wrapped the bound edge around each of Bella's two ponytails and secured with a tiny black jaw clip. (Her hair is very thin and still quite short.) I tried glueing it to the clip first, but it wouldn't stay attached to the smooth plastic of the clip. Then I slip a bow in front to hide the binding (which is quite small anyway) and there you go! We use them for "dress-up" at church sometimes, too. It looks so real even in person that people who haven't seen her in a while can't believe how long her hair has grown! You just have to choose the right color, curl, and texture to match the real hair.

Sarah

[mckenna]

this was my first attempt at ponies. my daughter is 8 months old and bi-racial. she really has a lot of hair for such a young age . was able to put pig tails in at 6 weeks

[jandn]

Ladies, I need some help with my two-strand twists. I know this is supposed to be easy.....but I can braid better than twist


Let me describe how I do it so maybe I can get some pointers.

I twist each of the strands outward (Left counterclockwise, Right clockwise) and then take the right under the left and twist together. I don't have a good strategy yet for keeping them tight as I twist.

Here's a pic of J after I'm done. It's passable for the first hour or so, then it gets looser and her curls start to fight the twist and it looks like mangled puffs. Grrr. HELP!

[surfmama]

You need to twist the 2 strands in the same direction first. So twist left and then twist the 2 strands together to the right.

[Linny]

JandN:
I think your photo of your daughter's hair looks pretty good!!!! (But, alas, I am 'hair challenged'!!!)

To Surf: I'm trying to figure out your directions. My oldest DD has such thick, long hair, and I'd love to do something like J has done.....but I get the same results.....after an hour, it just looks like a regular pig tail on the side, and little more. Gonna try what you've suggested.....

To Joskimo: I've just used a spritzer of water before I put on the oil (I only use Biosilk).

This is a really good thread and I greatly appreciate those of you who have posted photos as well as instructions. It gives me more ideas!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Linny

[surfmama]

Sorry, Iwill try to make it more clear. Really, it is easy once you know how.

I make a pony tail first, then separate into 2 parts. Twist the two parts individually in the same direction. Once you have that done, twist the two parts together in the opposite direction. I pull the hair taut and as I twist the two parts together, if I need to, I twist the individual piece more to keep it tight.

They stay in a long time and are so easy to take out, easier than braids.

I think the book It's all good hair has the directions in it too.

[Linny]

Thanks Surf! I think I may have it now!!!!!

Sincerely,

Linny

[vegangoddess]

i wish i could submit a photo....i have, for the moment, chosen to let my sons hair grow longish..... he has these adorable pencil like curls that right after i condition them are adorable...... by the end of the day however.... the back sorta matts. and he gets these little noil like hair balls at the ends........i would love to have the curls almost like baby dreads...... can someone give me direction...... aside from cut his hair short..... although i have heard it before...... his hair is in good condition..... not too dry..... no breakage.....aside from the little noils.......HELP!!!

[maxkinzie]

Good ideas! I started working with DD's hair when she was about 7 mos old. I think the key for us was that I never express it if I'm frustrated etc. To her it's just another thing I do, no big deal. Yes, it has often taken us a long time to get anything done, but I'm hoping that time will pay off as we go. The biggest challenge right now is ME, learning HOW work with her hair.

What do you 'guys' do when they get a good tight snarl near the end, you know, one of those that seems impossible to get thru? All of a sudden we had several last week and since they were near the ends I resorted to cutting them out.

Also, someone here thought it was funny that I even asked about wrapping a 9 mo old's head at night. The more I think about it the more I think it's a good idea anyway- especially when she plays with her hair when she's in her crib! Any ideas?
thanks!

[sneezyone]

Whenever I had/have a tangle in my hair and when DD has a tangle in hers, I just patiently work it out. Is it a pain in the butt, yes. It's time-intensive for parent and child alike. But it is an important cultural/bonding experience AND if I cut a nap out of DD's hair/my hair everytime I found one we'd have no hair at all . My suggestion? Get a little detangling lotion/solution, spritz that on the cuckleburr, then use a fine tooth comb or brush to get the tangle out.

I do still think it's funny to tie a baby's hair up at night. but that's just 'cause I've never seen it done. *shrug* But hey, you gotta do what works for you and yours . My own kiddy styles (tightly pulled, mind you) were simply left in overnight and redone the next day.

I look forward to seeing how others handle these challenges.

[leaabc123]

I use a detangling spray on the hard knots. It makes it a lot easier on everyone.

[bellazmama]

We call them "snarlies" in our house.

[jandn]

I redid my twists today with the directions and they have stayed looking shiny and pretty all day. Now we'll see how long they hold up


Do you all do anything to keep the barrettes in at the bottoms of your braids or twists? My girls love picking (pulling) them out of each others hair....not their own hair mind you... LOL

[sneezyone]

You might try wrapping the end of the braid/twist around the barrette a couple times before snapping it closed. I'm assuming you're talking about the plastic, "toothed" kind, not the slippery ones?

[vegangoddess]

for the life of me i cannot figure out how to attach a picture.......