LEARNING TO DO YOUR DAUGHTER’S HAIR
Written By: Lance Green
Many dads may wonder why I would want to learn how to do my daughter’s hair. For me it was important to learn how to care for my child in every way. What would happen if my wife was in hospital or had to go away for a few days? Would I be sending my daughter to school looking like she has been pulled through a bush backwards? I needed to know how to help her dress, how to match up shoes with outfits, help her bath, ensure she gets enough nutrition even with being a little picky with food, and yes, how to do her hair.
When doing her hair, I concentrate on her completely. It actually helps us build a bond. She talks to me and I listen and can have a calm conversation with her. Doing her hair allows me to discover how she is growing, both physically and mentally, which we often don’t notice until they are much older. I get to spend quality time with her even if it is only 15 minutes to half an hour depending on the style for the day and how tangled her hair is. There are many YouTube videos that can teach you some of the more intricate styles, but you can style her hair neatly and in fun ways in a short time and send her out to the world with pride.
Here are a few of the easier hair styles for longer hair that you can try to make your little girl look like a princess:
Twisted Flip Tail: This style works with straight or curly hair of medium to long length. Brush her hair well and then gather it in a low ponytail near the nape of her neck. Push the hairband down along the length of the ponytail and make a gap in her hair just above the hairband. Flip the bottom of the ponytail through the hole and tighten up a little and that’s it!
French Braid: Start from about midway on the top of your daughter’s head and gather a thin layer of hair together. Split in to three as if you were doing a normal braid. Each time you bring a strand over, gather a little hair from the next layer and add it in, so you will be gathering from the left and then the right as you go along until you reach the nape of the neck. Try and pull the braid a little tight as you go. When you reach the nape, all the hair should be in the braid, and you can then finish off the style as you would a normal braid. You can use a comb to smooth the hair gently afterwards. This is a great style for sports days as the hair tends to stay in the style well.
Ballerina Bun: This style works well with longer hair. Tie the hair up high on her head. Part the hair in to two equal sections as if you were making two high ponytails. Spiral both sections of hair around the tie and fasten in place with pins to keep the bun in place.
Triple Plait: Split the hair in to 3 equal sections. Braid each section individually to the nape of the neck, then gather all three plaits together and plait them in to one plait.
These are a few very simple styles you can try if you are feeling adventurous. If you are not comfortable trying anything fancy to start with, then work with the normal high ponytail or double ponytail or a standard braid until you feel ready to try something more.
Before you start any style, make sure that the hair is well brushed and there are no knots before you start your masterpiece. You can use a spray bottle with a little water to mist the hair if you find it easier to work with hair that is slightly damp. Don’t go overboard though as you don’t want her hair too wet or to send her to school looking like a drowned rat. Learn about accessories, pins and clips and don’t be scared to use them. Be gentle and patient and tell her to let you know if you are hurting at all. This can be a wonderful bonding experience and something every dad should try with his little girl, at least once.