Sailor Moon

Alex had bangs once before, despite my wishes. (Drama Boy cut her hair! It is still growing out in a few places...) So, I was a little reluctant to cut them again. Turns out, I LOVE them! ;) We went with sweepy, longer bangs because of her natural wavy curl and soft/fine hair. Here's the new look...

Now, for the style: Anyone familiar with the animated series "Sailor Moon"? It is an older show, but one of the first asian cartoons to become really popular in the US. Well, this hairstyle is from the show, but the basic idea is really popular amongst children models for asian clothing stores online and Alex has requested it numerous times. 

7Right, so here it is. We started by pulling up just the front, leaving out her new bangs.

Actually, I thought it was really pretty at this step, but promised the piggies... Next, I sectioned out the remaining hair, basically into quadrants.

I put pull-through knots in the bottom two. You can do these with a topsy turvy, but I just stick my rat-tail comb through the middle and then poke the elastic through. Pull the hair tight and it comes out the same. ;)

I pulled up the pull-through ends diagonally and added them to the top section, making pigtails.

I added 1/2 of the very top ponytail in to each pigtail.

The last step is the bun. Just take a very small piece out of the ponytail and do not include it in your bun.

Use the rest of the hair, twisting it and then wrapping it around the small piece. Pin it down or add an elastic to hold in place. If using an elastic, be sure to pull the extra piece all the way through each time. That's it, you're done! ;)

(Oh, and here's another secret for working with toddlers... download a couple of games on your phone just for those really cranky moments! She has only played with my phone a handful of times, so she felt pretty special. And it entertained her well enough that she didn't want me to be finished! ;)

Braids 'N Beads

Before we get started, I want to remind everyone about my 100th Post Giveaway, found here. Today is the last day to enter and it's the easiest one yet! Thanks to everyone for your support for 100+ posts!

Alex has been asking me to do another "all-braidy" style. ;)

Part the hair into sections. This style works best with a very deep side part.

Put the front/bangs into one french braid going all the way across. A row, or several rows for older girls, looks the best on the side with the most hair.

I some how missed the following picture... Part the rest of the "bigger" side into rows behind the bangs. Alex only needed two french braids, but older girls will need more. ;) On the other side, create french braids starting at the front and going straight back. They will fall naturally.

Next, part one row in the back of the hair into small sections and braid them.

Now, it's time for the beads... This is one of the easiest ways to add beads, in my opinion. ;) Start with one bead and an elastic. I recommend clear, but used contrasting colors to show it better.

Okay, so put the elastic through the bead and then put one loop through the other loop and pull it tight. Next, put whatever beads you want onto the braid. There are several ways to do this. I suggest simply wetting the hair and using the hair as a "needle".

Your last bead will be the one with the elastic attached. slip the bead onto the hair and then wrap the loop that sticks out around the hair. It is secure for normal wear, but can also be taken out easily.

I loved the finished look! Alex decided to wear this lovely dress. (Yes, on a rainy day when we had no plans!)

Originally, I had straightened her hair. However, I like it better curled. ;)

Alex was one happy girl! ;)

Getting her to hold still!

I have been asked a few times how I get Alex to sit still while I fix her hair, so I thought I'd give a few tips;)

The truth is that Alex really loves to get her hair fixed, but she doesn't always stay still; which is why I rarely have good tutorial pics;) And she isn't the only little girl whose hair I fix regularly. But really, there are a few tricks that I use.

1. Spray bottles are miracle workers! Make sure it's for water only, and show your little one how to spray it into her mouth, fun fun fun!

2. Little girls love lotion and the like. Put a dab on each arm and leg or maybe a tube of chapstick... you'll definitely have a few focused moments.

3. In a real pinch (we're talking about being on a time crunch and there's a wedding or similar important event) let her play with a box of Kleenex. This mainly works for toddlers. You will have a mountain of tissues, but they'll be entertained;)

4. Beads and lacing string.

5. Stickers and a fun picture to decorate.

6. Favorite cartoon. This one doesn't really work for us,(no tv) but some moms swear by it;)

7. Treats that take concentration;) Pull'n'peel twizlers, Fruit Roll Ups, Pez, etc.

8. Food... breakfast can be a great distraction!

9. Sing songs or talk with her. I know this sounds silly, but sometimes focusing the attention on her instead of her hair is exactly what she needs;)

10. Your wallet/purse (or a play one). Most girls love to take the cards out and put them back.

11. Let her play with a few hairbows, elastics, clips, and bobby pins. Put them in a closed container or bag and let her get them out, put them away, and organize them.

12. Find a stopping point (or make one;) and take a short break! For example, when I did her rockstar hair... I teased it like crazy, let her run around for a few minutes with her brothers, and then finished the style!

13. Take it outside! Sure the wind might be slightly annoying, but on a nice day your daughter will love going outdoors to get her hair fixed, promise! ;)

14. Okay one more, so I don't end on an unlucky number:) Minimize other distractions. Hair time is typically alone time with mommy. For two reasons really... it gives me a definite 10-15 minutes each morning with each of my kids. And secondly, it keeps those rowdy boys from making Alex turn her head suddenly when I am in the middle of a french twist braid;)

Another tip to make things easier is to buy a button-up shirt that is a size or two big for your little one to wear while you fix her hair. With her church/school clothes underneath staying perfectly clean.

Okay, good luck with your princess; I hope some of these help!

There are also a few things that will make these things work better. Find a button up shirt that is a size or two too big to go over clothes. You can fix her hair, let her play a little/eat/whatever without getting her outfit dirty or worrying about pulling things over her head. Always have an activity/distraction and a backup on hand, but don't let her see it until she needs it (or you need it;). Make sure that you do her hair more often without helps like snacks/etc. than you do with(even if it means doing ponytails every day but Sunday;) It really will make a difference if you only pull out the really special ones (meaning the ones that really enthrall her) at times when you don't have any other choice. This way the excitement and newness of it won't wear off and you will have that secret weapon when you really need it!