One step closer to princess

Looking through my old photo albums there are numerous pics of little me with total and undeniable bed head, we're talking hair that hadn't seen a brush that day...at all. After 2 boys, when I had girl#1 I decided that I'd always make sure that her hair was cute and brushed or a pony tail at least. Here is a tutorial on one of my favorite styles to do for her cute little head. I call it 'the Maid Marian'.

Requirements:
-Hair long enough for a single ponytail
-basic knowledge of french braiding
-one of the combs w/the pointy handle
-6 elastics or hair restraints.
-water bottle
(click to enlarge pictures for a better look)

1.) Part hair right down the middle from forehead all the way to the back of the neck. make one side a pony tail.

2.) Using the pointy side of the comb, starting and ending at the part (about3-5 inches back from the forehead depending on head size) section out a half circle on one side of the head. Secure both loose sections of hair.

3.) Repeat step #2 but for the other side of the head, creating a section on the crown of the head that is a full circle. Tie up the hair in the circle so it won't get in your way.

4.) Starting at the front of the head, do a french braid and only add from the hairline side of the braid letting the bulk of it ride along the part of the circle. Pick up hair until about 1/2" after the ear. Braid until the end.

5.) Repeat step#4 on the other side. You should be left with something very similar to this when you're done. Almost done.

For a true Maid Marian, pull the hair from the circle back and down and secure into a pony tail at the bottom of the circle. Join both braids together at the bottom of the circle and facen them. Let the rest of the hair hang down underneath.

For a cute variation, pull the hair from the circle, braids, and the bottom all together into a pony tail.