Braided Hair (especially for you fine hair folks like me)

I am all over Pinterest in the hair department.  However, every time I try and recreate some amazing braid or up-do it is somewhat of an epic failure.  I look at the picture, follow the step-by-step process, and can only come to the following as the reason for failure: thin, fine, hair.  Blah!  Why?!  My mother and most of my siblings have these gorgeous and thick manes.  What happened in the gene pool with me? Must be because I’m the first born.  I’ve decided this is a great excuse for virtually everything in my life.  This will not be the last time you hear me say this.  So, clearly the pictures on Pinterest that I adore are of women with amazingly thick & luscious locks. Jealous.  Very jealous.  The two different hair styles below I have now perfected & are my two go-to styles for easiness, cuteness, and quickness. That’s the trifecta I am looking for, especially in the wee hours of the morning before I’ve had my coffee.  

PS- 4 of those pictures are quite old.  Still from crappy iPhone, remember, once I finally use all of these up it’s only quality shots to come.  

The first pic is a split pic of the same hairstyle.  The first 1/2 is a cleaner version- hair sprayed and bangs pinned to the side and under the braid.  I wear it to work this way. The second 1/2 is my messy version. I keep my bangs out, don’t spray, and throw in a cute hair pin. 

To accomplish this: Divide hair at part into 2 sections, brush, and braid each side.  Next cross each braid over to the opposite ear and bobby pin the end pieces (securely).  I usually throw a pin or two nearer the top as well, especially if you have thicker hair.

The other pics are of half a crown using a messy fishtail.  Mostly because that’s the only kind of fishtail I can produce. Still, so cute! I spray this style. 

To accomplish this: Gather all of your hair near the nape of your neck.  Start the fishtail in the middle of your neck and braid.  When done, pull over to the other ear and pin securely.  For me, there are always some puffy spots, fly aways etc so I twist and pin them towards the direction of the fishtail and pin.  Spray when done.  Don’t make the fishtail too tight!  Looser will give a thicker look.