Little Girl's Hairstyles: Mini French Braids 10-15 Min

How did all the St. Paddy's day hairdos turn out? I saw some really cute ones when we were out and about that day. After a playdate on the play place at Carl's Jr., preschool, jumping on the tramp, and then a birthday party that evening, our shamrock hairdos were looking a little sad--but then, what hairdo would still look good after all of that?? The gals got to play!

This was a quick hairdo before preschool one day, that I had grand designs for, but an impatient child stopped those before they got too far along. I was still happy with the result, and so was she (since she loves ANY hairstyle that leaves her hair DOWN). And I apologize I don't have a picture from the top down that shows both sides of the french braids, but, again, trying to get her out the door, and keeping her happy at the same time!

 I started this french braid hairstyle with an angle part (going from a side part beginning and going diagonal across the top of her head).

 I parted off on the larger side, down to her ear, prepping for the first french braid.

 I did a french braid a few inches long, secured with an elastic, and parted off my next french braid section, keeping it equal to the first.

I repeated this one more more time, making three mini french braids on this side.

 On the opposite side, I did two more mini french braids (I did use a backwards/dutch braids on mine, but do whatever is best for you).

 If you have the time and oomph, flat iron or curl the rest of her hair, if needs be. Or just keep her smiling and say, "Hey, we are done!"

 Happy Weekend Gals! We are off to dance competitions tomorrow, and more fun home painting projects (the nesting is really kicking in--my wonderful hubby is being kept BUSY!)

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Little Girl's Hairstyles: St. Patrick's Hairdo: The Shamrock Hairdo 10-15 min

The Shamrock Hairdo

I've been browsing some other hair blogs to see their takes on the 'clover' (because, really, what else can you do for St. Paddy's? A leprechaun perched on their head?), and all the hairstyles were frankly just too complex for me! Perhaps because I'm pregnant, or lazy, or the combo of the two, so I had to do something a little easier and faster (they were all super cute--but just TOO much work for me!). You can do this with whatever kind of braid you are in the mood for. I opt for a twist braid because it's FAST!

First, I start with thoroughly dampened hair, and comb it all back into a mid-height ponytail.

 Then since I was going only for a 3 leaf clover, I did three twist braids. You can see my video on twist braids to learn how to do them if necessary. I did one twist braid from the top portion of the ponytail, and then split the underneath into two sections.

 I then made a 'stem' by ponytailing off a low section. Where you put this secondary elastic will depend on the length of your braids. I did my other daughter's hair, which is much shorter, and so her 'stem' is much shorter as well.

 I then brought the 'stem' portion up to the middle or base of the ponytail like pictured, and then laid the twist braids out like the leaves of the clover.

 I then used bobby pins to hold them in place. You may want to crisscross two where I show this one.

 Pin all three (or four if you want a 4 leaf) in place well.

 Then I stuck two bobby pins down through the base of the ponytail and the top part of the stem to hold it in place.

 I added a green bow at the top of the stem.

 Now for the short hair version: My older daughter's hair just touches the tops of her shoulders. Here's her twist braids pinned up into the leaf sections. Notice how short her 'stem' is. I bobby pinned these braids to each other, rather than to her head, and then down through the base of the ponytail again. I liked how they stood up!

 I may want to trim this ribbon before I use it again.....but it's all ok!

A Irish Wish for a Friend

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers�
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours�
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through!

?Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!