It's taken quite a bit of practice, and my current technique is by no means perfect, but I'm finally starting to produce a reasonable Dutch braid. I tried French braiding first, but it just turned into a sloppy mess.
Anyway, here's a picture of my best Dutch braid so far. It's exceptionally useful for keeping more of the stray hairs from flying loose in the wind since hairs that miss the ponytail tie can reach the top part of the braid. My goal is to be comfortable enough with the result to use it in kung fu class.
If you go to Google Videos and search for Dutch braid or how to Dutch braid there are some good examples.
Mouse
You'll have enough length before you know it! That's funny about the ponytail, but then again I can only put in a hair tie starting from one side, or at least it takes a heck of a lot of concentraion to switch it up. LOL
Thanks, Brian!
Mouse
Hi Mouse, wow, great job! Don't know if I can even do a regular braid. Although my mom did one on me when I was on vacation back east about a month ago. Your hair is looking superb!
Hope you are having a great summer.
Cheers,
Max
Thanks, Max! Practice and you'll get the hang of braiding, though I felt like a klutz for a while. Give this site a shot. The second half is how to braid your own hair.
Mouse
How to braid hair
and your hair is thick and gorgeous, Mouse. It just gets better all the time. What is your goal length? (I think you could get away with waist length hair even if you are into martial arts.)
Scott
Thanks, Scott! I don't have a goal length yet, I'm just planning to let it grow until it feels too long. Then I'll cut it to a length that I liked. The only length I can't really envision is classic...I really don't think I'd want to worry about sitting on my hair when worn loose. ;-)
One of my instructors actually has hair that's close to waist length, so it definitely can be done. She usually wears it loose to teach but will do a quick braid if the circumstances warrent it.
Mouse
Hi Mouse,hey thats a fine looking Dutch braid you've made there as it looks like it was done by a pro:)It does really look cool and very practical at the same time.I wish I could do some of these braids as the standard ponytail can get boring after awhile.I've seen some video on doing them but I still get lost somewhere during the process of watching it.I sure hands on experience would do the trick.Anyway great pic of you and your hair as its really looking awesome!
Mark
Thanks, Mark! I wouldn't call myself a pro just yet, but maybe someday. Keep practicing and watching different videos and you'll get the hang of braiding. When I was trying to do a standard braid I watched Jason's video on the links pace and then another one off the internet with spoken instructions. I'd really recommend this site to get started with standard braiding...you just might want to skip the "add a bow or barret" part. ;-)
Good luck!
Mouse
How to braid hair
Hi Mouse. Your brade looks nice. I wish my hair is long enough to brade.
Regardless
My MySpace - feel free to add me as a friend
Thanks! Give it time and your hair will be long enough to braid. You are well on your way!
Mouse
Excellent job Mouse, really beautiful hair!
Bruce
Thanks, Bruce! Do you ever braid your hair?
Mouse
I have, but only in private. I think it is a very comfortable style and I might be tempted to wear it publicly but my wife still is not a fan of long hair so I just tail it.
Bruce
....to me.
Surely that is not a rubber band at the end???
WWT
Oh heavens no! It's a standard, cloth-covered hair-tie that happens to be the color of a rubber band. You're right, though, you could easily mistake it for one from the picture. :-0
Thanks, Walter!
Mouse
That braid looks great Mouse, great colour.
~ Dave
Thanks, Dave! Have you ever tried braiding your hair? Could the wildness be contained? :-0
Mouse
I haven't, and I'm not sure it would be humane to cage the tiger anyway!
Cheers, D
Hi Mouse,
It is always a pleasure to get new photos from you, and what a lovely and thick braid in your hair. Your hair has the most beautiful shine and colour! One day, I need to try a braid in my hair.
Take care,
David
Thanks so much, David. DO give braiding a try at some point and post a picture when you get the hang of it. :-)
Mouse
Looks great, Mouse. Of course, with your mention of kung fu classes, I'd probably say that anyway just so you don't kick my butt, LOL
Haiya! Beware the ferocity of the one-inch internet punch! LOL
Thanks!
Mouse
Your hair is gorgeous Mouse and that braid is just about perfect. I love the deep, rich color of your hair and it's so thick.
Thanks, Jason! It was your braids that inspired me to think (1) those are cool looking, and (2) I bet I could learn to do that. Now I just need more practice!
Mouse
Looks good! That's the way you should wear it the next time you get dressed up for a renaissance faire in your chain mail and sword.
Ooo, I hadn't though of that. Good idea! Thanks!
Mouse
Mouse, Wonderful job with the braid! Looks very stylish!
peace, jonalbear
Thanks! Hopefully there will be more styles to come.
Mouse
Great braid! You have what I would consider "perfect" hair; the thickness, texture, and color are wonderful!
Oh, it's not quite so perfect much of the time, but thank you!
Mouse
Wow, that looks great! I couldn't do that if I tried. Those look pretty cool and you sure do know how to execute that braid nicely. Take care.
Hegg
Oh, give it some practice and you might be surprised. My first attempts were pretty horrible, but I got better.
Thanks!
Mouse
Looks excellent Mouse! You have come very far from the buzzcut you started out with:)
Keep up the good work!
Simon
Thanks, Simon! There are so many fun things to do with long hair that are utterly impossible with a buzz cut. Life is fun.
When are we going to get an update from you?
Mouse
Well, i'm in my 16th month of hairgrowth now in august so i'll probably do an update shortly, or maybe i'll still wait a bit so that the length is more noticeable:)
Very nice job on the braid Mouse. I'd never be capable of doing that myself lol...anytime I've attempted a braid (very few times) it comes out messy and crooked heh. Thanks for sharing and you certainly appear to have the hang of it!
-Phil
Thanks!
Practice, practice, practice. My early attempts at just regular braiding were pretty bad. Here's a picture of a "good" one, LOL.
Wow, Mouse, your hair looks absolutely amazing!
What a beautiful head of hair you've got.
Cheers!
Shawn (MrCrow)
Thanks, Shawn! I hope you'll grace us with an update sometime soon, but I suspect with the school year bearing down upon you that you're rather busy.
Mouse
looks Fab Mouse, I admire how thick your hair is mine is so fine
it's hard to do my own, I tried but just couldn't and gave up.
However when a friend t a braid in it was skinny and uninspiring
so we won't go there.
Yours rocks.
Kevin
Thanks, Kevin! I'm not always as pleased with the thickness when it's 90 degrees out...
Mouse