Cross-Over Braids
Wednesday, Jun 4th, 2008 by Janna
It isn’t fair — that Katelyn got her hair and I got mine. Hers is thick and softly textured, and waves when she gels it, while mine is stick straight and almost baby-fine. See those braids in the photo up there? All my hair, braided in a ponytail, would equal the thickness of one of those braids of Katelyn’s. And look at all the hair she’s got left over! Oh, well. I’ve come to terms (I guess) with the fact that some styles just won’t work with my measly wisp of hair. Styles like this one, modeled by Miss Katelyn herself. I’ll have to content myself with the photography and blogging — ’cause I don’t see this hair-do happening for me!
Cross-Over Braids
or Katelyn Berge’s Method for Inducing Feelings of Melancholy and Despair in Thin-Haired Older Siblings
Step One – Gather the following hair styling tools: pick comb, two small hair bands, and 3-5 hair pins. Note: In the opinion of the ladies of this household the very best hair pins are those shown in the photo above. They’re called “Magic Grip Hair Pins”, and you can find them right here at Walgreens.com.
Step Two – Gather a section of hair from one side of your part (Katelyn’s hair is parted off-center).
Step Three – Divide the section of hair into three equal pieces. Begin braiding the three pieces together. Here’s a tip from Katelyn: Don’t braid up toward the ceiling, or out in front of yourself. Braid toward the back of your head; this way, the braids will lay flat when the time comes to pin them back.
Step Four – Braid as far down as possible, then secure with one of the hair bands.
Step Five – Repeat steps 2-4 with a second section of your hair.
Step Six – This isn’t really a step, but I rather like this photo of Katelyn — and it does show how the two finished braids ought to look.
Step Seven – Have a look in the mirror and ascertain whether you are satisfied with your progress thus far. I hope your observations inspire happier feelings than Katelyn’s. Come on, Kate, it looks fine!
Step Eight – Tuck the tail of one braid under the beginning of the other.
Step Nine – Secure the first side of the cross-over braids with a hair pin (or two or three, depending on your hair and your hair pins).
One braid crossed over
Step Ten – Tuck the tail of the second braid under the crossed-over braid. Secure with hair pins. The style looks lovely simply the way it is, but it can be dressed up with silk flowers, ribbon… There’s lots of scope for the imagination!
One more mirror image… 
My older sister could sympathize with you here! She always complains that my hair is so much thicker than hers! I really like the braids; they are really pretty. I once made my sister do some braids like that for me, except one went round the front of my head and one went round the back!
In Christ,
Anna
Lovely, lovely photos — how do you make everything look so dreamy and romantic (although of course your sister is beautiful, so she does help). I’d say you have plenty of talent for photography and blogging — and I’d rather have that knack than lots of hair any day!
This is a really lovely hairstyle, as are the others you’ve posted previously. I have extremely long hair, and never any idea what to do with it (barring braided pigtails or a bun). I will definitely be trying my hand at this style very soon!
What a lovely hairstyle! Alas, I have very straight, rather thin hair that absolutely refuses to be arranged in any attractive way — and looks horrible if I let it grow out too long! *sigh* Not that I mind at all…
I just love the photography in this post! Especially that last mirror shot of you — your smile is so playful and sweet!
Yours in Christ,
Shannon
Very, very pretty Janna!!!! I will have to try this with my hair (or my sisters). Your photos are so clear! What camera do you have?
oh yeah, I have the same shirt you have on in the last photo.
[...] Stop by my friend Janna’s blog, The Joy of Home, [...]
Ok….I tried this and what happens if your braids are long enough to wrap all the way around your head?
Wow, your hair must be very long, Samantha! I don’t think you’ll be able to recreate this exact style on yourself. Katelyn suggested looping the braids lower, but, with hair that long, I’m not sure that would end up looking anything like the style above. If I had hair as long as yours… I’d go ahead and wrap the braids all the way around my head!
Samantha, you and I are in the same boat!
I’ll have to try that Janna! Green eyes, maybe we could both try crossing the braids in the front! I’ve seen it done before though never thought about trying it myself until just now. I’ll have try Katelyn’s style on my sister Anna….she’s got hair thats long enough I think.
wow i thought that was a little 10 yr old taking the pictures.
Lovely photos and hair style, Janna! The photographgy is amazing!
I saw your blog on SimplyVintage Girl and I like the title of your blog…Joy of Home.
Blessings!
Elizabeth
Lovely post, and I smiled when I read it…like you, I have fine, straight hair…sigh.
OOPS! I am MRS.C not “MR” ! Lol!