How to Wear Milkmaid Braids.

When you have a lot of hair, you have to get creative on the in-between-washing days. I try not to wash my hair everyday because it can get dried out and honestly, it can be a lot of work to fix it every single day. So I've started adopting my childhood method of braided hair, and I must admit, I am loving the throwback. It makes me feel childlike and girly, with a touch of Scandinavian :) It's easy to sweep my hair up into a bun, topknot or ponytail, but on some days, it's really fun to break out my old braiding skills (I learned how to braid practicing on my American Girl doll), and do something fun like these milkmaid braids. If you have a lot of hair and know how to do a basic dutch braid, then this is going to be the perfect style for you!

1. I start with at least day-old hair. I use 12 Benefits on my wavy hair days (when I don't blow dry), and by the second day it is usually settled into the hair nicely and doesn't need any other gel/pomade/mousse, etc. You want some dirtied-up hair for this style to work.

2. Part your hair down the middle and divide into two sections. I like to tie back one side with a hair tie or clip, just to keep it out of the way while I work on the first section.

3. Pull one section of the hair into a ponytail at about your ear. Begin braiding, doing a simple dutch braid.

4. Once you're finished, tie off the braid with a clear tie or one that is close to your hair color. Then braid the other section, using the same technique.

5. Once you have two braids (and you get finished pretending you're Pippi Longstocking) wrap one braid around the front of your head. I like to leave a little bit of the part showing in the front. Pin the braid using bobby pins, pushing them diagonally in.

5. Wrap the second braid in front of the first one. Tuck the ends under the first braid and pin it as well.

6. Next I like to loosen the individual plaits of the braid, to make it seem fuller and messier. If the braids are too tight and perfect, this look can come across a little dorky. So I make sure to mess it up a bit. It's more fun to be imperfect.

There you have it! This is a whimsical way to dress up your hair, even on days when you didn't take time to style it. But be aware - you might have some people call you Princess Leia. Some people really don't know their science fiction hair - hers was BUNS. Happy braiding, friends :)