Let me start with a couple quick disclosures here. First, I am not a stay-at-home dad. Secondly, for those guys out there that may ask the question, yes I did feel as though some of my manhood slipped from my kung fu grip as I contemplated writing this post. However, I am writing it nonetheless and my frail ego has remained intact.
Why do I feel the need to clarify? Mostly because dads shouldn’t be able to pull the ignorance card when it comes to maintaining some of your kids’ cuteness, regardless of whether you stay at home or not. As for my second point….let’s just say that it is not uncommon for dads to feel weird about fixing up a little girls hair. But, as my lovely wife would say, “Get over it”. I mean, it’s not like we’re playing with Barbie’s!
A Solemn Oath
Having three little girls, you might assume that I have more “encouragement” towards learning than most. Unfortunately, that is not the case. My wife is what you might call a hair style ninja. In what seems like five minutes, she can have all three girls looking as though they are going to one of those disturbing little girl pageants (minus the freaky makeup). Believe me, it borders on being magical.
No, I have been enabled in my slovenly ways for several years now. But no more! With my wife leaving me and my daughters for a third weekend to fend for ourselves, I have turned a new leaf. Won’t you join me? Vow with me to never again take your daughter’s out to face the disapproving glances of the moms at the mall! At the very least, we can avoid the “Oh, it looks like mom is away again”, comments. I really hate those.
Follow These Steps
Okay, so I am not going to labor through each step of the process but I will give you a couple valuable tips prior to beginning.
1. Please make sure that you are using conditioner in their hair! It is so much easier to work with a mop of hair when you are not fighting through layers of rat’s nests.
2. Make sure you have the right tools: brush, hair styling comb for parts, hair condiments (bows, ribbons, frilly stuff), spray bottle, hair spray, rubber hair bands, clips, and maybe even a detangling spray (any place with hair products will have it).
3. Do not, I repeat, do not try to get too complicated right off the bat. Remember that it doesn’t have to be a red carpet outcome for it to be successful. Think like a minimalist.
With that being said, I have placed a few photos below of my recent triumphs. Apart from creating a video (which I think I will do in the future), the photos should be explanatory enough to give you a good start. I can assure you that they are not perfect creations, but I did get several bewildered accolades by some mom’s at a recent birthday party. I know, my gold medal is in the mail.
How About It Then?
The real point here is to dispel any misnomers about the fact that you have to duplicate the perfection that you see from your wife, or even that of the salon. It’s going to take a little practice and probably some tears born from your clumsiness, but it is completely doable. Trust me, the fact that you whipped up a braid or a tightly drawn pony will have you receiving praise for weeks to come.
