Needed: Hair 1 large ponytail holder 3 small ponytail holders Hairpins, and/or whatever you use to pin your hair up in a bun Hair gel to tame flyaways, if you need it An extra set of hands (optional)

1. Pull your hair back into a smooth ponytail, using the large ponytail holder to hold it. If you need to tame flyaways, go ahead and use the hair gel.	[picture]
2. Divide the ponytail into three sections, and braid each section. The two outer braids don't have to be braided all the way to the ends, as the ends will be hidden by the third one, but the middle braid should be as close as you can get it to the ends. Use the small ponytail holders to secure the ends. (I think that the little rubber "ouchless" ones work best, since they're less noticeable.)
3. This is where an extra set of hands comes in handy. Take one of the outside braids, and loop it so that the end is resting against the top of the ponytail base. Pin it in place with the hairpins. (I use the pins from hot rollers to hold them in place. More security, and they're hidden from view when you finish.)
4. Do the same with the other braid.
5. Once both braids are looped up and pinned securely in place, wrap the third one around the base of your ponytail, making sure that the ends of the other two are covered. Pin in place. (I use regular hairpins for this, so that they're less noticeable than huge hot roller pins.)