How to do Pippi Longstocking plaits!

gingin_2

DD is dressing up as Pippi Longstocking for a fancy dress do. Pippi Longstocking has plaits that stick out straight from the side of her head and I can't seem to get dd's to go that way. She has fine long hair that plaits fine but I can't get them to stick out with pipe cleaners as suggested on a google search - does anyone have any bright ideas please.

skyvicky123

Her hair is probably too heay for pipe cleaners. You migth have to try wire or some kind?

tasha-debt

Use a wired coat hanger, make a headband shape with the two ends straight, plait the hair around the wire then pin the wire headband part to her head - Does that make sense, I did this once for a fancy dress party (p.s make sure you cover the ends of the wire with some thing though)

minimoneysaver

Florist wire?

ciderwithrosie_2

Have you got any old bras with wire in that you could take out and slide into the plait to support it? I made a tail for a Mickey Mouse costume once with a bra wire and black felt!

gingin_2

Thanks everyone, I will have a go with a coathanger first and maybe try a bra later! It's got to last all day so I need to make it really comfortable for her as she's only 7 so can't really fiddle with it herself.

meritaten

Do you have to do it with her own hair? have you got a shop like claires accessories near you? where you can buy a couple of false plaits or ponytails and then wire them to a headband with florist wire? might be more comfortable for your daughter and easier to arrange?

4nnabella

tasha-debt wrote: »

Use a wired coat hanger, make a headband shape with the two ends straight, plait the hair around the wire then pin the wire headband part to her head - Does that make sense, I did this once for a fancy dress party (p.s make sure you cover the ends of the wire with some thing though)

I was going to suggest something like this too, with a headband part that goes over your daughter's head, rather than just wires in the plaits. It'll need some support to hold the ends of wire up that are next to her head, otherwise they'll just flop down.