The Ponytail Trick You’ll Use All Year

Quick wins, cool art, and solid dad wisdom

Author

Dad Braids
March 09, 2025

Estimated read time: 2 min

Ever have one of those days where everything starts off smooth, and then suddenly, chaos? That was me last week. I had a plan. A solid plan. But somewhere between breakfast and bedtime, my daughter’s hair turned into a bird’s nest, the baby took a bath in his own applesauce, and I ended up eating cold mac & cheese over the sink.

But here’s the thing—I wouldn’t trade it for anything. These messy, ridiculous, unpredictable moments? That’s the good stuff.

So here’s to embracing the chaos—with a little help from this week’s braid tip, dad hacks, and a fun art project. Let’s go.

🔥 Braid of the Week: Game-Changing Ponytail Hack

If ponytails keep slipping or looking flat, this simple trick will change the game. More volume, more hold, and no frustration.

Try it out and let me know if it works for you!

💡 Braiding Tip of the Week: The Secret to Smooth Sections

If your braids always look off, it’s probably your sectioning. Messy parts = messy braids. Here’s how to fix it:

✔ Use a rat-tail comb for crisp, even sections.
✔ Damp hair + detangling spray = fewer flyaways, easier handling.
✔ Clip extra hair out of the way so you don’t get tangled up.

Smooth sections = cleaner braids + faster styling. Try it out and let me know if it helps!

🎨 Art Activity: Magic Tape Art

A zero-mess way to keep your kid entertained and end up with something cool:

1️⃣ Stick painter’s tape in random patterns on thick paper.
2️⃣ Let your kid paint inside the spaces with watercolors or markers.
3️⃣ Peel the tape when dry—instant masterpiece.

Hang it up, turn it into a card, or just enjoy five minutes of peace while they paint.

👟 Teach Your Kid to Tie Their Shoes (The Genius Hack)

If your kid is struggling with shoelaces, this hack is a lifesaver. Way easier than the usual method.

Try it. Less frustration, more independence. Win-win.

🔥 Community Highlight: Dads Crushing It

This week Dave nailed these braids for his daughter!!

Tag me or DM your braids, and I’ll feature more next time!

🙏 A Word for the Dads

Being a great dad isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up.

Whether you nailed a braid this week, tackled an art project, or just kept your kid alive while running on fumes—you did good. And they’ll remember that.

That’s it for this week! If you got something out of this, share it with a fellow dad.

From my family to yours,
– Strider

P.S. Got a question, a dad win, or a total fail you want to share? Reply to this email—I’d love to hear it.