How to Do Coon Tails

"Coon tails" used to refer to a hat much like the one worn by Davy Crockett. Today, "coon tails" refer to a hair coloring method that renders a result much like the striped tail of a raccoon. The results vary from simply interesting to totally wild.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Masking tape
• Hair bleach
• Hair dye
• Comb
• Rubber gloves

1. Enlist the help of a friend. Gather the supplies and equipment. Wear an old shirt (in case the dye drips), and have some clean, old towels on hand for clean-up.
2. Use the comb to create the sections of hair for the "coon tails," usually from the nape area. Pin the hair not to be dyed up so that it is secure and out of the way.
3. Cut or tear pieces of masking tape 2 to 3 inches long. Use masking tape the width of the desire stripes. Set the masking tape pieces along the edge of a table or sink.
4. Comb through the hair to be colored until it is smooth and tangle-free. Start near the roots masking off sections. Work down the section of hair toward the ends, wrapping the masking tape tightly around the hair. Space the masking tape evenly along the length of the hair.
5. Wear rubber gloves. Apply dye with a small brush to the unmasked areas. Brush across between the masking tape rather than up and down, which can force dye under the tape.
6. Allow the hair bleach (or dye) to take effect per the manufacturer's instructions. Test a small area of the hair to make sure the desired color is achieved before proceeding.
7. Hold the bleached section of hair under running water. Use a sprayer for the best results. Slide the wet masking tape off the hair and discard. Dry and style the hair to show off the new coon tails.

Tips & Warnings

• Create " coon" bangs by carefully masking off sections across the forehead. Be careful when using the bleach near the eyes.
• Use bleach to create coon tails in darker hair. Use colored dyes to create coon tails in lighter hair.
• Hair bleach will remove the color of most anything it comes into contact with. Hair dye will permanently stain fabric and countertops.
• Don't use duct tape, which is too sticky. It won't "release" when wet and will damage the hair.