collect handful of hair at top of head and seperate into three even parts.  Cross right part over the center part and then left part over the center part as if starting basic braid

Pull a small strand of hair from right side of head and add to right part. Twist it to the right a few times. Pull a small strand of hair from left side of head and add to left part. Twist to the right a few times.

Cross right part over left and center parts. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all hair has been roped. (If the braid does not look like those pictured in the beginning, do not worry. The braid begins taking the form of a rope about halfway down the head.)

Continue to rope the remaining hair in he rope braid.  Secure with elastic band.