Separate the section of hair you want to dye. Make sure all remaining hair is securely pinned out of the way. If more than one section is being dyed, choose one section to dye at a time. Curly hair will need to be straightened to makes the dying process easier. You should also try to ensure that the section of hair you have chosen is of a consistent length, and that the section falls together.; sections that do not fall together will not give you the desired effect when dyed. Prepare pieces of scotch tape between 1–3 inches (2.5–7.6 cm) long, depending on the thickness of your chosen strand, and wrap it around that section of hair. Rubber bands and baby oil also work. Just put the baby oil around the rubber band. Putting conditioner on the taped parts will help stop it from being dyed, as well as allow for easier tape removal. Make sure the tape is tightly wrapped around your hair. Read the directions of your hair dye carefully and prepare the mixture. Some dyes need to be applied to slightly wet hair while others can go on dry. Make sure to wear protective gloves, and an old t-shirt. Protect your hairline and ears with a layer of Vaseline, or you may end up with multicoloured skin. Apply hair dye onto the exposed sections of your hair using your fingers or a tinting brush, while pinching the tape below it with your other hand to make sure the dye does not seep beneath the tape. Continue applying dye to the exposed sections, making sure they are thoroughly saturated. Relax during the interval, and prepare your shampoo and hair styling utensils. Make sure to read dye instructions and leave dye in only for the recommended time period. Carefully rinse your hair with water, removing the tape as you go. Make sure to remove all the excess dye. Rinse well, shampoo and condition. Try to avoid getting dye residue on your face, as it may stain. Dry hair and enjoy your coon tail. Should be re-straightened and possibly treated with a glossing spray for super sleek results.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Prepare. Prepare your stripes. Continue wrapping your hair with the tape, evenly spacing out the distance between each piece. Prepare the dye. Apply the dye. Wait for the dye to develop. Rinse. Dry.


Start with action and scene so your reader is grabbed right away. Focus on a scene involving your narrator or your main character. Begin with a scene that will give the reader a sense of the narrative voice and the style of the rest of the novel. For example, you may begin with a scene involving the main character and their mother. The relationship between the main character and the mother character may then be carried on throughout the rest of the novel. A short novel should only focus on one conflict or situation involving your main character. This will prevent the novel from growing into a longer narrative and make it easier for you to stay focused while you write. Have one central conflict in the novel and go from there.  Try to summarize the central conflict or plot of the novel in one sentence. If you can do this, the conflict or plot is likely clear enough for the short novel. For example, you may have a central conflict like, “Teenager Mary Heti struggles to come out to her religious mother and deal with being a social outcast in a small Southern town.” Keep your number of characters within one to four maximum in the short novel. This will help you avoid getting overwhelmed by too many characters in such a short work. You may focus on one or two main characters and one or two secondary characters. You should also limit your settings so the reader can be immersed in the novel. For example, you may have one main setting, like the small American town where the narrator lives. You may then have one secondary setting, like the summer camp in the woods she goes to for one month. A short novel should move fast to keep the reader engaged. Repeat key themes and ideas throughout the novel. Have recurring scenes or moments so the novel feels well paced. For example, you may have the narrator go see a doctor on a recurring basis as part of the novel’s structure. Or you may have a main character who charts the movement of a star in the sky throughout the novel to tie it all together. A short novel lends itself to an ending that packs an emotional punch. Surprise your reader with a good twist at the end. Set up the reader’s expectations and then knock them down. Make the ending surprising and unexpected, as this will leave the reader satisfied when they put the novel down. For example, you may have a satisfying ending where the mother character accepts the main character for who they are, despite her religious beliefs.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Begin in scene. Have one central conflict. Include a limited number of characters and settings. Use repetition and pacing. Have a strong ending.