I had the same problem with that when I tried the hair hairband the first time... For my first section with this style I take the largest "section". From just below the ear to just below the temple - the final section is approximately one inch lower on the opposite side - and I've never noticed it looking lopsided - (I'm so picky [read obsessive compulsive] - I'll do a style as many times as it takes to get it "perfect" - thankfully - after braiding it daily since the age of 4, my fingers are so well-trained I seldom even have to look in the mirror any more to braid).
Taking such a big section to begin with, and laying all three segments together once, before taking the first "additional" piece, gives a firm and substantial start. Hope this helps - let me know how it turned out! I'd be eager to see this braid on someone else - your hair is SO beautiful and such a different color than mine - I'd love to see it.
Just a note - our ladies with layers in the front could easily do this as well - (I was curious..... and tried it on my 15 year old son's hair to get a trial effect on shorter hair - his is about 13 inches total from the crown - and was razor cut into 'shards' - [after elementary and middle school in private school, with a regulation length hair style - he has decided long hair is fun - and hasn't had it really cut, only styled since]......anyway, the braid worked perfectly - I thank him for his tolerance with this experiment.
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Re: my hair photos - I, too would love to put them "up" on the computer, if I can figure it out someday. Once in a while I'll go look at the photos for an idea - it's nice having a style gallery right at my fingertips when I'm feeling decidedly uncreative
Good luck with your braiding, kate!
Nightowl
ooo - just re-read your post - and forgot to mention the "rolling" dilema - If you concentrate upon keeping the 'back' hand (my left, but right hand if you're a lefty) with the elbow pointed as far back/behind me as possible - this way the braid 'behaves' better....and maintains an even depth from the hairline, rather than the end getting closer to the face as you braid. happy braiding!