This is my first attempt at a character model and I'm lost when it comes to topology...

1) Is there a correct way to 'end' an edge if I don't want it to go all the way around the mesh? (e.g the temple area)?



2) What is the easiest way to connect the hat to the head? I was just gonna combine the meshes and merge vertices, but.. the hat has 6 edges and the head 18. Now is there a way to reduce the number of the edges on top of the head instead of adding edges to the hat?





Thanks!