SafeMailServices.com

Friday, November 7, 2008

Hair Weaving: Latch Hook Weave

By Marquetta Breslin

One method for weaving hair is called ''latch hook'' weaving. A latch hook weave is a weave that is created by adding extension hair to your natural hair with a latch hook tool. The extension hair is added to the cornrows and kept in place by a small knot.

The basic supplies you will need to complete a latch hook weave are the latch hook needle and extension hair. There are many reputable dealers of high-quality human and synthetic hair, so make sure you do your research before making a purchase (especially if you're buying online). You can get the latch hook needle at your local beauty supply store or craft store.

Make sure that all the hair is washed and dried with a blow dryer. Products such as conditioners, gels, and pomades can leave reside on the hair and make it difficult to complete the latch hook weave. Make sure the client has none of these products on their hair before starting to cornrow.

Your first part will be in the middle of the head, and each part should be about the width of your finger. Having parts this wide will create small- to medium-sized braids. Starting your part in the middle of the hair will ensure you have the same number of cornrows on each side of the head, which is vital for a latch hook weave. Also, you can adjust the size of your cornrows by making your parts larger or smaller.

When you're ready to start cornrowing, add synthetic hair if possible. This will protect the client's hair and make it easier to conceal the ends of your cornrow. When all the cornrows are complete, cornrow all the ends to one side and braid down. To secure the ends, you can burn them or use a rubber band. Take your ends and fold back over the cornrow and sew in place for a secure hold.

Once the entire head is cornrowed:

1. For a fuller look, slide your latch hook under just one stitch of the cornrow. To thin some areas out, slide your latch hook under the entire cornrow. No matter where you place your latch hook on your cornrow, make sure the actual latch hook is up.

2. Fold your extension hair in half and add it to the hook. Then slide your hook through the cornrow, making sure the latch hook folds down. Don't pull the hair all the way through; just about 1/4'' will work fine.

3. You should now have your extension hair sticking out on one side and a loop of hair sticking out on the other. Take the piece you haven't pulled through yet and bring it through the loop to create a knot. This will hold the hair in place.

4. It's a good idea to make two more knots after your first knot has been completed.

Continue this process until you have added extension hair to every cornrow, remembering to double-knot after you make your first knot. Once the latch hook weave is finished, you can clip any stray hairs that stick up from the weave.

You can expect your stylist to take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours to complete a latch hook weave, and don't worry: when a latch hook weave is completed properly, the space between the cornrows is undetectable.

About the Author:

No comments: