Buzz
A hair wrap offers a vibrant, temporary flair to your natural hair, distinct from scarf-wrapping techniques. It involves wrapping braided strands of your own hair or extensions with colorful threads. This process adds controlled, colorful designs without causing damage or making the color permanent. Despite intricate appearances, hair wraps are a fun, straightforward activity suitable for all ages. Young children can join in the fun, making it a family-friendly activity. Hair wraps are perfect for unique girls' nights, birthday party crafts, and boho music festivals, taking your hair to the next level with creativity!
Step-by-Step Guide
Starting Your Hair Wrap
Measuring the Thread Length Cut the thread or embroidery floss to your desired length, typically 2-3 times longer than your hair or the extension. Prepare as many colors as desired for the wrap and lay them out together.
Choose and Separate the Hair Section for Wrapping Pick a hair section no thicker than a pencil. Opt for a discreet location near the base of your hairline for a subtle touch of color or go bold with a section at the crown of your head. Separate the chosen section and secure the remaining hair with a ponytail holder or clip.
Secure the Selected Hair Section Braid the chosen section tightly and neatly, minimizing flyaways and bumps. Separate the hair into three parts and braid it down to the end. Secure with a small elastic. You can straighten the hair if desired and smooth out frizz with wet fingers before braiding. Using bobby pins and tissue at the root can help keep surrounding hair away during wrapping.
Gather and Prepare the Colorful Threads Fold the colorful threads in half and tie them onto the base of the braid close to the scalp with double knots. Ensure the knots are tight and secure, folding the excess thread down against the hair as you wrap.
Choose the Starting Thread Color Select one thread color from the bundle to start wrapping around the braid, keeping the rest of the threads smooth with the braid.
Enjoy Creating Your Hair Wrap - Be Patient and Creative! Have fun experimenting with different patterns on your braids. You can wrap one braid or multiple strands, even your entire head. Remove the wrap if it starts to smell or feel off, and always avoid leaving it on for more than a month to prevent mold. Carefully snip off the knot to remove the wrap.
Creating a Basic Hair Wrap
Begin Wrapping the Braid Start wrapping the braid with the first color thread tightly and in a clockwise direction until you're ready to switch colors.
Switching Thread Colors Use the first color thread to wrap about an inch down the braid. To switch to a new color, tie a knot around the wrap with the first color and pull out another color thread. This secures the wrap at the color change point.
Repeat the Color Switch Continue wrapping until you've used all the colors in your bundle. You can get creative by using two or three colors of thread simultaneously for alternating or layered designs.
Knotting and Alternating Colors After wrapping one color down about an inch, loop the thread through itself and secure it. Cross the additional threads over the wrapped section to create an alternating color pattern. Secure all threads at the bottom with a double knot.
Finish the Hair Wrap Remove the hair elastic and tie off the wrap at the end by pulling the current thread through the loop of the final wrap to create a knot. Trim any excess thread from the bottom.
Creating a Hair Wrap with Forward Knots
Tie Forward Knots Wrap the thread around the hair, cross the left string over the right to form a 4, tuck the end under and through the 4 to create a loop, then pull the end through the loop to make a knot. Repeat to create a series of forward knots down the hair wrap for security.
Alternating Colors Lay the thread flat with the braid and switch to a new color. Tie forward knots with one color for about an inch, then switch to another color. Repeat until you reach the end of the braid, securing with knots and trimming excess thread as needed.
Finalize the Wrap Remove the hair elastic, tie off the wrap at the end by pulling the current thread through the loop of the final wrap, double it with other threads for extra security, and trim any excess thread from the bottom.
How to Create a Chinese Staircase Hair Wrap
Begin the Chinese Staircase Hair Wrap Take the thread behind and form a 4 with your hand, then pull the thread through like a knot. Continue pulling it up to your scalp or the top of the braid.
Repeat the Process After about 10-15 repetitions of the same 4-tie knot, the wrap will be approximately an inch down the braid, and you'll start to see the pattern forming around the braid.
Tie Knots in a Circular Motion To maintain the pattern, pull the thread in a circular motion for each new knot. Avoid pulling too tightly; a light tug ensures easy removal of the hair wrap later.
Finish and Secure the Wrap Remove the hair elastic, pull the current thread through the loop of the final wrap to create a knot. Double it with other threads for extra security and trim any excess thread from the bottom.
Useful Tips
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A well-executed wrap can last anywhere from one week to three months.
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The tighter the wrap, the longer it will stay in place.
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To create striped patterns in your wrap, use two different colored strands simultaneously.
Essential Supplies
- Scissors
- Comb
- Various colors of embroidery floss, thread, or thin plastic thread (available at craft stores)
- Small hair elastic
- Bobby pins (optional)
- Fishing line (optional)
- Beads and charms (optional)
- Hair extensions, 4 inches or longer (optional)
