Buzz
Hair wraps provide a simple and vibrant method to adorn your hair by encircling a braid with thread or ribbon. Although this hairstyle gained popularity in the 90s, its allure has endured, allowing you to flaunt it whenever you desire! To embark on this journey, all you need is some thread (or a similar material) in your preferred color, and you'll be prepared to make a bold and stylish statement with your hair wrap!
Steps
Preparing Your Hair Wrap
Acquire some embroidery floss. Opting for a few vibrant colors will yield optimal outcomes. You can experiment with up to four distinct colors.
- Consider selecting a range of colors to achieve an ombré effect. By choosing colors within the same hue but with different shades, you can seamlessly transition from one to the next. Alternatively, you can transition from one hue to another adjacent hue on the color wheel, such as yellow to orange.
- Alternative materials, like yarn, can also be suitable for hair wraps. Just ensure that the material you choose is colorfast. You wouldn't want the dye to bleed when you wash your hair next. Additionally, the material should be relatively thin to prevent your hair wrap from appearing overly bulky.
Select a small section of hair and create a braid. Thinner braids are preferable for hair wraps compared to thicker ones. Ensure that your braid is tightly done.
- Opting for a section closer to your face will have a more noticeable effect than one farther back.
- If your hair struggles to hold braids, you can secure it with a small hair tie at the end.
- If your hair is already braided or in dreadlocks, you can add a pop of color by wrapping individual strands.
Measure and cut appropriate lengths of thread. You will require four separate strands that are approximately two to three times the length of your hair.
- Remember, it's better to have too much thread initially than too little. You can always trim off any excess later, but you can't extend thread that's too short.
Secure the threads around the top of the braid with an overhand knot. If you prefer, you can position the knot lower on the braid for the hair wrap to start further down. Overhand knots are the simplest type of knot:
- Ensure all four strands are parallel and grouped together so they can be treated as a single unit.
- Loop the strands behind the top of the braid, ensuring the braid is centered so that each end is equal.
- Take the right end and loop it around the braid to the left, starting by crossing over the front of the braid and pulling the end under and through the loop towards the right.
- Pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten. Ensure your knot is very tight for a secure hair wrap.
- Once the knot is tied, each original strand will be divided in half. Before beginning the wrap, you will have twice as many strands to work with. For instance, if you started with four strands, you should now have eight individual strands hanging from the base of your wrap.
Wrapping Your Hair
Grasp two strands of the same color in your dominant hand. These will serve as your 'working strands.' Lay the remaining six strands (if you started with four) flat along the braid, ensuring they are kept taut by holding both the strands and your braid in your non-dominant hand.
Wrap your working strands snugly around both your hair and the other six strands. Continue wrapping, moving down the braid as you go. Ensure to leave at least an inch or two of your working strands to maintain the stability of your wrap.
- One method to achieve a tight wrap is to perform four wraps around, push them up, and repeat the process.
Transition to new working strands when introducing a new color section. Whether your current working strands are running short or you wish to introduce a new color, you'll need to switch strands several times throughout the process. Simply integrate your working strands with the other six and select two fresh strands of the same color.
- When utilizing two colors, you can create a striking pattern of alternating stripes. Aim for uniform stripe widths for a polished appearance.
- An immensely popular hair wrap style is the ombré effect, where multiple similar colors are arranged to create a gradient from one color to another. Examples include light blue to dark blue, vibrant magenta to soft pink, and yellow to orange. For an ombré wrap, begin with your initial color and wrap approximately a quarter of your braid. Transition to the next color that closely matches the first, and repeat the process with the final two colors, concluding with the most contrasting color to your starting one.
Enhance with beads and charms. Although optional, this step allows for embellishments on your hair wrap. Follow these simple steps:
- Select a bead or other small object capable of threading onto a string, such as a charm. Ensure to avoid metals prone to corrosion (rust or discoloration) as your hair wrap may get wet.
- While wrapping your hair, thread the bead onto your working strands and position it at the base of your wrap.
- Continue wrapping once the bead is in place.
Adorn the bottom of the wrap with a feather. Adding a feather is an optional yet stylish touch to your hair wrap. When you're nearing the bottom of your braid with approximately an inch of hair remaining, align the feather's quill with your braid and the remaining strands. Continue wrapping, incorporating the feather's quill into the wrap.
- If you've used a hair tie to secure the ends, you can tuck the quill beneath the tie to hold it in position.
Complete your hair wrap by tying all strands securely at the bottom. Choose a tight knotting method of your preference to prevent your wrap from unraveling. You might opt for a double or triple knot for added resilience. Trim off any excess loose strands after tying the knot using scissors.
Trim your hair wrap at its base when you've finished wearing it. If you've wrapped it securely, it's unlikely to come loose on its own. Typically, the easiest way to remove a hair wrap is by cutting off the entire section of hair it's wrapped around.
- Some individuals keep their wrapped hair as a keepsake.
- If you prefer not to lose that strand of hair, you can attempt to remove the hair wrap by cutting the knots at the end and carefully unwinding it by hand. Be aware that this process will take considerably longer than a simple trim.
- The tighter you wrap your hair, the longer it will maintain its appearance. On average, a wrap starts to look worn out after about three weeks.
- To prolong the lifespan of your wrap, avoid soaking it when washing your hair.
- If you intend to sleep with your hair wrap or leave it on until your hair dries, opt for silk or satin materials.
- For quick drying, use a natural cotton towel or microfiber cloth.
Helpful Tips
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You can also experiment with hair wraps on clip-in hair extensions. This method can prolong the lifespan of your wraps, as you can simply unclip the wrapped extension before showering.
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Always wrap as tightly as possible for best results.
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While it's feasible to do hair wraps on yourself, it can be challenging. Consider wrapping someone else's hair or enlisting a friend's help.
Essential Items
- Colorful embroidery thread
- Scissors
- Hair tie (optional)
- Beads and charms (optional)
- A feather with a long quill (optional)
