My Yarn Loc Adventure

Now that I've finally finished my first Yarn Loc installation I want to talk about the things that I learned:

1. Unless you have practiced adding extension material to hair, it will probably take longer than you originally estimate.
2. If it's your first time be prepared for a few "redo's." Be patient and kind to yourself when it comes to learning new things.
3. If you don't have a set time for completion, rest when your body needs it. Pushing yourself when you are exhausted or in pain only leads to having to redo more sections and being less satisfied with the overall process.
4. Have fun. Learning should be enjoyable and a teachable moment can be found anywhere.

With that being said here are pictures from my 30 hours of work.

I added purple for the fun of it and I made the back much longer than the front. I wasn't going for an even look but rather a more free-flowing feel. Having done this style once I plan on doing it again although I'll probably not make them quite as long next time.

Have you tried Yarn Locs? I'd love to see pictures of what you've done!

My Lastest Creation and My Love for Learning

If you follow me on Instagram (if you don't you should *Smile*) there is a post that shows my newest style from various angles. I consider them my glamour shots and for those who are interested I'll take "after" photo's when I take the style down.

The sides were parted into eight sections, four rectangular and four triangular, that I threaded before twisting two together to make the swirls. I knew that I would be twisting and pinning them up so although the thread is attached firmly at the root it isn't too tight.

Learning how to hold my hands and complete the movements to keep the thread taut against my hair was a bit frustrating, but I was really happy when I finally figured it out. I love that this is a traditional African technique that I can incorporate into my life.

I did have some concern about the thread cutting into or tearing my hair, so I made sure to coat each section in beeswax before wrapping to help with slippage. The additional beeswax on my hands made moving the thread around my hand fairly simple as well.

My husband and I went out for a late lunch today, and I was amazed by the number of people who stared and stopped to talk to me about my hair. I'm glad that my styles can encourage conversation and that most of the time I have the time to stop and share.

My plan is to leave this up until Thanksgiving or so and then try out another style that I'm dreaming up.

If you've ever worn a style that incorporated African Threading/Ghana Braids, I'd love to hear about it!