Ancient Methods - African Hair Threading




This week I decided to revisit a tried and true method of stretching and elongating natural hair textures; African hair threading.

So, what exactly is African hair threading?

It is a hair care technique popular in West Africa where the hair is sectioned and then wrapped in a black thread from root to tip. 



As with braids, threading hairstyles were used to depict sociocultural affluence, as some of the styles are made to resemble crowns or skyscrapers. This hairstyle involves the use of cotton, rubber, silk, or wool threads to completely cover sectioned hair from root to tip. 

This technique promotes length retention and stretches the natural hair without the use of heat.

Notice how the threaded hair is stretched compared to the young woman's loose natural curls.

How can we apply this ancient method to our natural hair today?

This protective style widely used in Nigeria, promotes length retention and stretches the natural hair without the use of heat.

Many naturals today swear by it as the wrapped hair is tucked away preventing the hair from being manipulated too often which can lead to breakage. Stretching the hair not only makes for ease of styling but also prevents coily hair from winding onto itself creating those pesky single strand knots and causing more breakage.

I wanted the look of a stretched style without all the fuss of a blow dry or heat damaging flat irons.

 
Satin Double-faced Ribbon



So I opted for wrapping/threading my hair with Double Face Satin Ribbon hoping to retain all the moisture and good stuff I applied to my curls during my wash day routine. Here is the final look of my threaded hair.

Did I get the stretch that I needed? Find one the video posted below!


Theres so many smooth and sleek styles you can achieve inn stretched natural hair but many of the traditional ones work even better! Check out my quick protective style below.











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