How to Twist Yarn in Hair
Twisting yarn into hair is an inexpensive way to lengthen hair or try some new styles. Traditionally an African-American style, yarn twists work best in black women's hair. Yarn twists can also be used to create a thick fantasy or Gothic style. This look uses an alternative method that works with any type of hair. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Yarn
- Scissors
- Hair gel
- Hair clips or rubber bands
- Lighter (optional)
- Large needle (for alternative braids)
Instructions
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African-American Yarn Twists
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Cut strands of yarn folded in half a little longer than the desired length of the extension. Comb and part hair into four equal sections. Create equal sized boxes of hair into rows within each section, starting with the lock of hair closest to the middle of all four main sections. Before adding yarn, get each lock of hair wet and add gel to the end of the lock to keep the hair within the braid.
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Use two strands of yarn folded in half for each lock of hair. Keep the yarn and hair tight and close to the scalp. Holding the lock of hair up, wrap the yarn pieces behind the hair and cross one over the other around the front of the lock. The hair should be to one side of both sections of yarn. Switch the closer yarn pieces with the hair. Braid each lock of yarn and the hair underhand until you reach the end of the natural hair. Split the yarn then into three sections with two pieces in the middle and one to either side. Continue braiding to the end of the yarn.
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Secure the braid by tying the ends into a knot first. When all the braids are completed, the having knots at the end will allow you to adjust lengths if the braids are uneven. If you do not like the appearance of the knots, use a lighter to singe the ends. Hold the braid taut and burn the end until it turns a honey brown color. Roll the pieces together while they are still hot.
Alternative Yarn Twists
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Part hair into four equal sections on your head. Braid hair into rows within each section, starting from where the four main sections meet. Keep braids tight and about 1/4 inch from the scalp. Use gel to smooth down loose hair. Cut yarn strands folded in half slightly longer than the desired length.
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Thread six strands of yarn through a needle by wrapping a string around all the pieces and pulling that loop through the eye of the needle. Push the needle through the 1/4 inch at the root of the braid. Use a pliers to pull the needle through if it is difficult. Six strands of yarn should be on each side of your natural hair braid.
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Grab two strands of yarn from each side of braid the two yarn sections with the natural braid. At the end of your natural braid, separate two pieces of yarn for the left and right sides and leave two pieces in the middle. Continue braiding to the end of the yarn. Return to the root. Braid four strands of yarn on each side with the hair and yarn braid you just completed in the middle. Tightly knot the ends, and trim the extra yarn.
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Tips & Warnings
If you plan to keep the style in your hair for a while, use acrylic yarn.
