Hair-Wrapping Information

Hair wrapping is a styling technique that African-American women use to create a smooth, straight hairstyle or to maintain a smooth, straight style while sleeping. Hair wrapping is not to be confused with hair wraps, which are a craft-like hair technique that wraps embroidery floss around a single braid. Professional hair stylists use various techniques for wrapping hair, some of which a woman can do at home. Regardless of which technique you use, you should be able to comb out silky, straight locks.

Basic Hair Wrapping Method

After your hair has been straightened or before bedtime, run a comb through the hair. Part hair according to the style you desire--center part or side part. Take one section of hair and comb or brush it with a paddle brush around the head. The direction of the wrap is your preference. If you have layered hair, you may need to secure the first section with a hair clip or bobby pin.

Take your remaining section and wrap it in the same direction you wrapped the first section, using a comb or paddle brush. Secure it with a hair clip or bobby pin. If you wish, use a shine spray to finish the wrap.

Saran Wrap Method

After the hair is wrapped around the head, it needs another step to secure it and keep it smooth. One method is to use Saran Wrap or any similar plastic wrap to hold the hair in place. This is not recommended for wrapping the hair at bedtime, because the plastic wrap may make your scalp sweat, which can frizz your hair at the roots.

Tear off a sheet of plastic wrap about the length of your arm. Center the sheet at the back of the head and wrap around the head one end at a time. Tear off another sheet of plastic wrap about the same length as the first and place at the back of the head. This time you will wrap each end so that it covers the top of head.

Sit under a hooded dryer from 15 to 30 minutes. Remove the plastic wrap. Comb the hair straight.

Silk Scarf Method

After the hair is wrapped around the head, put a little oil or conditioning hair dressing in the palm of your hand. A dime-size dab should be sufficient. Rub it between your hands briskly and then smooth the oil or hair dressing around the hair for added shine.

Center a silk scarf at the back of the head and secure it with a hair clip or bobby pin. Take one end of the scarf and wrap it around the head. Secure the piece with a hair clip or bobby pin. Take the remaining end of the scarf and angle it upward as you wrap it around the head so the piece will cover the top of the head. Secure this piece with a hair clip or bobby pin. If you wish, you can put a head band around the scarf to secure it.

References

• Saran Wrap Treatment
• Hair Wrapping Part 2
• Black Hair Growth Techniques: Hair Wrapping

Resources

• Lottabody Hair Wrap Products
• How to Wrap Black Hair