Latch-hook weaving is an interlocking technique popular with young African-American women. It results in a head of beautiful braids. Quite a few techniques can be used with this weave.
To create a latch-hook weave, you will need two things: braided hair extensions, and a latch hook. The former can be found at beauty supply stores that specialize in African-American hair extensions, such as Sally's Beauty Supply. Natural hair can be used, but is difficult to work with. Synthetic hair is much easier to wash and style. It can be bought straight, precurled or prewaved. The latch hook can also be found at a beauty-supply store or at a craft store. Crochet hooks also work.
Creation
According to Zimbio.com, the recipient's hair should be braided into 12 or 13 French braids. Select an extension and fold it in half.
Starting at the front, slip the crochet hook crosswise underneath the braid. Place the extension into the latch and pull it through to the other side, where it is knotted into place around the braid ("Hair Braiding and Weaving: Latch Hook Weave") with a girth knot.
The Resources section has a link to an animated version of this knot.
Style, style, style
Once the latch-hook weave is in place, the client can wear a number of different styles. The sides can be pulled back and wrapped around each other in a loose knot. This knot can also be worn on the side of the head. Braids can be pulled into a low ponytail, or can be "parted" (using the furrows between the French braids as a part) to the side. Possibilities are almost endless, and all of them are beautiful.
