Kiko Yato si Kiko: African Hair Threading made beautiful

*Subject Translation: Threading is different from Threading (Literary). There is Threading, and then there is Threading (Real).

Now, I am one of those people who do not really care about what people feel about how I carry my natural hair or afro. If I think I look cool with some kind of style on my head, then I will rock it, no matter whose ox is gored. While at work, I have been known to carry big puff puff style, and even the most local kind Didi you can think of. People stared, while some applauded. I even carried my style to clients' offices. The firm and clients I worked for were multinationals, so you can imagine the level of tushness there. However, I was lucky to work for a firm that is more interested in how you do your job than whether you are rocking the latest style you saw in 1978 Abija Awara yoruba movie.

In my daring spirit, there is one style that has never being my thing as a naturalista, and that is African Threading. I mean, how can a young single beautiful big Lagos girl like me carry that thing on my head? For what na? Yes, I know I don't send. and have been known to do the weirdest things with my hair, but my case has not reached that level, lol.

However, African Threading has many great benefits for Natural hair, ranging from detangling to stretching, protecting, and making our hair healthier and softer. So how do we take advantage of these benefits, and still avoid looking like some diabolical statue? Well, I come with good news. Let the pictures below do the talking.

What people think of when they hear African Threading. 
Now, let us see how we can funkify it, so that ladies of this generation can do African Threading.

Step 1: Throw away the rubber thread
Step 2. Purchase black knitting wool, and add a pop of colour to it. The objective is to make out threading look cool, so why don't we go all the way? Lol
Step 3: Walk to your hair dresser, and ask her to thread your hair. Tell her how long and full you want it.

In the picture below, you will see I made mine really long and full. I made sure my stylist did not section my hair as big as a slice of yam. The longer you make it, the more versatile it will be. The good news is that even if your hair is short, you can make it long, but you will be using more wool, and definitely spending more time.




Feeling like Janelle Monae with my side pomps, lol.



.
As you can see from the pictures, the threading is long, and a quarter of it is coloured (2 extra colours) while three quarter is black. Even though it is mostly black, the brightness of the golden wool makes the hair kinda shouty. The good thing the colour is just in one corner of my head, so I can style the hair in such a way that the colour is covered up, and I get a conservative look. Some people make theirs all black, and add a pop of coloured wool to the end, the choice is yours

Please note the following.
1. Since you will not be moisturising most of your hair during the period you have this style on, it is important that you have your hair completely detangled and moisturised before covering it all up.

2. Please, please, please, don't let your stylist pick your hair tight when doing this style, especially if you are going to make yours long. I made sure it was as loose at possible. Don't sacrifice your edges for any style, please. I have one of the fullest, albeit most fragile edges, so I don't joke with it.

3. Don't let your stylist take 5 or 6 strands of wool to thread your hair, especially if you want the full version. You will end up with hair that is heavy, and overburdened hair strands. 2 or 3 strands is okay

So here it is. This is to prove to you that you can still rock African Threading on your natural hair, and get its benefit without looking like a village girl.

Indeed, Kiko yato si Kiko.


25 comments

  1. i've been in luv wit dis hairstyle for a while now and with the way you used the colours its just so luvly.hmnnnn i like

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    Replies
    1. Thanks dear. Many peeps here are mistaking it for dreads.

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  2. i love it! it looks like dreads! :D

    bt how many packs of wool did you use in total?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used about 7 packs. I actually bought twenty, cos I thought I would need a lot since I wanted it really long and full. I didn't know its yarn braids that needed that much wool, not threading.

      Delete
  3. Wow. This is really nice. I actually want to do this but dont know how to go about it. I do not know any salon or hairdresser that can do it well, secondly, I do have short hair. i just feel discouraged.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol Glory. I have seen your hair, and I know it is short. I think in about 6 months, you should be able to do this style cos you don't need very long hair to do it.

      Secondly, any skilled hairstylist should be able to do it

      Delete
  4. This is really interesting! I haven't seen this style of threading before, but it looks great. I wonder if my hair stylist can do this. How long does it last for, and can you wash it?

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    Replies
    1. Yes, you can wash it if you want to. It can last for really long because unlike braids, your hair is not exposed at all, as it has been wrapped up.

      I'm sure it can even last for up to 4 months, but I would not suggest any naturalista to carry their hair for that long. 6-8 weeks is moderate.

      Delete
  5. Are these genie locks/ yarn twists?
    how do you moisturize your hair while its in the style?

    What many don't realize is that there are many "threaded" hairstyles that could be worn by adults. My aunt use to do the ones you pull, which gives it a "twist out" look. And I remember my hair stylist use to gather my threaded hair into styles similar to the ones in your picture. But just a bit more stylish and less dramatic

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, they are not yarn twists o. I only moisturise the roots everyday, but I made sure the hair was properly moisturised while making the hair.

      You seem to have a lot of experience with natural hair styling. Maybe you can send us pictures.

      Delete
  6. Last time I applied relaxer to my hair was 5 months ago and I just didnt feel inclined to retouch it again in spite of my stylist's advise. Even tinkering with the idea of cutting it and starting all over again to grow healthier strands.
    Already started transitioning but would need tips and advise, lots, along the way. Also been battling dandruff for as long as I could remember. Funny that I just discovered this blog today.

    Will send you a mail shortly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cool. Try not to stay far from this blog. I wish you a great hair journey.

      Delete
  7. Ok, I'm ready to try this. Where did you get the wool, how much was it (so I don't get cheated), how much did you pay for the style (again, so I don't get cheated), and did you wash the hair while you had it on?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wool is between 100 and 120 naira for one. The amount you would need depends on how full and how long you want yours to be. For all the amount I used, I used a total of 7. Its really affordable.

      Delete
  8. Hi. I'm so happy that I found your blog. I was looking into threading as a means to stretch my hair, and was delighted to see that you can also use it to create beautiful styles. I'm gonna try this soon! Much love from Jamaica ^_^

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    Replies
    1. Glad we were of help to you. Do visit the blog from time to time, and introduce our blog to our Jamaican friends.

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  9. AN, u didn't answer Berry's question and it's the same as mine. Lol
    How much did it cost to get it done? Can u pls gimme a price range? Also can I get any hair dresser to fix it or do I need to go to a natural hair salon? Or preferably can I get the contact of the person who did it for u? Seriously hoping she can do home service! Pls reach me on teerems@yahoo.com.
    Thank alot 'Lola

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol. I can't put the price on the blog, cos it wasn't much. She doing local styles for me since I was like 17 years old, so I know she won't take that price from anyone. I can send you her contact, though. She does home service.

      Delete
  10. Alryt thanks 'Lola. I'll be expecting her contact.

    ReplyDelete
  11. If you are on low cut try threading with knitting wool (not more than 5 inches long). 4 to 5 wools will be okay. I bet you will enjoy it.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi am new here am wearing d wool type on my hair now is there any other thread or wool I can use apart from this

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  13. Why should i have to throw away the rubber threads

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  14. Can do greenhouse hair effect on african threading

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  15. whats the best thread/yarn/wool to use/ one that wont pull out hair or damage it?

    ReplyDelete

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