*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.
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| 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.
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| Feeling like Janelle Monae with my side pomps, lol. |
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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.
