This method works best on skinny braids, such as box braids or goddess braids. It is not recommended for thicker braids, such as pigtails.
Kanekalon braiding hair is the standard type of synthetic hair used for box braids. [2] X Expert Source Ndeye Anta NiangHair Stylist & Master Braider Expert Interview. 10 January 2020. It will work the best for thin, micro braids. Its wavy, crimped texture will be easier to work with and won’t be visible in the completed braid. If synthetic hair gives you an allergic reaction, you can use real human hair instead. Or, for a more cost-effective alternative, try hypoallergenic synthetic hair. [3] X Expert Source Ndeye Anta NiangHair Stylist & Master Braider Expert Interview. 10 January 2020. If you are working on a single braid or a pair of pigtails, match the extension hair to your real hair’s texture.
Make sure that you still have a few inches/centimeters of hair left on the short/thin strand.
Real hair: straighten the hair with a flat iron on a low setting. Synthetic or kanekalon hair: dip the hair in boiled water, then pull it out. Wrap the hair in a towel to remove as much water as possible, taking care to not burn yourself. Then, smooth the fibers out with your fingers and let the hair dry.
If your hair very long, finish the cornrows as regular braids. Tuck them against your nape, and sew them to the adjacent braids.
This style is known as crochets.
Marley hair is very fluffy. If you pull on it, the strands will come together and appear smoother. Marley hair separates into locks on its own. If it doesn’t, pull out a pencil-thick lock that shrinks to the thickness of yarn when stretched out.
Plan on leaving about 1 to 2 inches (2. 5 to 5. 1 cm) of space between the strands in the back of your head, and even less space in the front. Use thicker strands in the back, and thinner strands in the front. This will help your hair look fuller while still staying natural in appearance. Go over your head with your fingers when you are done, then fill in any areas that feel too thin.
Brush the hair like you would your own hair: gently and starting from the ends. Applying product is optional and not always necessary. You want the hair to be moisturized, but not so much that it looks shiny or becomes matted because you used too much product.
You can try curling the strands using a no-heat method, such as foam rollers, but they may still end up frizzy. Refill the cup with hot water periodically. If the water cools down too much, it won’t curl the hair.
Depending on the quality of your Marley hair, the highest setting on your hair dryer should be safe. If you need to, hold the nozzle further away from the strands. The sections you are working in should be just a little narrower than the width of your hairdryer’s nozzle.
