One method for weaving hair is called ”latch hook” weaving. A latch hook weave is a weave that is created by adding extension hair to your natural hair with a latch hook tool. The extension hair is added to the cornrows and kept in place by a small knot.
The basic supplies you will need to complete a latch hook weave are the latch hook needle and extension hair. There are many reputable dealers of high-quality human and synthetic hair, so make sure you do your research before making a purchase (especially if you’re buying online). You can get the latch hook needle at your local beauty supply store or craft store.
The hair must be shampooed and blow-dried prior to starting your weave. Styling products like pomades, gels, and even conditioner can leave excess build-up on the hair and make it difficult to cornrow.
To make sure that you will have the same number of cornrows on each side of the head, start by making your first part in the center of the head-from the top of the forehead to the nape of the neck. Each of your parts should be the width of your finger if you want small- to medium-sized cornrows. If you want larger cornrows, just make your parts slightly larger.
Now that you’re ready to begin to cornrow, you may want to add synthetic hair to your cornrows. Doing this will protect the client’s natural hair when you’re pushing the latch hook through the cornrow. Continue to cornrow until the entire head is finished. To finish, cornrow all your ends to one side of the head. Once you’ve cornrowed as far as you can, braid down to the ends. Fasten your cornrows by burning the ends and sew the new cornrow you just created back to your original horizontal cornrow.
Now that you have cornrowed the entire head, you can start using the latch hook:
1. For a fuller look, slide your latch hook under just one stitch of the cornrow. To thin some areas out, slide your latch hook under the entire cornrow. No matter where you place your latch hook on your cornrow, make sure the actual latch hook is up.
2. Fold your extension hair in half and add it to the hook. Then slide your hook through the cornrow, making sure the latch hook folds down. Don’t pull the hair all the way through; just about 1/4” will work fine.
3. Once the hair has been pulled through, you should have a loop on one side of the cornrow and the end on the other. Take the side without a loop and pull it through the loop to create a knot and secure the hair in place.
4. It’s a good idea to make two more knots after your first knot has been completed.
Do this until you have added the desired amount of hair to each cornrow. It may be necessary to clip any fly-aways or extra strands that stick out and away from the weave.
You can expect your stylist to take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours to complete a latch hook weave, and don’t worry: when a latch hook weave is completed properly, the space between the cornrows is undetectable.
