The Process on to Tie African Hair Wraps

African hair wraps are traditionally worn for social reasons and to protect the hair and scalp from hot, dry climates. The wrap is meant to secure long braids or locks, which is why you use a long rectangular piece of cloth. The cloth colors are bright and vibrant. In Africa, women of certain regions and status were identified by their head wraps. Today woman wear African hair wraps for tradition and style.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Pull your hair up and away from the face. Secure the hair with pins or a ponytail wrap on top of the head. The hair wrap is worn close on the sides and loose on the top. You will get a better result if you secure your hair on the top of your head.
   • 2
     Use a rectangular piece of cotton cloth, which should be ½ to 1 yard long and six inches in width. Traditional fabrics are bright colors with prints. The Kente cloth is a West African pattern that is commonly used in African hair wraps.
   • 3
     Take the cloth and hold it in each hand against the back of the head. Slide the cloth so you have more cloth on the right side of the head than the left side of the head. Take the left side and drape it around the head and over the top of the cloth on the right you are holding.
   • 4
     Drape the right side over the left side of the cloth. Secure the right end of the cloth under the left in the back of the head. The cloth should form a "V" shape in the front of your hair. Leave the top end of the left side loose on the top of the head.

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