Crochet / Latch Hook Braids: My 2nd Attempt...!

"I decided to install another set of crochet braids, this time using water wave bulk hair instead of the straight hair.  I will do another set with straight hair at some point but I just wanted a completely hassle free protective style to see me through the next few weeks, or months if possible!"

For this install I found the following set of tutorials EXTREMELY HELPFUL!

First I started off by installing my cornrows.  I am getting better at these and my tension and parting is greatly improved, but it takes me sooooooooooo looooooooooong to put these in.  My mum would have taken 20mins max to do this, it took me close to an hour and half!!!!  An hour and a half for 14 damn cornrows, well 15 if you count the horizontal braid at the nape.

First I tucked the ends under after combing all the plaits into one larger plait.  I decided to put the ends in a pony tail holder instead as it was neater and will make taking them out a WHOLE LOT easier when the time comes.

Next it was onto installing the hair.  I split each section of the Water Wave bulk hair into either 2 or three pieces, depending on how thick it was to start with.  I put 3 pieces of hair into the first braid, then 6 in the next braid and then put in as many bits as I thought appropriate for the other braids, making sure to get them closer together towards to the top.

 

First three braids covered on the right hand side.

Halfway through and it's only taken me 65mins!  This is waaaaaaaay quicker than last time.

All finished and kinda wild looking!!!  I can't believe it took less than 2.5hrs to get all this hair in!

When I finished I created two closures, on in the middle and one slightly off centre to act as a parting.  You just crochet together two braids to create the closure.

Left side

Back.  You can see the little bits of colour 33 that I added.  When adding the highlights I only added about 5 strands of hair (max) to each section of 1b so the colour was more subtle and not giant streaks.

All done.  I LOVE IT!  I need to trim some more and shape this mane but I will wait for a couple of days when the curls have dropped a bit.

When I finished my bf commented that my hair looked like Whitney Houston and asked if I was doing this style as a tribute to her following her recent passing...! He's such a numpty sometimes....

I really like this install.  I hope that a) it lasts a long time and b) I don't get sick of it after 2 weeks!  We'll see.  Anyway, I really don't feel the need right now to be getting all up close and personal with my own hair, it's really making me fed up right now - I have been shedding like a damn dog recently!

I plan to use a growth aid whilst in these braids and have brought some ORS scalp cleanse although I may shampoo whilst in these - I'm not sure at the moment.

Ciao 4 Now