♥ 9 ♥ Braiding Technique #6 - African Hair Threading (Ghana Plaits)

[imacdiva]

Super! I am going to try this on myself!

[TheEmpressSheba]

very informative, thanx!

[andorrapixie]

Can this be done on short hair? I want to try to on myself

[Jepolla]

my mum used to do this on my hair when i was a kid =)

[QueenNicky3]

watching this video I feel so inspired to give it a try right now. Such a great technique!

[TwilightTsukasa]

Seeing this video made me subscribe right away! I can't wait to try this to give my twists a more defined look. :)

[AKIYIAKELLY]

Excellent!!

[frotee1726]

I've tried the technique on my daughter. She loves the look and the movement it gives her hair. How ever my challenge is how to keep the thread in. The thread unravels after one day. Im still practicing and finding ways to improve on my technique.

[punky298705]

Thank you so much for posting this. I'm going to take time out one day and try it out. Have you tried this as a twist out? That's what I'm going to try to do.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@punky298705 Yes and it looks fantastic. If you braid it while wet and let it dry completely its more defined.

[solzica82]

can't wait to have my own baby girl to style her hair :) thank you for such a nice tutorials :)

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@solzica82 You're so welcome :) x

[jcolsonsmith]

Does this amount of tension and stress on the hair cause damage?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@jcolsonsmith Not at all. The only thing you have to watch, as with all braiding, is to not make it too tight at the scalp. Other than that it's a great length retainer :).

[pearlofafrika]

wow, I've never seen this technique before, but I LOVE IT! Thanks so much. I will try it.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@pearlofafrika Thank you! Let me know how you get on :) x

[garabato5]

me encanta muchas gracias , god bless you :)

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@garabato5 De nada!! :). Thank you so much for watching x

[GwendolynRaine]

You mentioned in one of your videos that this gives the hair a kind of blow-dried look? Will this help prevent tangling and single strand knots? Because I've been having a serious problem with those. And can you do this immediately after washing?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@GwendolynRaine Yes to both questions. Anything that prevents curling up and tangle ling will help with single strand knots. I make sure I do this immediately after washing to prevent hair from curling up and getting too tangled. :).

[virgivane]

I cant beleive i found your channel only 2 days ago. My mum used to do this to our hair, we are from Equatorial Guinea. She is an expert however i am not that good yet. Great job. I love your videos, you have a gorgeous family. Thank you very much for sharing, God bless you.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@virgivane Aww, thank you so much! I'm glad you fouind us!! Thanks for watching :) x

[mrsdutchess15]

omg do you still do this.. im 17 but i still wanna try this on my transitioning hair =)

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@mrsdutchess15 Hey my lovely, sorry for the late response. Yes, I still use this and it's great for keeping hair stretched and detangled. :)

[mrsdutchess15]

@GirlsLoveYourCurls thank you =)

[Diamonddusted68]

Once the hair has taken on a pattern, do you every remove the hair and wear it with the twists still in. I think it would look great.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@Diamonddusted68 Yes, we do. It looks really pretty :) x

[beledigrrl]

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this knowledge! I'm always looking for protective styles.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@beledigrrl You are so welcome! Thanks for watching :) x

[sivaarar]

this is wonderful, thank you so much for your videos!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@sivaarar Thank you so much! Glad you found it helpful :) x

[ybw75]

Love your video. For some reason I can't subscribe to ur channel.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@ybw75 Sorry for this late response. Oh no! I hope that was fixed!! Let me know xx

[Morinapaulbell]

Never seen this I love it

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@Morinapaulbell Thank you :) x

[LeviticaLsinG3R]

How long can u keep them in without the hair locking?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@LeviticaLsinG3R I remove them weekly with no problems and usually no longer than two weeks. After that it gets a little more difficult to remove the thread at the base of the braid.

[AquarianQutie]

Love your braids! Hope they help you keep your hands out your hair. I only suggest that your real careful with your edges. (^_^)

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@AquarianQutie Thank you! Yes, they do help you manipulate your hair a lot less. And I agree, you always have to be careful not to braid your edges too tightly. Thanks for watching :)

[Meo9131]

Awesome

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@Meo9131 Thanks! :)

[ananse77]

Hi Nadine. What do you think gives a greater stretch - rollersetting, bantu knots, or threading? Thanks!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@ananse77 I would say they both do a good job. The main difference is that roller setting and bantu knots both give a 'curled stretch', but with African threading I can get a straight, almost blow dried stretch, if that makes sense :).

[mizbel101]

@GirlsLoveYourCurls also the closer you plait it, like where almost no hair is visible and just thread, the strighter the hair ends up...like i always had ppl thinking my hair was relaxed one day and natural the next lolz...but plaiting it that way toakes wayy more time

[Flipsbytch]

amazing I feel like taking my daughters hair out now and putting this in even though i jus did their hair 2 days ago

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@Flipsbytch Ha ha! Once you get the hang of it, it will be your 'go to' techinque :).

[luvlilocs34]

Wonderful! I do this to my youngest daughter's hair! My husband is Nigeria and I've been threading my girls' hair since forever! LOL! It's nice to see it on YT. Stay blessed! And I love your videos!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@luvlilocs34 Ha ha!! It's such a wonderful technique! Thanks for watching. God bless xx

[lydicarol]

beautiful style, I think I'm going to incorporate this into my routine.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@lydicarol Thank you! You'll love the ease of it :).

[MzHypnotiq27]

Thanks for the video. One thing that I am wondering. How do you take it out? I would like to try this but I'm afraid it will get tangled where you have to knot the thread at the end. Or if I try to cut the knot out I will end up cutting my hair.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@MzHypnotiq27 No problem! It's really quick and easy to take out. The only time you may have trouble is if you leave them in for too long. I usually keep these styles in for two weeks. Any longer than that and I find it takes me bit longer to take out due to tangling. Take a look at my take down video "♥ 12 ♥ African Threaded Bantu Buns Part II - Take Down". it takes you through the process of taking out the thread. Thanks for watching :).

[maxrobinzak]

Thanks and congrats on your beautiful baby.

[snuffy0612]

I just wanted to tell you I tried this on my daughters yesterday and it worked wonderfully! I recently subscribed to your videos and look forward to many more to come. I aso used your shea butter mix for the deep conditioner. While I was please with how it kept the moisture, I may have used too much because even after having a satin cap on there were remnants of the oil on their pillow cases. How much it too much is my first question?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@snuffy0612 Ahh, that's awesome! I've had to use trial and error with the amount of shea butter I use. My oldest daughter's hair is very porous and can be very dry. Her hair soaks up Shea butter, so I have to use a lot. My youngest is the opposite, so a lot less on her hair. Mine is somewhere in-between. I also use less in the summer months, because of the humidity. Try using half the amount next time and take it from there. Then add more or less next time. I hope this helps :)

[Ifeomao1289]

Do you know where I could go to buy the thread that you use for this? Or is it something that I have to ask my family to bring for me when they visit Nigeria?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@Ifeomao1289 Hi! I actually use the same thread people use for sew in weaves and it works really well. You can buy it wherever they sell hair extensions. It's usually behind the counter, so be sure to ask. Hope this helps! :)

[maxrobinzak]

I love this technique much better than banding to stretch the hair. You have very fun and informative videos! I do have a question - can I thread my hair every night or will this cause damage to my hair. I found that banding the hair was causing a lot of breakage. Which is better for the hair , yarn or the weave thread?

[maxrobinzak]

Will I damage my hair if I thread my hair every night?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@maxrobinzak No, so long as you don't braid too tightly, you shouldn't have a problem. I go through phases when I wear my hair out for long periods of time and I thread it every night to keep it stretched. :)

[DarkGem34]

I'm Ghanaian too and my mom used to due these types of braids when I was younger (I'm 16) but then my hair was permed.. Funny my mom permed my hair when I was really really young like 4 or 5 and now I want to go natural.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@DarkGem34 Congratulations on your decision to go natural. You will love how much thicker and healthier your hair will look and feel. Thanks for watching! :)

[MonkeymagicsMum]

Is this successful with caucasian hair? It looks lovely, but would need to last a few days at least in order to justify the amount of time it takes to complete in the first instance.

[pepperrgirl]

Thank you!!! :)

[myzzio]

omg! These videos are VERY informative!!! I just learned a couple of new tricks from you today and can't wait to try them on my hair

[JGT318]

Very informative, thank you!

[chimjim89]

I'm nigerian and my mom would thread my hair, there were absolutely no spaces when she did it. It always looked so funny when it was done. I did not like it when I was younger, but now I am definitely using this method as a protective style, the corkscrew look so beautiful I'm going to try that. Thank you so much for all your hair videos!

[makisov]

Scratch that, you mentioned it *blushes* Anyway, I saved you as a favorite. I can't wait to see more videos from you!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@makisov No problem! Yes, I use the same thread used for sew-ins, which you can purchase at any beauty supply that sells extensions. Let me know how you get on when you give it a try! :)

[makisov]

@GirlsLoveYourCurls I can't post links here, but I can message you the picture. It took 4 1/2 hours, but it was worth it. I used '100%india hemp' on the length & EVOO on the ends. 3 days later, they still look so fresh! I wasn't near a beauty supply store, so I ended up using sewing thread, and instead of knots I tucked the ends and tightly wrapped the thread around them so it will be easy to undo when I'm ready for a thread-out or wash :D Thanks so much again!!

[makisov]

This is the best explanation I've seen for threading. I can't wait to buy thread and try this out! Does it matter what kind I get?

[kanon1964]

Thanks for this tutorial! Your videos are fun to watch. I have tried this technique twice on my daughter's hair. The second effort was much better, but I am getting a little unraveling where the thread is slipping out of that knot at the end of the braid. Her braids look a little corkscrewy too, but it's cute. I'll keep practicing!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@kanon1964 Thank you! That's great.... Maybe your daughter's hair texture is softer, so the thread slips. You could try not braiding right the way to the tip and maybe knotting it a centimeter from then end. You could also try double knotting it. You’re right though after you’ve done it a few times, it gets a lot easier.

[Shearandes]

I was on your page earlier today and am back again! I am totally excited you bring such a great element to the other videos that are out there and for that I can't wait to see more.....you make me laugh and I will be telling all my friends about you. I don't know what you do for a living but your editing of these videos are on point and seeing how detailed you are shows that there is only more great things to come and it shows that you are passionate about this!!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@Shearandes Thank you so much! I really love being able to help in keeping our little girls proud of their healthy kinks and curls so I really appreciate you spreading the word. Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment. :)

[PalaisCristalLLC]

Wow thanks for the demo, really enjoyed and I love your accent!! It's so propa (english accent)

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@PalaisCristalLLC :) Thanks! You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching. :)

[watchfuleye2008]

I have never heard of this technique...i heard louloumatou mention your channel..this was so beautiful!!!!...cant wait to watch more of your vids..

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@watchfuleye2008 Ahh, Thank you and welcome! I hope you find the other vids helpful. :)

[prophetikword]

Hi I have a question. I've been trying the Ghana braids, and for the smaller spacing one I can do. But when it comes to the larger spacing one, it looks good and really "cork screwy" until i get to the end and tie the knot. After that it starts to uncoil a little and it doesn't look good anymore :-( How do i stop it from doing that?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@prophetikword Hello! Yes, I had planned on doing a demo on corkscrew type threading, because it can be tricky. The tension has to be really tight for this one. When you squeeze the braid it should feel 'hard' and not soft (hard to explain). Also, larger spacing means a thicker hair portion is required or it will curl up on itself. For this reason this type of braid is actually done adding extensions for thickness, but I've learnt to do it without. I hope this helps. I'll do a demo soon.

[loclover21]

Very nice tutorial!! I'll have to try this one day. Thanks for making this so easy to understand. :)

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@loclover21 You're so welcome! Glad it helped! :)

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@Chirichi Thank you! I actually use weave thread that you can get from any beauty supply store that sells hair extensions and weaves. They sometimes keep it behind the counter, so I would ask if you don’t see it. I'd love to know how you get on, if you do try it on your daughter :).

[morgank98]

Do you wash the hair with the threads in?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@morgank98 When I've taken the girls swimming and some water somehow makes it under the swim cap, I'll do a gentle co-wash to get rid of the chlorine. But the hair is packed so tightly with this method it would be difficult to get it really clean if it was dirty. It would also be quite fluffy afterwards, so it's not something I normally do. :)

[benikka]

ur kids hair just omgg wow i just strted believing that natural hair can grow i'm fifteen and all my friends are talking about doing their hair,relaxer and watever but NOT ME!! i luv natural hair and i love those threading ideas i think i'll try this how long can we leave it in our hair for?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@benikka Thank you so much! Yes, I agree natural hair is defiantly the way to go. Please let me know how you get on with the threading. :)

[benikka]

@GirlsLoveYourCurls i did it last week and imaging a week later i saw my friends with it lol

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@benikka Ha ha! Brilliant! :)

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@benikka Just read the last part of your message. I can leave it in for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the style.

[Longhairstile]

oooo that is so pretty

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@Longhairstile Thanks :) x

[MsGP5]

i love your videos! Is there a proper way to remove the thread without causing damage?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@MsGP5 Thank you! Yes there is, take a look at the "bantu buns part ii - Take Down" video. That will show you how to take out the thread. Thanks for watching :).

[honeycomb368]

What a beautiful alternative to braids and twist. I can't wait to try it :-)

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@honeycomb368 It really is! Let me know how you get on if you give it a try! :). Thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment x

[ChiChivonchichi]

Is it possible for the thread to break the hair off? If so how can that be prevented?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@ChiChivonchichi I've never experienced that. As with all braiding techniques, what you do have to be careful of is braiding too tightly at the root, especially around the hair line. Doing so could cause traction alopecia. NEVER braid too tightly. Aside from that, the string itself doesn't break off the hair. I hope this answered your question :)

[ChiChivonchichi]

@GirlsLoveYourCurls thanks

[nlovelace]

I hadn't heard of Ghana/African Threading until your video(s), and I was really intimidated by it at first. But, this video makes it seem way more accessisble, and now I think I just may try it out. Thanks so much for sharing!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@nlovelace Thank you so much for watching! I hope you do give it a try. The end result looks a lot more complicated than it is to actually do. I hope you give it a try and let me know how you get on when you do :). Happy New Year!

[modhutch]

This is AWESOME! Love your channel & your vids!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@modhutch Thank you so much! I hope you give it a try. :)

[sunshine1buttercup1]

Glad I found you!!! You are the bomb. Can this be done with yarn on the hair? I would love to try this.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@sunshine1buttercup1 Thank you so much for watching! Yes you could do this with yarn. But if using natural yarn, be sure to put some oil on your fingers and run it down the yarn and make sure your hair is well moisturized, because natural yarn has the tendency to pull more moisture from your hair and can be drying.

[yattamook]

THANK YOU FOR POSTING AND MAKING THE PROCESS SO SIMPLE THIS HAS SAVED MY HAIR FROM HEAT I HAVE NOT BLOW DRIED SINCE I SAW THIS THANK YOU AGAIN :)

YOUR VIDS ROCK

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@yattamook Thank you! That's brilliant! I haven't blow dried in years either. Thanks for watching. :-)

[MyEnoY]

loving your vids and your creativity makes it fun.wanted to ask since you use the thread do the girls hair stay pretty much streched most of the time cos i saw the other vid of how u wash and it seems the hair didnt shrink with all that water

thx

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@MyEnoY Yes, I use Ghana plaits for protective styling all week, then I'll take it down on Saturday and redo or take it down on Sunday, let them wear it out for church then redo in on Sunday evening. Their hair is in a Ghana plait protective style about 85% of the time. Also my youngest's hair is not porous at all; so it takes a very long time to soak up water and shrink up. My oldest is the opposite, hers is very porous, so as soon as it touches water it soaks it up and shrinks right away.

[RainbowCJ]

I really want to try this, but my 2 year old daughter's hair is still somewhat short (8 Inches) and I'm not sure if it'll look right. Love the tutorial, though! I will be trying this look next year when her hair has grown a bit more. I love your videos so much and you and your daughters are so pretty!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@RainbowCJ Thank you so much! 8 inches is pretty long. There are a lot of styles that would work with that length. As I add more styling ideas, hopefully you'll find something that would work for you. Thanks for watching! :)

[RainbowCJ]

@GirlsLoveYourCurls Your welcome! I'll be trying it out next week after I watch your video oveer and over--I have to watch tutorials at least 5-8 times before I can do it in real life!

[MyEnoY]

@RainbowCJ i saw this and wanted to tell you that 8 inches is plenty, from ghana n u will be surprised how short some hair is that we use this technique, trust me it will work

[RainbowCJ]

@MyEnoY Thanks! I will be trying out this style very soon.

[enaruvie]

Luv this vid. Takes me back to when I was a kid. My mum used to do them for me here in the UK and in Nigeria too. I used to do it for my daughter too, but she is now a a teen and prefers box braids, cornrows and twists/twistouts. I have another little one on the way however, and thought I'd view your vids as a refresher. Good job.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@enaruvie Thank you! It's such a great technique to have under your belt. Congratulations on your new addition to the family! :)

[TheCocodiva]

Lovin the video's!!! Just wanted to know what do u do when you get to the end of the hair with the thread?? Would love to try this on my kids!!!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@TheCocodiva Thanks again! It all depends on the style I am doing. On some styles (like the one shown in the African Threaded Bantu Buns vid) I don't cut the treads, so I can reuse them. Generally I don't cut the threads until I have completely finished the styling, because sometimes they come in handy. As I put up more vids, it will be easier to see what I mean. In the meantime, check out the African Threaded Bantu Buns vid, to give you an idea. :)

[naturalnessdotcom]

I love, love, love your page. I saw one of your videos on another website and decided to stop by and check out a few of the other videos, but I've been stuck here for about an hour now. I cannot wait to try this technique on my daughter. The result is beautiful and your daughter's hair is simply gorgeous. I have a three year old daughter, so I'm just learning how to properly care for her hair. Thank you so much for showing these techniques. I must mention your page on my blog, if it's OK.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@naturalnessdotcom Thank you for watching! Isn't it funny how YouTube can suck you in like that? lol. Please feel free to mention my channel on your blog! Thank you again! :)

[daisyf2hy]

how does your daughter's hair have movement?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@daisyf2hy A couple of reasons: Her hair had been in protective Ghana plaits for two weeks (In for one week, taken out and directly put Ghana plaits back in for another week). Also, I think her hair length has a lot to do with it too.

[exhale1913]

omg! i learned about your channel from beads,braids, and beyond! I love it!!! This is such a neat idea! Did you say that "weaving" thread is the best type of thread to use?

[exhale1913]

@exhale1913 Also, who do you remove the thread? do you just cut it?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@exhale1913 Thank you so much! Yes, I use weave thread, becasue it's durable and holds styles really well.

[exhale1913]

@GirlsLoveYourCurls I cannot wait to try this on my daughters' hair, I have THREE by the way!! Can you give me some suggestions on where I can buy weave thread?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@exhale1913 You can get weave thread at any beauty supply store that sells hair weaves and extensions. I've found that they usually keep it at or behind the counter, so ask at the counter. Let me know how you get on with the threading! :)

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@exhale1913 The video I'm working on now is a "Take Down" video, to show how to remove the thread. You just slip the knot off the end and pull on it. It unravels really easily. The video will do a better job of explaining than I am right now. Lol. It should be up in the next couple of days :).

[f2thebest]

wow..this is great..

i love african braiding

i am south asian so i dnt have have much knowledge regarding it.

i would definitely try them.

plz do post videos on how to maintain such styles

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@f2thebest Thank you! These styles are very low maintenance.They just wear satin bonnets to bed, to help keep it neat. I do have a video coming up on this and taking it down too, so look out for that. :)

[f2thebest]

@GirlsLoveYourCurls

Sure. Thanx =)

[SallowedSkies]

Do you have a video on how to section the hair before braiding?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@SallowedSkies Yes, in fact the last video I posted - Protective Style #1 - African Threaded Bantu Buns, shows a style using African Hair Threading and how I part it to create that style. How I section the hair depends on the style I'm doing, so whenever I demo a style, I'll show how to section the hair too. :).

[naturalspirit09]

Great video. Thanks!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@naturalspirit09 You're welcome! Thanks for watching! :)

[AmaiGuy]

Thanks for the information. This looks like a great protective style!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@AmaiGuy It really is a great protective style and great for retaining length. Thanks for watching! :)

[nanayana3]

test

[louloumatou]

hey! that's a great tutorial! that's how my hair used to be done when i was a kid. i even recently bought some "braiding" thread (don't know if you know that thin black thread they sell in Afro hair shops?) and planning on doing my hair like that today. thank you for another great video!!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@louloumatou Mine too :). My mum used to use the thinner tread on a flat spool. It wasn't as durable as the thread I use now, but it had a nice sheen to it and would be great for really close threading.

[louloumatou]

@GirlsLoveYourCurls yep, that's the one i have, maybe i will take some shots of my hair "threaded" and put them in a video (if i can find my camera!). It's so good at stretching the hair!

[drica86]

My goodness I just love this tutorial. I am going to give this a try on my natural hair very soon. You are great! I cant wait to view more videos from you.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@drica86 Thank you! You'll love what you can do with this type of braiding. Let me know how it goes.

[stingmewing01]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, I will be giving all of these styles a go in the coming weeks and will let you know the outcome. I have tried 2 and they work wonderfully. The technique you show makes it all look effortless. I love how well behaved your little one is whilst you work. If I did this on wet hair would the hair dry naturally or would I need a dryer?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@stingmewing01 Great! Let me know how you get on! When I braid their hair wet, I leave them to air dry. Thanks for watching! x

[bpwarren128]

I have to try this on my girls. Thank you

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@bpwarren128 You are welcome! Let me know how it goes. :)

[NiaJolie]

I have never heard of Ghana Plaits. I have to try them.

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@NiaJolie Great! Let me know how it works out. x

[HallmarkRocks]

Great demo!

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@HallmarkRocks Thanks! x

[anjuness]

I LOVE this series!! Do you like doing Ghana plaits on wet or dry hair?

[GirlsLoveYourCurls]

@anjuness Thank you! Good question! I should add a note on that. Ghana plaits work extremely well on wet and dry hair. When I've washed the hair I'll sometimes put the hair in 4 quick ghana braids and let dry. It stretches the hair and keeps hair tangle free. Thanks for watching! x