Using Netting to Add Color and Cover Thin Areas

I had a follower/reader of my blog ask for help with thinning areas for her head of locs. I told her that I would complete an article on my experiment with netting.  I had another student in one of my Sisterlocks classes to share the idea with me, but I had never tried it until now.  How do you like my temporary splash of blonde in my locs above?  Ready to find out how I did it?  Well, read on!

You will need kinky bulk hair or some sort of hair to make it look like a loc.  You also need netting with holes large enough to pull your own locs through.  Worst case scenario, you can buy a scarf with eyelet holes or a headband with decorative holes or maybe even a slumber cap with eyelet holes.  You need something dark or flesh tone to pull the locs through.

I fed one long piece of extension hair through two holes in the netting.  I am just experimenting here.  You can make your own interlocked looking loc and feed it through.  The way you want your "loc extension" to look is up to you.

 I cut away the extra netting in the picture above because I only wanted to try a splash of color in my bang area.

 I started feeding two of my locs through the holes of the netting above where the loc extension is hanging.

I finally got the netting close to the scalp and anchored using my own locs to secure the netting.  I can cut the excess netting away.  I personally decided to leave this extra netting attached and just swooped my locs over it. This method gave me a thicker bang area and a splash of color. It probably helps that I keep a little new growth at my roots anyway.

The Final Look!  

I had no problem with sliding the netting back out of my locs.  It was harder sliding it up my locs versus sliding it down my locs.  This was a great experiment. I will need to make some loc extensions or buy some loc extensions that will blend with my own texture if I decide to use this method for color enhancement.

For those seeking to cover thin areas or balding areas while keeping your locs, I hope that you can see how this tutorial can help you too! Use your own locs around the perimeter of your trouble areas as anchors and as a platform to build loc extensions onto the netting.

Foil Placement: Quality versus Quantity

Hair by Benita Blocker. 2013. 

 Hair by Benita Blocker. 2013

Hair by Benita Blocker. 2013.

This client was ready for highlights. Can you guess how many foiled pieces that I picked up to achieve this highlighted look?

I used the term "foiled pieces" because a few slices were foiled using the sandwich method which is when two foils are used on one slice of hair.  The term "slices" is a parting term for hair by the way.

Okay, time's up!  How many "slices" or "pieces" did I foil up for this look?  Eleven (11)!  Can you believe it?

Foils that are sliced and strategically placed can give the illusion of many highlights.

I only foiled within the top large "horseshoe" area. I used the Wella Blondor Lightener and cellophane foils.

Some people are afraid of bleach, but it's the safest way of lifting "black colored" hair.  The client may be naturally black or artificially black.  Permanent haircolor does not lift permanent haircolor so if you need a significant color "lift, " lightener or color remover usually has to be used first.

I blow dried and styled the client's hair with the traditional stove and marcel iron. I also kept the highlights an inch away from the scalp area because she is a client who gets relaxers about every 8 weeks.

Fiberguard Affirm is the only relaxer system that I trust for double processed hair.  Those with a sensitive scalp may be sensitive to the Fiberguard relaxer system; therefore, I do not recommend double processing anyone with a sensitive scalp or extremely resistant hair.

The Alexis Doll Hair Weave Look

 I just bought this doll from my local Goodwill store.  Her name is Alexis from the "Liv for Hair" World.  She was about $10, but she reminded of a "baby doll with a weave?"

I do not know how I feel about this doll.  I have not opened the packaging yet.  Do you have any thoughts?

I think that her hair is a wig that is interchangeable with another wig that can be purchased separately.  There are youtube videos on caring for the Liv Doll's wigs.  I was in shock to see a little girl taking the hair off her doll and washing/conditioning the "doll size wig." Where have I been?  Now, the baby dolls are wearing wigs too . . .  I am speechless.  I will open my Alexis doll for Christmas.  I will be in suspense until then.

Color Service: Golden Brown Color Highlights

Hair by Benita Blocker 2012. This client wanted golden brown highlights. We wanted to completely avoid any reds. We did it! Pizzazz with a professional finish!

I used two different brands of lighteners. The Moisturcolor Lightener by Avlon has a blue undertone. The Wella Blondor lightener had a pastel voilet undertone color. It may be harder to see in this picture, but they were distinctly blue versus purple in color. I really prefer the Wella Blondor lightener over the Moisturcolor. I believe that I get less brassiness with the Wella "purple" lightener.

I had to use Goldwell mild demi-permanent color to tone. We ran out of time to perform a "clear" color bath, but we did roller set the hair. This client has a type 3 curl pattern. Color service by Benita Blocker 2012.