You may be familiar with hair taping once you hear the phrase “Italian Renaissance.” Hair taping is a historic style of wrapping your hair up with ribbons. This flattering and unique hair style has long since kept hair out of the way for women since the 15th century. As you can imagine, long hair would often get difficult to manage in the hot Italian summers, and hence these up-do hair styles became a popular way to remain comfortable, but also stylish. It’s a beautiful way to show off your locks, all the while being convenient to your lifestyle.
How Hair Taping Works
Hair taping does not just apply to those with long hair. You can sport the hair style on shorter do’s as well - just keep in mind that the arrangement may be different for shorter hair. Perfection also isn’t a necessity with hair taping! With all the texture and braids, a little imperfection can be easily masked. Hair taping can also be worn for a period of time (if you don’t toss and turn too heavily in your sleep). If your hair is on the thinner side you may just opt for 1 braid, but if your hair is thicker, you may want multiple braids. Keep in mind that if your hair isn’t necessarily long enough to wrap around your head, you can try wearing extensions to make up for length. You should also be mindful of the kind of ribbon that you use to wrap your hair. Thicker ribbon can sometimes fold and wrinkled while being braided throughout your hair, and too narrow of ribbon can become slightly tangled when being taken out. If you prefer the contrasted look, opt for a bright ribbon, and if you prefer a more seamless look, choose a ribbon close to your natural hair color.
Hair taping requires a few simple materials. You will need:
- Hair long enough to wrap around your head (but there are alternatives)
- Hair ties
- Hair clips/bobby pins
- A blunt yarn or tapestry needle
- Ribbon (long enough to wrap around your head 2x)
The Hair Taping Process
Once you have acquired all the necessary tools, you are ready to start the hair taping process! To begin, some people opt to use hair that is slightly damp over completely dry hair. Some people also choose to slightly oil their hair so as to prevent frizz once sleeping in the style. This is all personal choice. Next, you should brush through your hair to ensure there are no knots or tangles once you begin braiding or twisting. Once thoroughly brushed, part your hair into sections down the center of your head. The amount of braids or twists you choose to do depends on how much hair you have (most people do two braids), but proceed to braid your hair into sections you deem most flattering and comfortable. If you have layers in your hair, you should stop your braid a few inches before you reach the end of your hair and combine it with a half of the longest braid strand you have. This will ensure most of the ends are hidden and there is as little hair sticking out as possible.
Once all your braids/twists are done, tie the ends with a small elastic or hair tie. Then you can go back and pin down any flyaways or loose pieces you may have for a more sleek look. Next you will wrap the braid/twists around your head. This can be done in many different ways, but the most common way is to start by taking the braid closest to your ears, crossing them over the back of your head, then bringing the ends together towards the top of your head and clipping them down with a hair clip. This will almost look like a halo of braid around your head.
Finally, you can begin to tape or sew down the hair! Once you thread your ribbon around your needle, run about ½ of your ribbon underneath your braid near the nape of your neck. From there you will just continue to stitch your way throughout your hair in a clockwise formation, making sure you are sewing both braids. The closer you are to your scalp (without damaging it), the better your hair will hold. Utilize a mirror when threading your ribbon to ensure it is being folded and you aren’t missing big chunks of hair! Once you get to the middle of your head where the braids are being held together with a clip, gently remove the clip to continue weaving through. You may want to double wrap the ribbon where the braid ends meet so that they are extra secure.
Continue to wrap the ribbon around your whole head and once you’ve finished stitching your hair, tie a small bow with the leftover ribbon at the base of your head where you started - and there you have it! You have successfully taped your hair.
Taking Down Your Hair
Once you are ready to remove this hair style, start by untying the ribbon at the base of your hair, then unweave the ribbon throughout your head. Taking out the stitching may require some patience. Just remember to be patient and remain gentle on your roots! Your end result from the hair taping will be wavy locks.
To Tape or Not to Tape—that is the question
Now you know the details on hair taping! You should keep in mind that while it is an aesthetically pleasing hairstyle, it may not fit everyone. If you prefer a more quick & convenient hairstyle, maybe opt for braids alone. If you can dedicate a few extra minutes to wrap your hair, then hair taping is up your alley! Just make sure to be extra gentle when handling your hair, especially if it’s damaged or thinning.
If you’re looking for help when it comes thinning hair, it certainly never hurts to add a product like Revela’s Hair Revival Serum into your regimen, too. Our cruelty, hormone, and toxin-free formula works to penetrate the scalp and hair follicle for visible results! Our breakthrough ingredients, like ProCelinyl, can help you win the fight against hair loss.
