DIY Ribbon Hair Ties For Natural Hair

Have you ever struggled to find the right hair tie for your high puff or low bun? The new hair tie is too tight. The old hair tie has been stretched out too far. Let's not even try to count how many hair ties your hair has destroyed. The struggle is so real. But I have GENIUS solution for you: Make your own hair tie that is the perfect size and stretchiness for your 'do.

RELATED: How To Get The Perfect High Puff

Ribbon Elastic Hair ties are stupid easy to make; literally effortless. If you can tie a knot---then you can make a boat load of hair ties. Personally, these are my favorite hair ties for banding my wash and go. Banding with these hair ties doesn't cause breakage and prevents those weird indents that I get from regular hair ties.

RELATED: Perfecting Your Wash and Go with Banding
 

Benefits of Ribbon Elastic Hair Ties

• No metal to snag your hair on
• Ceaseless
• Incredibly gentle
• Stupid cheap
• Comfortable
• Always the perfect size
• Customize your color

Here's what you'll need:
5/8" (or larger) Fold Over Elastic
Fabric Scissors
Ruler/ Measuring Tape
Optional: Candle flame/lighter to seal the ends

How To Make Ribbon Elastic Hair Ties

1. Measure your fold over elastic. For medium hair ties, I used 11" of elastic. Large (think for your high puff) I used 20". And for headbands I used 28". 
2. Cut your desired length. Regular scissors will due but fabric scissors are best. Fabric scissors are very sharp which will give your cut a clean edge.
3. Match the ends together with the shiny side up. 
4. Make a knot at the ends then slide the knot closed leaving about 1/2" at the end. 

Optional: You can use the flame from a candle or a lighter to seal the ends of the ribbon elastic to keep it from fraying. In my experience, this step isn't really necessary. Because I use very sharp fabric scissors, the ends of the ribbon rarely frays, even after heavy use.

Viola. You're done.  No more headaches from your headband being too tight and your puff or bun will still be slicked for the 'gawds.

Have your say! Would you use DIY Ribbons Hair ties?

Besitos!
KLP

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4 Ways To Make Deep Conditioning Easier

I love deep conditioning my hair. I know that my curls CRAVE moisture and I know that moisturized hair retains length. Like--what is there not to love about deep conditioning---except how long it can take. So here are 4 ways to make your deep conditioning session a little quicker and easier!

T E M P E R A T U R E

Hooded dryers, heating caps, and steamers are all fantastic heat sources to allow your fave deep conditioner to absorb into your strands but who really wants to sit under them? Next time that you deep condition, try warming your conditioner first then apply it to your hair. According to JC (healthy hair scientist) at Natural Haven, applying warm conditioner to your hair is just as effective as the other heat sources---but it's soo much easier!

D E E P   C O N D I T I O N   O V E R N I G H T

I get fried every single time that I say this, but it's my truth: I deep condition overnight. *gasps* I discovered this technique by accident---I fell asleep with conditioner in my hair---and I adore it. Over moisturizing is real; however I can  honestly say that this technique has done wonders for my hair. It also saves me time and keeps my hair more moisturized longer (even without daily moisturizing/sealing. 

L A Y E R   W I T H   O I L

I first picked up on this brilliant deep conditioning technique via Carol's Daughter's Olive Oil Infusion. I layer an oil over my conditioner to seal in all that moisturizing goodness before I cover my head with a plastic cap. Every single time, my hair feels like silk afterwards.

RELATED: How I Prevent Breakage in my Natural Hair

U S E   P R O T E I N

Protein conditioners keep my curls balanced, soft but strong, and thwarts breakage on my ends. My I use this cult classic from Aubrey Organics as a pre-shampoo treatment on my ends about once a month to balance out my moisture usage. However, I'm considering using henna in the future. Strong hair plus subtle color? Seems like a win win to me! 

What's your secret hack for making deep conditioning easier? 

Besitos!

KLP