My U-Part Wig and I Learned How To Cornrow *Pics*

U Part Wig

I FINALLY finished my U-part wig. I learned about it purely by accident while surfing BHM and YouTube. I came to realize I just don't have the attention span for a sew in longer than a couple of weeks. Combine that with my scalp issues and it's just not happening.

So, a u-part wig (or removable sew-in) is a great alternative. It's a great protective style and offers versatlity without looking "wig-gy".

I admit, I rigged this wig to high heavens because I had learning curves to get over. I didn't know how to sew on tracks and I didn't know how to cornrow. So, this has been quite a journey.

Sewing on Tracks

I had to find tutorials on how to sew on tracks and practice that. This is the method I used. I'd tried the underhand sewing, but I couldn't get a secure hold. But the time I was done with the wig (the first time), half of my tracks were slipping out. UGH! So, I searched for a better way. This one worked much better for me.

Making the U-Part Wig

I watched many, many tutorials. From my experience, it's a lot easier than it is, but definitely not impossible. If you can do your own sew ins, you can make this wig with ease. The videos I saw of those whose first try it was did struggle, but they made it work. Anyway, here's the one I followed.

I didn't use the same wig cap and I didn't sew mine on, but as far as making it goes, this was the best tutorial.

My Results

Again, this was my first U-part, so please excuse the jerry-rigging.

Hair used is Halley's Curls Gentle Wave Relaxed (airdried)

I love this hair. It is so easy to maintain. It's doesn't tangle and is slippery smooth when washing. It air dries just like this with a wave to it. It needs only a tiny bit of serum for styling and heat protecting. I wouldn't recommend it for stick straight styles, though. It has lots of volume and movement. It's perfect for curly and wavy styling.

I'm kind of "eh" about the right side. I called myself trying to add some layers and that didn't work out how I imagined it. But, it's good enough. I'll trim it up more after I watch more cutting tutorials.

Braided Base

So, yeah, I had to learn how to cornrow. You want to know who the worst braider is in the history of black folk?? ME.

I watched tutorial after tutorial until I ran across this website: Cornrows.uk I literally had to get the remedial version of cornrowing and practice, practice, practice. After a week of practicing almost daily, here's what I got:

DO NOT LAUGH. -____-

Actually, I was super proud of this. I mean, I literally could not do this a week ago. I secured the ends with rubber bands and just tucked them under the wig. I didn't bother sewing them down since I wasn't sure how the wig was going to look. (And plus, I can't sew down braids yet, LOL).

Maintenance

I take the wig off daily. Installing it literally takes 45 seconds in the morning. I wash and style the wig while it's pinned on the foam mannequin. It's super easy! I'm thinking I'll also be able to wear it longer because of the barrier of the cap between the weave hair and my scalp. That means less scalp oils and whatnot building up on the hair.

Having my hair braided underneath gives me easy access to my scalp. I've started back on Megatek this week and hope to use this whole bottle. I'm imagining that I can wash my hair in the cornrows, but we'll see how that goes.

Lessons Learned

Here are a few things I'll take from this experience and hopefully will help you if you're interested in trying one. (DO IT!)

• I will use the overhand sewing method in the video I linked.
• I will use a dome cap instead of mesh weaving cap. (I think it holds the tracks in place more securely.
• I will braid and anchor braid around my leave out to "hang" my wig on with wig clips.
• I will try using less leave out hair, for easier blending.
• I will learn how to secure my braided base a little better.

Soooo, I hope you've enjoyed this long post and I hope it helps you out. If you have any tips you'd like to share, please post in the comments!

I'll definitely be making another wig and will keep you posted on my improvements.

:-)



Posted in: Hair,Weave and Extensions