Q. What exactly is a latch hook, do you carry them and if not, where can I find them?
A. A latch hook is actually a tool that was originally devised for latch hooking rugs (perhaps you remember having a little rug kit as a child!). They have since become popular in the hair industry with various types of braid and weave styles.
UPDATE AS OF 2/26/08: We just recently ordered latch hooks and WILL be making them available to you very, very soon! Please check back or visit www.herspecialhair.com to sign up for our free newsletter so you can be informed when we make the announcement of their availability!
Photo of a standard latch hook
Q.
I started my locs with twists/coils and palmrolled for a while.
Will there be a noticable difference in the look of the palmrolled
sections and the latched sections?
A.
I conducted a poll on a popular natural hair discussion board
regarding this issue and found out from the responses given that
there will be a difference at first. But, the difference
is not very noticible, especially to the "untrained" eye. As time progresses, the latch hooked portion will puff up
and eventually the difference will be virtually unnoticable!
There
are quite a few people who started their locs with twists or coils
and are now maintaining their locs using the Latchin' method.
Most like the results.
Q.
Why are some Locticians against the latch hook method?
A.
Many hair professionals are what we call, "stuck in their
ways" concerning certain things. They were taught (or learned
on their own) a certain way to do things and that's what they're
sticking to no matter what!
But
it is highly probable that those who downtalk latch hooking locs had a bad experience
with it and this could be because the person who taught them to do it taught them incorrectly and they experienced a negative outcome as a result;
or perhaps they're speaking clearly by heresay and have never
actually used the technique themselves.
Some
locticians can and will (willingly) latch hook locs
either from the start or as a form of maintenance. There are others
who either don't know about it, don't want to learn it, or know
how but just prefer not to do it for whatever reason.
But
I do know this (from personal experience as having been a hair stylist):
Most (not all, but many) hair professionals like doing things that don't take up a lot of time
so that they can get more clients in the chair per day. Latching is
more time-intensive than doing twists or even better yet, comb
coils and it's definitely more time consuming than palmrolling
a head of locs. They
can get a client in and out fairly quickly if they palmroll and
put them under the dryer (meanwhile another head in the chair
while the other dries); but to latch them...takes longer and means
less 'heads' and less money... unless they charge a price that will
greatly compensate.
Q.
Can I do this method with my fingers?
A.
Sure, you can use your fingers! Many people do and if that's
what you're more comfortable with, then by all means do what feels
best! Only thing is that you may not be able to get that close
to the scalp (which really isn't a bad thing because it prevents
accidental overtightening). This topic is also addressed in the
Latchin' eManual.
Q.
Why a latch hook? Why not a crochet needle instead?
A.
Actually, many people use a crochet needle. Some prefer it.
But from my personal experience, the crochet needle's hook
snags on the hairs as you're pulling it through. This is why I
prefer the latch hook because the little hinge on the latch hook
flips up and closes right on top of the hook to prevent the hook
from grabbing and snagging hairs as it's being pulled through
the roots.
But
if you try it with a crochet needle and like it, that's fine...use
whatever is easier for you!
Q.
My locs were started with comb coils and I'd like to switch to
latching. How long do I have to wait before I can begin tightening
in this manner?
A.
Locs started with coils are the most prone to unravel with
too much manipulation in the early stages. This is why I suggest
that individuals who started with coils wait until the coils are "settled" (where you can shampoo without the coils coming
undone for the most part) before attempting to latch. But those
who started with 2-strand twists or braids can start immediately.
Q. Is this method dangerous or painful?
A. NO! This method is very gentle on the hair WHEN and IF done PROPERLY. Much of this is covered in the ebook. As for being painful, the only time I've ever experienced any discomfort was if it was done too tightly to the scalp similar to when getting braids done too tightly (or if your locs haven't been separated and are joined by a few hairs or so) but if you follow my suggestions, there should be no pain aside from possibly a slight tenderness that should go away either the same day or by the next day. The latch hook is smooth and rounded at the tip and has a little 'latch' to enclose the loc against the hook, so there is no risk of scratching or damaging the scalp or ripping the hair out.
Q. Can I START my locs with this method and is this covered in your ebook?
A. You sure can! However, currently this is not covered in the ebook because it's mainly dealing with how to TIGHTEN pre-exisiting locs. However, keep on the look out for the forthcoming, "How to Start Your Locs Using the Latchin' Technique", again, complete with step-by-step illustrations and instructions! :-)
