**Key Concepts**

**Key Concepts**

Every woman will likely have a different take on it, I am sure, but this is what I have learned (so far).

1.  Weight and balance are everything.  Think about the hairstyles that used to work for you before you covered.  What was your go to, "thrown up," sweat pant do?  Maybe you only turned to it when your kids were sick or when you were cooking or cleaning, but COMFORT IS KEY.  You need to base the weight distribution of the headcovering off of the weight distribution of that style.  As you get better, you can use other styles for models.  I always preferred a midway bun on the back of my head, a bun on top center, or a side-skewed bun and you will see that I typically have my up do in the same place. If ever a covering is not comfortable (and by that, I mean outside of constantly noticing your head is now different the first few times ya do it), then that particular covering is not right for you.  You will find your gravity spot (I don't know if that's even a real phrase but it sounds befitting of what I'm trying to stay).  Do not put all of the weight on your actual hair in any way that is uncomfortable (and if you have thin hair, not hardly at all).  Covering actually should benefit your hair if done right, NOT hurt it.

2.  It's just like anything else you do with your hands - practice and muscle memory are CRITICAL.  And that means exactly what it sounds like - you have to practice working the scarves or material you choose to use - I actually have a skirt turned headcovering (well, almost ;)  My brother, when teaching me how to drive, told me that you have to know the limitations (and power) of your vehicle.  Same concept applies here.  Practice tying your scarves (I recommend starting with just one, will elaborate in another installment) in knots.  Practice covering your head with it.  Fold it over and lay it over your head.  Know it's thickness and lengths and build the muscle memory in your hands because it will be CRUCIAL to making secure headcoverings.

3.  YOU CANNOT FORCE IT.  This is, perhaps, more accurately key concept 2.5 but it's a very important lesson I learned early on and it seems so simple (yet is probably the simplest mistake to make). And that is that the scarf will not bend beyond it's limitation.  It will not stretch longer than it is.  It will not change it's nature even when it evolves into a more majestic form.  This is especially important when tying knots to secure the covering.  I always wanted to position the knot in a certain spot (say, behind and slightly below my left ear) and then tie it.  However, the knot is the priority, the correct order should be tie and then position (you will get better at tying it so that it CAN be positioned with when you develop that muscle memory).

4. Learn a basic knot and stick with it.  Once you are SO used to that one, expand on it.  As cool as it would be, I'm sure even Wrapunzel didn't wake up wrapping all of her awesome coverings after one night.  Keep It Simple.

5.  You're not always gonna succeed.  I cover in stages - I try something new around the house until I am comfortable with it.  Sometimes - SOMETIMES they fall down.  Or even *gasp* OFF!! Make sure you have a strong foundation (will discuss in another installment) and always carry an extra covering with you if you are like me and can't stand to be uncovered.  I can honestly say (Praise Yah!) I have never actually come uncovered in public, you will almost always have plenty of warning that the headcovering has begun to slip (or come undone).  But don't let failure get you down, just keep reminding yourself that the experience helped you build up your awesome muscle memory!  ;)