What's as easy as threading a needle? Ruth's fun new technique for creating simple, sophisticated new styles for your clients. Here, she shares how to do it.

The IBS show this year was a blast! With the Main Stage booming every half hour, serious education in the classrooms and variety galore on the exhibitors' floor, it was borderline sensory overload—in a good way, of course.

Ruth Roche

At the RARE booth, we received such an overwhelming response to the "sew-up" technique we featured onstage—putting up hair with a needle and thread—that I wanted to share the technique with you here. It's a new way to create secure looks that aren't old-fashioned or contrived, and it's so simple to do. The Bardot-inspired look in this photo was completed in just minutes. Here's how to do it, using our "Weaving Decor" thread and plastic needle.

1 Prep the hair with a volumizing product and blow dry. Set with a large-barrel curling iron for body and texture.

2 Double-thread the needle, leaving the length at about 2 1/2 feet and knotted at the end.

3 Backcomb the areas where you want volume (here, the crown) and where you will be making the first stitch (just below the crown) to create a cushion. Smooth this area with a natural bristle brush and twist the hair just under the crown.

4 Make your first stitch through the twisted area and into the backcombing underneath. Place the needle through the two pieces of thread, creating a slip knot, and pull taut. Repeat the slip knot again for added security.

5 Pull sections back on the sides and gather with a stitch, working from side to side.

6 For this look, the bottom was left free and over to one side. Find an area where there is density and create two more slip knots to secure the look. Cut the thread and you're done!

With this technique, you can create any shape you can imagine. It works great on curly hair too. The key? Add security with a ponytail, braid or backcombing to ensure that your first stitch will hold. Your clients will love it, and so will you.

E-mail Ruth at [email protected]. To find out more about RARE education with Ruth Roche, visit www.rarenyc.com, or call (866) RARE-NYC.