HOW-TO: GELE TUTORIAL

Hey all, 

Happy new month! So as you might have already guessed it, in case you didn't read the post topic, this is a 'gele' tutorial. I have been requested a couple of times to do this, but I felt there were enough lessons on social media on how to tie the gele. But when Bolatito, a former brushes n colours bride, friend, and fellow blogger requested me to do this, I felt i should go ahead and cross this off my list. Here's a link to her blog(she always has hilarious stories to report!)

This head wrap of a thing is fast becoming a favourite in many social gatherings. Every babe will tell you that no owambe is complete without the gele. So versatile is the gele that you are no longer restricted to rocking it with the regular iro and buba traditional attire alone. You can definitely rock your gele with western styled dresses(coordinate carefully though).

The beauty of the gele however, is in the tying. Many ladies have been spotted at parties holding their folded gele like a clutch. Others have been seen rumpling the fabric on their heads in different mind blowing styles that are not flattering. But hopefully, with this simple tutorial, we will be able to demystify the many mysteries of the gele. 

Please note that there are different ways to go about this, as well as many styles to choose from. I am in no way saying this is the only method, neither am i saying my method is best. This is merely my 2cents. So, let's do this!

STEP 1:

You wanna make sure you put your hair up in a bun. We at Brushes n Colours do not believe in 'patewo and base' or fringe style for gele. If you are rocking any face-framing style, endeavour to keep it tucked in, somehow. It makes your overall presentation neater!

STEP 2:

Place the gele on your hairline, making sure you have a third of the fabric on one side(it doesn't matter whether it is the left or the right), and two-thirds of the fabric on the other side.

You may decide to pleat your gele beforehand or just fold a small portion before you proceed.

STEP 3:

Holding both 'wings' together at the base of the neck, you cross the 'wings' over each other making sure the longer 'wing' comes to the bottom while the shorter 'wing' is at the top. Just take your time.... 

STEP 4:

The longer 'wing' will now begin its journey round the circumference of your head. You still need to hold on to the shorter 'wing' until the longer 'wing' has made its way, at least, halfway through the journey, after which you are now free to release the shorter 'wing'. If you release the shorter 'wing' before time, the gele will come undone.

STEP 5:

Holding both 'wings' at the base of your neck with one hand, you pull down/forward, on top of each other, with the other hand, the flaps that have been created. Be careful not to smear your makeup. 

STEP 6:

This is the tricky part. Both 'wings' are now at the back. Holding one 'wing' and a tip of the other 'wing' tightly with one hand, you begin to pleat the 'wing' whose tip you're holding. Repeat the process for the other wing. The pleating allows you create a 'ripple' effect in your gele

 STEP 7:

Knot your gele; twice for insurance.

STEP 8:

This is where you carefully raise both flaps, one after the other, while taking your time to style the gele to your heart's desire.
You may need office pins to help keep certain parts in place. 

And we are done!

 Put on your earrings and get ready to groove at your next owambe

MAKEUP DETAILS:

EYES

Rimmel London Pencil in Dark Brown

MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC42, NC45, NW45(for the brows)

MaryKay Eyeshadow in Bamboo(for the brows) 
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Coastal Scents 88 eyeshadow palette
BH Cosmetics Glitter in Magenta

MAC mixing medium (for the glitter)
Guerlain Khol me Kajal
Guerlain Noire Mascara
Duo grey eyelash glue 
Sherani Brown Lashes

FACE

SKIN PREP

Clearasil Toner
Guerlain Meteorite Perles


MAKEUP

MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW50
BlackUp Foundation in FL07 & FL09
Ben Nye Powder in Banana & Sienne
Maybelline Fit me Concealer in Cafe Cafe & Deep Fonce
Ben Nye Media Pro HD Powder 
MAC Studio Fix Powder in NW45
Guerlain Terracotta 4 seasons powder in ebony(for contour)
BlackUp Blush in BL03
L.A. Pride Bronzer in 02

LIPS
Zaron Lip Pencil in Mahogany
Guerlain Rouge Automatique Lipstick in 141
Guerlain Lip Gloss

Till next post hunnies