At one of our recent Tuesday night Begin & Bind: Tie-Along & Jam sessions, we pulled a “spicy tie accent” from the jar: hair rope.

A couple gave it a go. As expected when trying something new, it didn’t quite go to plan — the tension was a little off, the placement kept shifting (and the gorgeous silky hair never makes it easy).
But they kept at it with patience, playfulness, and a great sense of humour.

Just a few days later, they returned to our Thursday jam. Quietly, confidently, they labbed an entire tie… and tried again.
This time? They NAILED it.

Why Hair Rope?

Hair rope isn’t just decorative. It’s nuanced, versatile, and powerful — equal parts beauty, utility, and intensity. Here’s why I love incorporating it into rope play:

1. Redistributes Tension

Our heads are surprisingly heavy. In partials or suspensions, that weight can strain the neck. Hair rope offers a way to anchor or counterbalance, relieving pressure and improving comfort.

2. Invites Breath Play & Awareness

Tied gently, the tension around the head and scalp affects posture and breath. With clear consent, this opens up subtle breath play, mindfulness, and surrender.

3. Creates Push, Pull, Predicament

Hair rope naturally introduces predicament elements — especially when it shifts posture or encourages stillness. It adds emotional and physical tension, enhancing the dynamic between top and bottom.

✨ Top Tips for Hair Rope

✔️ The smaller the bundle of hair, the more intense the sensation.
Smaller bundles = more control = more spice. (Sadists, take note.)

✔️ Got short hair? Try the chopstick trick.
If there’s not enough length to tie directly, twist a small section around a chopstick, pin, or skewer to create an anchor. Great for shorter styles, shaved sides, or thick curls — just be mindful of pressure and placement.

✔️ Plan your direction.
Where are you pulling the head? Think ahead and place your tie accordingly. A small shift in placement can change the entire experience.

✔️ Don’t lock it off too soon.
Especially when labbing or in partials, keep hair rope hand-held rather than locked off. This gives more control, quick release options, and helps prevent discomfort or injury.

✔️ Support the head.
Ease tension off slowly. Never let the head drop suddenly — use your hand to guide the descent. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in care and comfort.

What Rope is Best for Hair Ties?

Avoid:

Rough, untreated rope
Thick, synthetic cords
Ropes with splinters or excessive fuzz

Hair Rope Safety Checklist

Never use hair alone to bear full body weight
Check regularly for pressure, snagging, or hair pulling
Always negotiate first: where, how tight, how long
Confirm intensity preferences and emotional response
Use shears for emergency release
Never rush — monitor comfort throughout the scene

A Personal Note…

I love having my hair played with. There’s something deeply grounding about it — a quiet intimacy that brings me home to myself. If a tie calls for hair rope, I’ll usually be the first to volunteer.

And that’s what makes spaces like Shibari Lounge so important: A place where you can explore these moments safely, consensually, and joyfully.

🪢 About Shibari Lounge

We’re a purpose-built, neurodivergent-aware Shibari studio by the sea.
Located in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex — just a short train ride from London — we offer weekly rope jams, beginner-friendly tie-alongs, private tuition, workshops, and creative events. With some events starting from just £5 or on a Pay What You Can basis, we believe rope education should be affordable, inclusive, and community-driven.

This is edge play.
Let’s learn, grow, and connect — with care and intention.

🔗 Check out our upcoming events:
www.shibarilounge.co.uk

💌 Got questions?
Email us: hello@shibarilounge.co.uk

📍 Follow along:
Instagram: @shibarilounge

🌸 Written by Bex Tatsunawa
Founder of Shibari Lounge & Sakunawa