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A sew-in hair weave can take hours to complete, and after sitting all that time, it only makes sense that you would want to keep it looking fresh. Proper weave maintenance includes washing the sew-in at least once every seven to 14 days. Once it’s washed, the weave’s got to dry. Doing it right keeps your sew-in weave in check.
Squeeze
When you’re finished shampooing your weave, resist the urge to rub the excess water out of your hair with a bath towel. Rub hard enough and you may just rub the sew-in right out of your head. You are also guaranteed a head full of knots and tangles if you rub. Instead, lay the towel over your hair and squeeze. Grab different sections of the weave with the towel and press. Continue the process until the majority of the excess water is on the towel and not your head.
Go with Microfiber
Before grabbing an ordinary terry-cloth bath towel, consider microfiber. Not only is microfiber more absorbent than the terry cloth, it is also lint-free. "Lint-free" means that you won't have to pick tiny pieces of twisted fiber out of your weave when all is said and done. Wrap your hair in the microfiber towel, then blot and squeeze. Keep it up until all excess water is out of your hair, then air-dry the rest of the way.
Avoid Heat
Always air-dry your sew-in weave, whether it is made of human hair or synthetic. Unlike your natural hair that receives lubrication from your scalp, hair weaves are susceptible to severe dryness. The use of heat stylers only makes matters worse, so skip the hair dryer when it comes time to dry. Not only does the heat from a hair dryer make a sew-in brittle, it also tends to singe the hair and cause weave thread to dry out and crumble.
Weave Spray
If your sew-in weave is in dreads or braids, air-drying can take a considerable amount of time. The longer the weave takes to dry, the more likely it is to develop some mold. Spraying your damp weave with an antibacterial spray fends off musty odors and bacteria, making sure that your sew-in smells as good as it looks. An antibacterial spray also moisturizes, reduces tangles and adds a glossy sheen to the weave. Spray a generous amount onto your hair after towel-drying and in between shampoos.
