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So you want to get a weave. You see the hottest Hollywood celebs with long, flowing locks, but you're stuck with a short bob that you can't seem to grow out. Getting a weave is one way to add length, fullness, and a new color or texture to your natural hair. Before you dial up your stylist and make an appointment, find out all you need to know about the process of getting a weave and what you need to do to care for it.
Hair Types for Weaves
Getting a hair weave can pose a variety of questions, one of which is what type of hair to use. Yes, there is more than one type! You can get a weave made from human hair or synthetic hair. Synthetic hair is plastic and is best suited for twisted or braided hairstyles. It doesn't work as well for flowing hair styles because it doesn't look as natural as human hair. So if you want a free-flowing hairstyle weave that can easily pass for the real thing, opt for natural hair.
Application Methods
You don't just walk into a salon and say, "I need a weave" and the stylist gets to work. Along with selecting the type of hair, you'll need to choose how you want it applied. Hair weaves are applied in wefts or single strands. Having a weave applied in wefts involves grouping hair together and connecting it at the top, then allowing it to flow freely at the bottom. Wefts can either be handmade or machine-generated. Handmade wefts are more expensive and more natural-looking, but machine-made wefts offer more variety in terms of style and shade. Single-strand application involves grouping around 50 strands of hair together and applying these groups in sections to your natural hair. The weave is attached via clamping, waxes, heat fusion or adhesive, depending on what your salon offers. It's really just a matter of preference as to which application method you choose. Talk to your stylist about which method would be most suitable for you and your lifestyle.
Bonding/Attachment Methods
You've picked your hair type and application method, so now you have to decide how you want the weave attached. The three common types of weaves are fusion, braided and bonded, each with its own attachment method. For braided weaves, the stylist will braid your natural hair along your scalp in small cornrows running horizontally. The weave is then sewn onto your natural braids with a heavy-duty weaving thread, then your natural hair is combed over the weave so it all blend in. These weaves typically last about two months. Bonded weaves also last up to two months, but they are a bit different. Your natural hair is divided into sections and the weave is then attached to it right near the scalp using a bonding glue. The downside to this is that the glue can often damage your natural hair when the weave is removed. Your final option, a fusion weave, is done by dividing your natural hair into sections and attaching the weave using hot wax. These weave can last up to three months, but are also more expensive than braided or bonded weaves.
Caring for Weaves
So you got your weave on and you're looking hot, now it's time to care for it the right way to make it last. Don't be afraid to wash your weave. Just like your natural hair, it will get dirty, so wash it along with your natural hair every seven to 14 days. Use gentle shampoo and conditioner to wash your weave. Chill out on dyeing, bleaching or over-processing your hair when you have a weave. This is a quick way to dry out the weave, as well as your natural hair. Take care when blow drying or using a curling iron on your weave. If you scorch the hair, it will stay like that until the weave is removed.
Considerations
Although a weave is a quick way to change up your look, there are some things to take into consideration before taking the plunge. Keep in mind that adding length to your hair by means of a weave can put strain and pressure on your scalp. This can cause natural hair to pull out, as well as long-term thinning of the natural hair. Weaves can also cause headaches from the constant pull on the scalp and natural hair. A hair weave can further damage your natural hair by drying it out. When you have a weave, your natural hair isn't receiving oil from your scalp, which causes the hair to become dry and brittle.
