5 Essentials to Taking Care of Your Weave and Maintaining It

While wearing a sew-in weave may be really convenient, it's not totally carefree. Ignoring these tips could leave your hair looking a "hot mess". To make matters worse, you can damage your natural hair to a point weaves and wigs are a requirement and not a choice. The good news is it doesn't take a lot of time or money to maintain a fresh look and preserve the health of your natural hair while it's braided.

First, be sure to brush your hair with a paddle brush ONLY. Bristle brushes cause the hair to shed away from the weft.

For best results, braid or plait the extension hair and place a pony tail holder on the ends.

Be sure to tie your hair down each night before going to bed. Sleeping on your extensions only loosens the braiding underneath. Also, if it's not completely dry at the tracks, it could start to smell.

For general maintenance, I recommend a silicone-based glosser for shine and moisture but avoid using too much oil. Excessive oil can make the hair heavy and cause it to tangle. If it starts looking and acting unruly, it's time to get it shampooed. Get your hair shampooed and deep conditioned by a stylist every two to three weeks. If you do wash your hair on your own, be sure to condition your own hair not just the weaved hair. Do not let the hair air dry because this loosens your hair underneath. Pat the hair dry to remove excessive water and then blow dry it. Be sure to blow dry the tracks also as this retightens your braided hair underneath.

When combing your weave, hold the base close to your head and comb downward. Do not comb the hair without holding it close to your head or you could loosen the tracks or pull out some of your own hair. Your weave can last up to 2-3 months with proper care but can be retightened during this time as your own hair starts to grow.

The results of following the easy steps should result in a great look, weave hair that can be reused (if you're using human hair), and most importantly, healthy hair of your own. Until next time, have a GREAT HAIR DAY!

Discover Different Types of Hair Weaves

Hair weaving is a growing fashion trend accepted by women of all ages across the globe. It is a hairstyle that gives a neat look and also enhances the natural beauty of the wearer. This comfortable and easy-to-maintain style is an age-old haircut that lost its value in the years between but in the recent years the rejuvenated form has gained much popularity. The refreshed form of hair weave is now accepted by known stars and celebrities, thus making it even more ubiquitous. This acceptance by known celebrities has given a new direction and form to the trend in the fashion world.

There are various different ways hair weaving can be done. Each form has its unique appeal and is an easy way for getting an instant change in the overall personality. Look into the following and explore some of the trendiest forms of hair weaves:

Human Hair Weave
Human hair weave is a form of weaving that is styled using real hair of someone who have sacrificed their tresses for some or the other reason. This kind gives a natural look but the only problem faced is getting the appropriate match in terms of color and texture.

Synthetic Hair Weave
Synthetic hair weave is done using artificial weaves that are braided into micro-braids or simply twisted to make a unique pattern. These are temporary attachments used to offer a different look.

Curly Weaves
Curly weaves are achieved by braiding curly extensions to the hair strands. This can only be done by a professional hair stylist. It requires lot of care and maintenance especially while washing and drying hair.

Bonded Weaves
Bonded weaves are attained by attaching the extensions to small sections of natural hair using bonding glue adhesive. Getting this type of weave is a costly affair and requires lot of care especially when getting it removed. If not done properly or removed properly it can cause a permanent damage to the hair. The life of bonded weaves is about one to two months and it should be removed prior to the bonds getting loose.

Fusion Weave
Fusion weave is also a tricky method but gives a striking and fuller look to the wearer. It is achieved by dividing hair into small sections and then attaching the extensions using hot wax. Fusion weaves tend to last to approximate two or three months and is comparatively more expensive than the bonded weaves.