How To Weave Hair
From glossy, daring waves to big, blonde, beautiful hair to head-turning neon highlights — now it’s easy to morph any hairstyle you want, just in a snap. And all this more without torturing your hair with irons or dunking your tresses in unnatural hues. Wonder how? Thanks to hair weave, also known as hair extension, which allows you to play up with your hair any way you want just by attaching these detachable hairpieces to the natural strands. Women have used weaves since ages now. Apart from adding length and volume to the hair, weaves also gives one chance to experiment with different colors, textures and styles. What’s more, it minimizes the chances of any damage to your hair and is a foolproof way to add some extra ‘oomph’ to your appearance. Weaving hair is a simple process. You can either do it all by yourself or seek professional help if you need to try out a more complicated style. The article given below will help you to learn more on how to weave hair.
Weaving Hair Tips
Hair Weave Type
Before attaching weaves to your hair, it is advisable to know all about the type of extensions available so as to achieve a realistic and attractive look. There are both synthetic and natural extensions available. So, think carefully on what look you want before randomly opting for any. If you are going for braided or twisted hairstyles, then you can go for synthetic hair weaves. However, if you want free flowing hairstyles, then synthetics will definitely make your hair look unnatural. For the desired realistic look, natural extensions are the best. Another drawback of synthetic extension is that it can damage your own hair and irritate your scalp. Natural extension is safe as it is made of human hair. You can choose different types of natural hair like European, Asian and virgin/raw hair. Go for the type of extension depending on your budget as well as preference. If you are confused on what type of extension to go for, then you can consult your stylist.
Method Of Application
You can weave your hair in two ways—single strand and wefts. In the first method, about 20 to 25 strands are weaved into your hair. The extensions can be applied on the hair in a number of ways like waxes, heat fusion, clamping and adhesive. First, your hair is coated with one of these substances and then the extensions are applied. The extensions will last for a few months after which they must be reapplied. Applying extensions in the form of wefts are comparatively easier. Simply put, weft is a cluster of artificial hair, which is connected to the top of the head like a free flowing curtain. There are two forms of wefts that you can go for. One is the more natural looking and expensive hand-made ones and the other is the machine made ones. Hand-made wefts are made in a way that suits your scalp and head as well as matches your hair pattern. If you are looking for more diversity in shapes and sizes, then you better go for machine made ones. Wefts are attached to the hair in the same way as single strands.
Attachment Method
Now the next task is to decide how to attach the weave to your hair. There are three ways in which you can do so—bonded, braided and fusion.
Bonded Weave
In this method, the extensions are first divided into tiny sections and then using a bonding adhesive, they are attached to your hair near the scalp. Ensure that you do not use excess glue on the scalp. Though this method is very popular, one drawback is that the glue can harm your natural hair, especially while removing the extensions. Also, it is better to go for an allergic test first. Therefore, before applying the adhesive on your entire scalp, take some on a small patch of skin to see if you develop any form of rashes or irritation. This type of weave lasts only for a month or two after which they start to loosen up. To lessen any damage to your natural hair, it is always better if you get them removed professionally.
Braided Weave
The next option that you can go for is the braided weave in which the hair is arranged in tiny horizontal cornrows. First, the crown is covered with the highest braid and then the extensions that you have selected are sewn onto the braids with heavy weaving thread. Now, your natural hair is combed over the extensions to make them blend in. The number of braid rows will depend on the amount of extension that you add and the way the weave best stimulates your own natural hair. Ensure that the braided weave is not too heavy and make sure that the braids are not too tight. This style can last for about two months and meticulous care must be taken in maintaining then. This is a very safe method of weaving the hair because no chemicals or heating is used. To prevent breakage and premature balding, it is better to apply oil in the scalp around the braids. The oil will also keep the areas of the scalp around the braids from drying and becoming brittle.
Fusion Weave
This method is very similar to the bonded weave where hot wax, instead of adhesive, is used to attach the extensions to small sections of the natural hair. Fusion weave lasts longer and hence are comparatively more expensive. An important advantage of this method is that there are no weave tracks and so the hair appears fuller.
Maintenance
For the weave to stay on for a longer period, it is necessary to take care of them properly. Generally, if proper care is taken, a weave will last for about two to three months. Therefore, during this period, the hair and the extensions must be washed carefully.
Regular washing will keep the weave moisturized and not make them dry and brittle. Use mild shampoos and conditioners and do not use any type of dyes or bleaching. Use a blow dryer to dry your hair and make sure that you don’t burn the extensions while doing so. Take care to wash your scalp, hair and extensions carefully, preferably once every week.
