What You Didn't Know About Hair Weaves

A woman's clothing, attitude, and presence are all ways that she can define her personality. Hair weaving is a very popular way of allowing women to express themselves through their hairstyles. Weaves are often called 'hair integration' or 'extensions'.

A lot of women may shy away from hair weaves because they are scared their weave will turn out like a style from the 1960s. If you've ever seen these horrid weaves, you know that they often looked fake and never blended properly with the natural hair. But today, hair-weaving techniques have become so advanced that even short styles like pixie cuts, bobs, and other chin-length styles look great when enhanced with a weave!

There are many factors to consider if you're thinking of getting a hair weave, from the type of hair weaving technique to the type of extension hair used. Types of extension hair can be summed up in two basic categories: human and synthetic hair. Synthetic hair is less expensive than human hair, but it has come a long way since the early days of synthetic hair. Now, you can find synthetic hair that comes on a weft form and that can be styled using heated styling appliances.

There are also several different ways of attaching the extension hair to your existing hair. The first method is called the sewn-in method. This method is safest because there are no glues or chemicals used, and it's healthiest on the hair. The two other methods are 'bonded' and 'fusion'. The bonded method uses a glue adhesive to attach the hair, and the fusion method uses melted wax for application.

Here are four important facts to keep in mind when it comes to hair weaves:

1. Always visit your stylist bi-weekly to ensure your hair and scalp are being properly maintained.

2. A hair weave needs tightening or reattaching throughout its lifetime. This is because a weave is blended with your natural hair, and natural hair grows. Make sure to check with your stylist for specific instructions on caring for your new hair weave.

3. Be sure not to wash your hair for two weeks after first getting a weave. This allows ample time for the weave to set.

4. If you're using a cotton pillowcase, you may notice your hair weave losing shine night after night. Replacing your cotton pillowcase with a silk pillowcase will help stop this loss of shine.

You may get so busy maintaining your weave that you unconsciously neglect your scalp. An unhealthy scalp can lead to skin irritation and other conditions. That is why it's important to wash and condition your hair regularly, and use a crme-based moisturizer to combat dryness. Before doing this, however; consult your stylist, since the weave method they use may not stand up to washing or conditioning. A good example of this would be a bonded weave.

A stylist will charge you depending on the length of your extension hair, the attachment method, and the type of hair used. The price for hair weaving services may range from $200 to $1,500.

With the proper care and maintenance, your weave can give you anywhere from six to eight weeks of beautiful hair.

About the Author

Marquetta Breslin, owner of Braids By Breslin, has been braiding and weaving hair for over 14 years. For more information on weaves, please visit Marquetta at www.braidsbybreslin.com..