Thinking about getting a weave? Do you know which kind you want? Do you know the difference between bonding and fusion, or a sew in and a Malaysian? What hair will you use? Is it human or synthetic? These are some of the things you should know before seriously jumping into the world of weaves. Be it to grow your hair, for a special occasion, or to give your hair a rest from heat and chemicals, a weave can be a wonderful thing if done properly.
Weaving Techniques
Choosing the right weaving technique is very crucial. There are many different techniques and the one you decide to use should be based on how you want to wear your hair. Also, each technique has a different price tag ranging from around $60 for bonding to around $600 for a fusion. Along with choosing the technique that best fits the hair style you are going for, you should pick the technique that fits into your budget. Here are a few of the most popular weave techniques being used and the “pros” and “cons” of getting each done.
Bonding (lasts 1 to 2 weeks)
Bonding is the easiest, least expensive, type of weave you can get. It is so easy that many people do this techniques themselves in their home. The tracks are glued on to the hair(just below scalp) with a synthetic glue. This technique is best if you want to make your natural hair look thicker, and/or longer without the use of braids.
Pros: Quick and easy. Doesn’t cost much. Looks very natural
Cons: Temporary. Glue damages hair and may cause bacteria to build up on scalp.
Sew-in ( lasts 1 to 3 months)
This technique is the most popular of all the weaving techniques. Your natural hair is braided in a pattern(either circular or cornrowed to the back), and the weave is sewn on to the braids. You can choose between getting a partial(leaving some of your natural hair out to blend with the weave), or a full (no hair left out)weave. Many women use this technique to grow their hair out, or to give their natural hair a rest from chemicals and heat.
Pros: Hair gets a rest from heat and chemicals,and may help hair grow long if done properly.
Cons: If not done properly, natural hair may begin to break and become damaged. If the braids under the weave aren’t dried completely after being washed, bacteria and fungus could settle on the braids.
Malaysian (1 to 3 months)
Malaysian weaves are somewhat similar to a sew in only it does not use braids. The wefts are sewn into the hair making the tracks invisible and the weave very natural looking. With this weave you can wear your hair in a high ponytail with no fear of anyone knowing it is a weave.
Pros: Very natural looking. No visible tracks.
Cons: Very expensive; starting at around $300.
Fusion (6 months)
Fusion(or strand by strand) is the most versatile and most natural looking weave you can get. Strands of bulk hair are glued to strands of natural hair. Anything you do with your own hair, you can do with the fusion since the hair is placed directly onto you own hair. No one will know that you added extensions.
Pros: Most natural looking weaving technique. Does not use tracks.
Cons: Very expensive;starting at around $600. Very time consuming(you’ll be at the salon basically all day). Can damage your hair.
Choosing the right type of hair is very important. Weaving hair comes in many different textures and colors. All weaving hair falls into 2 main categories: Synthetic or Human.
Synthetic
Synthetic hair is made with different types of synthetic fibers. It is much cheaper than human hair and it doesn’t last as long. Synthetic hair is more likely to tangle and frizz, and it isn’t as free flowing as human hair. If you decide to use synthetic, keep it away from heat. Heat will melt the synthetic fibers, so unless the hair package says otherwise DO NOT USE HEAT.
Human
Human hair is more versatile and can be colored, relaxed, and heated. It is more expensive than synthetic hair, but worth it because you can do more with it. Human hair is better for blending with your natural hair because it comes in different textures. Most human hair comes from places such as Asia and India and are treated to mimic different hair textures. Human hair textures include Yaki(relaxed), Silky(Asian texture), and Kinky(naturally curly).
What is Remy?
Remy hair is known as the best hair you can buy. It is less likely to tangle, because the cuticles are still intact and are going in the same direction. The hair is very natural looking. Remy hair is very expensive,but is worth the money because it can be reused over and over. There different types of Remy hair, virgin and non virgin. Virgin Remy hair is hair that has not been treated with any chemicals and is in the same condition as it was when it came off the donor’s head. Non-Virgin Remy hair has been chemically treated to change the color or to make that texture more consistent since, 9 times out of 10, if you order more than 4 oz. of hair the hair did not come from the same donor meaning that the textures may be slightly different. This is one disadvantage of using Virgin Remy hair.
Caring For Your Weave
Now that you have chosen your hair,and gotten your technique of choice done, you need to know how to care for your weave and make it last. One thing about wearing a weave is that you cannot use the same hair products on your weave that you use on your natural hair. Women of color tend to have dry hair which means that they tend to use greasy/ oily products on their hair such as oil sheen, hair grease, and pressing creams. These things cannot be used on your weave, even if it is a relaxed texture. An oily weave will not last long, because it is more likely to tangle and frizz up. Instead use anti-frizz hair products and non-greasy hair products. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo and deep conditioner. If wearing a sew in, make sure that the braids underneath the weave get completely dry to prevent bacteria and fungus from growing on the braids. Blow dry hair on low to medium heat and always use hair product that protect your hair from heat. If doing hair isn’t for you, then go to a salon and let a stylist wash and style your hair every 1 to 2 weeks.
These are just the basics that you should know if you decide to get a weave. There are many other weaving techniques out there that I didn’t talk about in this article, so if none of these techniques are right for you there may be another one out there that you might like. Also, make sure that you find a stylist that knows what he/she is doing. Many stylist claim they can do weaves, but don’t really have the expertise. Ask around about beauticians in your area, and which ones do the best work. Be prepared to pay a little bit more if you go to a really good stylist since good quality work, like good quality hair, tend to cost more money. If you want more information on types of weaves, there are many different sites where you can ask and receive advice about what you want. Ask as many questions as you need to make sure you have the best experience possible.
