Protective Style of the Week: Weaves
Weave 101: Before you install your weave
Weaves have been and probably always will be a staple in African American culture. Though some women opt for twists or braids as a protective style others may prefer bundles of hair in a variety of lengths, and there is nothing wrong with that. If you're going to rock a weave, make sure you're fabulous and confident with your weave choice. The key is to rock your hair PROPERLY while taking care of your main priority...your natural hair.
Applying the proper braid pattern
Before installation be sure to research different braid patterns and figure out which one will work best with the type of style you desire. For example, if you know that you want to be able to part your hair on the left & right side of your head, along with the middle, then you must have a braiding pattern that allows you to do so. Otherwise, your tracks will be showing left and right - and that's not cute. If you have no idea where to start try to find a stylist who specializes in weaving and braiding.
If having a leave out is your thing - choose a textured hair that resembles your own, try to be as precise as possible. A few sites that offer natural hair textured hair are as follows
www.fingercomber.com
heatfreehair.com
Upkeep & Maintenance Tips
Some of these tips are things that I've learned recently. I used to wear weaves back in high school (God that was so long ago...) and I would literally take the hair out of the pack and hand it to my stylist. No preparation was done on my end. Just slapped it in and strolled out of the salon. BUT my hair was poppin nonetheless :o)
Check out some of these handy tips below:
1. Shampoo, deep condition and spray hair with a moisturizing leave in before installation.- Your natural hair.
2. Find a texture that is similar to your natural hair - this will allow you to have a leave out that looks great, and doesn't require much heat styling.
3. Shampoo weave extensions BEFORE installation. Sometimes virgin hair has an odd smell to it, so it's best to wash and condition the hair before installation to get all of the funky stuff out. You can do the same with your wigs. I'll cover that in another post.
4. Use an applicator bottle filled with castile soap a mild shampoo and regular shampoo (sulfate free) at least once every 2-3 weeks. You MUST cleanse your scalp. Follow this same method for conditioning.
5. Reach in between the tracks, and apply a leave in conditioner, allow braids and weave to dry properly. If you fail to do so it can lead to mold or fungus growth.
6. Try to use virgin hair - it's a higher quality of hair - plus it will last for a while depending on how well you take care of it.
7. Wear your installation for no more than 8 weeks. If you push the limits you could risk breakage and hair locking.
Now listen, I am no weaveologist, but I am certain that keeping your hair moisturized is one of the fundamental rules in maintaining healthy hair. The weave might be popping on the outside, but your natural hair still needs to be cared for. If you neglect the hair under the tracks, by the time you remove your extensions your hair will be brittle and struggling.
Make sure you moisturize!
Good luck Divas, happy weaving!
Love,
- Sassy ' N' New York
Images: (hairstylicious,Youtube - Brianna Rutter)
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