Overview
Weaves are an increasingly popular way to get the hair color, length and texture you want without having to make any major changes to your natural hair. Unfortunately, hair weaves can also leave your natural hair dry, broken and damaged, so it’s important to take precautions that will ensure a healthy head of hair when you have the extensions removed. Enjoy your extensions, but don’t forget to take care of the delicate locks you already have.
Step 1
Use a professional to do your weave, says Hair-Sugar.com. Depending on the method of weave you choose, your stylist will need to manipulate the hair into tiny braids or bond the extensions to your hair with glue. Either method has the potential to damage your natural hair if you visit a disreputable stylist. Call around, ask for referrals, and find out how many weaves your stylist does each month. Choose someone with a good track record.
Step 2
Choose good-quality hair extensions that will need minimal intervention. While synthetic hair extensions may seem like a cheap and easy choice, they also will need more maintenance if you plan on having a free-flowing hairstyle. The constant styling necessary for synthetic hair can cause damage to your own hair. Real human hair extensions can be cared for much like natural hair, making them a better choice for damage-prone hair.
Step 3
Wash your hair and weave at least once a week, says BrownSkin.net. Without washing and conditioning, your natural hair can become brittle under the weave, resulting in damage and breakage. What’s more, the extensions can collect bacteria and introduce it to your natural hair and scalp if not cared for properly.
Step 4
Moisturize your natural hair when it feels dry under your weave. A little almond oil can help keep your natural hair soft and smooth, and reduce the itchy feeling that can sometimes accompany a weave. Pour a little oil directly on your fingertips and massage the scalp and roots to infuse moisture to hydrate your natural hair, even in tight braids.
Step 5
Remove your weave after six weeks. After six weeks of wearing, your weave will likely become loose under the new hair growth, and begin to look obvious. Your stylist should always be the one to remove your weave, and can check for signs of damage or breakage while removing the glue or undoing the braids.
Step 6
Give your natural hair a breather if it appears to be damaged under the weave, warns Essence magazine. Constant weaving and treatment can leave your natural hair thin and damaged, so it’s important to allow your natural hair time to recover from harsh styling treatments for a few months before you get another weave.
