Hair weaves are a popular way to change your hairstyle without drastically changing the cut and style of your hair. Weaving in other tracks of hair can give more volume, length and even color, making it a good way to temporarily change up your look. Hair weaves can be worn for months at a time, or put in and taken out rather quickly for a swift change in appearance. A woman who is thinking about getting a hair weave should understand more about the history, materials and application of this hair accessory.
History
Since the days of ancient Egypt, women, and men for that matter, have used extensions in their hair to give it a more elaborate appearance. Wigs of all shapes and sizes were en vogue in the late 17th century. Hair weaves, namely the tracks of hair that are sewn into cornrow braids along the wearer's scalp, did not become popular until the early 1950s. Even then, only celebrities used them. They became more widely used with the long, disco-haired era of the 1970s and have been a staple in beauty and glamor ever since.
Types
Hair weaves come in different materials for different price points and application methods. Synthetic weaves that are made from a thin plastic fiber work best for styles that will be braided, coiled or curled. They hold shape well and are perfect for elaborate styles. Natural hair is better for styles that are meant to be long and flowing, as it looks more natural. Synthetic hair looks noticeably different when it is laid flat, which is why it is best for styled hair.
Application
Hair weaves are applied in one of two methods. The first uses tight cornrows that are braided along the scalp of the wearer's hair. Once the braids are completed, tracks of hair are sewn into the infrastructure of the braids to secure them. This is a long process, often taking several hours to complete, and some find it painful, as there is much pulling and tugging of the hair that is laid tightly on the scalp.
You can also have your hair weave bonded to your existing hair. It is a more expensive process, but some find it preferable because it takes less time and is less painful. In bonding, hair weaves are glued into the hair using a special bonding glue that is applied sparingly close to the scalp.
Care
When you have a hair weave in your hair, you should take care of it much as you would take care of your natural hair. You may notice that your hair weave can become brittle. Dr. Susan Taylor of brownskin.net explains that this is because the weave does not receive any of the nourishing oils from the scalp that your natural hair would have. Wash your weave and condition it well so that it stays supple. Style your weave using products that you would usually use with your natural hair, remembering to be gentle. Don't use heated tools on your hair two days in a row. With synthetic hair, avoid heat completely, as it can damage the hair.
Removal
A good hair weave will last about two months, as long as it is applied properly. Never try to remove the weave yourself. Instead, return to the salon in which it was done to have it professionally removed. If you had a sewn-in hair weave, you'll need to sit in the chair while each track of wave is removed and unbraided. With a bonded weave, you'll need to have a glue remover placed on the hair. Both methods can be damaging to the hair through the removal process, so go to a professional with experience in hair weave removals.
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