Hair weaves or extensions are a way for those with short hair to change the style, look and texture of their hair noninvasively. Hair weaves come in two forms, synthetic and natural, and costs depend on the material and attachment method. Weaves can be applied in salons or at home and are temporary, requiring repeat visits to reattach them or to change your look.
Hairstyles
Hair weaves come in a variety of colors, styles and cuts. Human hair weaves are made of 100 percent human hair that has been donated or sold by an individual and processed to remove any bacteria. Human hair weaves are ideal for hairstyles that are free and flowing. They look more natural and blend in with your natural hair, giving the illusion of growing from your own head. Synthetic weaves don't perform as well with flowing styles. They are made of a plastic-like material and are silkier and shinier than natural human hair. These weaves are ideal for braids and twists, holding the shape longer compared to human hair extensions.
Styling
Human hair weaves allow for heat styling with a curling iron or straightener, and can be blow dried without losing the natural feel. Human hair is so versatile that you can style one way the first day and style it another way the next without damaging the weave. When styling with heat and styling products, simply wash your hair as you normally would. Human hair weaves do not retain the style long, however, and must be restyled often.
Heat is not an option for synthetic hair, which will melt when even light heat is applied. Constant styling will also cause it to tangle and mat. Synthetic weaves work better when one style is left in the weave until it is time to remove it. You can curl synthetic hair with regular curlers, but straightening it is difficult.
Prices
Human hair weaves are somewhat more expensive than synthetic. Human hair weaves can be custom made specifically for your hair type and require hand sewing, which costs even more. In some cases the increased cost can be worth the expense to achieve a more natural look. Synthetic hair is cheaper since it is relatively easy to manufacture. Hand sewing will increase the price somewhat, but it will still be more cost effective because of durability and style retention.
Types of Attachment
Human and synthetic hairs can be attached similarly to your own hair. Weaving the hair consists of tiny braids running horizontally and single hairs from the extensions braided in with your natural hair. This method can require hours of sitting in your stylist's chair. The single strands can also be bonded to your hair with hot wax or glued with glue formulated for hair weaves. The other method to attach the weave is called a "weft" or "track" of hair. The hairs are sewn onto a fabric base and attached to your own hair using glue, hot wax or sewing.
To Dye or Not to Dye
Human hair weaves can be dyed using over the counter or professional grade hair colors. Once the extensions are in place, wait up to two weeks before dying. Synthetic hair cannot be dyed, but it is available in a wider variety of colors, and your stylist can pick the perfect match for your natural hair color.
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