Choosing Material
Before your stylist is able to apply weaves to your hair, decide what type of weave you prefer. Two types of weaves are available--real and synthetic. Real hair is made from real hair. It's typically easier to manage and looks more natural, making it the better choice for free-flowing styles, says Brownskin.net. Unfortunately, it's the more expensive choice in hair weaves. Synthetic weaves are typically much cheaper, but they may not last as long and be more obvious. Talking with your stylist can help you decide which type of weave is best for you.
Application
Choose between two methods of weave application, each with their own distinct pros and cons. A sewn-in weave starts when your hair is braided into tight cornrows lengthwise on your head, leaving the top layer of hair in the middle of your scalp free to cover the weave so that it's virtually invisible. The racks of hair weave are then sewn into the tight braids with a needle and thread, securing them tightly to the scalp. A sewn-in weave usually lasts longer but can be painful and damage the hair because it's handled roughly during the process.
You may also choose bonding. When choosing a bonded weave, it's important to note that the tracks of hair are basically glued to the roots of the hair, securing the extensions close to the scalp. The glue used when bonding extensions can cause severe damage to the hair and scalp, but bonding is ultimately less painful than sewn-in extensions.
Care
Once the extensions are placed in the hair, you'll need to care for them each day. Human hair or real extensions are washed and cared for each day as if you were caring for your own, natural hair. If you have synthetic extensions, you should avoid getting them wet, opting to clean them only once a week.
Sewn-in extensions usually last up to three months; bonded extensions last one to two months, according to Hair-Dressing.com. When you're ready to have them removed, visit your hairstylist to have them taken out professionally to avoid any further damage to existing hair.
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