Woman World Web

July 30th, 2008 by Marquetta Breslin

A woman’s clothing, attitude, and presence are all ways that she can define her personality. Hair weaving is a very popular way of allowing women to express themselves through their hairstyles. Weaves are often called ‘hair integration’ or ‘extensions’.

Weaves of today are far superior to the ones that were available in the 1960s. Back then, hair weaves never seemed to blend with the natural hair, and the resulting style often looked fake. Now, even short hairstyles like bobs, pixie cuts, and other chin-length styles can look even more fabulous when enhanced with hair weaving techniques.

If you’re considering getting a hair weave, there are many different factors to consider. First of all, you will need to choose a type of extension hair to add to your existing hair. Extension hair comes in two basic types: human hair and synthetic hair. Human hair is recommended for most styles because it’s versatile, easy to style with heated styling tools, and gives a desirable ‘natural’ look. Synthetic hair is less expensive than human hair, and often you can find good-quality synthetic hair that can be styled with heated styling tools. The choice is yours.

There are also several different ways of attaching the extension hair to your existing hair. The first method is called the sewn-in method. This method is safest because there are no glues or chemicals used, and it’s healthiest on the hair. The two other methods are ‘bonded’ and ‘fusion’. The bonded method uses a glue adhesive to attach the hair, and the fusion method uses melted wax for application.

Here are some tips for weave care and maintenance:

1. Be sure to visit your stylist at least bi-weekly to ensure your scalp and hair are being well maintained.

2. A hair weave needs tightening or reattaching throughout its lifetime. This is because a weave is blended with your natural hair, and natural hair grows. Make sure to check with your stylist for specific instructions on caring for your new hair weave.

3. Remember that you must not wash your hair for the first two weeks after getting your hair weave. This will allow your weave to set.

4. If you’re using a cotton pillowcase, you may notice your hair weave losing shine night after night. Replacing your cotton pillowcase with a silk pillowcase will help stop this loss of shine.

Even though your new hair weave is a fun and exciting change, remember that your natural hair is still underneath. That means it’s more important than ever to maintain a healthy scalp. Always wash and condition your hair regularly. But beforehand, make sure your stylist explains the proper care for your weave. For example, washing and conditioning a bonded weave can make the tracks slip right out.

The cost of a typical hair weave can vary based on several different factors, such as your location, the type of extension hair used, and the type of weave you are getting. Generally, you should expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1,500.

With the proper care and maintenance, your weave can give you anywhere from six to eight weeks of beautiful hair.