Hair Weave: How To Maintain Your Own Hair Weave

We have all been there. It’s three in the afternoon on a Saturday and you receive an invitation to a sold-out concert that starts at half past seven. You have the perfect outfit, the only problem: YOUR HAIR. It’s too late to get an appointment with your stylist, so what’s a girl to do? Do it yourself, it’s easier than you think.

Maybe you got a text from that guy you really like, asking if you want to meet him for a drink later that night. Wouldn’t it be great if you could walk around sporting new hair extensions? You can, just do it yourself.

A hair weave is a non-invasive way to change your appearance, whether it’s changing color, texture, length, or volume. However, it is imperative that you take precautions to minimize the risk of damaging your natural hair and scalp. It’s entirely possible to wear the latest celebrity looks without the damaging effects of chemicals and excessive heat.

I was terrified the first time I tried weaving my own hair (but I found a great step-by-step guide I downloaded from the internet). My first concern was how would I look? Second, I wanted to protect and grow my own hair while wearing the weave. While it wasn’t perfect the first time, it turned out much better than I expected. The more I practiced, the better my result was. Now my hair looks better than some of my friends who pay hundreds of dollars to a professional stylist. If you can do it… so can you.

In addition to learning how to style your hair on the go, imagine how much money you could save by learning how to style your own hair. At a cost of $20-$60 to tighten tracks every two weeks, you could actually save quite a bit of money.

The basic steps are simple:

1. Select your style and buy the hair that will give you the desired result. Human hair is always better.

2. Prepare your hair by removing any existing strips or braids.

3. Wash, condition and dry your hair.

4. Select a braid pattern that works with your desired look, working around any side part or bangs.

5. Braid your hair and secure the braid to prevent it from coming undone.

6. Finally, complete the track by attaching the hair to your braid.

7. Once the hair is secure, go outside and get a professional cut. If you try to cut your hair yourself, it will likely look unnatural.

If you perfect these tips, your hair will last and be flawless! For those who already have a hair weave, the following are some simple tips to keep your style fresh:

1. Learn to brush your hair while holding the head close to your head with one hand. This prevents unnecessary tugging and pulling that will prematurely loosen the tissue.

2. To maintain vibrancy and shine, shampoo your hair weekly (never more than two weeks) and avoid alcohol-based hair care products.

3. Brush your hair well before shampooing to remove all tangles, be sure to lift each track and rinse out any accumulated residue.

4. At bedtime, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf. Pillowcases and cotton sheets can negatively affect the shine of your hair.

Finally, here are some do’s and don’ts that will keep you on track:

• YES – Buy quality hair. If your hair doesn’t “move” when you walk, you are either using synthetic (not human) hair, or you haven’t washed your hair in more than 10 days.

• DON’T – Don’t use too much hair. To maintain a natural looking style, never wear more than two bags of hair on your head at a time.

• DO – Clean regularly. If you want to maintain the natural shine and vitality of your hair, use shampoo and conditioner every week.

• DON’T – Do not braid hair too tightly. Remember that precise braiding makes the style last, without pulling hard on the scalp. Pulling too hard on the scalp only causes pain and hair loss.

• DO – Maintain your fabric regularly. It is important to tension and serve your weave regularly. This will prevent the wig look that develops when the tracks in the front and back start to loosen.

• NO – Please say NO to glue. To protect and maintain your natural hair while wearing a weave, opt for a sew-in hair weave instead of bonding.

• DO – Cover your tracks. Be sure to leave enough natural hair at the crown to blend in and cover your tracks. This creates a more natural look.

• NO – Do not explain. When someone compliments you, just say THANK YOU. Please do not explain that it is a fabric.

A great new hairstyle will boost your confidence and can literally change your life. Remember: hair does matter!