The Kinds of Weaving Hair and How to Care
Some
People experience allergic reactions to the added hair that is sometimes blamed
on bonding and/extension adhesives. Some commercial hair is from animal
sources, some are chemically treated to enhance the appearance or to eliminate
some of the cuticles scales to prevent matting, and to smooth or relax the
cuticles for easier control and styling. This could be the sources for an
allergic reaction. Sometimes people experience breakage of their own natural
hair the commercial hair is attached to. This is caused by the natural hair
being too weak to support the weight of the added hair. Or, more hair was added
then the natural hair could support.
Extensions and weaves
There is
nothing like natural hair, but if your hair needs a break or time to recover
either one, extensions or weaves are a good choice. Whether your hair needs
recovery from former abuse or from a hairstyle gone wrong, these methods will
stimulate hair growth if the job is done well. You don't have to wear your hair
in a style that you are not comfortable with after a hair disaster. A good
weave will add length and fullness to one's hair while protecting it. The same
goes for extensions that are correctly braided in one's hair. The emphasis
should be placed on protecting one's hair. As mentioned before, hair grows best
if left alone. If your hair is well protected by extensions or a weave, the
hair has a chance to grow undisturbed, free from pulling and environmental
threats like the sun. The advantage of weaves and extensions is really that you
can wear any hairstyle while growing your own hair. Most hair loss is from the
ends due to splitting. Weaves & extensions protect the ends from harsh
treatment that cause splitting, which results in breakage.
Artificial hair types
There
are so many types of hair extensions available today that the choices are
overwhelming and confusing. So, be prepared before you go shopping for your
extensions. Make sure you have a hairstyle in mind and educate yourself on the
pros and the cons before you make a choice. Also, be aware of the fact that
most artificial hair, even 100 percent human hair, is treated with chemicals.
If you are allergic to synthetic, animal or certain chemicals, you might want
to test the commercial hair before you buy and certainly before you attach them
to your hair.
The most
popular and common types of artificial hair are basically make of three
different synthetic fibers. They are synthetic, Kanekalon, Tokyokalon and Yaky.
Caring for weaves
Caring
for weaves is rather easy because your own hair should be safely protected so
you cannot harm it. The hairstyle and the type of fiber you choose will
determine your weave care but usually the emphasis will be on keeping the weave
hair from tangling. Combing or brushing is not recommended for weave because
this causes the weave hair to shed from the weave tracks. Use your fingers to
untangle to prevent the weave from shedding. If you need to comb the weave hair
or brush, keep one hand on your head below the track while do-ing so. This will
not only prevent too much hair from coming out, it will also prevent disturbing
the underlying natural hair.
The do's and the don'ts for weaves
• Follow your stylist's advice
Follow
the advice of your stylist regarding how to care for your style; ask how often
to wash or condition and if or how often a touch up will be required.
• Keep your scalp clean
This is
even more essential for weave styles because the scalp is covered all the time
creating a hotbed for bacteria.
• Do not sleep on your weave
while it is wet or damp
Do not
sleep on ycur weave if it is still wet or damp. This avoids matting as well as
damage to your natural hair. For longer length weaves, tie up the hair before
sleeping on it.
• Prevent Matting
Remove
all tangles before wetting or shampooing hair to pre-vent irreversible matting.
Do not use hot water on human hair weaves, wigs or extensions, this will cause
the hair to swell and become matted.
• Do use a scarf
Sleeping
in a cap or scarf will protect your style which will keep it neat for a longer
period of time.
• Do not keep a weave style in
too long
Three
months is the maximum for weaves as well as for exten-sions. If the added hair
starts to mat you risk scalp problems and hair breakage. Also, the normal grow
out time is 2-3 months.
• After care
Use
products sparingly because product residue will build up in the underlying
added hair. If you must use a conditioner or a moisturizer, apply sparingly to
both added & natural hair. Also rinse thoroughly after shampooing.
This Article is transcribed from article of Dr. Edward Tony Lloneau on BNB Magazine.
