THE TYPES AND KINDS OF WEAVING HAIR AND EXTENSIONS

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.

You can find various Weaving Hair at EbonicHair.com.