Everything You Need to Know About Extensions and Weaves

So, you're interested in getting a weave? Welcome to your one-stop-shop for information about weaves and extensions.

Weaves are synthetic (fake) or Remy (real human) hair extensions that can be added to your own hair with different methods to add length or volume. When they are well installed, they look natural, so they can be expensive. Both the installation method and the hair can help the weave look like your own. Before getting into the subject, lets define some of the terminology used in the hair extension industry.

Hair extensions terminology

• Virgin Hair:This is hair that is cut with the cuticle going in the same direction and in its natural state. No chemicals have been added to it whatsoever. This type of hair can come from any race and is usually more expensive because of the time it takes to grow and because it is found in lesser abundance.
• Remy or Remi:This is human hair that is cut with the cuticle going in the same direction, but the hair has some chemicals in it. This could mean it has been permed or colored.
• Weft:This hair is held together with fine threads. This can be done with a machine or by hand. Although machine wefts are more popular (and cheaper), hand wefts are more desirable because they are more natural-looking and durable.
• Pre-Bonded Extensions:This hair is connected in tresses with a bonding agent, the most common of which is keratin. There are two types of pre-bonded extensions: U-tipped and I-tipped. U-tipped uses heat when applied while I-tipped uses special devices that don't require heat.

Notice: it is important to keep in mind that there is no regulation in the hair industry, therefore, many suppliers lie about the quality of the hair and will describe them as Virgin or Remi when they are actually not respecting all terms in the definition. They only way to know if the hair is Virgin or Remi is by using it. After one or two washes, the silicone coated hair will show his true quality.

Reasons You Should Consider a Weave

1. The variety.Weaves come in all different shades and lengths. Also, the hair comes from donors of many different races and ethnicities: Indian, Russian, Brazilian, etc.
2. It's quick and easy.Imagine how long it would take for you to grow your own hair to the length that you want. Now, imagine going to your trusted stylist, sitting in a chair for a few hours or less, and walking out with the length of hair you've always desired. Your choice.
3. It's durable.It is very possible to keep your weave in for up to three months, depending upon how well you maintain it. Your weave can still look just as fabulous three months after you got it.
4. No heat damage.Give your natural hair a break from blow-drying, straightening, and curling. Your hair sees a lot of heat from styling. Give it a rest without sacrificing your good looks.
5. You want a big change fast.You've been dying to have long hair and you just don't feel like waiting to grow it out. Do what makes you happy.

The Down Sides

Some things to consider before getting a weave:

• Getting a weave pulls on your scalp.
• After install, weave can sometimes be itchy for those sweating a lot. However, a good hairdresser will give you instructions on how to reduce the itchiness.
• Getting weaves too often can make your natural hair fall out.
• Having extensions in your hair all the time can damage your natural hair long-term and even lead to premature balding.
• Yes, this does happen, but it is rare. Who wants their hair to fall out? But think about this: If you grew your hair out, cut it in different styles all the time, dyed and permed it, your hair would still fall out. Don't let the negatives scare you away. Just like everything else in life, weaves are best in moderation. My suggestion is to wait 1-3 months after your previous weave to get a new one. During this period you should wash and condition your hair regularly and try to avoid heat as much as possible.

Methods of Attaching Weaves

In this section, we'll talk about the different methods of hair weaving. Look for videos below of how each method is done so that you can visually see the process. This should make your choice a little easier.

• Braided Sew-in:The hair is braided with a needle and thread. The weft extension is literally sewed onto the head with a braid. It sounds confusing but it really isn't. Depending on how sensitive you are and how tight your braids are, this can hurt, or it can feel like nothing. If this is your first time having your hair braided, the braids may seem a little tight. If this happens to you, tell your stylist. It's better to have the problem fixed immediately rather than having to take it all out. The needle, by the way, does not come near nor puncture the skin.
• Beaded sew-in: For this type of installation, the cornrow line is made using micro-beads. Then, the weft is literally sewed onto the head following the beaded line. I usually recommend this method to people that have never had sew in. In fact, compare to the braided sew-in, the tightness is only around the hair where the beads are clamped. Therefore, the customer has the feeling that there is less pressure. Moreover, this method is more versatile in the sense that to fixed something, the stylist can always do that anytime during the installation, even at the end. Again, the needle does not come near nor puncture the skin.
• Net weave sew-in:This is the same as the regular sew-in method except a net is sewn over the braids. Net weaves relieve tension and allow the hair to not swell as much after shampooing. The downside is that you will be less able to care for your real hair, as the net gets in the way. If you have normally thick hair, get the regular sew-in. But if you have thinner hair, a net weave sew-In may be in the cards for you as it also adds more coverage.
• Hair bonding (or glue-in):The natural hair is sectioned, and the weave is attached to the hair, near the scalp, with glue. This method usually damages the hair and people are often allergic to the glue. Nonetheless, this method can last up to 2 months when well maintained.
• Fusion:The natural hair is sectioned and attached strand-by-strand using wax. Fusions usually last 3-6 months and are the most expensive method. With fusions, the bonds are not visible unless you are looking for them. This is the most natural-looking weave.

Beginners Tip: If you are interested in sew-in, try the beaded sew-in or braided sew-in method first.

Choosing Hair and a Stylist

Now that you know everything about the world of weaves, there's nothing left to do but choose the hair and find a stylist. Of course, I am not going to leave you on your own to carry out this task!

1. Assess your own hair. What color is it? What's the texture? This will all come in to play when choosing your hair.
2. What do you want? How long do you want your weave to be? Do you want a two-tone weave? You can't choose the right hair for yourself unless you know what you want. Along with color and length, you should know what kind of hair you want. Hair comes from all different types of ethnicities.
3. Don't be scared. Try new things and styles! Your hair is a medium for expressing yourself.
4. As mentioned previously, the hair industry has no regulation, therefore, look out for scams if you decide to buy online. Ask questions about the quality and lifetime of the hair
5. At Keps Beauty, we sell good quality hair. Some of our hair comes with guarantee. Contact us if you will like to know more.

Blanche is an experienced hairdresser, who has been working as a hair extensionist for around 12 years now. If you are looking for a qualify and reliable stylist, then she is the person you should contact at 587 438-0997. Please visit our facebook page @keps’s Best Hair to see some of the work she has done.