Weave Extensions 101

What is weave?

Also known as a sew-in-weave, weaving is a commonly used method of installing hair extensions by sewing tracks of hair directly to your cornrows.

How long will it take to add extensions to my own hair?

Depending on what kind of style you want, a sew-in weave can take between 2-6 hours.

Are weaves reusable?

Yes, but it depends on the quality level of the hair, and how you take care of your weaves. Some lower grade human hair may not last more than 6-8 weeks, so it is recommended to have it refreshed during wear once or twice, and then replaced with new hair. 

After sewing in a weave, how long should I have it in before removing it?

Your own natural hair will grow about 1 to 1½ inches every 8 to 12 weeks, so depending on how long you leave it in for, you may need to tighten it or remove it as you desire. For high quality hair, you may have it removed to wash and restore, and then get it weaved in again.

How do you remove a sew-in weave?

To remove a sew-in weave, you can cut the threads where the weave was sewn on your own; however, it is highly recommended to visit your local professional stylist to have it removed and receive a proper treatment for your scalp & natural hair after a long weaving cycle.

Would a sew-in weave damage my natural hair?

It should not if it’s done properly. It is important to have a licensed professional stylist to install your weave – someone who can properly diagnose the health of your natural hair and scalp before installing a sew-in weave. Before installation, make sure your scalp is clean and healthy.

Do I have to get a lace closure in order to do a full sew-in with no leave out?

Not necessarily. A lace closure might be easier to finish, and will look very natural. But there are other methods to complete a full sew-in with no leave out without a lace closure.

How long can I leave my weave in for?

The answer to this question depends on how fast your natural hair grows, and how well you take care of your extensions.

Can you describe the wearing cycle of a weave?

• Installing the weave can take between 2-6 hours.
• At least once every 2 weeks, shampoo and condition your weave thoroughly.
• After 6-8 weeks, relax your edges (if needed), and/or have the weave tightened.
• After 8-12 weeks, remove the weave and/or deep condition to restore the hair, so you can reinstall it, or simply remove the weave completely.

How frequently should I wash and condition my hair?

It is recommended to wash and refresh your hair every 2 weeks. For curly textured hair, we would recommend washing it every week because curly hair is naturally drier than other hair textures.

Can I use products in the hair after washing my weaves?

Yes. We recommend using a non-alcohol based leave-in conditioner or essence spray while the hair is still damp.

Can I use a blow dryer after washing my weaves?

Whenever possible, always allow the weave to air dry completely. If you would like to speed up drying time, we would recommend using a hood dryer or bonnet dryer.

What’s the best product to use to prevent dryness and sustain a soft feeling?

For human hair weaves, we recommend using a mild shampoo or sulfate-free shampoo. Avoid using deep cleansing shampoos because they may strip your hair’s cuticles and dry it out. After washing your weave, a deep conditioning treatment is recommended to hydrate your weave. Natural oils such as Argan oil or Moroccan oil is all you need for you daily care.

What kind of brush is best for weaves?

For straight styles, a soft paddle brush is excellent! For wavy styles, a wide-tooth comb is recommended. And for curly weaves, you do not need to use a brush. Simply finger comb the curls gently. When brushing your hair, always brush or comb from tips to roots to avoid tugging or pulling on the hair.

What’s the best way to take care of my curly weave?

Curly textured hair is naturally drier than other hair textures, so it needs to be conditioned well with a moisturizing or hydrating conditioner. It’s also important to avoid heat styling tools with curly hair. For more information, visit ____ to learn how to care for curly.

Can I use a hairdryer, hot rollers, hot sticks, tongs and other styling tools on my weave?

For 100% human hair, yes, you can use all of the above. For synthetic fiber, it depends on the fiber’s heat resistance ability. Some synthetic fiber can be styled using heat styling tools, but others cannot.

Will I be limited if I wear a weave?

You do not have to limit your lifestyle in any way while wearing a weave. When you are wearing a weave, you can do all of your regular activities including exercising and dancing. However, activities that cause sweating and rubbing will require you to maintain the hair with frequent brushing, especially around the nape and shoulder areas.

Applying natural oils like Argan oil and Moroccan oil in these areas can help reduce the friction that can cause tangling. Avoid any hair sprays and mousse because that can attract dust (due to stickiness), which will mat up the hair.

Long hair will always require more care than short hair. If you plan to be moving around a lot, we recommend making one or two big braids to keep your hair in place during activities such as exercise and sleep.

Can I swim while wearing a weave?

Yes, you may go swimming in a pool, but we recommend applying a hydrating/moisturizing conditioner to the hair before and after entering the pool to avoid tangling. We also recommend making one or two large braids to keep your hair in place to further avoid tangling.

If you plan to swim in the ocean, we recommend wearing a swimming cap because the ocean’s salt water can be harsh. We also recommend washing and conditioning the hair as soon as you are done swimming.

How do I sleep with my weave on?

Loosely braid or twist your weave, and wrap the hair in a satin scarf or bonnet before going to bed to keep the hair from tangling overnight.

How do I take care of my weave when I workout frequently?

Sweat and excessive friction from workout movements can cause hair to tangle and mat up. You should always tie or braid your hair in large sections before working out to prevent tangling and matting.