What Is Weave Hair?
Weave hair means hair extension sewn into the natural hair through other techniques. It is either synthetic or human hair, thus different in texture, length, and color. Weaves can be styled, cut, and colored, just like any natural hair.
Types Of Weave Hair
Weaves come in different varieties, according to the kind of material used and the application technique.
- Human Hair Weaves: They are made from actual human hair; as such, they look and feel much more natural. More expensive, but you can comb and curl them just like your hair.
- Synthetic Hair Weaves: These are cheaper, though they have no close alternative in providing flexibility, as is the case with human hair. They are not recommended for use with hot heat and cannot be dyed.
- Sew In Weaves: These are commonly called tracks. This style of weave braids the natural hair tightly and weaves the extension onto the braids. This is a long-term solution, but very time-consuming when putting the hair weave in.
- Bonded Weaves: The bonded weave applies the extensions directly with glue to either the scalp or the natural hair. However, this method causes damage or breakage if not cared for properly. While quicker, this may lead to damage or breakage if not cared for properly.
Benefits Of Weave Hair
- Instant Length And Volume: One of the primary reasons people choose to weave hair is because of instant volume and length. It is an ideal solution for anyone with the most beautiful but relatively thin or short hair. A weave hair gives one the ability to attain hairstyles that would otherwise be impossible with their hair.
- Protective Styling: Protective hair weaves can be used mainly for individuals with natural kinky or curly hair. In this hairstyle, the natural hair is tucked away; thus, there is limited contact with agents that may compromise its integrity, such as wind, sunlight, or pollution. It also retains moisture content, minimizes breakage, and allows natural hair to grow with fewer interferences.
- Styling Versatility: Weaves offer unmatched versatility in styling. Whether one would want to sport a bob one day and long beach waves the next, weaves make it very easy to switch hairstyles often. As human hair weaves can be curled, straightened, and colored, they are a perfect fit for experimenters.
- Long-Lasting Results: Properly installed sewn-in weaves last up to two months. This is a pretty low-maintenance method, making it relatively inexpensive. If the proper care routine is followed, it will bring a whole week of consistently polished looks without tedious daily styling. Therefore, the weaves are an excellent cost-effective choice for those who do not have that precious time to spend on styling every morning. Good quality human hair weaves are very natural looking, almost similar to your original hair. Most of the time, people are unable to determine whether it is their own or not because it's following the texture and color of their hair.
Drawbacks Of Weave Hair
- Damage To Existing Hair: Although the weave can be installed as a protective style, improper installation or negligence can cause the weave damage to your scalp and natural hair. Tight braiding or tension from the sew-in can cause stress on your scalp and natural hair.
- Installation Time Consuming: Installation time is around 3 to 5 hours in total, depending on the length and the style's complexity. That's a pretty big time investment; especially so for busy folks. Also, maintenance appointments will be needed to keep it looking fresh, adding to the overall time investment.
- Cost: High-quality human hair weaves are expensive. The cost of installation can range from $200 to $1000 or more. And depends on how long the weave is, the type of hair, and the stylist. Then, of course, there's maintenance and touch-ups-which just add to the overall investment. Another reason why many people complain of discomfort with their weave installed is that the tightness of braids tends to cause headaches and scalp tenderness for a few days, or sometimes longer. This is not so pleasant in the weave experience.
- Limited Access To Natural Hair: A disadvantage of wearing weave includes accessing your hair minimally, which will make it hard to wash and moisturize your scalp; if not cared for, it may lead to dandruff, dryness, or even fungal infections due to a buildup of sweat and oils under the weave.
- Weave Care: The care routine for a weave is very dedicated. While weaves may go on for weeks, failure to attend to care may reduce their lifetime. Regular washing, moisturizing, and proper styling prevent tangling and matting. Human hair weave appears versatile, but it requires more care in shine and smoothness.
How To Decide if Weave Hair Is Right For You?
Wear a weave for yourself according to your hair goals, budget, and lifestyle. Check these considerations out:
- Hair Goals: Instant length and volume, or you just feel like experimenting with hairstyles.
- Time: If you can spare time for the installation procedure and frequent follow-up maintenance, a weave is pretty easy, long-lasting, and convenient.
- Budget: A weave is pricey, especially if you opt to use human hair weaves, and you should budget not only for the initial setup but also for follow-up maintenance and replacing that weave.
- Natural Hair Health: Weaves can protect the hair by not having to maintain your natural hair or its health. However, if they are applied improperly or left in for too long, damage can be done. Be careful of the hair's health, and do not neglect proper care for it.
Conclusion
The reason I chose to use weave hair is that it will give a quick transformation to anyone who needs to transform their look, add length or volume, or just protect the hair. Despite the advantages, there is also the ability to keep flaws with the process. It is, therefore very, essential that you balance the benefits and drawbacks; additionally, take into account your hair's health, your budget, and your ability to maintain the weave before making such a decision. Many people find the advantages of a weave outweigh the disadvantages's a flexible, stylish, and convenient hair solution.