If you want long, voluminous locks, then getting a hair weave is an obvious choice. You probably can't wait to wake up, look in the mirror, and see your face framed with gorgeous hair. But to ensure you're happy with the results, there are a few tips you should know before you get your first hair weave.
1. Ask for real human hair.
Some stylists will do weaves with synthetic hair. Others refuse to work with it because the results can vary from what the client wants. Synthetic hair weaves are cheaper and may not work well with what you envision. Many people find that synthetic hair makes them itch and causes their scalp to turn red, which is not something you want to deal with for months on end! Human hair weaves cost a bit more, but your body will react to them well, and they are also so much easier to style. If you're struggling to afford the price, it's worth waiting and saving a little longer so you can have a human hair weave rather than getting a synthetic one right now.
2. Wash your hair and scalp really well first.
To apply a weave, your stylist will start by braiding your hair. They'll then weave the extensions into the braids. Once this process is complete, you'll have a hard time cleaning your scalp and the roots of your hair well. So, make sure you wash your hair and scalp really well before your weave so you're starting off clean. Don't, however, use too much conditioner during this shampoo. It can make your hair slippery and harder for your stylist to braid.
3. Take a pain reliever.
Your stylist will have to pull your braids pretty tight against your scalp, which can lead to some soreness. The weight of the weave also tends to make your scalp feel sore or taut. Taking a dose of ibuprofen before your weave appointment can help keep this discomfort to a minimum. Depending on how long your weave takes to apply, you may want to take a second dose as soon as your appointment is over. Any breakthrough scalp soreness should go away in a day or two.
Having a weave applied to your hair can go a long way towards transforming your look. Once you go through the process a time or two, it will begin to feel second-nature, and you may even look forward to those sessions in the salon chair.
