Why a weave? 
A weave reduces the everyday stresses your hair undergoes from heat, chemical and weather damage.  It enables you to have carefree hair without the added time.  A weave is perfect for someone who wants to remain chemical free but wants a textural or color change hair.  A weave can allow you to shampoo and go, swim freely, wear a carefree ponytail and still be presentable.  Weaves are for people with extremely short hair to long mid-back length hair.  The cornrows in a weave allow for constant conditioning benefits.  Once a cornrow base is made, the hair and scalp are oiled.  The oil penetrates deep into the braids and scalp allowing the hair underneath your weave to remained conditioned, moisturized and protected even wash after wash.  See how much your hair grows in a weave.

Does everyone need a net? 
I strongly recommend using the net because it plays an important role in the longevity of the weave.  With a net weave you are able to shampoo your weave more vigorously and manipulate your hair and scalp underneath.  The net reinforces the cornrows and will keep your hair intact. that you won't have your natural hair sticking out between your commercial hair.

How are the cornrows done underneath?
The cornrows underneath a weave are very small, thin and close together.  To the touch your head will be smooth with no bumps or lumps.  The pattern varies with every person.  They are done in a way that will allow you the most "grow out" as possible.

What makes a weave look the most natural?
Several things.  The initial application, the blending, the cut and the flow.  These are key ingredients to a natural looking hair weave.  The upkeep and maintenance is just as important.  If you have an open top or part, then relaxer touch ups or pressing should continue as well as color to maintain your look.

What is the cycle of a weave?
1. Initial install 3-5 hours  2. Once a week shampoo in or out of the salon  3. After 4-6 weeks relax edges (if needed)  and full head tightening  4. 6-8 weeks removal, deep conditioning and re-install if desired.

Is a closure piece necessary?
It is strongly recommended especially when doing a full weave and using Virgin Remy Hair.  A closure piece with a moderate density will give you better visual results.  Some will give you the illusion of a real scalp.

How much hair do I need?
First we need to understand the packaging.  4 oz of hair bought online is like one bundle bought in the store.
Partial weave: 1 bundle or 4 oz.  Full weave: 2 bundles or 7-8 oz.  These are only approximate, more or less could be needed depending on the head shape, and application technique.

Which hair is best?
Virgin Remy hair is always best and is my #1 hair of choice.  It has undergone no chemical processing and will last 12-18 months with proper care.  This hair can be purchased online or for your convenience with me. Next is Remy hair, available at your local beauty supply store.  It has undergone minimal chemical processing and could last 6-8 months, shorter time if the hair is lightened (like blonde for ex.).  Lastly would be your 100% human hair.  Bought in a beauty supply store this hair is often mixed with animal and synthetic hair and has the shortest life span of about 2-3 months.  This hair is better suited for more temporary methods such as a bonded weave.

Can I remove my own weave?
It is highly recommended that you return for the removal of your install.  It is very easy to cut your own hair when trying to remove it on your own.  If your hair is not combed out properly it could cause severe tangling during shampooing.  However everyone cannot return to have their weave removed, please see my how to remove a weave video on youtube.

How do I maintain my hair at home?
Once your hair is weaved in, it's yours!  For short to long lengths, the hair can be wrapped, pin curled or rolled up and tied up.  For Curly to extremely curly, plait or twist hair in several sections to retain curl pattern.  Tie hair up in a silk or satin scarf of bonnet.  Brush and detangle your hair daily as needed.  If your hair looses its shine and luster brushing can revitalize your hair.  Do not excessively oil your commercial hair as this will lead to heavy, lifeless hair and can also cause skin irritation.   Moisturize your scalp with a loose oil based oil in an applicator bottle for ease of application.  When shampooing at home use a gentle or sulfate free shampoo, shampoo twice and follow with a moisturizing conditioner.  Be sure to completely dry cornrows underneath with a hooded dryer.  Do not go to bed with wet hair.  It is time to remove your weave when you can fit your finger underneath your cornrow.

Understanding the Hair you wear

“Remy” Hair is hair with its natural cuticle layer still intact and aligned in the same direction. It may be altered for texture and color.

“Virgin Remy” is hair that has not been altered for color or texture at all.

Chinese Hair              

Chinese hair is very often used for wigs & hair extensions.  Chinese hair is considerably thick it is naturally dark black. To prepare this hair for use in wigs & hair extensions, it must first be made thinner.  To make the hair thinner, it is placed in an acid bath. This almost completely destroys the cuticle making the hair brittle and dull. The shine must be restored to the hair. So it is coated with a silicon layer. This gives the hair an impressive sheen. After a few washes, the silicon layer is removed and the hair becomes dull and brittle again.

Chinese hair is suitable for use in some wigs and hairpieces because wigs and hairpieces are generally cleaned with dry shampoo, so the silicon layer remains intact and the hair keeps its lovely sheen. Chinese hair is very suitable for wigs and hairpieces, but for high-grade products, it is definitely not the best long term solution.

 

“Fallen” Hair

Millions of women of all ages collect their hair every day after brushing it. This includes dark hair, gray hair, and hair of all lengths and thickness. This hair is extremely cheap to purchase because the result of this method of collection is, of course, a mass of mixed up hair aligned in different directions. Because of the mixed direction of the cuticles, the hair has to be subjected to an aggressive acid process in order to remove the cuticle in an attempt to prevent subsequent tangling. Many hair companies specialize in purchasing this type of hair and subjecting it to this acidizing process.  Because of the mixture of different hairs in this mass, it is often impossible to fully remove all the cuticles.  To give this acidized and now damaged hair a healthy appearance once again, the hair is dipped in silicon to make it shine and to cover up any cuticles that were not removed in the acid bath. The silicon also adds weight to the hair, helping it fetch a better price on the market, since hair is generally sold by weight. The standard of this hair is acceptable for the use in hair extensions and weaves.

To begin, this hair is beautiful, shiny and detangles easily.  However after a few washes the silicon layer starts to wash out and slowly the hair becomes duller and loses its sheen. It becomes brittle and starts to break any cuticle originally covered by the silicon will become exposed and present a real threat of tangling and matting with your own hair, with every wash this condition becomes worse.  This type of hair is not the best solution for use in hair extensions and weaves.

***Virgin Remy Hair***

Actually, because of its wonderful quality, Indian hair does provide the solution but with a more specialized hair harvesting method. Remy hair is hair that is collected with all cuticles perfectly aligned in the same direction. There are certain cultural traditions in India when women cut off their hair, providing a natural market. This is how Remy Hair is collected, giving you the best possible solution. The cuticle layer of this hair is still healthy and intact since it is rare for Indian girls to visit hair salons for chemical treatment.  Weaving the hair into a plait ensures that it is all aligned in one direction. The hair is homogeneous in color and thickness. This precious and high quality hair provides the best solution for high-quality hair weaves and hair extensions.