Weaves are wonderful don’t get me wrong, but proper hair care is even better.
As women, we pride ourselves on our appearance and like to keep ourselves in tip-top shape. For some that means a weekly mani/pedi, others a Brazilian (especially for bae), or a banging new hairstyle a la the wonderful creation of extensions. We ladies will shell out hundreds of dollars for an install we hope lasts for 2-3 months, but most of us won’t properly take care of the weave, let alone our own hair to make sure we are getting the most out of the install and not reverse affects (i.e. hair loss, hair damage and maybe be molding. Yuck!).
For our fellow Vixen weave wearers, continue clicking for our 11 ways to properly take care of your weave (and your own hair underneath).
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1. Shampoo At Least Bi-Weekly, If Not Weekly
Just like you would treat your own head of hair, wash it (hygiene 101). Oils and dirt cause build up which is a no-go. Some ladies prefer to co-wash (using only conditioner), which is perfectly fine but remember you still want to use a clarifying shampoo that will remove any and all debris. If you wash your hair weekly you can switch in between a regular shampoo and co-washing.
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2. Condition Your Hair
It is important that you condition your weave, especially with curly tresses. Conditioning helps with detangling, define curl pattern (if any), and adds moisture to the hair (that was stripped by the clarifying shampoo if you did not co-wash).
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3. Thoroughly Dry Your Hair
Ladies, there are levels to this weave game! Sure you can opt for a wash and go but it’s better to be safe than sorry. We recommend sitting under a dryer for at least 1 to 2 hours to make sure your entire hair is dry (even the braids). If your braids are not dry you run the risk of having an ungodly mildew smell to your hair as well as unsightly molding, which will definitely damage your hair.
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4. Sleep With a Satin Scarf and/or Pillow
This is the best way to protect your hair at night. We actually recommend you use both the satin scarf and pillow (definitely those who wake up with their scarf on the floor). These satin items help your hair retain moisture and keep your tresses soft, silky and laid.
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5. Braid Your Hair At Night (For Curly Hair)
Curly tresses have an extra step for nighttime routines, unless you want to wear your straight hair wavy. Sectioning the hair and braiding it is essential to maintaining the curl pattern and defining waves. Once you braid it, tie your hair with a satin scarf and you’re ready for bed.
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6. Keep Heat to a Minimum
The purpose of wearing a weave is mostly to give your natural hair a break, so do just that. If you wear your extensions straight, doobie wrap it with a few bobby pins at night to avoid using heat daily, and if you opt for voluminous curls pin curls are your solution. Only use heat it you must and that goes for your leave out too! You don’t want a crispy, burnt leave out that won’t blend with your silky extensions (trust us, we’ve seen it and ain’t nobody got time for that).
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7. Don’t Drench Your Weave In Products
In the case of weaves and products, we do not believe the more the merrier. Using numerous products will leave your strands stringy and greasy and cause build up. A dime-sized amount of oil here and there will do.
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8. Moisturize Your Leave Out
If you have a full weave this doesn’t apply to you but we do suggest you grab a jar of olive oil and massage it into your nape (kitchen). If you do happen to have leave out, use your favorite moisturizer one or twice a day sparingly and massage your temples, edges, crown and nape. It is extremely important that you also keep your own hair healthy.
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9. Keep Those Edges Laid
Whether it’s fly-aways or untamed edges, use a dab of light holding pomade on your edges that will leave them smooth. Avoid products with alcohol, as they are a drying agent.
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10. Visit Your Professional Hair Stylist at Least Biweekly If Not Monthly
Yes, we all love the convenience of weave as we can manage it (well some of us) on or own, but it is always good to have a professional do the job correctly. Would you rather damaged or healthy hair? Spend the $50 or so for a wash and style because in the end, when you look good you feel good, and we love a healthy head of hair whether it’s attached to a weft or your own scalp.
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11. Give Your Hair A Break
Sometimes you gotta switch it up. Wear your own hair for a few weeks and give your scalp some time to breathe, this allows less stress on your hair from the braids. And most importantly, enjoy the growth results from properly taking care of your weave!
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