Hair extensions has been around for a long time, and when I say a long time I mean thousands of years. This is not new. There was an African American hairdresser who changed all of that in 1949, and her name was Christina Jenkins. Instead of having to use harsh chemicals that didn’t secure the hair extensions down in there place, she wanted something better.
Christina Jenkins and her husband founded Christina’s Hair Weaves in the 1950’s. Her technique had to be taught to everyone, so she traveled around the world visiting different countries and often getting paid to do so.
Hair weaving takes time and even though it took time by the end of the 20th century her travels took hold and a quarter of African American women used hair weaving by then. Since the 1980s, Christina Jenkins’ hair weaving method has been upgraded by other hairdressers to make it look more natural when put in place.
Nowadays, the largest exporters to the USA is now China, India, Indonesia and Korea. Now to get to the 5 types of hair weaving there are.
1. Sew In Weaves
Very low maintenance, popular but time consuming. The time it takes from start to finish this technique is 3-4 hours. This goes without saying but, the stylist must be very skilled to do this. Whether you want real or synthetic hair this will work for you. Tight small braids are braided against the head and then sewn in. This makes it look the most natural out of the
This will stay in place if you are very active, and many end up getting this because of it. You can expect to keep this for 3-6 months. Once approaching the third or sixth month, you must revisit your stylist to get the sew in weave removed because of new growth.
Upkeep of this weave will be of no problem. Washing is permitted but must be done a week to and week and a half’s time. Washing more frequently will ensure the longevity of your weave to be cut short. One hint of advice is to avoid chlorine and brush regularly.
2. Glue In Weaves
Maybe instead of going to a stylist you’d rather save money and do it yourself.Is time of the essence? Well, if so, glue in weave are the option for you. The major downside is that glue is damaging to the hair. High quality is a must to prevent damage to the hair including tools, tracks and understanding. A proper understanding of how to seperate the hair has to come first. Second would be the right color glue and the amount to use. The downside to this is that it will only last one to two weeks.
3. Fusion Weaves
The most high tech method of them all, a hair stylist is once again needed. This method is gentle and does very minimal. The feel of it is natural as well, allowing you to run your hands through your hair without damage. The permanency of fusion weaving is 3 to 6 months. To attach each strand must be attached one at time. The process requires the use of an ultrasound device as well as a keratin.
4. Drawstring Weave
The least damaging method if at all damaging due to the fact that it’s placed with combs and an elastic drawstring. If volume and healthy hair is of the utmost importance to you this is a great option to go for. The downside is that it must be in a ponytail to hide the combs and drawstrings. Most times than not, the hair is synthetic. Say you decide to go this route, be careful to follow the instructions on how to attach it. No one wants their hair to come out mid activity.
5. Lace Front Weaves
This might seem like it’s the same as a sew in since most of the steps are the same, just one difference and that’s a lace front closure. To keep it looking natural this takes on the form as edges. Costing less than a lace front wig, a lace front weave will have to be set by a trained hair stylist if you want to look right. Now, on to a few types of human hair.
Different Types of Human Hair
- Brazilian (click for price) – If you are looking for a hair type that is lustrous, full and versatile then you may love this hair type. It will give you the options you may be looking for, from straight to curly textures. Now, if you can ignore and adjust to the thickness of this hair, go for it.
2. Peruvian (click for price) – Lets say the thickness of the Brazilian option turned you away from it, Peruvian hair is a better option if you’re okay with spraying to correct the lacking luster. Lightweight with a coarse texture is perfect against the synthetic options that have you wondering why it is so smooth.
3. Eurasian – Smooth silky and soft is the usual feeling for those of European and Asian parentage. Curls don’t perform well but relaxed i.e straight is a plus for when you are getting ready to head in for work or out as straight ironing is a quick fix. Tangles and knots? A no-issue with Eurasian hair.
4. Synthetic (click for price) – The last type of hair I’ll go over is nonhuman, and it’s synthetic. Synthetic hair is much cheaper for when it isn’t the style you wanted you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get another bundle.
Low cost and ease to find are it’s selling points. The cons to this are some people are allergic due to it’s alkaline sealant. Not much versatility as well and can only be worn in the way that it was bought.