WEAVES, WEAVES, WEAVES

WEAVES, WEAVES, WEAVES

One of the oldest methods of hair extension application is the weaving method.
The most commonly used technique is the braided weave.
This method is performed by braiding very small sections of hair in a horizontal direction. Usually 5 or 6 braids are formed for a full head installation. These braids are called 'tracks'.
Weft hair (hair on a long strip) is then cut to size and sewn onto the braided track using a high quality thread.
The tracks grow with the hair and last until you have them removed which should be no longer than 3 months.
This method can often be quite painful due to the braids being pulled in an unnatural direction.

The L.A weave is one of the newest methods of application available.
Micro rings are used to form the track instead of a braid.
Again, 5 or 6 rows are usually needed for a full head installation
Small sections of hair are pulled through a micro ring and the ring is then clamped shut. This is repeated until a horizontal row of micro rings has been added to the natural hair.
Then, just as in the braided weave application, the weft hair is sewn onto the micro ring track.
This method will also last until it is removed, which again, should be no longer than 3 months.

The micro weave is also a new method of weaving.
This method is performed using micro rings but no thread.
Again, 5 or 6 rows are needed for a full head installation.
Small sections of the natural hair and the weft hair are pulled through micro rings and clamped shut. This is repeated in a horizontal manner until the row is complete.
This method will last until it is removed which should be no longer than 3 months.

My personal experiences:-
I find the braided weave a very bulky method as the braid is not flat to the head so in my opinion a braided weave is not the best choice for thin/fine hair types.
Braided weaves are often linked to traction alopecia. This is down to the fact the natural hair is pulled tightly in an unnatural direction. Continuous applications can lead to loss of hair where the braids have been applied. Especially at the temple area.
Braided weaves are normally uncomfortable for the first week or two. Again this is due to the braids being pulled so tightly. It's not uncommon for the scalp to bleed and scab after as braided weave application.

I like the L.A weave as it is a very comfortable method to wear. The micro rings are applied in the same direction the natural hair grows in, ensuring the natural hair is not damaged during wear.
This is a very secure method but can be slightly bulkier than a micro weave.

The micro weave lies flatter to the head than both other weaving methods. So it can be more discreet in that regard.
The micro rings lie on top of the weft hair so as the hair parts (in the wind for example) expect a ring or two to be on show. Your hair extension technician should apply rings in the same colour as your root hair to keep this method as discreet as possible.
If you have a greasy hair type a micro weave is not recommended, this is down to oils from the scalp causing possible slippage of the micro ring.

The L.A weave and micro weave methods can be maintained at around the 6-8 week point. During a maintenance appointment your hair extension technician will open the micro rings and move them back up to the scalp. This is normally more expensive if you have an L.A weave due to the weft hair needing to be cut out and re sewn on to the newly positioned rings. A micro weave is much easier and>
If your thinking of having a weave applied or have any questions please feel free to comment.

I hope this helps
X Nikki X