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What is a Hair Weave?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

A hair weave is a treatment offered in many salons that provides clients with the look and feel of longer or thicker hair. The reason that this treatment is referred to by this name is that artificial or natural human hair purchased by the salon client is woven into the client's natural hair, quite close to the scalp.

Many people decide to get a weave because they want to have longer hair, thicker hair, or because they do not like the texture of their natural hair. The type of hair that is woven into the natural hair can be any color, length, and texture that client chooses. A natural blonde with short curly hair can get a hair weave that will leave her with gold locks all the way down to her waist.

A hair weave can provide a client with the look and feel of longer or thicker hair.
A hair weave can provide a client with the look and feel of longer or thicker hair.

Depending on the client's natural hair type and desired look, the hair weave may be applied in a number of different ways. In some cases, it can entirely cover the client's natural hair. In this instance, it is as though the client has a wig affixed to her head. A weave can also be used to accentuate one's natural hair. This type is generally used by people who have straight to wavy hair. If a brunette with shoulder-length hair wanted longer, thicker hair, she could have a hair weave added to add inches and volume to her look. The trick here is making sure that the additional hair matches the natural hair. This type is often referred to as "extensions."

Weaves take a long time to get done and can be expensive.
Weaves take a long time to get done and can be expensive.

Getting a hair weave often requires quite a bit of time and money. Salon clients can spend hundreds of dollars on the hair alone. Human hair, for example, is often much costlier than synthetic hair. The service through which the additional hair is woven into the natural hair can take hours of time and, depending on the salon, a good deal of money. Furthermore, if you decide to get a weave that is a different color than your natural hair, you may have to have your hair colored as well.

Hair weaves can be for straight or curly hair.
Hair weaves can be for straight or curly hair.

If you are interested in getting a hair weave, it is important to note that you will have to return to the salon to have the weave removed and, of you choose, to have a fresh weave applied. Depending on the type that you get and the growth rate of your hair, your following appointment could be between three weeks and two months.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for BeautyAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for BeautyAnswered, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

arielblack

I got my extensions at Ludis Charming Instinct. I highly recommend these, as the experts provide a natural hair look giving you the perfect hair match to your natural hair.

Dotty3456

Human hair is always going to look better and last longer than synthetic, by design. However, you can buy synthetic if this is what is within your income. Just know that you will have to treat your synthetic hair with a really good hair weave treatment to keep it looking good, from matting up and to help it stay more natural looking.

I've worn weaves, off and on, for years (even though I have a good amount of hair) and I have always had the same problems (regardless of how much I spent on the hair extensions). The extensions dry out, my scalp would dry out and brushing through the hair would prove with some difficulty, until I learned to treat the extensions and my scalp. Always use a hair weave/extension treatment. Hair Weave Luster is the best out there.

A good hair treatment will make is soft, combable, shiny and will extend the life of your weaves.

charlotte85

Hair weaving is the best method of applying hair extensions! By visiting Weave Got Style I found that the method they use doesn't involve any use of glue or chemicals. I treat the extensions like they are my own I wash them, tong them and curl them.

helen79

I prefer human hair weave myself! I have used synthetic and they were awful. They didn't last long and kept falling out as i brushed it or even stroke them with my fingers. I have started having my hair extensions put in by Weave Got Style. They are very helpful and by taking their advice on how to maintain my hair extensions they last longer and look so natural!

anon129580

I found out about Weave Got Style through a friend. I can honestly say I am so glad she has introduced me to them! I never knew what it felt like having hair weave!

I have tried clip-ins and they were just a pain. they kept getting loose and I never stopped worrying about them falling out! I've always wanted longer and thicker hair, and going to Weave Got Style has been the best choice ever!

anon118754

I used to have very thin and short hair! I visited Weave Got Style and tried out their hair weave! And I am so happy with the results. They use human hair extension and it lasts about two months and when I feel they need re-tying I go back and get it done. It looks natural and people can't even tell I have them in. So I agree with you that human hair is better than synthetic.

SilentIce

beachgirl05- I agree that human hair weaves look more natural and last longer. I think that it is always best to purchase the hair from a salon or qualified retailer. Never purchase hair online. Even though prices will sometimes be lower, the quality cannot be guaranteed. You don't know until the hair arrives if it is real human hair and online retailers do not always have return policies.

beachgirl05

I have gotten hair weaves a number of times. I have very thin, short hair and a hair weave helps it to look longer and thicker. I always get a human hair weave. Human hair weaves last longer and look more natural.

I would recommend that people always get human hair weaves instead of synthetic hair weaves. Synthetic hair weaves tend to dry out quickly and do not look very natural. Human hair is more expensive, but it is worth the extra cost.

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    • A hair weave can provide a client with the look and feel of longer or thicker hair.
      By: soup studio
      A hair weave can provide a client with the look and feel of longer or thicker hair.
    • Weaves take a long time to get done and can be expensive.
      By: FashionStock
      Weaves take a long time to get done and can be expensive.
    • Hair weaves can be for straight or curly hair.
      By: and.one
      Hair weaves can be for straight or curly hair.
    • Hair weave extensions can be made of synthetic or natural hair.
      By: alarsonphoto
      Hair weave extensions can be made of synthetic or natural hair.
    • It may be wise to choose a hair weave that closely matches a person's natural hair color.
      By: VeremeeV_1980
      It may be wise to choose a hair weave that closely matches a person's natural hair color.