How To Care For Your Hair Prior To Weave or Wig Installation
Weaving is fun, versatile, and it allows you to conveniently alter your look. You can go from straight to curly, or extremely long to very short. Wearing weaves and wigs is plain fabulous! But don't be neglectful to your natural hair; wigs and weaves should be not only worn for fashion but as a protective element to your natural hair. It is very possible and achievable to have strong healthy hair and wear weaves and wigs.
Continue reading to learn how.
Let's start with the scalp
Hydrating and feeding your scalp hair oils, specifically those rich in essential oils and moisturizing nutrients, is a must prior and during the use of weaves and wigs. If you are like me and suffer from dry scalp, invest in a medicated dandruff shampoo to treat prior to installation. If this does not treat or worsen your dry scalp seek the advice of your physician or dermatologist. Here are a list of my favorite hair & scalp oils.
- Jojoba Oil
- Argan Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Almond Oil
- Avocado Oil
Strong Hair First
Starting with a strong base is non-negotiable. If your hair is not healthy, brittle, over processed, or damaged, weaving or wearing a wig is not a good idea. Honestly, you must start with a healthy base. Decrease chemical processing as much as possible (try to eliminate chemical processing out of your hair regimen totally). If your hair is damaged and you are interested in weaving, I strongly suggest going to a professional stylist, cutting all damaged and brittle hair off. Yes, if you remove the dead hair it will promote healthy hair growth. Once chemical treatment has decreased, hair has been trimmed and freed of dead hair, begin conditioning the hair with hot oil treatments and deep penetrating conditioners. Do this for 2-4 weeks prior to weaving, this way your hair will grow strong under the weave or wig. Here are some of my favorite conditioners and hot oil treatments.
- Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask
- Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque
- ORS Hair Mayonnaise
- Camille Rose Natural Algae Deep Conditioner
Extensive Tension To The Hair is a No-No
Tight does not mean installed right! Too much tension or pulling on the hair follicle can cause permanent hair loss, for African American women hair loss from extensive tension and pulling of the hair happens way too often. Talk to your stylist, speak up if it is too tight, or wear wigs or clip-ins. But even with wigs and clip ins, you must wear the correctly sized wig and be sure to be gentle when removing your clip ins this can also cause pulling and tugging to your hair. Be aware! Here are some signs that your weave is too tight.
- Headaches, small white bumps around the hair line, skin is pulled tight
Regular Cleansing Is A Must
I recommend washing your hair while under a sew in at least every 10-14 days. It is often believed that African American should wash their hair as less as possible to prevent drying it out; this is not so. Keeping your hair clean promotes healthy hair growth It not only refreshes your Virgin Remy Hair, it reduces build up and bacteria on your natural hair. Be sure your scalp is completely dry prior to styling.
Break Time, Restore, Weave Again
After each two installation give your hair at least a 3-6 week break away from wearing sew ins. I strongly recommend not weaving back to back, giving the hair time to breath and recuperate from being packed away is vital for healthy hair growth.
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