Not long ago, when a woman changed her hair, her husband or significant other did often ask her if she was wearing a wig. Times have truly changed. Women are often seen wearing different hair lengths in one television program or one magazine spread or photo shoot. Of course, it is not only celebrities that enjoy this styling versatility.
The Anatomy of a Hair Weave
Hair Weaving is defined as weaving or braiding human or synthetic hair into existing natural hair. It is also known as Hair Integration. The hair extension is woven to cornrowed hair or to small sections of loose hair. Not maintaining hair extensions properly can cause breakage and thinning.
The most recent development in weaving extensions is lace extensions. Lace extensions are made from a nylon mesh material formed into a cap that is then hand ventilated by knotting single strands of hair into the tiny openings of the cap form, giving the hair a more natural, realistic flow than conventional extensions, and creating a lighter, more breathable cap. These extension units can be woven in or attached to the hairline with special adhesives. To ensure a proper fit, head measurements are taken into account with this type of weave.
Why Women Wear Them
Initially, hair weaves were created to add length and/or fullness to the hair. As the process grew more popular and accessible to the everyday woman and not just celebrities, the price lowered and the techniques became more advanced. It is now possible to get weaves in many "grades" or textures of hair and in many colors. In addition, there are several methods of attachment.
- Weaves provide a rest for the natural hair from pomades, lights, the elements and any other abusive things that are done to the female hair including heating appliances and drying sprays.
- Weaves provide a method of color changing without harmful dyes or chemicals.
- It is easy to experiment with different looks and styles due to the availability of several types and textures of hair on the market.
- Weaves are now more affordable. Early weaves ran upwards of $1,000 to start.
Overall, the reason one may wear a hairweave can vary greatly, but for the most part, it is about the versatility in styling options, which eliminates boredom in one's look.
To Tell or Not to Tell
When he runs his fingers through your hair and hits a bump, then what? Most women are comfortable revealing their "secret" hair and find no issue with the men in their lives. However, many women are self-conscious and find it unnerving to share her tracked tresses with the man in her life.
It is a matter of preference. Now, most men are fully aware that majority of women do wear some form of hair extension and as long as it compliments her, have very little issue with it. On the other hand, small groups of men remain steadfast to the "no fake hair" rule and are dead set against dating women or being comfortable with his wife wearing a weave under any circumstances.
Good Weave or Bad Weave
What makes a good weave? If you plan to blend the hair with your own, the first rule of thumb is to match your hair texture! If you have curly hair, attempt to match the curl pattern and avoid hair that is too shiny or fine. If you hair is straight, you have a few more options, but you still need to avoid textures that do not blend well with your own. Using hair that does not properly blend with your own is a sure sign of a weave. Avoid this at all costs.
Alternatively, you can choose to wear a full weave, which completely covers all of your hair. If this is the type of weave you choose, you can experiment with different colors, textures and lengths without detection. This is an excellent way to try completely new styling options but be aware that this type of weave is usually less natural looking.
If you want to invest in your weave, there are certain types of hair that will always stand up to more heat, more sun and more washing than the less expensive variety. Go for "virgin" or "remi" types when possible, still keeping the matching rule in mind when choosing hair.
In closing, if your special someone has a problem with fake hair, and you cannot live without it, try educating him about the benefits for your natural hair. If this doesn't work, consider discussing it seriously and if you cannot get him to come your way, maybe it’s a deal breaker. Decide which you like more...him or your hair.
 |
 |
