Here are some useful care tips for Brazilian hair and other weaves. The following tips are specifically for natural wave or straight hairstyles; however, there are also sections that contain special instructions for individuals who have curly and/or wavy hairstyles. Curly weaves generally take more effort but are not impossible to manage.
Moisture is the most important thing to keep in mind when caring for your weaves, regardless of what style they are. This is also the case for any hair that may not grow out of your own scalp. Hair that is both moisturised and clean is always vibrant, manageable, and easy to style. However, hair extensions are not able to obtain amounts of moisture and nutrients from your scalp, meaning that they require extra amounts of care in order to ensure that they continue to look great.
Have a look at our deep moisturising product ranges by clicking on the links below:
Rich Hair Care Deep Moisturising Range
Installing Brazilian-Type Hair and Other Kinds of Weaves
Never cut through the tracks of the hair, as this can create loose ends. As a result, this can lead to shedding. However, if it is absolutely necessary to cut the hair tracks, you must use some form of weft sealant before installing them.
Always make sure that you keep each weave track as whole as possible while you are installing them. Additionally, in order to make sure that you do not cut the weave, use either the fold-over or wrap-around method. This process will ensure that the weave will last as long as possible.
You will also not want to stitch through the hair tracks while you are installing your weave, as the end result will see the stitching destabilise. This is another situation that can also lead to shedding.
Ensure that you weave around the tracks of the hair in order to not only maintain the strength of the stitching, but also minimise any chances for shedding as well.
Sealing your hair weft is something that can help to extend the life of your weave; however, this is a process that is not required to be completed. It is one that is certainly useful for weaves that are more curly and/or wavy in nature. You place more pressure on the stitching of your curly and/or wavy weave as you run your fingers through your hair as opposed to natural wave and straight hair.
The aforementioned tips are also useful for curly and/or wavy hair. Again, weft sealing is something that makes sense for both of these styles, but it is a process that is not required to be completed.
Colouring and Bleaching Brazilian Hair and Other Weave Styles
You should always be extremely careful if you decide to either colour or bleach your weave, regardless of the particular style that it is. All of our weaves are made out of 100% human virgin remy hair, which means that they are able to be coloured or bleached to virtually any colour desired. At the same time, it's important to remember that colouring and bleaching are both chemical-type processes that can remove moisture from hair, including hair extensions, which will make them dry. If you are someone who has either natural wave or straight hairstyles, you will have more freedom to undergo either of these processes since these particular weaves do not undergo any form of processing. However, weaves that are either curly or wavy must be processed in order to achieve their desired looks. This means that they have already undergone some form of stress.
Never use any kind of bleaching product that is excessively harsh on the hair. Additionally, you should never attempt to perform any bleaching or colouring process on your own. Instead, you should visit your local professional stylist and allow them to undertake the procedure themselves. If either process is performed incorrectly, the hair itself can become damaged. You can also come to our company to have either of these procedures performed.
You will also need to ensure that you deep condition the hair after you either dye or bleach it, as well as contacting us to find out what particular products we recommend for colouring and bleaching. The products that we recommend are ones that we have used ourselves and can most definitely get the job done without creating a great deal of damage.
We highly recommend against colouring or bleaching curly or wavy hair since these styles have already been processed in order to achieve their desired looks. If you wish to have either of these processes performed anyway, they should be done by a professional stylist.
Washing Natural Wave, Straight Peruvian, and Other Weave Hairstyles
Here is the recommended frequency for this process:
*Conditioner wash, which should be performed at least twice per month
*Shampoo wash, which should be performed at least twice per month
Many individuals are under the impression that shampooing is the most important part of weave maintenance; however, overdoing this can actually strip the hair of nutrients and oils, which can make the hair itself hard to manage.
Conditioner Washing Your Weave
This is perhaps one of the best methods to help maintain either natural wave or straight hair. This is a process that lets you add and retain moisture while, at the same time, maintaining cleanliness. You will need the following for this process:
*A soft brush, we recommend Rich Hair Care's Anti Static Detangling Brush
*Deep conditioner, we recommend Rich Hair Care's Deep Moisturising Mask
*Clean towel
Begin by using the soft paddle brush to brush your hair as thoroughly as possible, making sure that all of the strands are free-flowing. Next, apply some of the deep conditioner directly on the weave itself, gently working it in. Do not vigorously rub the hair, as this can make the hair frizzy. The conditioner should be left in for approximately no longer than ten minutes. Finally, completely rinse out the conditioner with warm water, then pat your hair dry with a clean towel. While drying, do not roughen up your hair.
Shampooing Your Weave
You should take the time to properly shampoo your hair between once and twice per month. This is especially the case if there has been a significant amount of product buildup. You will need the following for this process:
* A soft brush, we recommend Rich Hair Care's Anti Static Detangling Brush
*Deep conditioner, we recommend Rich Hair Care's Deep Moisturising Mask
*Moisturizing shampoo we recommend Rich Hair Care's Intense Moisture Shampoo
*Clean towel
*A spray bottle
Begin by using the soft paddle brush to brush your hair as thoroughly as possible, making sure that all of the strands are free-flowing, as this will ensure that the hair can be properly washed without the hair itself getting tangled. Next, pre-condition your hair, as this will help to minimise the drying effect of shampoo. This is something that can be done by concocting a mixture of water and conditioner in a spray bottle before spraying it throughout the weave itself. Take your fingers or a finger comb and work this mixture gently into your hair before allowing it to sit for approximately five minutes. Do not rinse out the conditioner from your hair; instead, go ahead and apply some of the moisturising shampoo all over your hair, remembering to not forcefully scrub your head. Make sure that all of your hair strands are facing downward. Next, thoroughly rinse your hair until all of the water runs completely clear. Squeeze out any excess water before applying a deep conditioner from mid-length to the ends of your weave itself. Leave this in for around ten minutes before rinsing with warm water. Pat your hair dry with a clean towel.
These are steps that also work for curly and wavy hairstyles as well, though more conditioning may be required.
Drying Brazilian Hair and Other Weaves
The most general rule of thumb states that it's best to allow your hair to naturally dry instead of using something such as a hair dryer. This is especially the case if you are wearing a weave that is either curly or wavy. Use a clean towel to pat your hair dry after you wash it. Afterward, you should let the rest of your hair dry naturally. If you absolutely need to use a hair dryer, use a medium setting to minimise heat exposure.
Never roughen your hair while you are drying it. Additionally, you should also never go to bed at night with hair that is still wet or damp, as this will increase the chances that it will be frizzy and/or tangled.
If you have curly or wavy hair, you should totally avoid hair dryers in general.
Brushing Natural Wave, Straight, and Brazilian Weaves and Other Hairstyles
The recommended frequency for this is twice per day. If you have a hairstyle that is either natural wave or straight, your weave can be brushed as regularly as you wish. You should start from the tips of the hair and work your way gently toward the roots of your hair itself. A paddle brush is recommended for this. Fine tooth combs should never be used, as this can lead to breakage in the weave.
Keeping All Weaves Glowing and Shiny
The recommended frequency for this is after shampooing and conditioner washing your hair. An Argan Oil based serum is often recommended for boosting the shine of hair. This is something that should be used after washing your hair and while the hair itself is still damp. Apply only a small amount and rub thoroughly into your hair, making sure that it is evenly covered. Have a look at our recommended styling aids by clicking on the links below:
Straightening All Weaves
Heat styling tools can be used to straighten weaves that are natural wave or straight. As long as everything is performed correctly, you will not see a lot of negative effects as a result. However, in terms of curly and wavy weaves, it should be noted that these kinds of tools should not be used excessively due to the fact that these weaves have already been placed through enough stress in order to achieve their specific styles.
If heat needs to be used to style hair, be sure to use some kind of leave-in conditioner first, as well as a heat protector. This will help prevent any kind of damage to your hair, such as frizz and dryness. However, you should never use a heat protection product that contains any alcohol, as this will significantly dry out your hair.
Sleeping With Weaves
If you have either natural wave or straight weaves, be sure to tie these down and use either a silk or satin cap to cover your hair before going to bed at night.
Never wrap your hair in any kind of cotton material, as this will only absorb oils from your hair that can make it much less manageable. You also should not use any elastic bands since these can cause various amounts of stress. Always brush your hair prior to going to sleep, and you can even braid your hair as well.
Waking Up With Brazilian Hairstyles
Always brush your hair as regularly as possible in order to prevent tangling. This should be done with either a paddle brush or a wide tooth comb. Begin with the ends of your hair and move towards your scalp, as this will prevent any pressure on the tracks. This will keep the hair from shedding and also increase the lifespan of the weave itself.
Pay Attention To Your Natural Hair
It's always important to never neglect your natural hair. This is especially the case whenever you're wearing any kind of a weave. If your scalp isn't receiving the right amount of nourishment, you will experience itchiness and dryness. The following scalp treatment and hair food brands are highly recommended:
*Rich Hair Care Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner
Emergencies Involving Brazilian Weaves
Weaves are likely to create problems at some point in time, just like with natural hair. All of these issues are generally created by a lack of moisture, which can be solved in a myriad of ways.
*Dry or Itchy Scalp: Any kind of oil scalp treatment is best for this issue. Simply apply around three to six drops onto your scalp. Massage it gently and leave it in for five to ten minutes before rinsing it out completely. Naturally, the treatment may find its way onto your weave during this process, which is perfectly fine.
*Very Dry Hair: If you have natural wave or straight hair that is starting to get dry, it's recommended that you cease using shampoo completely. Begin using only water and conditioner while showering, making sure that you only do this once per week. Leave the conditioner in your hair for approximately ten minutes before completely rinsing it out. If you want a deeper conditioning, leave the conditioner in your hair for half an hour.
*Tangling: This is something that happens to everyone at some point. This can happen if your hair is long, curly, dry/damaged, not regularly brushed, or you get a bad weave. In order to de-tangle your hair, take a wide tooth comb or paddle brush and work out all of the tangles, being patient during this process. Do not put a lot of force into this, as this can lead to breakage. Once the tangles have been removed, you can then put liquids such as conditioner into your hair. Start with the tips of your hair and work towards the tracks and/or roots. Leave the conditioner in your hair for approximately half and hour before rinsing with lukewarm water. Pat your hair dry with a clean towel, then allow it to air dry.
Other "Do's and Don'ts" with Weaves
*Don't apply any kind of grease products on your weaves. This will only weigh them down and cause potential tangling.
Recommended Products and Accessories
*Rich Hair Care Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner
*Rich Hair Care's Anti Static Detangling Brush
Should you wish to get in contact with us for further advise please do not hesitate to drop us a line, info@volure.co.za 010-900-3851