Hair Weaving

Hair weaving is when human or synthetic hair is woven or braided into existing natural hair. It is also known as Hair Integration.
This is a traditional method of attaching hair extensions. We prefer to use our own version of this method because there is virtually no damage to the client’s own hair when done. The hair comes in a “weft” form and can be made into as many pieces as necessary.
The benefits of hair weaving include the ability to wear any texture without having to chemically treat the natural hair. Weaves allow thin hair to have volume, add length to hair, and add texture.

Synthetic Hair
Synthetic hair is made of a wide array of different synthetic fibers. Synthetic hair, just as human hair, comes in weave (weft) and single strands for braids. We do not recommend using synthetic hair for weaving. It does not last as long as human hair because it tends to easily tangle and frizz out uncontrollably. However the quality of hair varies greatly, and if well maintained, synthetic hair can look as good as, if not better than human hair.
Synthetic hair is much less expensive than human hair. The costs can range from R120 per package, depending on quality of hair, length, brand etc.

Human Hair
Most human hair used for weaves is derived from the continent of Asia (China, India, and to a very small degree, Southeastern Russia). People in the third world grow their hair for sale to specialty buyers who sell it to manufacturers.
Human hair is, however, more versatile than synthetic hair because it can be coloured, relaxed, or curled with heating appliances just as one would do with his or her own hair. As weave wearer, you would want the hair to match the texture of your hair in its present condition (relaxed, curly, or straight)
 Weave hair comes in a variety of textures: Yaki (closely resembles relaxed hair texture), silky (resembling very straight Asian hair), European texture – straight hair, curly (ranges from tight corkscrew curls to the varying degrees of wavy), and crimped (very small, sharp waves).

Blends
For an economical but durable option, consider extensions made with a blend of human and synthetic hair. It's a "middle of the road" approach that will give you a more natural look without the huge expense.
High quality 100% human hair is more expensive than hair mixed with other materials (synthetic hair is most common).
Stay away from really cheap hair because it will not last as long and the quality is poor. Generally you can find decent hair at our Salon from R120 a pack.

Hair Weaving Techniques
There are many techniques to weaving hair. The most common way is for it to be sewn on to very small cornrows.

Tracking
This is the oldest and most popular form of hair extensions.
First, natural tresses are braided around the head in concentric circles. The braids are sewn down, and then extensions are sewn to the braids. Eight to fifteen tracks are needed for a full head.
To sew the weave hair, the hair must be braided into cornrows. The hair may also be braided into a zigzag shape to make things easier and quicker. The wearer may leave out a section of hair if she wants a part or half the hair weaved. So the hair won't appear lumpy, the hair is sewn horizontally across the head from one side to the other, starting from the bottom. After these steps are finished, the wearer can have the weave hair cut or styled however she wants with her own hair blending in.
The process requires an experienced braider technician, which is a very important part of this process. If the base is not done correctly, the Extensions will not last for a standard three month period.

Bonding
Bonding is another popular method for the use of extensions. Tracks of hair are glued to the roots of your own hair with a special adhesive.
In the process, the hair is first divided into small sections and a collage glue used to the filling of the natural hair near the scalp. The adhesive should be used sparingly and stylist should consist of the quantities on your scalp. This method can be tricky, and the risk of damage to your hair especially when it is removed.
However, we Do Not recommend this weaving method to our clients.

Service Duration
The weaving process is usually completed in 1-2 hours depending on the amount of hair attached.

Longevity & Maintenance
Hair weaving generally lasts 4-8 weeks before a retightening is needed. Return to the Salon for some maintenance once your hair has grown about 2 inches. Since the tracks have also grown, they must be redone and the extensions re-attached.
One of the first questions our clients ask us after receiving a full head weave is: "how do I maintain my weave?" The answer to this question will astound you...you maintain your weave the same way you do your own hair! That's right hair weave maintenance is just that simple.
However we advise our clients who aren’t familiar with weave hair to visit us for a professional wash with mild shampoo and conditioner at least once a week.
At night don't forget to either pin curl your weave hair and your own hair or curl, and cover with a satin bonnet.
Avoid using cheap shampoos and hair products when you care for a hair weave, because these tend to dry out the weave. Also they contain more detergent than conditioners.
And last but not least, don't forget the finishing spray. Use the finishing spray that our stylist has recommended to you.