Every woman that wears a weave wants to believe that her hair looks "on point" at all times (me included), but that isn't always the case. There are some beautiful weaves out there... and then there are some that just don't make the cut. I don't write this to insult anyone, but rather educate people about the improper weave practices that some may not realize they are doing. I've seen many in all my years of weaving, but I've narrowed my list to the top 5 weave faux pas. Some of these weave sins have been committed by all of us at some point in our hair journey. They aren't in any particular order, but they definitely are at the top of the list.

 

 

I can not stress enough how important it is for your hair extensions to match your natural leave out. That is the BIGGEST giveaway that you are wearing a weave. It's like trying to make oil and water blend as one... It just isn't gonna happen. There are so many different texture options available and Renown Hair has over 13 textures at your fingertips. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best texture for your hair:

• Whether your hair is coarse or fine in texture, choose a hair extension that has the same feel and/or look as your hair. If your hair is coarse, Relaxed Straight or NuGrowth may be a great option for you. If your hair is fine, The Bomb Hair, Latin Explosion or Butt Naked may be a great option for you. 

•  Keep in mind your daily styling routine when choosing a texture. If you like low maintenance, wash-n-go, or flat wrap type styles, choose a looser curled or wavy texture. The tighter the curl, the more work you have to do to care for it. 

•  If you don't want to deal with blending your hair at all, a closure may be a great option for you. They are available in many textures and lengths.

 

 

 Nobody wants to be the girl with the "skinny weave". I've heard women say they don't want too much hair because they want it to look natural. I get it. I really do, but please keep in mind that we should not be able to see through your hair. Because bundles are weighed and not measured, the longer length you get, the more bundles you will need. All bundles from Renown are 100g, which is equivalent to 3.7-4 oz. Bundle deals are available starting as low as $150. The amount of hair I recommend for a natural looking install is as follows:

 

12-16"- Two bundles is sufficient for a natural fullness. A third bundle can be used for extra fullness, but you most likely won't use the full three.

18-22"- Three bundles will be needed for a natural fullness. All three will be used.

24" or longer- Four to five bundles is recommended depending on how long you choose to go.

 

** Keep in mind, there are variables such as head size and track placement that can affect the amount of hair that is able to be installed. If you have a smaller head, less hair may be needed and more hair for a larger head.

 

 

 

Nobody likes to see the dreaded "weave pat". This is often a result of itching caused by your braids needing to be cleansed and conditioned. We recommend cleansing your hair weekly to maintain your weave. You may use a co-wash or if you work out or sweat in your hair, you can shampoo followed by conditioner. If you don't want to deal with washing your weave yourself, it's best to book a bi-weekly weave maintenance with your stylist. When wearing a weave, we recommend co-washing weekly, for three weeks then on the fourth week, shampoo and deep condition.

** Be sure to avoid products with ingredients such as protein (keratin), sodium chloride, sulfates, silicone and glycerin. These ingredients can cause your extensions to be dry, dull and/or clump together. If you are sure what to use, Renown has a full product line that is formulated to be extension safe and great for your natural hair!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 This is very important! Weaves are definitely an investment. If you are spending anywhere from $200-500+ on hair alone, why would you go cheap to get it installed? That's like buying a Benz and putting corner store gas in it. You won't get very far and it will be a bumpy ride. Take the time to find a skilled stylist trained in proper weave installation. Just because it looks pretty on the surface, doesn't make it a good weave. There's a lot more to it than just braiding hair and sewing on some tracks. If you aren't sure where to find a stylist, you can book an appointment with Salon RPH.

 

 

 Weaves are not meant to be left in forever. Weaves can be worn safely up to 12 weeks before they go from being a protective style to causing unnecessary damage. Keep in mind, not everyone can go the full 12 weeks depending on your hair texture and how well you maintain your weave. Often times you will find, good hair care practices will cause you to see more growth, in turn causing your hair to be done more frequently. Here is a guide I share with my clients for how long they should wear their weave:

Fine, oily, or thinning hair -- 4 to 6 weeks 

Normal, medium, thick hair -- 8 to 12 weeks

* Keep in mind, you should still see your stylist regularly while wearing your weave to get it thrououghly cleaned and conditioned. You still need to wash/condition at home, especially if you sweat a lot or are active, if you want to maintain optimal wear of your style. Your stylist can also gauge how your hair is underneath your weave and adjust the timeline for your needs. 

 

 

Next time you wear your weave, just keep these tips in mind. If you still aren't sure or simply want to experience the Renown weave for yourself, don't hesitate to come see us! We are open 7 days a week!