Wearing a weave while transitioning

curlissima · 01-15-2009, 01:05 PM

How many of you are doing this?

It's been almost five months since my last perm, and i have about 3 inches of new growth, 1 when the hair is dry and curly (i'm a 4a). i love my new growth, but the difference between the two textures is getting to be pretty dramatic.

i work with a lot of clients, so i'm starting to feel like i look "messy".

i'm seriously considering putting in a weave for about a year while my hair grows to a length i'm comfortable with wearing.

my #1 priority, though, is having healthy hair. i know there is some strain on the hair follicles when you wear a weave (i've never had one).

What are your experiences with it? Has it worked?
I feel like i have very few other options short of cutting it all off. I just don't like short hair on me.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

TooSense · 01-15-2009, 01:28 PM

You know it's funny, I haven't been on here since last summer when I did my BC, but I saw your post on the front page. I did extensions during my grow-out. I did Greath Lengths--it's a much more expensive method & takes less time, but I did a lot of research & it's the least damaging extension method. That said, a weave is the second least damaging.

Anyway, I admit it did wonders for my self confidence & really protected my hair during the grow-out period. If you want to check it out, all the pics are on my picture trail below.

Good luck!

curlissima · 01-15-2009, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TooSense

. I did extensions during my grow-out. I did Greath Lengths--it's a much more expensive method & takes less time

Thanks! Could you please describe great lengths to me?

torimonty · 01-19-2009, 12:40 PM

Hey Curlissima,
I transitioned with a full sew-in weave for about 4 of my 8 month transition. Like you - this was my first weave. I have a few posts on my blog about it. Here's a link to that topic: http://myhairmonologue.blogspot.com/search/label/weave

I'm not an expert, but here are a few things I'd recommend:
1) Do a full sew-in (do NOT use glue) so none of your own hair is exposed. Otherwise, you'll be tempted to flat iron your own hair to match the weave. Also - don't let the stylist braid your hair too tight. Aside from being painful - it will damage your hair. In addition, if you have a thinning areas, consider using a hair net so the stress of the tracks is on the hair net and not your hair.

2) Use human hair (the brand I used is in the blog post). It looks better, responds 'naturally' and lasts longer. I also didn't have to use any products on it so it was totally easy to care for. I'd wrap it at night and bump it occasionally in the mornings and roll out.

3) Don't neglect your own hair. Have the weave taken down every 6-8 weeks for a good shampoo, condition, and trim. This will also prevent your own hair from locking/matting underneath the weave. They say you should let your hair/scalp rest for at least 2-7 days before going into your next weave. But I never did that.

4) Your scalp will itch - so be prepared (see my blog post for some product recos). I hear this is worse with synthetic hair.

Hope this helps! Good luck with your journey!

bowwow94 · 10-04-2009, 02:46 PM

i have a full sew in now with a closure. I got it done around early august and plan to take it down in two weeks. Im doing the weave thing till june because I'm in high school and my own hair looks jacked up (damaged relaxed hair, scab hair, uneven amounts of new growth). I'm using human hair which is alot better and I use tea tree oil to prevent itching. Nxt time I get the weave put in I have to tell her not to braid the edges so tight. Thats the only thing I'm worried about.

kinky-girl · 10-05-2009, 03:29 PM

Weaves are ok (or so I've heard).

As long as they're not back to back (as in taking one out one day & putting a new one the next day) because can that cause breakage and potential bald spots.

MokahDeeLyte · 10-06-2009, 11:25 PM

I keep debating with myself on if I am going to put one in next week or not. These are a good way to protect your hair, but I just like moisturizing and sealing my hair nightly. Who knows it will probably be best for me to do one this fall.

MixedUpCurlyChick · 10-07-2009, 12:27 PM

I wore weaves for several yrs and I think they're a great protective style as long as the hair underneath is being taken care of.

I say that I've been natural for almost 2 yrs b/c I stopped perming my hair almost 3 yrs ago but I don't count the time that I was still weaving. That being said, my hair was in very good condition when I was weaving. I wore very curly weaves most of the time and left some of my hair out (front, sides, and back aka the crown). Since I was not putting any heat on my hair, it was fine.

Like someone else mentioned, never use glue or bond, only do sewn in weaves. I would suggest getting a word of mouth recommendation about a stylist as well. I was never able to do that, as none of my friends/fam wear weaves. However, I did end up finding ppl through trial and error since I wore weaves for about 6 yrs.

There are so many ways in which weaves are done- even just in the sewin in category. If you are a hot person or have a hot head, I wouldn't recommend a closed weave or a net weave (net is sewn on top of braids) b/c you will be sweating!

Another thing to be aware of is that a small amount of ppl are very sensitive to synthetic hair (I'm one of them). I was allergic to it and it made my scalp itch like crazy. I used to wear synthetic in the braids (not in my actual weave) but after developing this reaction, I had to stop. I would suggest using human hair as well but its extremely expensive. FYI, many ppl are not aware, but if its sold in a package, it is not human hair. If you do go this route, I would suggest getting a word of mouth rec about where to buy the hair, unless you live in a city where there is only one custom hair place.

The good thing about spending a lot of money on the hair, is that you can wash and re-use it several times. It also won't scream "weave" if you have hair that is better quality and matches your hair well.

Besides getting a weave that looks good and won't damage your hair, its imp to get a rec b/c you want the braids to be done in a way that will make your weave last so it is cost effective. The longest I have ever been able to wear a weave is 6 weeks. However, other clients at the salon I went to were able to go 2 months. My hair does not hold braids well and my hair gets oily, but everyone is different. I personally wouldn't want it in much longer than a month b/c I would want to take it out and treat my hair.

Sorry this is so long, I hope this helps!

msmchy · 10-09-2009, 10:26 AM

sew-ins are a perfect way to go. Don't forget to search, and re-search time and time again on the brand of hair to use, and how long you should wear your weaved style. Also, sew-ins are relatively cheap. They can range from $100 on up not including the hair you buy. Also, there are tons of videos on YT about doing it yourself if you want to save some moolah. If you can braid and stitch, you can create a beautiful new look for less. Weaves when used properly, look flawless and protect your hair wonderfully. Wigs and full lace versions are great options as well.

MixedUpCurlyChick · 10-09-2009, 02:32 PM

Wigs can be a great option too but I would caution that the lace front wigs (that Tyra, Beyonce etc wear) can damage your hairline if the glue is not applied properly.

Tenns · 10-21-2009, 05:54 PM

I'm actually getting a sew-in for many of the same reasons that you stated. I feel like I look messy and really can't do anything with my hair at this point. Also, its kinda affecting my confidence which is a no-go for me, b/c I've never had issues with feeling good about myself.

4evatete · 10-21-2009, 06:41 PM

i got a sew in for homecoming last saturday and its itching like whoo. i used tea tree oil but that doesnt help much. but the hair looks amazing and im keeping it for about 2 1/2 months

MixedUpCurlyChick · 10-21-2009, 10:04 PM

That happened to me before. I was allergic to the hair

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4evatete

i got a sew in for homecoming last saturday and its itching like whoo. i used tea tree oil but that doesnt help much. but the hair looks amazing and im keeping it for about 2 1/2 months

yrh11 · 10-22-2009, 10:50 AM

I wore a full weave with tree braids in the front. I had a quick weave once but hated removing the glue. Also had freestyle braids and kinky twists. I transitioned for one year and did not leave in these styles for very long..maybe 8 weeks at one time. I waited a few weeks in between styles.

msmchy · 10-22-2009, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yrh11

I wore a full weave with tree braids in the front. I had a quick weave once but hated removing the glue. Also had freestyle braids and kinky twists. I transitioned for one year and did not leave in these styles for very long..maybe 8 weeks at one time. I waited a few weeks in between styles.

I love doing quick weaves now that I know how to. Don't forget to layer a shower cap underneath a stocking cap when you apply the glue. For those not ready to make the costly investment in the world of Full lace wigs, try synthetics first. There are some great vendors on eBay that are cheap and will give you experience. As previously stated, beware of the glue!!! I found out the hard way and now I stick to www.hairsisters.com for my lace fronts. Cheap, less realistic...but still cute and definitely cost effective.

justme · 10-25-2009, 05:52 PM

I just took out my first sew in. I usually do braids and will definitely be going back to them. Someone mentioned that your scalp itches...well that's an understatement imo. It was fine while it was in but when I took it out I scratched and scratched and scratched. I felt like my scalp was swollen I scratched so much. A friend of mine had the same experience. Never again. I'll just stick to my micro twists.

lit26 · 10-30-2009, 06:55 PM

I used kinky twist to transistion and so that I would not get bored I did this:

Instead of one color kinky twist I chose two different solid colors. Black in the front of hair and blond or another color in the back. I loved it! and still do

TufferThanNigerianHair · 11-02-2009, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curlissima

How many of you are doing this?

It's been almost five months since my last perm, and i have about 3 inches of new growth, 1 when the hair is dry and curly (i'm a 4a). i love my new growth, but the difference between the two textures is getting to be pretty dramatic.

i work with a lot of clients, so i'm starting to feel like i look "messy".

i'm seriously considering putting in a weave for about a year while my hair grows to a length i'm comfortable with wearing.

my #1 priority, though, is having healthy hair. i know there is some strain on the hair follicles when you wear a weave (i've never had one).

What are your experiences with it? Has it worked?
I feel like i have very few other options short of cutting it all off. I just don't like short hair on me.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

im also wearing a weave . the braids pull on ur hair so it tends to grow easier than jus bcing in leaveing ur hair out (=

SugarNuts · 11-02-2009, 06:44 PM

I wore weave during my transitioning. I don't like wearing braids because my sides are the weakest part of my hair. So, they have a tendency to fall out from too much manipulation. I usually keep my weaves in from 3,4,5 months at a time. I am able to achieve such a lenghty period of time through thorough cleansing and treatment of my exposed hair and also weaved hair.

I posted a few examples of my weaves in my Fotki.

I completely transitioned as of this week.

MixedUpCurlyChick · 11-02-2009, 08:16 PM

+ 1 that was the only part of my hair that was ever damaged from weaving. Otherwise, my hair was better afterwards.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SugarNuts

I wore weave during my transitioning. I don't like wearing braids because my sides are the weakest part of my hair. So, they have a tendency to fall out from too much manipulation. I usually keep my weaves in from 3,4,5 months at a time. I am able to achieve such a lenghty period of time through thorough cleansing and treatment of my exposed hair and also weaved hair.

I posted a few examples of my weaves in my Fotki.

I completely transitioned as of this week.