I have been receiving suggestions to do a post on “do weaves
and wigs really make ones hair grow?”
Great question! So I went out and did my research.
Weaves, wigs, extensions, and clip on all serve a purpose
and for most people it’s usually the style & for others it serves as a method
of hair growth. YES! I said it weave do grow your hair.
However the use of weaves and wigs do have the potential to
damage your hair, especially if it’s improperly installed without the right
maintenance. (some of the damages caused by weave are mentioned below)
Hair Loss
Very tight braiding or weaving may be linked to a permanent type of hair loss that affects many African American women, according to a U.S. study.
Very tight braiding or weaving may be linked to a permanent type of hair loss that affects many African American women, according to a U.S. study.
Prolonged pulling at the hair
strands may cause inflammation of the hair follicle, which has been showed to
lead to scarring.
In principle, this could lead to
scarring hair loss or central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, a type of
balding that starts at the top of the scalp and then spreads slowly to the rest.
Brittle Hair
Dry Hair
Thinning of hair
Accurately Installation & maintenance of weave and wigs allows you to try new hairstyles & it will not damage your hair, because you are able to give your own hair a rest from excessive heat, pulling and combing. Furthermore when weave is done properly it can help you retain the length and acquire healthier hair.
In order for your
hair to grow using weave consider trying the following tips:
- 1. Find an experienced stylist
A stylist
who’s knowledgeable about properly installing weaves extensions and wigs and
who understands the importance of keeping your hair healthy underneath the
install.
- 2. Maintain your hair even if it is covered by weave/wig
The
main thing you have to remember when wearing weave is to TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN
HAIR!!! Sew in weaves won’t give you freedom from your own hair, but if
anything it kind of gives you more reasons to pay attention to your hair. Don’t
keep your weave in for a period longer than three months, and when they grow,
they will move further from your scalp. (Ladies you don’t want this… then we
can definitely tell that your weave is getting old) When this happens I recommend
you redo your hair, for keeping it in for too long results in matting, tangling
and breakage.
In
addition to this without cleansing or moisturizing of the hair when it is
covered the hair will become brittle & eventually break off. Moisturize your natural hair regularly with
natural emollients and moisturizing conditioners while it’s weaved up. Try to
find a gentle sulphate free shampoo
Make
sure to protect your hair at night
- 3. Do not do your hair too tight
If
you’re sewing in do make sure that braids are well installed and not too
tight. With a braid or weave you should
not feel any pain once it’s in place.
. This is the surest way of
experiencing hair loss or bald spots from the hair being pulled out. Sewing too
tight causes friction which can lead to breakage.. The area where the extension first meets the
scalp should be secure but should not be pulled taut. You could damage the follicles and end get a
traction alopecia.
Sew
in, just like any other weave, has its ups and downs. They can protect your
hair but if not “installed” correctly it can damage or break your hair.