Does weave & wigs grow your hair?

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.

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. 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.

1. 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   

1. 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.