What is a Weave? Their Types? how to use? Pro & Cons

In this world of hairstyles, a weave is a great innovation every woman wishes to have. From celebrities to job-going, women love to transform their dull looks into dazzling hair beauty. These days, every lady is facing hair loss due to health issues, hormonal disturbance, age, and hereditary, of course. So, sampling multiple weaves could soothe all of them.

But going on the attached benefits of a hair weave, firstly, we should know what exactly a hair weave is. What are the textures and types? What are the styling options, and how is it fitted?

It would be exciting to read a full article. Let’s get kicked off.

What is a hair weave?

Regarding weaving, it has two concepts, textile and hair. A Weave means to interconnect something to another in the same direction at a right angle. The hair weave is a type of hair extension, either synthetic or human hair, used to enhance texture, volume, length, and overall appearance to give a practical solution to your bad hair. It is a non-surgical and time-saving method to get artificial hair sewn or glued to your natural hair.

A weave originated from Egypt around 3400 BC ago, where people loved to attach natural or sheep’s hair on their head with beeswax or resin to lock their status symbol. Still, when we are standing in this world right now, it is a great symbol of fashion and glamorous look—a popular choice among black ladies who like to get Rapunzel or red carpet tresses easily.

Weave related glossary to crystal-clear the mixed concepts

Many of us need clarification on hair extensions, weaves, closures, bundles, etc., like me, who can differentiate between a weave and a hair extension once my salon’s expert friend clears it. Now, I am a master at making you clever in these concepts.

Wig

A full head-covering stuff of synthetic or human hair is called a wig. The hair attaches to the base cap with a lace, monofilament, or wefted fabric to give a fuller look, and it is available in multiple densities.

Extension

Hair extension is a vast term that means natural or artificial hair strands attach to the natural hair to achieve added volume and often come in multiple colors and shades to match your skin. All clip-in or tape extensions include in it.

Weave

A weave or sew-in is a type of hair extension that attaches to the customer’s hair by wetting the hair on your natural hair that has been turned into a cornrow before. Now, what is the big difference between an extension and a weave? An extension is better if you have much thin hair, usually apply strand by strand, and your natural locks will never bear much burden, while in a weave; hair is sewn into the natural hair to give heavy volume on the lower part.

Weft

A weft is a strip of hair sew-in or taped into natural hair at any area but mostly on top of the head. In the sew-in method, the weft (hand-tied or machine-made) is sewed-in with a needle and thread to the cornrows of natural hair, and in the tape-in method, the weft is pre-taped with an adhesive to attach and de-attach easily.

Bundle

The bundle refers to the group of wefts sold and packaged together, often in unprocessed form and commonly used in sew-in weaves to show the versatility of hairstyles. Hair bundles are available in multiple lengths (8-30 inches) and weigh 3 ounces. The decision of the number of bundles depends on hair quality and desired hairstyle you want, but 2-5 bundles of hair are enough.

Pack

A pack usually contains 4-7 bundles and comes in a pre-packaged set of hair extensions to build up volume to the natural strands. It is at one’s disposal in various hair types like clip-ins, braiding packs, Dreadlocks, ponytails, or crochet hair that becomes ready to use at every install.

Density

The amount of hair in a wig or weave in light, medium, or heavy textures to manipulate the hair volume, often in 150, 180, or 230% in density.

Frontals

A type of weave in which a sheer lace locates on the front is effective due to versatility in hairdos like side-parting or deep parting.

Closure

A closure is a full weave to cover up the entire customer’s hair. It has fewer styling options due to the less lace area used to cover the crown of a head.

Leave-out

A leave-out is an intentional leave of natural hair out from a weave or hair extension, and its purpose is to throw a more natural-looking appearance. The leave-out section is typically around the hairline or on parting parameters but needs proper blending with the bio hair.

What are the weave hair according to weave hair types and techniques?

A weave is a present-day requirement of my beloved ladies. It has multiple benefits, but here we will explain hair weaves according to types, textures, and application techniques.

Hair Weaves according to types:

What are the different types of weave hair, and what are their names?

What is a weave made of? A weave typically made from fine quality Remy human hair or synthetic hair with a quality element of kanekalon fiber (lasts up to 4 months). Some weaves are made from horse hair after chemical treatment is applied. There are a lot of hair types of weaves; go through the list provided

Human hair weave

A human hair weave means a weave that is made of 100% natural hair and allows you to treat it like your bio hair. These weaves are too classic and great and give more styling options, but one downside is that it is too much pricey, up to 300$ cost.

Synthetic hair weave

A synthetic weave made from artificial fibers and much more affordable than a human hair weave. They have a noticeable shine, never bear too much styling heat, and never last much longer, but they have advantages that are accessible in pre-styled shapes up to 30$ that hold their shape in a muggy and rainy environment.

Virgin hair weave

A type of hair collected from one supplier and 100% natural hair, and no heating or chemical treatment is put on these weaves. It is pricey weave.

Remy hair weave

When some chemical treatments are given to hair to keep the shape of cuticles on one side, it becomes Remy that is too soft, tangle-free, and one of the best hair in the world.

Brazilian hair weaves

Much fabulous hair comes from Brazilian donors and is a feast because of its softness, thickness, and easily blendable with all kinds of hair.

Vietnamese hair weave

Hair was collected from individuals in Vietnam. Most women love to get this hair because of its straight-to-wavy texture, Long life, natural hair shine, and fullness. It is readily accessible in South Asian countries.

Peruvian hair weave

Do you long for soft and very light-weighted hair from the edges? Try these hairs because they will give you a natural feel. But, like your hair, it also needs pamper-like trimming and nourishing products.

Indian weave hair

If you wish to attain more density, this hair weave is best for you. These hairs have a more natural shine and lustrous tresses; all cuticles align in one direction and are free from a chemical process.

Malaysian hair weave

These hairs are best known for their durability and locks holding good curls.

I bought Malaysian Remy Kinky Curly Human Hair bundles with 4×4 lace closure with Swiss Lace and weighed 100 grams, and I was completely satisfied with this hair type because of its tangled and smell-free material.

Eurasian hair weave

A much rare hair type accumulated from Eurasia women is very likely to be Brazilian hair, but its availability is a difficult task. They have soft, fine, and long-lasting textures.

Chinese hair weave

Chinese hair is always in fashion because of its premium quality features like straight, thick, fine, and decent, but one thing that could be improved is that they lose their shape and color after a few time.

Hair Weaves according to texture

Hair weaves provide much flexibility to style the hair in your desired direction. Following are the types of hair weaves regarding texture.

Straight hair weave

Straight hair has less volume on the ends but reflects more shine when healthy. Brazilian hair is the best straight hair supplier country and is well known among ladies because these hairs are free from tangling and effectively transfer oil from the scalp to the down ends.

Curly hair weave

A monumental hair texture mostly bought by girls who have the straight texture of their hair that allows more ambidexterity in multiple hairdos. They need more maintenance, like storage, conditioning, and fewer heating tools.

Wavy hair weave

Wavy hair textures are popular among individuals who need carefree and beach hair without managing it across the limits.

Most hair in this texture are body waves, deep, loose, or tight waves. They have a much more appealing appearance.

Kinky hair weave

Kinky hair weaves have tight curls and coils that present a zigzag or S-shape that often comes from Afro-girls. These hair weaves have more density, are stretchable when wet, and are adaptable to multiple styles, but they have features that make them fragile and dry after a very short period if never cared for.

Hair weaves according to techniques

The hair weaves attach to the natural hair by various techniques. Each of them has distinct advantages and drawbacks and availability of usage. Hurry up to explain it and which weave hair technique you applied recently on your pretentious weave.

Sew-in weave

The sew-in weave is also known as braided or traditional weave technique in which the bio hair turns into a cornrow or braid, and wefts sewed in with the help of a needle and thread. You can buy a leave-out or a full sew-in extension to keep the full head cover. It is a very protective styling that also helps the natural hair to grow more, and best if you have a busy schedule not to put on or off the weave daily and lasts up to 6-8 weeks, but the max time may go to 3-4 months.

Tape-in weave/extension

In this technique, weft attaches to the natural hair that is pre-taped and is a quick option to transform your look by adding dimensions to the weave and can last up to 4-8 weeks if managed adequately.

Clip-in weave/extension

The clip-in extensions are a temporary option to give a more charismatic look within 5 minutes. These clip-in extensions can be placed on the temple or the nape of the neck and blended very well using a straightener or curler. It last for 3-6 months if worn at intervals.

Glue in weaves

In this method, a special glue is placed on the weft’s side that attaches to the natural hair, which gets a bond with your natural hair in a few minutes. One care you should take is to remove the adhesive well to avoid breaking the hair. It has a 2-3 weeks life and is a semi-permanent method of attaching hair at relatively less cost than other methods.

Fusion weaves

This technique has two methods:

Hot method

The fusion weave is much similar to a glue-in weave in which small wefts attach to the natural hair, but the one difference is the usage of specific glue. The fusion weave uses a Keratin bond and has existed for four months. For application, create a small section of the hair strand, put a keratin bond on the wefts, and attach it to the natural hair; then, a fusion-connecter or heating tool is used to thaw the glue and set it until the desired look.
Cold method

The micro-links weave is another method of fusion technique of a weave. In this technique, firstly, clip the upper crown part of the hair, and then a small metal ring or bead made of aluminum or copper is threaded to the natural strand, followed by the wefts added, and the beads are shut off to give a more secure and safe look. It is the best enough technique because if taken care of, it survives for more than four months.

Crochet weave

A Crochet weave, time and again, is said to be a crochet braid/ interlocking weave that involves attaching hair extensions with a latch hook or crochet. A crochet weave also demanded a cornrow of natural hair, then a latch hook to tighten either the pre-looped hair or weft to the bio hair.

Before applying, weave, shampoo, condition, and dry your natural hair fully.

Drawstring weave

A drawstring weave, also known as a drawstring ponytail, is a big contrivance to allow you to make disparate looks with a ponytail. For this technique, you require a fish net cap and also to make a ponytail or bun of your natural hair. The hair wefts or strands attach to the base with the aid of a thread and needle and then tighten by an elastic attached to the cap.

Lace frontal weave

Lace frontal wig or weave that contains a sheer lace from one ear to the other to give more styling recourse. But if someone asks me whether they should buy lace weaves or sew-in, I answer them there is a distinction between lace weaves and closure. First, one is expensive, and later, one is good for normal day wear, and there is no dissimilarity between sew-in or lace because lace front weaves can be sewn.

To say yes or no to weaves?

Hair weaves are a fantastic solution for procuring a natural volume at a minimum cost. However, despite its benefits, there are some limitations that, as a professional in this sector, I don’t particularly like.

Positive points

In the sew-in method, no glue is required, which means saving your hair.
You can protect your natural hair, especially edges, from sunlight or rubbing with clothes to deteriorate easily.
The hair grows naturally.
Once you sew in the weave, it means you save much of your time.
Extricate your too much visit to the hairdresser.
Washing, oiling, and applying the mask on natural hair, even wearing a weave, is not so difficult.
You can easily cover your bald spots.
It gives your hair a break from heating tools.
The social ladies widely accept it.
Extensively available in all hair types.
Certain weave methods like clip-in or tape-in can achieve in a trice.
You can demonstrate any color without permanent dyes.

Negative Points

You have to splash out your bank for the installment of this weave type.
Trying to do it at home can prove to be wrong. You are always in search of an expert for application purposes.
These weaves are initially not for thin hair because they can only hold a little burden on the ends part.
Occasionally, it blends poorly with my own hair.
The glue-in weaves can vandalize your natural hair if it gets stuck in it.
If you make a tight ponytail or braid in a crochet or drawstring method, it may mainspring to headaches.
Sew-in weaves can be much more costly.
Sleeping with sew-in weave is going to be a much agonizing experience.
It sheds and makes your natural hair tangled too.
Glue-in or micro-link weaves create a lot of hitches if used during swimming and gym.

How to install a weave hair?

How is a weave fitted? What is the installation method for weaving hair?

Installing a weave hair demands expertise, and the process is almost the same, but the only difference is the techniques to apply, like clip-in, tape-in, sew-in, or crochet.

Required Items

Hair weave (sew-in)
Needles for weaving (C-shaped or A-curved)
Thread for weaving (100% nylon or polyester)
Tail Comb
Hair Clips
Scissor
Hair Gel
Heat protectant ( Optional)
A fish-net cap

Precautions that must keep in mind

If you are a beginner, get professional help, but if you have experience installing or running your salon, do it yourself.
Make your scalp clean by practicing good shampoo and conditioner.
Never braid your hair too tight to avoid tension on the skull.

How to install?

How do weaves work? Recall this method.

Wash and condition the natural hair properly.
Make a braid or cornrow of the natural hair using a tail comb, secure it with clips at the crown or nape areas, and apply protectant spray. The parking space is up to you. It can be directly threaded into the natural hair or on a fish net cap on braided hair.
Put the thread into needles, secure a knot at the thread’s end, start sewing from the nape, and then goes to the front part.
Cut the extra lace with scissors and style the weave as required.
Blend the weave hair with the natural strings using flat iron or curler.

Check out this video tutorial also:

07 most popular weave styles every out-going girl must try

Do you want to be a dreamboat of the present time? Always make your presence remarkable by managing these weave styles.

Long golden brown curls

These weaves exude elegance and powerful throw on its influencers and all-time good from casual to formal events, from attending birthday parties to traveling icons.

Stacked bob weave

A stacked bob means when the hair has sharper ends at the front but a short and round shape at the nape. A very chic and stylish bob loves by celebrities like Halle Maria Berry and Jennifer Lynn Afflect and tennis player Serena Jameka Williams. You can mix up blonde with pink or balayage with black hair; that is the perfect choice for creating a cool personality with your hair.

Updo weaves

An updo weave is a hairstyle which becomes super trendy in the past few years because of its versatility to adopt at every juncture, like parties, weddings, proms, and galas. It can be styled in a messy bun, chignon, and braided updo.

Ponytail hairstyle with weaves

Again, my lovely ladies, a ponytail idea might be good because of its chimera. You can make a high sleek ponytail for formal meetings, a low ponytail for casual parties, and a side ponytail for your first date.

Long layered weaves

Do you flee from short hair and admire long ones? Then I suggest you cut your weave into the long layered hairstyle. You can play mindfully with long hair, cut them, and style them in a straight, curly, and wavy form by putting in some lenient effort.

Afro kinky curly weave

A sensational and more reel-feel weave style and easy to achieve by using a curl definer, lotion, or comb in case you never buy an afro-kinky weave and want to turn the other weave into an afro.

Medium-length rich violet weave

The rich violet color is best for all of the women who desire a funky look and never leave the natural side. A dazzling hairstyle suits all age types and complements your attribute with its natural tone and highlights.

How to care for my weaves?

How long do weaves last? The life of weaves depends on two factors I have discovered in this field. One type of weave you purchase is sew-in, glue-in, or clip-in because these weaves live for six weeks to 4 months according to their application techniques. The other big factor is how you treat it. The more you give care, the better life it has.

To make weaves run longer, follow up on these practices.

General Tips

Refrain from confronting your weave to the heating tools too much.
Sleeping in a wig is precluded; however, if you do in the future, read our guidelines on how you can sleep in a wig.
Wear a swimming cap before diving into the water.
Put off the glue-in weave carefully to free your hair from harm.
Never bleach and dye your weave too often.
Avoid scratching the weft near from scalp in the sew-in weave.
Keep your scalp breathed to avoid product build-up.
Try to take expert services for installation and confiscation.
Give your natural hair rest during the days when you never go off.

Tools to look after a weave

What tools are needed for weave care? Have a glance at these items.

Shampoo and conditioner meant for wigs and weaves, sulfate or alcohol-free (Tresemme)
Wide-tooth comb for detangling
Soft Bristle brush to distribute the oil on all hair
Satin or silk scarf/ Pillowcase (during sleep)
Leave-in conditioner (for instant managing the weaves)
Heat Protectant Spray (before applying heating tools)
Hair serums/ Oils (to add more shine)
Hair Clips/Ties (during washing or styling)
Hooked Dryer/ Diffuser (to distribute heat evenly)
Wig Cap (to protect natural hair)

Most Asked Questions

I hope so you get a lot. Any shortcoming yet? Let’s make it more precise.

How many bundles or packs of weaves are enough for me?

The number of packs and bundles depends on many factors like hair texture, desired hairstyle, length, weaving method, and thickness of hair you want, but as a general guide, you need 2-3 packs or:

2-3 bundles for up to 18-inch length
3-4 bundles for up to 20-24-inches length
Four or more bundles for over 26-inch lengths

The average bundle size of 3 is recommended that weighted 3.5ounce.

What questions should you ask if you purchase weaves online?

The questions you want clarifications if you buy weaves from online stores:
Is hair actually a 120gram, or it contains packaging weight too?
What is these weaves originate from, and what about their quality?
What is the specification of the weave you offered?
Is there any return or exchange policy?
How to care for the weave?

What is the difference between a single-drawn or double-drawn weave?

Single or double-drawn weaves refer to the process of creating weaves. Usually, double-drawn means all hair of the same length, while single-drawn means the mix of long and short hair.

Features	Single-drawn weave	Double-drawn weave
Thickness	Appear thinner at the ends	Same thickness from crown to ends
Price	Affordable	Expensive
Appearance	Natural	Dramatic
Length	50%	70-80%
Quality	Slightly low quality	High in quality

Do weaves damage my natural hair?

The answer may vary. Yes, if you tightly cornrow your bio hair underneath, your scalp does not dry fully, and improper installation. No, it cannot damage your natural hair if done by a stylist, properly dry and stored, with protective styling, and avoiding excessive heat.

Having thick natural hair goes with a sew-in weave.

Having thin hair, go with a clip-in or tape-in method.

How long does it take to install a weave?

The application time depends on the stylist’s expertise, the weave’s complexity, or the desired hairstyle. However, normal practices are:

Sew-in = 2-4 hour
Glue-in =1-2 hour
Clip-in =Less than an hour
Fusion = 3-6 hours
Tape-in =1-2 hour

How to identify a good hair weave?

Identifying a quality weave is crucial; otherwise, it is only a waste of money. How to choose a good quality weave, luckily?

Choose human hair or 100% virgin hair.
Examine the texture. Most quality weaves have a soft texture.
Select the weave that aligns in one direction.
If the weave never smells of chemicals, it means it has good quality.
Runs your fingers to check how much hair sheds because quality weaves shed less.
A good quality weave always has substantial weight.

Is hair weaving reliable?

Yes! Hair weaving is the safest method of giving your hair a natural and voluminous look within a few times.