| We've all been there. Its three o'clock on a Saturday | | | | If you perfect these tips your hair will last and be |
| afternoon and you receive an invitation to a sold out | | | | flawless! For those who already have a hair weave |
| concert that begins at seven-thirty that evening. You | | | | following are a few simple tips to keep your style |
| have the perfect outfit - the only problem: YOUR | | | | looking fresh: |
| HAIR. It's too late to get an appointment with your | | | | 1. Learn to brush your hair while holding the track |
| stylist, so what's a girl to do? Do it yourself - it's | | | | close to the head with one hand. This prevents |
| easier than you think. | | | | unnecessary pulling and tugging that will prematurely |
| Maybe you received a text from that guy you have | | | | loosen the weave. |
| a big crush on, asking if you want to meet him for a | | | | 2. To maintain the bounce and shine, shampoo each |
| drink later that evening. Wouldn't it be great if you | | | | week (never go longer than two weeks) and avoid |
| could walk in rockin' new hair extensions? You can, | | | | alcohol based hair care products. |
| just do it yourself. | | | | 3. Thoroughly brush your hair before shampooing to |
| A hair weave is a non-invasive way to change your | | | | remove all tangles, be sure to lift each track up and |
| appearance, whether you are changing color, texture, | | | | rinse out all residue buildup. |
| length or fullness. However, it is imperative that you | | | | 4. At bedtime wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf. |
| take precautions to minimize the risk of damaging | | | | Cotton pillowcases and sheets may adversely affect |
| your natural hair and scalp. It is completely possible to | | | | the shine of your hair. |
| wear the latest celebrity styles without the damaging | | | | Finally, listed below are a few Do's and Dont's that will |
| effects of chemicals and excessive heat. | | | | keep you on track: |
| I was terrified the first time I attempted weave my | | | | DO - Purchase quality hair. If your hair does not |
| own hair (but I found an excellent step-by-step guide | | | | "move" when you walk, you are either wearing |
| that I downloaded from the internet). My first | | | | synthetic hair (non-human) or you have not washed |
| concern was how would I look? Secondly, I wanted | | | | your hair in more than 10 days. |
| to protect and grow my own hair while wearing the | | | | DON'T - Don't use too much hair. In order to |
| weave. While it wasn't perfect the first time, it | | | | maintain a natural looking style, never use more than |
| turned out much better than I expected. The more I | | | | two bags of hair on your head at once. |
| practiced, the better my result. Now my hair looks | | | | DO - Cleanse regularly. If you want to keep the |
| better than some of my friends who pay a | | | | natural shine and bounce in your hair, shampoo and |
| professional stylist hundreds of dollars. If can do | | | | conditioner each week. |
| it...you can too. | | | | DON'T - Don't braid your hair too tightly. |
| In addition to learning to style your hair on the fly, | | | | Remember precise braiding makes the style last - not |
| imagine how much money you could save if you | | | | pulling hard from the scalp. Pulling too hard from the |
| learned to service your own hair. At a cost of | | | | scalp only leads to pain and hair loss. |
| $20-$60 to tighten tracks every couple of weeks, | | | | DO - Service your weave regularly. It is |
| you could actually save quite a bit of money. | | | | important to tighten and service your weave on a |
| The basic steps are simple: | | | | regular basis. This will prevent the wigish look that |
| 1. Select your style and purchase the hair that will | | | | develops as the tracks in very front and very back |
| give you the desired result. Human hair is always | | | | begin to loosen. |
| best. | | | | DON'T - Please, say NO to glue. To protect and |
| 2. Prepare your hair by removing any existing tracks | | | | maintain your natural hair while wearing a weave, opt |
| or braids. | | | | for a sewn in hair weave as opposed to bonding. |
| 3. Shampoo, condition and dry your hair. | | | | DO - Cover your tracks. Be sure to leave |
| 4. Select a braiding pattern that will work with your | | | | enough of your natural hair out in the crown of your |
| desired style, working around any side part or bangs. | | | | head to blend with and cover your tracks. This |
| 5. Braid your hair and secure the braid to prevent | | | | creates a more natural look. |
| unraveling. | | | | DON'T - Don't explain. When someone gives you |
| 6. Finally, complete the track by attaching the hair to | | | | a compliment - just say THANKS. Please do not |
| your braid. | | | | explain that it's a weave. |
| 7. Once the hair is securely attached, go out and get | | | | A great new hairstyle will build your confidence and |
| a professional cut. If you attempt to cut your own | | | | can literally change your life. Remember - Hair does |
| hair, it will likely look unnatural. | | | | matter! |
