African-American Hairstyles: The Weave

Okay, okay, I'll admit I don't know the first thing about doing hair. However, being the writer that I am - and having a wife (Theresa) that does know everything there is about doing African-American hair - I figured, we'd combine to write a series of articles on doing African-American hairstyles. Oh, and by the way, she's expecting (and will receive) half of whatever I earn off of these articles. Okay, enough with the chitchat - away we go.

According to my wife, Theresa, there are two methods to putting in a weave. Here is the first technique.
First ladies, you need your hair braided in the style that you want your weave to hang in. For example, if you wanted a weave put in with a "straight back" style that could possibly be put in a bun, you would want to have you braids going in a parallel style from the back of the head to the front, while leaving one remaining row of hair at the very front of the head, unbraided, which will later be brushed back to cover the tracks of the weave and will give a much more "natural" look.

Then, you will need some regular black thread and a curved sewing needle, which can be purchased at any store where major African-American hair care products are sold. You would also want two "bundles" of human weave hair, which is much better than synthetic hair. One word of caution from my wife; it is always better to buy too much hair and have some left over, than to run out in the middle of getting your hair done.

You're going to want to start at the back of the head and work your way forward, making sure that you cut each piece of weave to match the exact length of the braids that are in your hair.

According to my wife, it is always better to start at the back of the head because if you begin in the front and work your way backwards, the new hair that you are putting in will get in the way of each successive track, making an already time-consuming task, that much longer.

For a longer lasting weave, make sure you "double-stitch" each "track" carefully into your hair.

Once the entire head is completed, brush the "free" hair at the front of the head back into the weave to blend it in. For an even more real appearance, my wife suggests straightening the hair if it has not been recently relaxed.
To complete your new look, add some styling mousse, or hair grease and be on your way.

According to my wife, this type of weave can be arranged in several different styles from "classy to sassy" styles that will fit any woman from the conservative business woman to the hip youngster who likes to hang out. It can also be worn in a curled or straight style.

Theresa adds, "This style is very secure for every weather condition and even from husbands or children who like to pull hair. This hair style will last at least a month and your hair can be washed while the weave is still in."

The second technique for putting in a weave is a lot easier and a lot faster than the first method I explained, but not quite as sturdy. This technique comes in handy when you want to do a quick hairstyle or need something new for the short term (two weeks).

With this method, no braiding is necessary. All you will need are the two "bundles" of hair and some weaving bond hair glue. However, with this style, you will want to be sure that your hair has been recently relaxed. You will need to part your hair, beginning at the back once again, horizontally and then cut each track of weave to match the length of each part in your hair.
Put glue along each track and place it across each matching part and press down firmly, holding for a minimum of 60 seconds, particularly concentrating on the ends so that they won't "curl up." Once again, leave the very front of your "real" hair untouched and complete installing your tracks. Once you are done installing your tracks, you can style your hair in almost any style imaginable. Remember, the length of your weave is your choice and can be cut to whatever length you desire.
So, there you have it - how to put in a weave for African-Americans.