Guide to Classic Hair Weaving

Hair weaves continue to be popular because of the hairstyling options they offer those who wear them. While new weaving methods have developed there are two classic hair weaving techniques for applying hair extensions that hair stylists continue to use today. Classic weaving techniques include sewing and gluing in hair extensions.

Sew In Technique

Sectioning the hair properly is important because it can lessen the mobility of your weave and significantly decrease the appearance of hair tracks. Visible hair tracks are not appealing and make hair look artificial. Be sure to leave some of your hair out before you move on to the braiding step. The amount of hair you leave out should be just enough to hide tracks and to blend in well with the hair extensions.

To begin a sew-in weave, your natural hair must be braided. There are two braiding techniques to choose from. Both beehive and straight-back techniques are used for applying sew-in extensions. The beehive consists of your natural hair being braided in a circular direction, starting at the right outermost corner of your hair line. The straight-back technique consists of hair being evenly parted vertically.

Once hair is properly braided, loose ends should be secured. Sew the loose ends of braids into the base of braids so that they do not remain hanging. By sewing loose ends you eliminate their visibility when attaching hair extensions.

Begin to sew the hair extension horizontally from left to right. When reaching the end of a hair extension, tie a knot to secure it. Add as many layers of extensions as you desire. The more layers you add, the thicker your hair will appear to be.

Blend your own hair that you left out in with the hair extensions. If your hair is thick, consider using a flat iron to straighten your hair texture. Using a thin-tailed comb, make sure that your natural hair covers any sign of a hair extension. Feel free to style your hair any way you like. Human hair extensions can be cut, colored, permed, relaxed and curled.

Glue Application Technique

Glue-in weaves are the easiest to apply. They do not require you to know how to braid. The only major drawbacks to glued-in extensions are their damaging effects to your hair if they are not applied correctly.

Glue can cause your hair to break. Also, if the glue is not removed properly it can cause hair loss. It is best to have someone else glue in your hair extensions. If you do it yourself, be sure to have two mirrors that allow you to see the back of your head clearly.

Part hair horizontally and apply an even amount of glue along the extension track. The track of the extension will have thread in it. This will help you identify its location. Place track on the scalp and avoid getting glue onto the hair itself. There are glue remover products if you do get some of the glue on your hair. Continue to apply hair extensions until you reach your desired level of fullness.