Hair Weaving Techniques

There are many techniques to weaving hair. The most common way is for it to be sewn on to very small cornrows or the stylist can use a heating appliance to fuse the hair segment onto very small sections of hair.

Bonding

Bonding is a popular temporary weaving method and a great way to add volume or vibrant streaks of color to your natural hair. Tracks of hair are glued to the roots of your own hair with a special adhesive. To prevent damage to your natural hair, tracks shouldn't be left for any longer than a week or two.

 Tracking

First, natural tresses are braided around the head in concentric circles. The braids are sewn down, then extensions are sewn to the braids. Eight to fifteen tracks are needed for a full head. Care for this style as you would your natural hair, washing at least once a week.

To sew the weave hair, the hair must be braided into cornrows. The hair may also be braided into a zig zag shape to make things easier and quicker. The wearer may leave out a section of hair if she/he wants a part or half the hair weaved. So the hair won't appear lumpy, the hair is sewn horizontally across the head from one side to the other, starting from the bottom. If the hair is to have a parting, it's recommended that a weft of hair is glued as close as possible to part in the hair that separates the braids and the hair that the wearer left out. After those steps are finished, the wearer can have the weave hair cut or styled however he or she wants with her/his own hair blending in.

 Fusion

The fusion method delivers one of the most versatile and believable weaves on the market. With this technique, a machine similar to a hot glue gun is used to adhere human hair extensions to individual strands of your natural hair (about the same size as a micro braid) for a truly authentic look. With a fusion weave, you can wash your hair every week and use products like gels and mousse to style. This is one of the most time-consuming (8 to 16 hours) and expensive methods (prices range from about $800 to $1,800).

To use a heating appliance, individual strands of hair are used. Hair is sectioned out as if the client is getting skinny individual braids. The appliance is heated to the correct temperature. The stylist attaches a section of the human hair to the client's sectioned hair. Depending on the style, a half head of fused hair could take about 20 sections. A full head could use about 50 sections.

The heating appliance can cost from $100.00 upwards. It is highly recommended that a trained and certified stylist use this technique because of potential hair loss and skin burning from the appliance may occur.

Recently cold fusion extensions made of 100% human hair (no yak hair dilution) have been introduced. These hair extensions do not require any heating elements, as the intense heat used to apply traditional hair extensions may damage them.

Netting

This technique involves braiding natural tresses under a thin, breathable net that serves as a flat surface onto which stylists can weave extensions. Netting provides more flexibility than track placement because the stylist is not limited to sewing extensions to a braid. This style can last for up to three months if properly maintained. To care for your hair, wash it once a week and invest in a hooded hair dryer or heated cap for at-home maintenance. "You want to make sure your hair is completely dry so it will not mildew under the net."

Tree braiding

The artificial hair is incorporated into the client's natural hair with the use of a basic cornrow. The best hair length to use is 24 inch hair. The client's hair is parted from the front of the head to the nape of the neck. The artificial hair is added at the beginning of the braid by folding it in half to create a cornrow with a knot in the front. The stylist braids 2-4 strokes and then pulls out a piece of the artificial hair, then braids an additional 2-4 strokes and pulls out another piece of artificial hair. This pattern continues until all of the artificial hair is pulled out. The stylist then adds additional artificial hair into the braid and continues the above pattern until it reaches the back. Then the stylist ties the end with a rubber band, or sews it down with weaving needle and string.

 Clip In and Clip On Hair Extensions

This technique is the least permanent and can be very effective without the negative things such as traction alopecia associated with glue extensions. The hair weft has small toupee clips sewn onto them. Usually a set of clip in extensions average eight strips of human hair in varying widths from two inches to eight inches. Usually starting at the nape of the neck the hair is sectioned neatly, then the weft is places onto this section with the clips open, and facing the scalp. Each clip is snapped into place. It can be useful to lightly backcomb each section for a more secure grip. This is repeated until each clip in weft is in place. It is best to style both your own hair and the hair extensions before fitting them to your head. The clip ins can be worn all day and all night, however, they must be removed before sleeping. Some people wear clip is just for night out on the town and others will wear them every day to work. This shows the versatility of this type of hair extension