Weaves give us the ability to try new styles without commitment and damage to our hair. Unfortunately, unless the hair is properly cared for during and after the weave has been removed, we can subject our hair to considerable damage.
I have personally worked with clients that thought that their hair could never grow beyond a certain length only to grow hair that was well on its way to waist length! Many would go back to bad habits of using excessive heat or neglect to properly prepare their hair for physical activity or bed.
As a hairdresser, I once went to a client’s home to take away her “heat!” I placed the flat irons* and curling irons* in a bag, secured them my car’s trunk and didn’t give them back until we both felt assured that she knew how to properly implement heat into her maintenance routine.
Had she demanded them back I would have given them to her, but she loved her length too much and wanted to maintain it. Granted, it was an extreme measure but I placed healthy hair as a priority for all my clients and asked that they remain as dedicated.
Therefore, before the weave is removed, it is imperative that the person takes haircare and maintenance into consideration.
If you are not properly prepared for how you will style and maintain your natural hair. Once the weave is removed, it will cause frustration that leads to poor hair care decisions that will lead to damage.
To feel comfortable wearing your own hair again you must ensure that it is healthy and properly prepared to style; this will ensure that the transition back to wearing your own hair will be pleasurable!
1. Treat and Condition immediately
First, you must consider how long you have worn your weave and how it was maintained in the weaved hairstyle. I have done weaves on individuals that get relaxers and conditioning treatments when touch ups are needed before reinstalling a weave.
For those that have natural hair, the maintenance is to shampoo and deep conditioner* the hair prior to installing a new weave. Regardless of whether your hair has been relaxed or natural, a deep conditioning* treatment is mandatory.
If you have neglected your hair with each installation, you must begin treating the hair prior to the final removal. I would suggest delaying the removal if the hair has been neglected, so that your hair is properly prepared.
So how does a customer get her hair waist-length? Especially if she is over 45 with bad edges and thinning hair? I currently use Jamaican Black Castor Oil every other day and wear a half wig.
The damage to the hairline and thinning happens over time, so to see progress will take time and patience. As we age our hair and skin changes too. It is very common to experience thinning of skin and dryness. It is imperative that you continue to keep your scalp and hairline moisturized so do not stop using the castor oil. I would advise that you make sure that your bonnet or scarf is not rubbing your hairline or tied to tight. Friction and pressure that prohibits circulation causes hair loss! I would also pamper the hair exposed beyond your half wig. I have seen many that experience damage due to dryness and pressure where the wig band begins! Keep in mind that exposure to all elements, including the natural hair touching the wig hair can dry your hair! You will see progress in time! Do not give up!
Melinda, is there a way to PM you? I am looking for a stylist in my area.
I am currently not in a salon but you may PM via email for support! Finding a stylist is easy but finding the right one can be frustrating. I advise visiting the salon and observing the stylists. You want a stylist that is highly skilled and great at communicating. It is important that a stylist takes the time to get to know you and your hair; while being open to your input. A stylist that doesn’t listen isn’t worth your time and definitely your money!
So I have a big problem. I’m natural have been for about 3-4 yrs maybe longer. My hair has always been short I decided to let it grow which it did with all the products that I used kinky curl, conditioners everything u name it. my problem is I love to dye my hair so I decided to put a semi-permanent color in sooo I stripped my hair myself, added the dye Special Effects in Oct. blue velvet. wanted something different being that I thought it would wash out eventually. to my surprise it never did it took so strong that when I tried to dye over the color it turned green..smh. so I’m using braids, kinky twist to give my hair a rest. I then tried color oops it lighten but its still green. right now its in kinky twists I know it sounds like a lot of chemicals and perhaps it is. when I first blow dried my natural hair before all this drama. It was beautiful but I didn’t like the color anymore. the only thing I can do now is let is rest co-wash and deep condition until it comes out hopefully. Can you tell me what to do? I’ve always taken care of my hair think I need a beautician now. sign hopelessly frustrated
Bleaching dark hair severely weakens the hair but I know you knew this before deciding to do it..right? Now, any attempt to lift the green tint should be done by a colorist and it would definitely cause more weakening of your hair. If the color is bothersome I would try a safe alternative like a dark color in Clairol’s Jazzing line. This is only to tone it down so that it isn’t as distracting as it grows out. Since the pigment was permanently removed all semi-permanent applications will eventually fade away leaving color grabbed areas behind. In other words the color changes will continue unless you have a professional lift the green and apply another permanent dye. You are wise to have it in a protective style and you should commit to continuing to leave your hair alone. Your hair can no longer handle heat and lots of manipulation. Get a good protein conditioner like Aphoghee to ensure you maintain the protein levels. Next time opt for a weave or wig as an alternative to coloring your hair. Please keep me posted! You have me beyond worried!
Lol!!
Nice :/