As soon as the weave is removed, a scalp evaluation should be done and if the scalp is dry, do a hot oil treatment or prepoo before shampooing and conditioning the hair.
The conditioning treatments should include a protein treatment followed by a moisturizing treatment or additional hot oil treatment. A clean scalp and conditioned hair is the best foundation to create and sustain your hairstyle! It is like giving an artist a clean canvas!
2. Collect pictures of styles you like or save DIY YouTube tutorials
Consider your lifestyle before deciding on the best style for you. Do you go to the gym frequently? Or do you work in an office environment? It would be ideal to select a low manipulation style that allows you to tuck and pin your hair daily so that sweating at the gym or the environment will allow you to maintain a sleek look.
If you have a difficult time selecting at least two styles to try, ask your hairdresser to assist you. She or He knows your hair and the type of maintenance required for each selected style.
For those that want to transition slowly, consider putting your hair in two-strand twists that allow versatility in both styling and maintenance.
3. Reintroduce yourself to your hair again
Weaves allow us to forget what our hair likes and doesn’t like. We can be distracted by other’s hairstyles that our hair cannot successfully maintain or adhere to.
This will also give you time to see what type of daily maintenance is required to maintain the moisture level in your hair. I would advise that you use the hair products that you used prior to wearing the weave.
It isn’t a good time to try new products but if you must, try one at a time to see how your hair reacts. If you use too many products and your hair reacts badly it would be difficult to determine which product needs to be eliminated.
Michelle says
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.
Melinda McCain-Magee says
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!
Stacey says
Melinda, is there a way to PM you? I am looking for a stylist in my area.
Melinda McCain-Magee says
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!
Pamela says
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
Melinda McCain-Magee says
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!
Ashley Crystal says
Lol!!
The Freshness of Life says
Nice :/