Types of Hair Weaving Methods + Different Types of Weaves (2024)

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When we meet someone for the first time, the first thing we notice about them — before anything else — is their hair.

This is why we all regard our hair as our crowning glory.

However, only some women are gifted with naturally thick and healthy hair.

The unfortunate reality also shows us that some individuals suffer from inevitable hair loss due to aging and other health-related issues.

On the bright side, there are different methods to combat those hair woes, and one of the most beloved ones is hair weaving.

Don’t know how this hair extension system works? We’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the concept of hair weaving and discuss the different types of hair weaving methods.

Read on to learn more!

What Is Hair Weaving?

Have you experienced hair loss due to stress, genetics, aging, or irreversible damage caused by unhealthy styling practices?

Hair weaving may be the perfect solution for you.

This is a type of permanent hair extension attachment system that’s designed to add length, volume, and fullness to your hair. It’s a non-surgical alternative to hair transplants.

The process of weaving hair typically involves braiding or cornrowing natural hair tightly against the scalp. These braids or cornrows are typically called tracks.

After the tracks are created, a hair weft — also known as a weave — is sewn onto them using a needle and thread. Weaves are usually made of long wefts sewn together using a sewing machine or hand stitching.

However, keep in mind that there are different types of hair-weaving techniques for different needs, so the process may vary.

Remember as well that weave installation can take anywhere from two to six hours.

Types of Hair Weaving Methods

Sew-In Method

The sew-in method is the most commonly used technique in hair weaving.

It follows the process mentioned above, namely braiding natural hair into small cornrows and then sewing a weft of hair onto the braids with the use of a specialized needle and thread.

Sew-in weaves allow people to step up their hair game and enjoy a long-lasting hairstyle without using chemicals.

This technique is also a good option for people with thinning hair, as sew-in weaves can be strategically placed to cover bald spots.

For those who want long-term results, sew-in weaves are ideal because they have a life span of about six to twelve weeks.

Also, did you know that there are actually two types of sew-ins that cater to different needs? They’re called full and partial sew-ins.

Let’s elaborate on the two, shall we?

• Full Sew-In
  A full sew-in involves attaching wefts of hair extensions all over the head, from the back to the back, creating a complete hair transformation.

  It covers the entire head, giving you the freedom to change your hair length, color, and style entirely.

  Full sew-ins are suitable for those who want a more drastic change or a total hair makeover.

• Partial Sew-In
  On the other hand, a partial sew-in involves sewing wefts onto specific areas of your head to enhance volume, length, or style in those parts.

  Simply put, it’s a more localized approach that targets areas where you want to add extra hair.

  For instance, if you want to add more fullness to the crown or the sides of your head, a partial sew-in is the way to go.

Net Weaving Method

This is another popular hair-weaving technique for adding length and volume to thin hair as well as covering areas of hair loss.

Net weaving involves braiding the natural hair into tight twists or cornrows close to the scalp, then sewing a thin net onto the created braids.

What’s the net for? It’s used as a base onto which the hair extensions are sewn.

It also helps evenly distribute the weight of the weave across the scalp, reducing tension and stress on natural hair.

This technique is also regarded as a protective style that allows natural hair to rest and grow without being subjected to damage from styling or environmental elements.

Net weaves are also ideal for those who want long-term results because they can last for two to three months.

Interlocking Method

Another way to integrate your hair extension wefts into your natural hair is through the interlocking method.

This is a pretty similar technique to the sew-in method, but the difference is it doesn’t involve braids and cornrows; therefore, there will be lumps and bumps.

Instead, stylists section the hair and carefully take a small strip of hair at the outermost corner and position it horizontally along the sectioned part, utilizing it as a foundation for attaching hair wefts.

This method is secure and less likely to fall out. If maintained properly, they can last for six to eight weeks.

Hand-Tied Hair Weaving Method

A newer and more popular hair weaving technique now integrates microbeads and sewing to securely attach hair extensions. This is called the hand-tied hair weaving method.

In this process, the stylist first sections the client’s hair into small, evenly spaced rows. For each section, they slide a micro bead onto the natural hair.

Next, the weft of hair extensions is positioned along the row of microbeads and carefully sewn onto the beads, attaching it securely and seamlessly using a specialized needle and thread.

The combination of microbeads and sewing ensures a strong hold while also allowing for a comfortable and flat installation that blends effortlessly with the client’s natural hair.

With proper care and maintenance, this type of hair weaving can last anywhere from six to eight weeks.

Lace Front Sew-In Method

The lace front sew-in method is a popular hair weaving technique that involves attaching hair extensions using a lace frontal piece.

A lace frontal is a sheer lace material that extends from ear to ear, creating a realistic hairline and allowing for versatile styling options.

In the lace front sew-in method, the lace frontal is sewn or bonded onto a braided foundation created on the client’s natural hair.

What stylists usually do is place the hairline of the hair weave in a way that it aligns with the client’s original hairline. Then they begin sewing at one end and stitch along the hairline, working their way across the other side.

The method is then mixed with either a partial weave or a net weave or both for the rest of the hair at the back of the head.

This type of hair weaving typically lasts between two to four weeks.

Pros of Hair Weaving

Like any other beauty treatment, hair weaving comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Let’s take a close look at the benefits of hair weaving first.

Offers Instant Length and Volume

Hair weaving allows you to instantly transform your hair by adding length and volume. With hair weaves, you can achieve long, luscious locks or create a fuller look for thin or fine hair.

Provides Versatility With More Styling Options

Hair weaves offer endless styling options.

You can curl, straighten, or even dye your hair weave to suit your preference or mood. In short, it allows you to experiment with different hairstyles without committing to a permanent change.

Saves Time

Unlike other hair extension method styles, hair weaving can save you time in your daily hair care routine.

Since hair weaves are pre-styled, you can significantly cut down on the time it takes to wash, dry, and style it.

This can be especially beneficial for those with busy schedules or limited time for hairstyling.

Protects Hair

One of the best things that hair weaves offer is a protective barrier for your natural tresses. By wearing a weave, you can shield your real hair from harsh styling tools, heat, and environmental damage.

This can help in retaining the health and integrity of your natural hair, especially for those who are trying to grow out their hair or recover from hair damage.

Cons of Hair Weaving

Now let’s look at the disadvantages of hair weaving to help you weigh your options.

Requires Regular Upkeep

Hair weaves require regular maintenance and upkeep. If you opt for this hair extension type, you may need to invest time and effort in going to the salon to maintain and style your hair weave to keep it looking fresh and natural.

This can include detangling, washing, and styling daily to prevent your weave from getting tangled or matted.

Comes at an Expensive Price

Like other hair extensions, hair weaving can also be expensive, especially if you opt for high-quality human hair weaves. The cost of the weave itself may already cost a pretty penny.

Additionally, the cost of installation, upkeep, and reinstallation may pile up over time.

So it’s important to consider the financial aspect before committing to hair weaving as a long-term solution for your hair loss troubles.

May Cause Damage to Natural Hair

Improper installation or removal of hair weaves can potentially damage your natural hair.

Tension and pulling of the weave can cause hair breakage or even hair loss if not done correctly. It’s crucial to find a skilled and experienced stylist to ensure proper installation and removal to minimize the risk of damage.

May Cause Discomfort

Some people may experience discomfort due to the way the hair weaves are sewn in. Again, we highly recommend that a professional stylist install your hair weave so it doesn’t feel too tight or loose.

Comes With Certain Lifestyle Limitations

Hair weaves may require certain lifestyle adjustments. For example, you may need to avoid swimming or other activities that can cause the weave to become wet or tangled.

You may also need to take extra steps to style your hair correctly or sleep with different bedding materials to avoid damaging the weave or causing discomfort.

Alternatives to Hair Weaving Methods

If you feel like the cons of having hair weaves far outweigh their pros, you can always explore other hair extension methods.

These techniques also lengthen and volumize your hair without sewing weaves onto your tresses.

Additionally, instead of using a weave, they use bundled or individual strands to improve the appearance of your hair.

Each of these techniques has its own method of installation, advantages, and maintenance requirements.

Take a look at some of the most suitable alternatives to hair weaving methods below.

Fusion Method

This method involves attaching hair extensions to small sections of your natural hair in rows using either hot or cold fusion.

Hot fusion uses keratin glue to bond your extensions to your natural hair. Using a hair iron, stylists melt the adhesives found at the tips of the hair extensions, then “fuse” or attach them to each section of your natural hair by hand.

On the other hand, cold fusion extensions — like I-tip hair extensions — don’t require the use of adhesives.

Instead, stylists weave sections of natural hair and hair extensions together and bond them to each other using micro rings.

As you can see, both fusion methods are pretty difficult to carry out on your own, so we recommend going to an experienced professional hairstylist for the best results.

On average, these extensions last for up to 2 to 6 months with proper care.

Clip-In Method

This is one of the easiest and most popular hair extension methods.

Clip-in hair extensions come with embedded clips that are attached to your natural hair. These small clips are usually made of metal and are designed to be lightweight and discreet.

These extensions also feature wefts of hair that are typically pre-cut into different widths and lengths to fit various areas of the head.

The standard width for a clip-in hair extension weft is typically around 1 to 6 inches wide. But there are also wider wefts that measure around 4 to 6 inches wide.

To install them, all you need to do is open the clips of your hair extension and position them close to the scalp. Then attach them horizontally onto a small section of your natural hair using the attached clips.

Lastly, snap the clips shut to secure the extension in place.

Clip-ins are meant to be temporary and can be easily removed whenever desired.

If you want an instant hair transformation without making a long-term commitment to a particular length, color, and style, this hair extension method is for you!

Types of Hair Used for Weaves

If you’ve reached this section, you may have already decided that the benefits of hair weaves outweigh their consequences!

When opting for the hair weaving method, the next thing that you need to consider is the type of hair you should choose for your weave.

Below are the four most common types of hair used for weaves.

Non-Remy Human Hair

As the name suggests, this type of weave hair is collected from various human donors and processed extensively to look and feel more natural than synthetic hair.

You can treat this hair type like your normal hair. It can be washed, styled, and dyed.

However, non-Remy human hair typically has cuticles that run in different directions, which is why it typically has a rough, frizzy texture.

Remy Hair

This type of weave hair is made from 100% human hair, which is collected by cutting the donor’s hair from a ponytail to ensure that all the cuticles are kept intact and aligned in the same direction.

Remy hair weaves are typically soft, shiny, and natural-looking with minimal tangling or shedding. They’re also easier to dye and style than non-Remy human hair.

Take note that Remy hair can be either virgin (unprocessed) or treated (processed).

Virgin Hair

Virgin hair is human hair that has never been dyed, bleached, highlighted, straightened, permed, or chemically treated.

When it comes to quality and longevity, nothing beats virgin hair.

Not only is it durable, but it also gives you shiny, beautiful hair that looks and feels natural. Plus, it’s also more resilient, which means it can hold up well to frequent dye jobs or heat styling.

As such, this type of hair is also the most expensive option, but it’s a great investment for those who want the highest-quality weaves.

Synthetic Hair

Looking for the most affordable hair weave type? Synthetic hair is your best bet.

It’s made from synthetic fibers like nylon or polyester and designed to imitate the texture and look of human hair.

However, synthetic hair is generally not as natural-looking or as durable as human hair.

Aside from not being able to handle heat well, it’s also prone to tangling and can be difficult to maintain over time.

However, you can still wash and dye it with synthetic hair-friendly products.

Different Types of Hair Weaves

After getting acquainted with the different types of hair weave methods and their names, the next thing that you need to consider is the type of weave used.

Why is that? One of the secrets behind getting a seamless mix of hair extensions and natural hair is getting a weave with the same texture as your natural tresses.

Let’s take a deep dive into the different types of hair weaves in this section.

Peruvian

Peruvian hair is a favorite among hair weave enthusiasts because they’re very lightweight and comfortable to wear.

You can install up to five Peruvian hair bundles without being bothered by their weight!

Plus, this weave type makes your hair look naturally sleek, so you’ll surely look your best in real life and in photos or videos.

When you opt for this type of weave, you can expect it to give you a volume boost! It’ll also look natural because it has more body and movement than other stiff-looking types of hair.

This type of hair weave is suitable for a variety of hair textures, including relaxed and afro-textured hair.

Brazilian

If you try to look for hair extensions online, a lot of them feature Brazilian hair.

Why? This is because the versatility and density of Brazilian hair make it one of the most popular weave types on the market.

Not only is it full and voluminous, but it is also soft and durable.

Plus, because they’re so thick, so you’ll only need a few bundles of them on your head.

Keep in mind that you may need time to get used to its density, as its weight may feel uncomfortable at first.

This frizz-resistant weave suits kinky hair particularly well, but it can also match wavy, curly, or straight hair.

Malaysian

This type of weave looks very lustrous, which instantly makes it look healthier and more attractive.

Unlike other weave types that can be a little challenging to style and control, this one is ideal for weave newbies.

Also, due to its silky texture, it rarely gets frizzy, even in very humid climates.

If you’re gifted with naturally silky and fine hair strands, Malaysian hair is the perfect match for you!

Indian

This type of hair is unprocessed, which is why it has the thickest texture among the different types of weaves.

So if you’re looking for a weave to instantly amp up your hair volume, go for Indian hair!

It also comes in straight, wavy, and curly styles, so it’s a great option for all hair textures.

Eurasian

This generally thick and silky hair comes from people of Asian or European descent.

With this weave type, you’ll get tangle-free hair that stays silky smooth — even when you perform several physical activities throughout the day.

You can also straighten it for an ultra-sleek look without breaking a sweat, although it may be challenging to curl.

If you have straight or relaxed hair, opting for this hair type is best.

Care Tips To Maintain Your Weave

Once you consider getting a weave to step up your hair game, you will need to follow a few care tips to ensure they last for a long time and don’t damage your natural tresses.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your weave:

Regular Brushing

It’s important to brush your weave regularly using a wide-tooth comb or brush.

Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Be sure to brush it gently to avoid tangling and pulling.

Avoid Heavy Styling Products

When you’re wearing your weave, it’s best to avoid using heavy styling products as they can weigh down your hair and cause damage.

If you really wish to style your hair, opt for light, oil-free products.

Wash and Deep Condition Your Hair

We recommend washing your hair and your weave once a week using a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

In order to keep your weave looking healthy and shiny, it’s best to use a deep conditioning treatment once a month.

Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase

Sleeping on silk or satin pillowcases will help prevent tangling and excess friction between the weave and your natural hair.

Avoid Too Much Heat Styling

Avoid exposing your weave to excessive heat from styling tools like hair dryers and flat and curling irons because these can damage and shorten the life span of your weave.

If you can’t avoid styling your hair with any of these tools, apply a hair protectant spray onto your locks first to shield them against damage.

Never set the temperature of your styling tools above 350°F.

Avoid Swimming

It’s best to avoid swimming after getting a weave. Chlorine and salt water can significantly cause serious damage not only to your weave but also to your natural hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Hair Weave a Type of Hair Extension?

If you’re new to the world of hair weaving, you may be wondering whether a hair weave is a type of hair extension.

The fast answer to that query is a yes!

Like other hair extension methods, hair weaving is designed to add human or artificial hair to one’s natural hair to enhance or change its length, volume, texture, or color.

What makes hair weaving unique from other methods is that it involves sewing a strip or a row of hair to the user’s natural hair.

How Often Should You Wear a Weave?

In general, we recommend giving your hair and scalp a break between weave installations.

Experts suggest leaving at least two to four weeks between weave installations to give your scalp time to breathe and allow your natural hair to recover from the tension and weight of the weave.

Additionally, it’s vital to take proper care of your hair while wearing a weave. Care tips include washing and conditioning your hair regularly and avoiding excessive heat styling.

If you neglect your hair while wearing a weave, it may break off or become damaged, making it difficult to wear a weave again until your hair has had a chance to recover.

Are Hair Weaves Damaging?

Used incorrectly, hair weaves can damage your scalp and natural hair.

If the weave is too tight or not applied correctly, it can cause scalp irritation, infection, or even hair loss or traction alopecia.

In addition, if you don’t take good care of your weave by washing and conditioning it properly, you run the risk of matting and breakage.

On the other hand, a well-applied weave with quality hair can protect your natural hair from harmful elements like UV exposure, air pollutants, and heat styling.

Choose the Best Hair Weaving Method for Your Hair Woes!

Different hair weaving methods can achieve different results, such as adding volume, length, and texture to your natural tresses.

By selecting the right method and the right hair type for your weave, you can achieve the look you want without compromising the health of your scalp and natural hair.

Be sure to choose the most comfortable method for you, so you can wear your weave for longer periods without discomfort.

Once you get your weave installed, make sure to follow the aftercare instructions listed above for the best results.

Interested in Other Types of Hair Extensions?

Learn more about them in these articles:

• How To Hide Extensions In Very Short Hair: Your Complete Guide
• The 7 Best Ponytail Hair Extensions + 5 Styles To Try
• What Are Halo Hair Extensions? A Comprehensive Guide