How to Use a Weave as a Protective Style

Published

8 years ago

January 21, 2016

photo credit: FingerComber

Hey folks! I’ve decided to use a full sew-in weave as a protective style for a while. I am very happy with my decision to do this, but I thought I should go into serious detail regarding the maintenance of my hair underneath. Out of sight, out of mind does NOT apply when it comes to your hair. Let me state that this is how I CHOOSE TO TAKE CARE OF MY HAIR during the weave process. Take what you will from it and tweak what you need to. Let’s get started…

Read On!>>>

Before You Install the Weave:

Wash and deep condition the hair with your choice of gentle and quality products.
Moisturize the length of the hair using the L.O.C. Method.
Air dry
Take the weave that you are going to install and wash it. I clarify and deep condition the hair the same way I would my own hair. Go in the same direction as the cuticle and don’t tangle the hair. I may or may not use heat during the conditioning process. ( It’s crazy how much hair dye comes out of the weave when you wash it.) If you are using virgin hair, this process may or may not be necessary.
Be sure to wash the weave in warm water and rinse the conditioner out in cold water. This will help the weave to be very soft when it dries.
Let the weave air dry.

After You Install the Weave:

Get a spray bottle or an applicator bottle with the narrow nozzle. Fill it up with your favorite liquid moisturizer. S-curl is awesome to use, but if you don’t have that then you can always dilute your favorite cheapie conditioner with water, add glycerine and natural oils.
Lift up each track and spray or squeeze your moisturizer on the braids. This is time consuming, but completely necessary and it feels good.
Get another applicator bottle and fill it with your favorite oil to seal the moisturizer in the hair. Be sure to get the oil on your hair and scalp and not the weave.
Use the tips of your fingers to massage everything in. It will feel great!
Style as usual and cover with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet for bed. Maintaining extensions is time consuming and requires a lot of patience. Cleansing and washing your hair properly is imperative to maintaining optimal hair health. Next, you’ll find the steps I take to clean my hair with a sew-in weave.

Be sure to Wash Your Real Hair Underneath AND the Weave

Start by combing through the hair with a wide tooth comb to remove all tangles. If you are wearing a curly weave, then I would use my fingers to detangle. Start from the ends to the roots.
Fill a spray bottle up with diluted shampoo and spray the scalp and hair. Use the method of spraying in between each track to get as close as possible to the scalp. Proceed by spraying the rest of the weave.
Rinse the shampoo out of the hair using warm water and a wide tooth comb. Make sure that you rinse the scalp thoroughly and removing all of the soap from the scalp.
Apply your favorite conditioner the same way you applied the shampoo, but let the conditioner sit on the hair for a while. * I am crazy about keeping my weave soft and smooth, and one of the ways I do that is with a good conditioner. Your weave will thank you!*
Rinse the conditioner out and let your hair air dry. DO NOT APPLY any oils to the hair weave, and do try to limit your use of a heated appliance.
Hair should be washed weekly!

Caring for Your Real Hair

I am obsessive about keeping my hair under the weave healthy and strong. There is no point of wearing a protective style if your refuse to care for your hair.

Moisturize – I am obsessive about keeping my hair moisturized underneath a sew-in weave. My go to choice of moisturizer is a braid spray. I will use a braid spray or moisturizer generously on the hair every other day. This takes care of my scalp as well, and it ensures that I won’t have dry/brittle hair when I remove the braids.

Oiling – My scalp can get very dry under a weave and it isn’t uncommon for me to experience a few flakes. Oiling my scalp nightly is something I try to do faithfully. Purchasing a bottle with a thin nozzle, or a spray bottle and filling it with your favorite oil will do the trick. Apply this this oil liberally to the natural hair only. You don’t want to get your sew-in weave greasy as this will ruin the quality of hair.

Washing – The natural hair and weave hair must be washed weekly no matter what. Healthy hair grows out of a clean and healthy scalp. Being in a weave is no excuse to not wash the hair. I am careful to use a sulfate-free shampoo during this time.

Deep Conditioning – After shampooing the hair and weave, I apply a deep conditioner on both the weave hair and my exposed hair and sit under a hooded dryer for at least 30 minutes. The natural hair and weave love this process, and it also helps to keep the hair moist.

Protect Your Hairline – I protect my hairline by massaging castor oil into it every single night and while styling, if I remember. Weaves and braids can wreak havoc on the hairline if you are not careful. Take the necessary precaution by massaging and applying castor oil as often as possible. Also, during installation, make sure the braids aren’t too taught.

Have you used a sew-in weave as a protective style? How do you care for your hair under the weave?

This article was originally published in 2012 and has been updated for grammar and clarity.

“The Coldest” In The Room Is Skilla Baby

Published

9 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Big C

Flaunting a scorching signature style without comparison, rising Detroit rapper Skilla Baby unleashes his anxiously awaited new project The Coldest. Across 16 tracks, Skilla Baby levels up from every angle. Production credits on the project include the likes of Southside, MIA JayC, Ben Billions, TooDope, and more. Skilla teased the standout leading single Free Meech, then followed up with an official video. Paving away for the new body of work, Skilla spoke on the project:

I took my time to put this project together… Sometimes, I feel like people try to place me in a box. The pressure of being a new artist, being successful, staying disciplined, and still clocking into the studio is very strenuous, but fun at the same time. As an artist, I’m known as the ‘Girl’s guy.’ But I’ll never forget I come from the streets. As a real person, I feel so many emotions (mad, sad, happy, anxious, etc.). I say that to say, sorry for the wait but I wanted to put everything I feel into one project. Grab your coats…

Next up, the Vultures Eat The Most Tour takes him across the country on his most extensive jaunt yet. Headlining the tour with Rob49, you can see him featured on the single Mike Jack with G Herbo. Look for tickets near you here because you don’t want to miss the energy of a street demon taking no prisoners. Stream your copy of the project here and let us know your thoughts on the visuals below. As more media outlets take notice, stay connected with Skilla Baby by following him on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Videos

Big Steppa’s ‘Neva Fold’: A Motivational Anthem of Resilience

Published

20 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Tampa Mystic

Atlanta/Louisiana-based artist Big Steppa delivers a powerful message of perseverance and determination in his latest release, “Neva Fold,” which hit the airwaves on March 1st, 2024. Produced by the talented Au1rontheBeat, this track serves as a testament to Big Steppa’s personal journey, drawing inspiration from his own trials and triumphs.

“Neva Fold” stands out as a significant milestone for Big Steppa, marking his debut into the mainstream music scene. Reflecting on his motivation behind the song, he shares that it is a product of his life experiences, channeling the resilience he’s cultivated in the face of adversity. With its infectious beats and empowering lyrics, the track resonates with listeners on a profound level, reminding them to stand tall in the face of challenges.

As Big Steppa gears up for an exciting lineup of projects, including music videos and upcoming live performances, fans can expect to witness his evolution as an artist firsthand. With the support of his dedicated followers and the creative process of his producer team, #Au1ronthebeat, Big Steppa is poised to make waves in the music industry. Follow him on Instagram @iambigsteppa6 to stay updated on his journey and be part of the movement towards greater heights of success.

Interview

Behind the Music: Creating KOKOmotion

Published

23 hours ago

April 25, 2024

TGR Media

The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape

KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.

KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.

The New York City Metamorphosis

Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.

Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.

The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment

Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.

She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.

As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.