How Long Does A Weave Last For?

Sporting a protective style e.g. a weave,

especially in winter, is normal for a lot of black women but how long does a weave last for?  This is one of the most frequently asked question most extension stylists receive.

The usual questions to expect are: 

• “do you do weaves?”
• “how long does it take to do a weave?”
• “how long does a weave last for?”

These questions are from the newbies, professional weave wearers ask the price and wear it until it has to come out.

Just how long does a weave last for?  I joke about

this because so many women who wear hair extensions, whether it is sewn, glued, taped or clipped in, never listen to the “use by” date.  I suspect the manufacturers never expected them to wear the hair until it was shredded.  In the past, I got a lot of those who would clearly state that they had to get their money’s worth before they would have the weave redone.   We now see the outcome for clients who do not follow instructions with the frequent incidents of hair loss.

A weave can last for up to two months if it is

in good condition.  I recommend taking it out at two months because the hair would have grown by this time.  Having an extension weighing on the hair is stressful and if left longer can cause breakage. Some clients also demand to have the weave done as tightly as possible, believing it makes it stay longer.  It does stay longer but will tear out hair when it is removed.  Doing this repeatedly eventually leads to bald spots and mental stress.  What do you say to someone who has tightly weaved her hair for years and left it on for 3 months or more  and is now blaming her former stylist for bad work?

Before having a weave done, plan your hair budget. 

you should consider:

• the cost of treatments to maintain your hair 
• haircuts for your own hair,
• installing and purchasing new hair 
• best hair care products.

A weave of good quality hair lasts for a few installs if cared for correctly.  This is an investment in your appearance that pays off in the long run.

By Paula Barker, Silkie Locks Hair Design

Buy my e-book:  Dreadlocks:  A Hairstylist’s Manifest (Silkielocks.com/Amazon.com)