Thinking of wearing a weave? Healthy hair underneath it will give you a peace of mind; no itching or dry hair – bye hlokoloza! Here are a few ideas to ensure that your hair is properly taken care of before putting in your extensions, and grows in the process.
By: Grace Mantjiu
1. Take care of pre-existing hair problems
You want your hair to be in the best possible shape before wearing a weave. If you have dandruff, use a shampoo such as DR. MIRACLE’S Tingling 2in1 Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner, R96.99 (180ml). It gets rid of your flaky scalp, but also supports strong hair growth, leaving your scalp healthy. If your hair feels weak, strengthen it with a treatment that works deep into the scalp in order to moisturise and condition it. Do this at least two weeks before you wear a weave for optimum results. Also trim your hair to remove unwanted and unhealthy split ends.
2. Give your scalp a good scrub
Remember that this will be the last time you have access to your natural hair for several weeks. So, be sure to give your scalp a good scrub to remove any residue. Use a conditioner afterwards to add moisture and much-needed protein back into your hair.
3. Deep condition
This will add extra strength and moisture to your hair before you weave it. Because a conditioner spends the most time in your hair, use it to add any extra ingredients that could benefit your locks. You can also opt for a leave-in treatment, preferably the one blended with vitamins A, C and E to ensure stronger, softer and more manageable hair.
4. Moisturise and seal
Your natural hair often loses moisture when you put a weave on. Apply oil to your scalp to nourish your hair continuously. Use those fortified with tea tree, jojoba and castor oils. They leave your hair stronger, and minimise breakage when removing your weave.