How to wash weave for reuse

Weaves and hair extensions are well known as a favorable method that women use to improve their image. They spend a lot of money to ensure that they get that gorgeous look. However, many women spend a lot of money on hair extensions only to have them last for a short period simply because of lack of proper instructions on how to wash and maintain the hair extensions. Fortunately, there's a solution. To maintain your weave in perfect condition, it's essential to know how to wash weave for reuse.

Weaves need to be cared for in the same manner you care for your natural hair. If you are planning to buy a weave or hair extension, there are several things that you need to do to maintain its look, especially if you are planning to reuse it. It is only by properly washing and taking care of a weave that you can extend its lifetime to several months. Here is a step by step procedure on how to clean a weave before you install it on your head.

How to wash weave for reuse

The following are the steps that you need to follow when you are cleaning the weave to reuse it.

Step 1: Detangling the weave before washing

Before you begin washing the weave, you need to begin by detangling it. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the weave to prevent breakage. You can add some conditioner and water to the weave before you detangle it. When detangling, you need to begin from the ends and work your way up to the roots. It's advisable to use your fingers to loosen any knots that you come across when detangling the weave.

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Step 2: Deep conditioning the weave

Now that the weave is free from tangles, you can proceed to deep condition it. This is a very important step in bringing back the weave to life. Conditioning the weave plays an important role in loosening the hair cuticles, and it leaves the weave soft. When applying the conditioner, you need to ensure that it saturates each strand. After you have applied the conditioner, use a wide-tooth comb to comb through the weave to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Shampooing the weave

After applying the deep conditioner, you should proceed to wash the weave or shampoo it before installing it on your head. Use a mild shampoo and lukewarm water when shampooing the weave. Choose a shampoo that is specifically designed for dry hair because it will intensely nourish and moisturize the weave.

It is recommended that you should not scrub or rub the shampoo on the weave. You should place the extensions into the lukewarm water and leave them to soak for about 10 minutes. Avoid any form of friction that can damage the weave. After washing the weave, remove it from the water and rinse it under a running tap. You should let the water run through the weave to rinse away the shampoo. Once you are done with this step, you should squeeze out any excess water from the weave.

Step 4: Leave-in treatment for the weave

After shampooing the weave, you need to gently apply a leave-in treatment through the hair extension using your fingers. After applying the leave-in treatment, fold the weave into a clean towel and leave it for about one hour before rinsing the product. You should never make the mistake of applying oils to the weave because they create mats and tangles.

Step 5: Drying the weave

After you are done with this process, you should leave the weave to air dry. You should not use any form of heat when drying the weave. If you want to blow-dry the weave, ensure that the heat is low. Ensure that the weave is properly dried before you install it on your head. If you install the weave when it is still wet, it runs the risk of acquiring tangles.

How to wash a curly weave

A curly weave demands more attention when compared to the normal weave. This is because the curls can easily tangle if they are not washed using the correct procedure. Besides, the curly weaves need a good amount of moisture to sustain the natural bouncy texture. Use this procedure to wash your curly hair.

• Use a soft paddle brush to gently brush the curly weave from the roots to the tips to detangle any knots. It is important to note that brushing the curly weave before washing it does not ruin the curly pattern.
• You should then proceed to spray the weave with a mixture of water and conditioner, and gently use your fingers to rub the mixture through the hair.
• Dilute the shampoo in a basin of lukewarm water, and let the weave soak in it for 5-10 minutes. After this, you should rinse the weave thoroughly to remove the shampoo.
• Next, you should dilute the conditioner in the basin of water and let the curly weave soak for 30 minutes or 1 hour. Curly weaves are drier when compared to the straight hair weaves, and they must be thoroughly conditioned.
• After rinsing off the conditioner, you should pat dry the curly weave with a clean towel. At this point, the curls should be scrunched back into place from the bottom up. A small amount of natural oil should be applied when the weave is still damp. You should leave the weave to lie flat on a clean towel and leave it to air dry.

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Should I wash the weave in a washing machine?

The question that lingers at the back of the mind of many women is whether they can wash their weave in a washing machine. The answer to this question is a big NO. Washing the weave in a washing machine is not a good idea because the weave cannot withstand the washing cycle in the washing machine. The tumbling and spinning processes will cause the weave to tangle very badly.

Washing the weave using apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is one of the products that are recommended as a natural remedy for restoring the weave. This is because apple cider vinegar has a lower pH when compared to your weave. Vinegar works as a natural detangler, and it revitalizes the weave and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. Use the following procedure to apply vinegar on your weave.

• Begin by mixing the apple cider vinegar with water.
• After you have shampooed the weave, apply the mixture of water and vinegar onto it and massage well.
• Leave the apple cider vinegar concoction to sit in the weave for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water.

Washing the weave with fabric softener

You can also revive the weave by washing it using a fabric softener. Soaking the weave in the ordinary liquid fabric softener remedies the knots and tangles. You can follow this procedure when washing the weave using a fabric softener.

• Begin by preparing a solution by mixing one part of the fabric conditioner to three parts of water in a small basin. You can apply more or less fabric softener depending on how damaged the weave is. Avoid the scented fabric softeners because they can irritate the scalp once the weave is installed on your head.
• Soak the weave in the solution for about 30 minutes. You should not rub the weave during this time because you can damage it.
• You should rinse off the excess fabric softener from the weave using cool water
• Leave the weave to air dry. You can detangle it and style it as desired.

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The above procedure on how to wash weave for reuse is straightforward and easy to follow through. The next time you buy a weave, ensure that you wash it before reuse so that it can last for several months. This will ensure that the weave continues looking and feeling fresh.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke

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