Everything You Need to Know About Braided Weave
Introduction
Braided weave involve incorporating synthetic or human hair extensions into braided natural hair to create various flowing, braided styles. Compared to sewing wefts horizontally across the head, a braided weave allows the added hair to be styled into vertical plaits, updos, or intricate designs.
Braided weaves provide a versatile protective style while adding length and thickness. The braiding distributes tension gently and allows your natural hair to remain undisturbed underneath. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about achieving beautiful braided weaves.
Benefits of Braided Weave
- Protects natural hair from manipulation and environmental damage
- Allows natural hair to rest underneath extensions
- Adds instant length, volume and versatility
- Long-lasting, can be worn for months at a time
- The braiding anchors extensions securely in place
- Distributes tension gently and evenly across the scalp
- Versatile for styling in various braids, knots, twists or updos
- Perfect for transitioning from relaxed to natural hair
What to Look for When Choosing Hair Extensions
- Hair type – Match texture closely to your natural hair
- Quality – 100% human hair reduces tangling and lasts longer
- Color – Opt for natural black and brown shades for a seamless blend
- Length – 12-16 inches provides versatility in styling
- Amount – More hair equals fuller, more voluminous final styles
- Budget – Human hair costs more than synthetic blends
Choose extensions that match your hair type and desired look as closely as possible. Invest in quality human hair for the best blend and wear.
Popular Types of Braided Weave
Box Braids
Chunky square plaits done down to the scalp in straight rows across the head. Great protective style and lower tension than smaller braids.
Cornrows
Tight, flat braids against the scalp in wavy, straight or geometric patterns. Timeless classic that’s easy to style up or down.
Feed-In Braids
Hair braided horizontally into cornrows then flowing hair added into vertical braids feeding down. Creates fun texture and fullness.
Faux Locs
Twisting extensions with natural hair into chunky, continuous dreadlocked braids. Achieves loc’d look without long-term commitment.
Halo Braids
Flowing plaited braids Circle the crown in a halo shape then fall loosely down the back. Unique way to show off braiding.
How to Care for Braided Weave
- Gently shampoo hair 1-2 times per week focusing on scalp
- Apply oil or moisturizer spray to braids in between washes
- Gently pat dry with a towel and allow to fully air dry
- Wrap hair in a silk scarf or bonnet at night
- Avoid over-manipulating or pulling on braids
- Have braids redone every 4-6 weeks as they loosen
Proper maintenance keeps braided weaves looking fresh, avoids matting and reduces friction on natural hair.
Pros and Cons of Braided Weave
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Protective, low manipulation | Extensions can damage natural hair if installed too tightly |
| Conceals natural hair | Requires re-braiding every few weeks |
| Instant length and volume | Can be expensive, especially for human hair |
| Sleek, flowing styles | Some find braided styles heavy on the scalp |
| Versatile styling options | Not recommended for fine or thinning hair types |
| Great for growing out relaxers | Must keep natural hair and scalp moisturized |
Transitioning Tips From Relaxed to Natural Hair with Braided Weave
- Start with braided extensions just before last relaxer is grown out
- Choose styles like Box braids that easily disguise new growth
- Moisturize natural new growth well as it comes in
- Slowly cut relaxed ends as more new growth appears
- Do a “big chop” once most hair is fully natural
- Gradually reduce size/amount of extensions as hair grows out
Braided weaves camouflage the line of demarcation beautifully during the awkward grow-out phase.
Conclusion
Braided weave serve as a versatile protective style that adds length, thickness and styling flexibility while nurturing your natural hair underneath. Integrating high-quality extensions into cornrows, knotless braids or twists allows hair to be styled in countless flowing styles. When installed correctly, braided weaves help grow natural hair out longer and stronger.
With benefits like protection, length, volume, and versatility, braided weaves are a unique option that opens up limitless styling possibilities. Choose extensions that match your hair texture and care for them diligently to achieve beautiful results.
FAQs About Braided Weave
How long can braided weaves be left in?
4-6 weeks is the maximum recommended time to keep braided weave styles installed. The natural hair underneath needs a break after that to avoid excessive tension and matting. Take care not to leave braided weaves in for months on end.
How often should braided weaves be redone?
To maintain the style properly, plan to get braided weaves professionally re-done every 4-6 weeks. The new growth of natural hair and loosening of the braids means getting them freshly braided regularly. Avoid leaving in too long.
Do braided weaves damage your hair?
If installed too tightly or left in too long, braided weaves can potentially damage hair over time. To avoid traction alopecia, maintain them carefully and ensure even, gentle tension. See a stylist skilled in proper technique.
Can you wash your hair with braided weaves?
Yes, you can gently wash braided weave hair 1-2 times per week, focusing on the scalp area. Rinse thoroughly and air dry fully to avoid mildew buildup. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner formulas suited for extensions.
Should your own hair be braided before getting a weave?
Yes, neatly braiding your natural hair first in cornrows or plaits provides the anchor for sewing in weave extensions evenly. This braided foundation helps distribute tension gently across the whole head.
What is better – synthetic hair or human hair for braided weaves?
100% human hair is best for a natural look and longevity. Synthetic hair tends to tangle and matt more over time. But human hair is pricier. A human/synthetic blend can provide a middle ground in cost and quality.
How short can your own hair be for braided weaves?
Your natural hair should be at least 2-3 inches long all over to properly incorporate into the braided weave styles. Any shorter, and the extensions may not hold well. If hair is very short, leave it out of the braids.
Can braided weaves help grow out natural hair?
Yes! By keeping hair protected and low manipulation, braided weaves allow natural hair to grow out beautifully underneath. They disguise new growth well. Just be cautious of tension on edges.
What’s the best way to remove braided weaves?
Carefully unravel each braid strand by strand using a detangling spray or conditioner to soften. Avoid ripping braids out. Remove any shed extension hair caught in your natural hair. Deep condition after taking out.
How soon can you rebraid hair after taking out a weave?
Give your natural hair at least 2 weeks of recovery time before re-braiding. Wash, deep condition, and moisture your hair well first. Never re-braid extensions immediately back into hair you just took them out of.
