7 Tips to Care for Your Hair Under a Weave, According to Experts

woman wearing copper colored weave

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As far as protective styles go, wearing a weave is an obvious choice for many. You can play around with different textures, lengths and colors, while also protecting your natural hair at the same time. While it's easy to get caught up in the fun of your new hairdo, you shouldn't forget to take care of the hair underneath your weave. 

Adequately caring for your hair when it's tucked away will ensure that once the sew-in or extensions are removed, your new growth will be nourished and healthy. We know that getting to your roots while wearing a weave can be a bit of a challenge, let alone taking care of it, so below we have product suggestions and expert-approved tips to make sure that your weave protects your natural hair rather than damages it.

Meet the Expert

  • Dr. Dina Strachan is a board-certified dermatologist and is the director of Aglow Dermatology based in New York City.
  • Diane Stevens is a Nioxin global stylist and the owner of Cole Stevens Salon based in Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
  • Ursula Stephen is a Unilever global haircare brand ambassador, and the owner of Ursula Stephen The Salon, in Brooklyn.
01 of 07

Use A Cleanser with a Nozzle

To get to the hair that is underneath your weave, we suggest using a cleanser with a nozzle to help you dispense the product in hard to reach places. Lines like Girl + Hair make nozzled shampoos, conditioners, and apple cider vinegar rinses that simplify placing product where it's needed, while their formulas ensure your scalp is at it's best under your new do. 

02 of 07

Shampoo and Condition Your Weave Every Three Weeks

"You should wash and condition your sew-in about once every three weeks," says Ursula Stephen. Stephen recommends a sulfate-free formula that removes build-up without drying out your hair, followed by a conditioner that adds moisture to your hair. To cleanse your scalp and hair, concentrate the shampoo on your scalp and massage it in with the balls of your fingertips.

Then work the shampoo down the weave hair, but be sure not to place all the hair on the top of your head. This step can cause matting and make your extensions impossible to detangle. Be sure to spend a little extra time rinsing your scalp and weave to ensure there is no leftover shampoo residue. 

A conditioner with slip will help make it easy to detangle your extensions and keep the hair underneath hydrated. Give the hair a few good rinses to ensure all of the conditioner is rinsed away.

03 of 07

Wrap Hair In a Microfiber Cloth After Cleansing

Wrap your hair in a microfiber cloth for at least 20 minutes to help soak up excess moisture from your hair. Microfiber towels are softer and more absorbent than their cotton counterparts so they help dry your hair faster, as well reduce the appearance of frizz. We recommend using Coco & Eve's Microfibre Hair Towel Wrap ($24) to help keep your weave looking good as new.

04 of 07

Don't Overload Your Scalp With Oils

Don't overload your scalp with oils, even if it feels really itchy. Constantly oiling or greasing your hair may provide temporary relief but it may also be masking a deeper problem. "The scalp is the oiliest part of the body, if it seems like it needs to be oiled then it's probably because the person has developed seborrheic dermatitis, or dandruff," Dr. Dina Strachan explains. This condition could be made worse, if a person doesn't shampoo their hair at least one time per week. Dr. Strachan suggests washing your scalp with an anti-dandruff shampoo instead of reaching for an oil or scalp cream. She also recommends using Phytopolleine's Botanical Scalp Treatment ($40) before shampooing your hair to help reduce inflammation on your scalp.

Byrdie Tip

If you're going to be wearing a sew-in, invest in an applicator bottle with a nozzle tip. It will direct the oil where you want it to go without getting it on the rest of your hair.

05 of 07

Apply a Leave-In Conditioner

Taking care of your scalp is one of the most essential steps you can take to ensure the health of your hair. "It is important to remember the scalp must be nourished during this protective style and all protective styles," says Diane Stevens, owner of Cole Stevens Salon and Nioxin Global Stylist. She recommends applying a leave-in treatment with antioxidants meant to neutralize free radicals on the scalp surface. 

06 of 07

Don't Neglect the Weave

"You should definitely care for your extensions the same way you care for your hair," Stephen tells Byrdie. "At the end of the day, extensions are a pricey investment, and caring for them will help to preserve the life of the hair." Giving your extensions some tender loving care will not only keep it looking its best, but depending on the hair type, you can extend the life of the hair.

Detangling the hair each night and sleeping under a satin scarf (or bonnet) are the best ways to ensure the longevity of your style. Since human hair weaves can be treated very much like your hair, be sure to take note of how much heat and product you're applying to try to avoid build-up and split ends.  

07 of 07

Remove the Weave as Recommended

Your hair will likely grow about ½ to 1-inch beneath the weave, and as the time to uninstall your beloved style nears, you will feel the difference in the tightness of your braids underneath. When left in too long, weaves can start to lose their luster, but one of the biggest pitfalls of leaving in a weave too long is your own hair can end up matted. A deep clean and trim after six to eight weeks is maintenance no one should skip after wearing a protective style. 

Everett says the temptation to keep your extensions in beyond eight weeks can be there if your hair still looks good, but she says don't. "Keep in mind that the health of your hair is more important than the look," she tells us. "This will allow your natural hair to breathe and be moisturized. This also helps to remove the weight and tension of the extensions from the natural hair."

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