5 important ways to prevent a stinky weave

Wearing weaves is actually unavoidable. Weaves give you versatility with your hairstyles and allow you try different hair colors without damaging your hair. If you do not take care of your weave, it will develop a mildew smell. This smell develops for two reasons; first if your natural hair is left wet before the weave is sewn on or secondly due to product build up (dirt).

We know that maintaining your hair extensions might be a little difficult for some of us, so here are a few tips on how to keep your hair extensions smelling fresh and clean.

WASH THE WEAVE

Whether you wear a weave or a wig, it requires more care than your natural hair because it’s missing the natural oils that come from your scalp. Ensure you wash your weave after each installment. It is highly unhygienic to re-use the weave or even store the weave without washing it. This is also a major cause of smell on weaves and wigs.

For those who work out a lot or tend to sweat on the scalp a lot it is advisable the weave is washed once in two weeks (twice a month) while the hair is still fixed to avoid smell.

HOW: Wet the hair first with lukewarm water and use a mild shampoo. Add a dime-sized amount of shampoo to your palm and rub it into your scalp with your fingers. Make sure to smooth the shampoo—don’t rub—onto the hair weave. Never turn your head upside down while washing, as this can tangle the weave permanently. Scrubbing or bunching your hair could also tangle it; avoid friction whenever you have extensions. Rinse well and allow the weave to air dry thoroughly.

ANTI – BACTERIAL WEAVE SPRAY

Give your weave a light spritz daily to kill bacteria, de-tangle it and keep it fresh. Use the anti-bacterial spray once a day, working it gently into the weave with your fingertips. A weave that’s braided, twisted or worn in locks will take longer to dry than a weave that’s worn loose. This lengthy drying time leaves your weave susceptible to mold and bacteria—and that musty smell.

TAKE DOWN WEAVE FREQUENTLY

Never wear extensions for longer than four weeks. This will encourage smell from dried sweat, oils etc  Ensure you wash your natural hair before re-installing your clean weave to avoid dandruff, dirt and smell.

SLEEPING HABITS

 Under no circumstances should you go to bed with a wet weave because it will encourage matting and that musty smell we mentioned. At night, loosely wrap your hair with a satin scarf but don’t tie it up in a tight style; that will cause tangles as well. Also, try sleeping on a satin pillowcase so not to disturb your weave.

HAIR WEARS

Ensure your hairnets, bonnets, scarves and pillowcases are washed at least once a week. Failure to do so will encourage smell and dirt to linger on your weave.

STORAGE OF HAIR EXTENSIONS

 How you keep our extensions before re-using them is very important. Ensure you keep in a cool but dry place to avoid smell and mold. Preferably in organza bags to allow air to penetrate. Every two weeks, brush and apply leave in conditioner to keep them intact.

Tips by ANIRAH

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