“What’s going on with my weave?! It keeps getting tangled and matted, even after I detangled it and given it a bit of TLC… ”

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard this very phrase and every time I tell Beweavers what is going on, they can’t believe what they are hearing. So, I decided to write a (two-fold) blog post about how split ends are the cause of so many tangled and matted human hair weaves & wigs, even if the hair is virgin human hair.

The main reason some Beweavers will struggle with their hair is because they don’t know much about split ends and or think the weave is invincible!

Human hair weaves and wigs are usually put under more stress than your natural hair. This is due to things like styling, bleaching, the constant use of electronic styling tools like straightening irons and curling wands. If hair is not properly taken care of, it will result in split ends, which can potentially be your worst nightmare.

What Are Split Ends?

Split ends can occur on both your natural and on your weave or other human hair extensions. Depending on where and how the split end is situated on the hair shaft, a single split can unravel and move up the hair shaft or peel away or break off near their starting point. Split ends will cause more problems to human hair weaves and wigs, because unlike your natural hair, your extensions will not receive any natural nutrients which are excreted directly from the scalp to the hair. Therefore, it is important to take care of the tips in order for the hair to retain its overall healthy look and live out its full lifespan. Here are the three main cause of split ends, followed by five tips on how to prevent and manage your weave in a way that will lessen split ends occurring.

What Causes Split Ends?

1. Heat

Heat will cause your hair follicles to lose their much needed natural moisture, which will result in split ends and a dried out looking weave. It is, therefore, important to use as little heat as possible on your human hair extensions if you want them to have a lengthy lifespan. So limit the use of blow drying, flat ironing, straightening and other heat emitting styling tools. (For more on how you can straighten your hair safely click here.)

2. Harsh Hair Products

If you are a Hair by Sisi Beweaver you will know that our basic motto is “Great hair deserve great maintenance.” Your hair extension will need a little extra product to keep them looking their best, but using harsh hair products like hair dye, gels, waxes and hair sprays can weaken your hair and cause split ends. You need to make sure that when you invest in good hair, you do the same with the product. Make sure to use products that are specifically made for hair extension, or are gentle enough to use on your weave or wig. Reduce the use of hair spray, gel and wax as they stay longer on your hair, which means you will have to wash your hair more often than required.

3. Strong Shampoo

Having a great hair experience is 50% dependant on the correct hair care products. This is key and particularly important when it comes to washing your hair. Shampoos are made specifically for different hair types and using a shampoo that is not meant for human hair extensions, weaves or wigs can run the risk of damaging your hair extensions. The Hair by Sisi Hair Extensions Shampoo is made with hair extension in mind. The product has the ability to clean your weave thoroughly with every wash, but because it is mild, it prevents damage like stripping (which causes your hair thin out, feel rough and become brittle) caused by strong shampoo. If the shampoo you are using in not specially made for hair extensions, then choose shampoos that are sulphate and paraben free and keep your washes to a limit of two washes per week.

Sadly, there is no actual treatment for split ends, so try by all means to prevent them.

How To Prevent And Avoid Split Ends?

1. Trimming

If you notice that your human hair weave has split ends get a professional to trim the tips off. A professional will be able to determine what bits may be split ends, which you may not recognise as split ends. You can trim the tips of yourself, but be careful not to trim too much or too little off.

2. Moisturise Your Hair

This might seem weird but washing your hair more than you should, can cause split ends. Wet hair is very fragile and detangling while wet can tear the hair. Rather moisturise your hair before you wash it, using natural oils like argan oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil or almond oil. The right oils will protect your hair and reduce damage during a wash.

TIP: Avoid products with petroleum.

3. Drying

Always, always, always air dry your human hair weave, wig or extensions. Wrap a soft cotton towel around your head for about 5 minutes, remove it then pat dry your hair. Do not rub the towel against your hair, as it will cause friction, twists and create unwanted tangles. If you are in a rush to get your hair washed and dried, rather wait until you have time to naturally air dry your hair.

4. Combing and Brushing

Using the right brush to brush your hair is key. Brushing your virgin human hair weave with the wrong brush or comb can cause split ends. For most virgin hair styles and textures a paddle brush is best, safe and can be used as an everyday hair brush (for more info on brush, read click here). For the BlowOutKink, Mongolian Bounce, Malaysian BeacbBomb and the Cambodian Curl hair stick to a wide tooth comb. A wide tooth comb is the best way to get rid of tangles and knots because the spacing between the teeth allows the hair to pass freely while brushing. Always remember to comb from the tips of the hair, working your way up to the roots or the track.

TIP: combing from the roots increases the risks of tangling which generally lead to hair breakage.

5. Less Heat

Heat is one of the major causes of split ends, especially on virgin hair. Too much heat can cause hair trauma, leaving it dry and feeling rough. Another thing about heat damaged hair is that reversing the damage is extremely difficult. If heat can not be avoided, then always use a product like the Hair by Sisi Heat Protectant that will proctect your hair applying any heat to your weave.
Additional Tips:
Avoid rinsing your hair in hot water while showering, as hot water, dries hair and washed away your protective oils.
Always use natural oils like olive oil and coconut oil to protect your hair before swimming even if you’ll wear a swimming cap.

 

Happy Weaving