Hair Extensions 101: What is a Hair Weave? | Bomb Dot Com Hair

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Welcome to the quick and simple about hair extensions in a blog we like to call "Hair Extensions 101". In the world of hair extensions its important to educate ourselves about whats available in the market before making a decision and investment into extensions. This article was created to discuss the few simple things any one purchasing (or getting extensions styled) should know.

WHO THIS IS FOR

This article is for individuals who are in search of the right techniques and products to preserve their investment into hair extensions and more specifically Bomb Dot Com Hair extensions.

Whether you’re a hair stylist, salon owner, hair company owner, hair connoisseur, or simply someone interested in wearing the latest hairstyles and trends without a permanent change like a haircut, color relaxer or perm this guide is for you. so lets get to it!

WHAT ARE HAIR EXTENSIONS?

Hair extensions are artificial hair integrations, more commonly known as hair extensions or hair weaves that add length and/or fullness to human hair.

Hair extensions are usually clipped on by other hair by incorporating additional human or synthetic hair.

Hair extensions can also be manipulated into wigs, toupees and pieces for people who do not have hair at all.

black woman holding hair up and showing crown and back of edges and hair line

BRIEF HISTORY OF HAIR EXTENSIONS

The origin of hair extensions date back to the Egyptians in 3400 B.C. Cleopatra was one of the first documented to wear hair weaves.

They wore sewn-on hair pieces, wigs and braids that were made of dyed sheep’s wool and human hair.

They used resin and beeswax to attach the extensions. Popular colors were bright blue, red, gold and black. The extensions among European and American women in the 1700s gave way for powdered wigs.

A white powdered wig called Perukes was worn. Believe it or not Perukes indicated high rank or birth. When King Louis started turning bald, he started using Perukes because he didn’t want people to think of him as weak.

As time went on both men and women began wearing extensions. Between the 1940s and 1970s extensions developed and evolved from Pompadour style to beehive wigs.

During the 80s extensions started to be attached with the use of melted candles as a form of adhesive.

Well into the 80`s and 90`s many African American women seemed to start loving and using hair weaves and hair extensions in weaves, wigs and ponytails.

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WHY CHOOSE TO WEAR HAIR EXTENSIONS

Hair extensions are quick and easy way to seamlessly change your appearance. A hair weave is human or artificial hair utilized for the integration with one's natural hair.

Weaves can  alter one's appearance for long or short periods of time by adding additional r hair to one's natural hair or by covering the natural hair all together with human or synthetic hairpieces.

Weaving additional human or synthetic pieces can enhance one's hair by giving it volume, length and adding color without the damage of chemicals or adopting a different hair texture than that of their own.

Choosing to wear hair extensions is exactly that- a choice.

At Bomb Dot Com Hair we genuinely believe that our Bomb Queens and Kings are Royalty WITH or WITHOUT hair.

We offer top quality extensions to add to the beauty and royalty that you already possess.

We believe that you are a “Crown of Beauty”! Isaiah 62:3 says, “You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God”. Royalty, glorious, beautiful- that’s YOU! Wear the best, and choose hair that exemplifies that!

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PREPARING YOURSELF AND YOUR HAIR FOR HAIR EXTENSIONS

Prior to installing your (Bomb Dot Com) Extensions, prepare your natural hair so you’re your sew-in will lay flat, last long and be in a healthy condition when you remove it.

We will use the term natural hair to refer to your real hair whether it's relaxed, permed or truly natural.

Sew-ins are commonly referred to as protective styles because they protect your natural hair while providing a stylish look. Sew-in is the term used to refer to hair extensions sewn-in to braids.

Hair is braided to create a base for the extensions, and then the wefts are sewn into the braids using a needle and thread.

Do not wear sew-ins for more than 8 weeks. 6 weeks is generally better for the duration of a sew-in. Sew -ins left in for more than 8 weeks can cause, hair breakage, 6 matting and even develop mold.

This can quickly turn your protective style to a hair damage style- and we don't wan't that!

  • Consult a hair professional when it comes to sew-ins! Prepping Your Hair: You want to make sure your hair is in a good condition prior to wearing a weave- especially a sew-in.
  • Shampoo and condition your hair. Use sulfate-free shampoos as sulfates strip hair of moisture. 
  • Deep condition your natural hair with moisturizing, anti-breakage conditioners. Don’t exceed the recommended time for leaving in conditioners. If it says 45 minutes then 45 minutes! Leaving deep conditioner in for too long is not always beneficial and can even dry hair out!
  • Use serums, hair masks, vitamins and drink plenty of water. Healthy hair starts from the inside out! 
  • Use a moisturizing leave in conditioner. Seeing a theme here? That's right moisture!

With a sewin you're not going to have direct access to your real hair so you want to make sure you're doing all you can to protect your hair.

Editors Product Pics for Your Natural Hair

Shampoo: Shea moistures Shea butter shampoo- why we love it - super creamy and thick. It’s also sulfate free and color safe. It’s comprised of Sea kelp, Argan oil, and raw Shea butter. After a shampoo your hair actually feels moisturized.

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Deep Conditioner- As I am Hydration Elation why we love it -well the name says it all! It's packed with extracts of coconut, sugar cane, green tea, apple and lemon, shea butter, vitamin E and proven hair fortifiers. It’s infused with pure herbal ingredients that stimulate the scalp and hair roots and enhances manageability and overall hair health.

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Leave in Conditioner- Cantu Conditioning Leave in Cream. Why we love it - well for starters it smells amazing! Next it's superbly hydrating. It coats the hair shaft with penetrating ingredients. This leave in doesn't contain any No mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicone, phthalates, gluten, paraffin, propylene glycol, PABA or DEA- all stuff we want to generally stay away from especially when it comes to maintenance of our natural hair.

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Oil -Shea Moistures` Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen and Regrow Edge Treatment - even though the name says "edge treatment" I love sealing my ends with this jelly like product. It usually feels really soft without that greasy, oily feeling. 

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Jamaican Mango and Lime Pure Organic Black Castor Oil- why we love it- for starters it doesn't have that heavy smell that most castor oil carries.

The scent is very light. And it's a sealant, meaning after you've used hair moisturizers you can use on your hair you can use it to seal and lock in the moisture.

Be careful not to over grease your hair and not to have it to dry either. Balance is key here.

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Trimming your ends (if necessary)- Examine your hair with a hair professional to determine if you need a hair trim. If you are due for one and get a sew-in weave style chances are when you take out your hair you're going to notice lots of new growth but will actually need to cut MORE hair off. So your hair will be growing in your protective style BUT you're not retaining length.

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THE INSTALL

Installation is a relatively new term used to commonly describe the process of a sew-in weave. When the hair is finished installation it can be referred to as “an install”.

Please note there are several other ways to install hair extension including: bonding, fusion, micro link, clip-in, braid-in, tape-ins, glue in and sew in.

In this article we are focusing on sew in weave installation.

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Sew-in

For a sew-in you want to make sure your braids are not too big and chunky. Hair will be braided into cornrows. We will use the term cornrows and braids interchangeably in this section.

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Thicker braids are easier but usually don't allow the sew-in weave to lay flat which causes a less desirable look-and we want our weave to look Bomb!

Smaller braiding patterns are recommended. Braid patterns depend on the way you style your hair.

Take a look at these braid patterns below for natural part and full head sew-ins. This braid pattern is Ideal for full head sew in where no natural hair will be left out.

The pattern is very neat and braids are a great size for a flatter hair weave install. In the back of the braids make sure braids are not left out. Here the braids are sewn into the last row of braided pattern.

Braid patterns such as this are ideal if you will have some of your own natural hair left out, such as for a side or middle part.

Hair can also be left out around the perimeter of hair line for edges. This creates a more natural look.

Natural part sew-ins indicate that a small portion of your real or natural hair would be left out and blended to match the weave.

Natural parts can be on the left, right or middle. Full head weaves indicate that none of your real hair will be left out.

This braid pattern is for sew-ins that will have a frontal, closure or have extensions sewn all the way around the hair.

When sewing the hair to the braids you will need needle and thread. You have the choice to use straight or curved needles, we prefer curved.

You can use nylon or cotton thread, we like nylon because it’s thinner and less prone to breaking. Make sure you`re using needle and thread specifically made for hair weaving.

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Be sure not to have the braids too tight as this can cause breakage especially around the nape and edges area.

Excessively tight braids coupled with a sew-in can cause conditions like traction alopecia. Remember the edges of your hair are fragile.

The last thing you want is a beautiful weave but have a hair line that seems to be receding (See image below- traction alopecia- gradual hair loss, caused primarily by pulling force being applied to the hair. This commonly results from the sufferer frequently wearing their hair in a particularly tight ponytail, pigtails, or braids/ 12 weaves).

Ok, great you’ve taken all the steps for a weave/ extension ready foundation. Now your hair is ready for the installation. So what's next???

SELECTING THE RIGHT HAIR!

Choosing the right hair is key for a flawless, lasting hair weave installation. You always want to make sure you select quality hair.

Using quality hair will enable you to be as versatile as you want when styling and manipulating your hair.

Bomb Dot Com Hair is is 100% Virgin hair and a top human hair brand with some of the best hair extensions on the market. 

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This means the hair is completely human not mixed with any synthetics and has not been chemically altered or processed in any way.

Many virgin hair companies claim to be 100% virgin, but in reality have been mixed with fillers, synthetic fiber and coated with silicones.

This usually leaves the hair looking beautiful and great when you first purchase it but after a wash the hair will start to tangle and matte.

We`ve even experienced “virgin” hair that has left dye in clothing during wear. Synthetic hair and low quality hair will soon start to tangle and matte which will cause tension to your natural due to excessive brushing and combing just to detangle the hair.

Don’t be the Queen that has to walk around with a comb or brush in her bag because her hair just won’t lay.

 

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You shouldn't have to carry either -this may be an indicator that your hair is not virgin if you find it necessary to have a comb or brush with you when you leave your home.

With Bomb Dot Com Hair this an issue you won’t have to worry about. Supreme quality hair is an investment not just financially but also within you.

Everyone wants to look and feel great- confidently. Bomb Dot Com Hair is quality you will love and beauty that will leave everyone saying how amazing your hair looks.

Have you ever walked out of a salon with your hair looking really nice and then 2 days later it looks hair that months and even year old.

You try everything to get your hair looking the way the stylist did- you buy the tools, the products etc. but it's just not the same , chances are you brought cheap hair – and cheap hair looks cheap. Sorry to be so blunt but it's the truth.

You spent your hard earned money on low quality hair that's meant to look nice and feel soft for a short while. 

Bomb Dot Com Hair will last you years! Yup that long if not longer.

How? We've mastered the best hair production techniques- from sourcing our hair to cleansing it to producing a top quality product! Bomb Collection Extensions STYLING Now that the hair is securely attached you're ready to style.

Most styles have a better appearance when you've added a nice cut to it. Techniques we like are feathering and layering.

 

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See image Featuring and layering can be achieved with shear scissors.

See the tools below.

Be sure to go to professional especially if you're going to cutting into quality hair. You don't want to make mistakes that will alter the style you're going for. 

When using Bomb Dot Com Hair you actually don't have to add anything to the hair - if you desire a heat protectant aim for something light like a serum or heat protectant gloss or polish.

Stay away from Crèmes, oils and grease as these weigh down the extensions.

Again we don't recommend anything on the extensions especially if you've washed and conditioned the hair and let it air dry but here's our editors picks for gloss. 

Editors Pics for Styling Products

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum Smoothing Gloss. Why we love it: Super lightweight with the perfect amount of shine. CHI Silk Infusion. Why we love it leave hair shiny and bouncy.

Editors Pics for Heat Styling Tools

Curling - this can be achieved with a curling iron or a flat iron. Smaller curling irons will create smaller curls and larger barrel irons will create larger curls. If you're looking for volume you will want to go for the bigger barrels.

If you're looking for longer lasting curls or ringlets go for smaller barrels and curl smaller sections. Curling wands create wavier styles.

Wavier and curlier weaves make for beautiful styled hair when curled. When it comes to swooped bangs aim for a larger barrel curling iron and pin it up so it will last and fall just right!

Curls and flips can  be created using a flat iron when the iron is angled the right way. The Hot Tools Curling Irons. Why we love it: It goes up to 430 degrees with variable heat settings and has a stand to prop it up not to mention an 8-ft. professional swivel cord.

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For wand curls we recommend Con Air Infiniti You Curl. Why we love it: It has a long length and angle shaped barrel. It also doesn’t have a clamp for ease of access.

Caution you may want to use gloves as the entire iron is exposed. Straightening - take your time straightening your extensions especially if you're going for a sleek look.

Flat iron in small sections. Use the chase comb method. In this method you're using a fine tooth comb chasing the iron down the shaft of the hair as you flat iron.

The flat iron will be above the comb. See image.

This helps to ensure the hair is separated while straightening and helps you to achieve that sleek straight look.

For straightening we recommend Baby Bliss Pro Nano Titanium flat iron. Why we love it: includes 50 heat settings that can reach up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit) but you will be able achieve the style you desire with a setting of 35-40.

It also has Ultra-smooth titanium plates with an amazingly quick start up for instant heat.

FINISHING

With Bomb Dot Com Hair once you wake up in the morning and pull of your satin bonnet you’re finished.

But for those who desire even more shine than what our hair naturally offers you can add some finishing spray or hair gloss.

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Just a small amount from a relative distance. The product  usually indicates how far away you should spray.

If you spray too close you will have a concentration of product in one area and will cause you to spray more product consequently causing hair to be weighed down.

Editors Pics for Finishing Products 

Lusters Pink Gloss. Why we love it: Well as the bottle indicates, it has a brilliant shine and contains Shea Butter and Jojoboa Oil.

Last but not least…Lay those edges down! Edge Control We're on edge control patrol! You're look is not complete if you're edges are not laid! Laid edges mean the edges and or baby hair at the hair line are laid flat and neat and sometime even swooped.

This is usually done using products with the name: “Edge control and or gel or hair spray”.

Before laying your edges you can use a small amount of coconut oil or another light or lighter oil to add shine and prevent flakiness.

 

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Do not apply a lot of edge control product at once, layer it on using a small comb, rat tail comb or small bristled brush similar to a tooth brush. 

You will know when the hair has too much product when it starts to flake or whiten and frankly, you don't have control over those edges.

Once you've applied your edge control product (s) and angled it to your desire. It is recommended to tie a satin scarf around your edges and wait until it's completely dry before removing it.

They type of product(s) you will need will depend on your hair. Typically coarser hair - like many of the women who are our clientele- requires stronger holding products. We sometimes even mix products.

Editors Picks for Edge Control

Ebin Edge Control. Why we love it: It has a very powerful hold for even coarse hair. ECO styling gel. Why we love it: It’s great for curlier weaves and holding hair with wavier finish.

 

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Gorilla Snot Gel. Why we love it: It has an extremely long lasting hold. Try mixing Gorilla Snot Gel with Ebin Edge Control. Be sure to get the “Punk” yellow bottle.

MAINTENANCE

  • Now that your hair is in you will need to make sure you’re maintaining it:
  • Condition extensions on a regular basis - typically every other week.
  • Allow the hair to air dry. You can also blow dry it but use a low heat setting.
  • Never go to sleep with wet hair.
  • You can use Flexi Rods instead of hot tools at night to achieve curls and wave without excessive heat.
  • Always go to sleep with a satin bonnet.
  • Use a wide tooth comb as opposed to fine tooth.
  • Comb hair starting from the ends working your way up hair shaft to roots. Remember to stay away from grease and oils on the hair.
  • Remember extensions require maintenance because it is not growing from your scalp and now it is not receiving and nutrients from the body.

In short extensions require proper care and attention.

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DO HAIR EXTENSIONS DAMAGE YOUR REAL HAIR?

For a newbie trying hair extensions for the first time you may have heard horror stories about hair extensions leaving your hair damaged, broken, and extremely thin. The honest truth is most hair extensions alone WONT cause damage to your hair. Damage usually comes in to play when hair extensions are applied incorrectly, in an unsafe manner, are of poor quality or just plain left in for too long.

Here`s a few pro tips:

  • Seek out a professional hair stylist/ hair dresser to style your hair extensions. Do some research and read the reviews about the stylist. social media is a great way to find stylists, see their work and find out more about the. Be sure to seek out a stylist that has experience and/ or education dealing with extensions.
  • If youre going to be gluing any extensions make sure its on the scalp and not the hair for tracks (the wefted part of a hair bundle). With frontals and closures glue in front of the hair line and not on the hair line- this can be extremely damaging to your hair if done incorrectly.
  • For styles that include braiding and cornrowing the hair, make sure the braids aren`t to tight. Overly tight styles will cause tension all around the head and especially on the hair line. This can cause sever loss of edges and hair around the nape as well as lead to traction alopecia.
  • Don`t leave your extensions in for too long. 4-6 weeks should be the max in leaving in extensions. This should be shorter depending on your style, how the extensions are applied to your head and if youre sweating alot or on a regular basis. 
  • Lastly, make sure you've invested in quality extensions- we cant stress that enough. Poor quality hair can lead to allergic reactions that can lead to hair loss. It can also require a lot more maintenance which will cause more tension to your scalp and real hair. Try any of the hair from our collection of extensions. 
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THANK YOU! We hope you enjoyed this Ultimate Guide to Hair Extensions!

Head over to our site to learn more about our products, promotions, and more educational tips and guides www.ShopBombHair.com. Subscribe simply by entering your email.

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You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. ~Isaiah 62:3~

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