Weaves have become a fashion staple, topping even shoes in some people's glamour hierarchy. Essentially, weaves are hair extensions that can be applied either by sewing on, gluing on or bonding natural hair with the extensions. Weaves have become popular not only in South Africa, but also the world because of the options and hairstyle variations they offer. Celebrities from Naomi Campbell to Bonang Matheba have made weaves look good and so the trend has grown.

Weave hierarchy

Like most things, weaves have a hierarchy. There are two main categories – synthetic and human hair. Synthetic hair is manufactured hair and is the cheaper of the two options, says Ntokozo Mtshali, a Johannesburg-based hairstylist. 'It can hold a style for longer but it can't be heated or coloured and shouldn't be worn for over two months because it starts looking like plastic,' she says. Good quality synthetic weaves can look good and are the best option for people with limited budgets.

Human hair, which is real hair that is transplanted into someone else's hair, is the best on the market. Imported from India, Peru and Brazil among other places, this hair is the most sought after and the most expensive. Because it is human hair, it doesn't have the plastic look some weaves have and it can last for more than a year if taken care of adequately. 'This type is the closest you can get to having your own hair,' says Mtshali. 'You can style it and dye it, but it's best if you let a professional take care of it for you so that it lasts long.'

When looking to buy human hair, make sure that you get the real deal. Some manufacturers have been known to label the hair as human when it is in actual fact a mixture of human and synthetic hair.

Good hair is kept hair

Getting the right weave only forms the first half of a good look; maintenance is just as important. 'One of the most common mistakes women make with their weaves is not getting them washed regularly enough. Go to a salon to get your weave washed ideally twice a month. Not only will it look better but you won't have to worry about odour coming from your hair under the weave,' says Mtshali.

It's also important to avoid tangling, especially when you have synthetic hair. Combing your hair before bed and ensuring that you protect it with a sleep cap is essential. Once tangled, some weaves cannot be saved.

Mtshali warns that keeping your weave on for more than two months at a time can cause damage to your natural hair. 'It's important to remove your weave so that your natural hair can rest and breathe. Make sure you get a professional to remove your weave; amateur techniques can mean hair damage. Human hair weaves can be applied again but your natural hair also needs to be taken care of,' she says.

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