Weaves or Hair Extensions are a popular styling option for many women of African descent. Believe it or not, weaving dates back to ancient African civilizations. Of course they didn't use silky, European hair to do the weaving back then, but the technique of supplementing your own hair with some element to add length or volume is not new.

Weaving gets a bad rap these days despite the fact that many African-American women choose this style as a necessity. Many believe that weaving is just another form of self-hatred in the Black community and view the addition of European hair as a sign of disgust for our own natural hair Texture.

On the flip side, those who support weaves have varied views on their usefulness and in some cases, their necessity.  Many of these women see weaves and hair extensions as nothing more than a styling option or accessory. Despite all the controversy, I've decided to devote a section to weaving.

To remove the addition, most stylists use a bond glue remover or lubricate the hair with a natural oil. For the latter method once totally lubricated, the stylist can gently slide off weft and then brush out the excess glue.

The biggest advantage to bonding is that it produces a flat, "natural

" look. Unlike some other methods, bond weaves require no base such as cornrows. It's great for adding small sections such as bangs or trying new colors and high lights.

The problem with bonding is that the wearer can grow so attached to her new hair that she may keep the style for too long. Bonding is actually a temporary weave in that it's intended to last only three to four days. As a result, bonding is best used for special occasions and should be removed after the time limit.

Bonding can be achieved relatively quickly but it depends on how much hair is being added. On average, this process takes about 10 to 30 minutes.

Pretty much the same as above but with an image :-)  With this technique, the hair is divided into small sections and strands of hair which are applied to increase fullness or length.

Specially formulated hair adhesives are used to create a secure bond between the extension and your hair. Due to the fact that the extensions are applied individually, this method allows the hair to appear more free-flowing and move more naturally.

You can either apply the adhesive or purchase pre-glued hair extensions that result in simpler, faster application.

Stand-Bond extensions can last up to 4-6 months. 

Cornrow Tracking

Cornrows are created as the base and are used instead of weaving cord to form the tracks.  Given that the hair is cornrowed tightly against scalp, this creates a constant tension that may lead to alopecia. Another downside to this technique is that unless the hair is cornrowed in very small sections, the end result are bulky and noticeable rows when the extensions are sewn onto cornrowed base. This technique also offers limited flexibility as the hair generally can not be worn in an up-do and therefore styling options are limited as the parting positions cannot vary.  This style generally lasts up-to 10 weeks.

Invisible Braiding or Tree-Braiding

photo courtesy of www.kristenlock.com

With this method, hair extensions are added without the use of threads or glues.  The hair extensions are braided into the hair in cornrowed layers. As the braid goes in place, the extension is separated from the natural hair in small sections and pulled away from the braid in a close pattern. The natural hair ends up fully braided and serves as a support for the hair extensions.