Braided Weaves Versus Straight Weaves.
This post is for natural hair sisters who find it hard to make a decision on what style to use as protective styles or anyone wanting to compare both options.
Basically both styles are great options and are usually used depending on the wearer.
We will be discussing various styles, their pros and cons.
Braided weaves.
Braided weaves are single strand bundles of weaves, that are twisted in two or three strand bundles to form an intricate braid pattern. It comes in varying colours but can mostly be found in 30 inches.
They can either be made as single braids or made in forms of corn rows to form beautiful patterns along the natural scalp of the wearer.
The single braids are made into a variety of styles like jumbo box braids which are big sized,tightly plaited braids, mid or small sized box braids,loose or tight 2 strand twists, feathered hair, short Bob. Etc.
For the flat plaited braid styles which are made along the scalp, styles range from simple all back cornrows to intricate Senegalese styles.
Braids can also be made as wigs and simply worn.
Braided styles like these mentioned above are attached by hand directly to the hair.
Braid styles are amazing as protective hairstyles and will even promote quick hair growth as the hair suffers very little manipulation when it is in a braid Style. Braid can also pose a problem to hair growth and edges when it is done tightly and the natural hair is excessively pulled causing a stress to the root of the hair.
When to wear braids
When you have little or no time to style your hair, work in a demanding job, require a long staying,low maintenance protective style,braids are a good option. To avoid hair damage when opting for any braid styles, ensure that the stress in the root is minimal, monitor the way your edges are snatched and continue hair care routine as much as possible while hair is in braids.
Straight weaves
Straight weaves are hair that is single, left to be used as extensions. They are sewn into wefts and used for sew in, clip ons and wigs.
They come in a varying styles ,colours, lengths, quality ,textures and look.
They are versatile and easy to use, Style and manipulate.
Advancement in hair styling has allowed for easier and less damaging methods to install weaves.
As a protective style, straight, unbraided weaves are great as they have corn row bases before they are installed, even when used as wigs.
When weaves are badly installed or wig glues are used wrongly, serious damage is done to the hair and edges.
Proper care should be taken to ensure that little of no glue is used when installing the weave unit and also opting for glueless wig units are best.
When to use weaves.
You don’t mind the work you have to put into styling your weave when necessary, you want a braidless unit and love the feel of brushing through your weaves.
