I’m loyal to my weaves, like ‘til death do us part loyal. But sometimes, the relationship ends up not working, and that's when it’s time to depart.
It’s difficult for me to take my weave out, because I’m always stuck with the dilemma of what to do next. Sometimes, I’ll leave my weave in longer than I should. To the point where once I take it out, I’m left washing my hair for hours. I’ve also gone through the motions of not actually knowing when the best time to remove my weave and once in my stylist chair, she’s cursing me out because I’ve had it in too long. I know I’m not the only one who’s experienced this. So this raises the question: How long does a sew in last, and when should you take your weave out?
I’ve had three different stylists in the past five years and all three have given me varying expert advice. One told me 6-8 weeks, while another told me that you can leave an install in for upwards of three months with proper cleansing. However, my current (and most trusted) stylist gave me the most logical advice: Your hair will tell you when it’s time to take your weave out. I couldn’t agree more. Itching, dryness, oily scalp loose braids...the list goes on and on. The longer you keep that weave in, the more you risk damaging your hair and the weave won’t cooperate with styling as time goes on. Here are a few telltale signs that it’s time to say bon voyage to your weave and give your hair a break:
Like many others, I suffer from naturally dry hair that results in itching. However, if your hair has been itching for two weeks straight and doesn’t seem to be easing up, it may be time to take your weave out and let it breathe. Besides, you scratching in between your braids with the tail end of a comb and patting your head to the point of you getting a headache is only making it worse. As a relief, try using weave-friendly oils like peppermint and tea tree.
You’ve been oiling and moisturizing your hair every few days and it’s not helping. In fact, your hair seems to be more dry than your friends. Your hair and scalp are dying for moisture which is a huge hint that it’s time to remove the weave, wash your hair and give it a deep moisture treatement before your next install.
You’ve oiled your scalp so much to the point that you have excess build up. Now, every time you touch your hair or go to add more oil, your palms are left oily and your hair is starting to smell. Let the weave go sis.
This is the worst. Your weave is literally on an incline because you’ve had it in for too long. It appears bulky, won’t lay flat and now you have to wear hats or large curls to make it look presentable. Your braids are no longer attached to your scalp, beloved. Take that weave out girl.
Overtime, your weave will shed. But if that thing is shedding chunks on the daily, not only is it time to take it out but it’s also time for NEW hair (you know, the “Nu Nu ish”). You can try and trim/cut it into a different style but more than likely, it’s time to let it go.
No matter how much you’re combing, brushing, and rubbing or teasing, your leave out is no longer blending. If your natural hair has grown so much that the portion you left out for blending purposes is no longer sufficient enough to cover the tracks, it’s time to start over. No matter how much you comb, flat iron, rod set or try and manipulate, that weave and leave out won’t cooperate. All the manipulation is causing huge damage to your natural hair. I advise you to rid yourself of that weave and visit your stylist for a new miracle!
It won’t hold a curl, flat iron, wave or even a braid properly. It’s dry and dull looking. You’ve washed and conditioned it but you have no luck. That weave refuses to resurrect so take it out, throw it in the trash and order you a new set of bundles from Mayvenn!
I know it’s hard. Weaves can do wonders. But all good things must come to an end. Save yourself the trauma and embarrassment when your weave gives you red flags that it doesn’t want to be with you anymore.
