#TeamWeave, it's time to give it a break!

I have a friend who, for the last eight years, has had her hair hidden under a weave.

Her reasoning is that she has so much grey hair, which she had from age 16, and feels uncomfortable leaving her hair open.

If you fall in my friend’s category, then I want to speak to you today.

Some women will rock a weave, remove it and put another one right away. This is well and good, but there are important things you must do first before you put another weave to keep your hair healthy.

Like my friend who is ‘team weave’ any time, it is important that you remove your weave after two to three weeks so that you allow your natural hair to breathe. Here we go:

1. Let it rest: It is very tempting to put another weave immediately after removing another; it is, however, not good for your hair. Your scalp and hair need a break. Wearing a weave stresses your scalp a bit from its extra weight, and your scalp needs time to recover. You may have to sacrifice and walk around with untouched new growth; find a style you can rock for a couple of weeks (one or two) that need no chemicals or added hair. This way, you will have a healthy scalp and hairline.

2.Use fingers to de-tangle: When you remove a weave, a little hair is still lost when you comb through the new hair growth. After removing your weave, gently use your fingers to work through your hair, especially the new growth. This method is less harsh than when you use a comb. When done with your fingers, get a wide tooth-comb to comb it out. You can then shampoo and condition your hair.

3.Use conditioner: Once you have shampooed, generously apply a moisturising conditioner and comb it through your hair, starting with the scalp as you work upward. When you can easily comb through the hair, rinse it thoroughly. Your next step is to deep condition. Use a ‘dry hair’ conditioner. Leave it on the hair for at least half an hour. This repairs damage and promotes hair growth. You can add castor oil or tea tree oil to your conditioner for best results.

4.Leave-in conditioner: You can also apply a leave-in conditioner to coat the hair shaft, and protect it from further damage and breakage. A leave-in conditioner that contains SPF protection will guard against the sun’s damaging and drying rays.

Ends: Your hair ends will be likely split, broken or otherwise damaged as a result of the weave removal. Trim a bit of the ends to get rid of any dryness.

5.Avoid heat: Heated styling appliances like straightening irons, curling irons, and blow dryers are harsh on hair. Your hair is vulnerable after removing a weave. Let it dry naturally.

Weaving the hair is all great and fun, but only if you wear and treat them properly.