Don’t End Up Like This Woman: The Dos And Don’ts Of Wearing A Sew-In

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We told you earlier this week that a stylist had to put the hair of a client on blast after the woman left a sew-in installed for nearly a year. Mold grew all up and through that thing, and the sight of it still makes the hair on my body stand up. Yikes!

To keep you all from allowing anything nearly as disgusting from happening to your heads, we chatted with LaKenya Morris, owner of Allure Beauty Bar in Atlanta, and a star of WEtv’s Cutting It In The ATL. A weave specialist, the talented stylist, and entrepreneur is known for creating custom wigs, weaves, and extensions. Morris says her priority is to maintain the integrity and health of hair. So we asked her, what are the do’s and don’ts of wearing a weave while taking care of your own hair underneath? She broke it down with 10 succinct but helpful tips on what to do when wearing a weave.

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DO Be Realistic About Your Style Goals

And that includes those parts! But seriously, try to go for a style that looks natural and be realistic about how long it needs to be in your head.

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DO Invest In Quality Hair

Bypass all shiny hair, as well as hair that has grainy strands throughout. You don’t want to look like you bought the hair from Barbie, Christie, Skipper and “nem.”

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DO Seek A Professional Who Specializes In Extensions To Install Your Weave

If you have experience doing weaves, including your own, then feel free to work your magic. But if you really want it done right, find yourself a professional to be on the safe (and guaranteed to be laid) side.

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DO Match Your Natural Hair Texture

Again, avoid the shiny doll hair when you know your texture is vastly different.

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DO Leave Out Enough Hair To Cover Your Tracks

It shouldn’t be oh so obvious that you’re wearing a weave because everyone can see the train tracks running through your head. Always keep your hairline in mind and set tracks back far enough to keep them hidden and smooth.

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DO Wash Your Hair And Allow Time To Dry Underneath A Hooded Dryer

But be sure to dilute your shampoo and conditioner to help keep buildup at bay. And, again, allow your hair enough time to dry fully, because when it doesn’t, that’s how mold can get its start.

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BLEND, BLEND, BLEND

The keys to blending? Technique, the cut and the color. Again, seek out a professional, ya’ll.

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DON’T Leave In Extensions Longer Than Two And A Half Months

Your natural hair needs a break–and so do those extensions.

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DON’T Buy Cheap Hair

We all want to save money, but synthetic hair is not your friend. If you can’t afford quality hair, you might need to just find yourself a wig until you can.

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DON’T Neglect Your Natural Hair While Wearing Your Weave

Shampoo and condition and use natural oils to moisturize. But be sure to avoid heavy products that will weigh down your weave and cause buildup.

Follow Morris on Instagram at @sheis_lakenyamorris for more hairspiration and tips!

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The Dos And Don'ts Of Wearing A Weave