Weaves vs. Wigs

Weaves vs. Wigs

When you’re shopping for a whole new head of hair, the debate between weaves versus wigs can be a serious one. Both permit a big change and require commitment in both time and finances.

So what is a weave? A weave is a series of extensions that are sewn into natural hair. Typically, natural hair is tightly braided to the scalp. The weave is then attached by thread to these braids. It looks, wears, and styles similar to natural hair while being more secure than a wig, which makes it attractive to weave wearers.

When you’re shopping for a whole new head of hair, the debate between weaves versus wigs can be a serious one. Both permit a big change and require commitment in both time and finances. So what is a weave? A weave is a series of extensions that are sewn into natural hair. Typically, natural hair is tightly braided to the scalp. The weave is then attached by thread to these braids. It looks, wears and styles similar to natural hair while being more secure than a wig, which makes it attractive to weave wearers. Depending on how quickly the natural hair grows out underneath, sew-ins can typically last two months. They will, however, need professional care to stay looking right during that time. You may be able to reuse the weave extensions for about a year with proper care but will need to remove and reinstall them every couple of months. In contrast, a wig is a removable full head of hair. It is worn over a wig cap or band that helps it grip onto the scalp or natural hair. High-quality human hair wigs will last over a year when maintained properly, while synthetic wigs have about half that lifespan. Both can last even longer without everyday wear. Depending on the amount of time, maintenance and investment you want to put into your hair accessory, a wig or a weave may be a better or worse option for you. The Purchase Process Both options, no matter their initial cost, are investments. Although wigs are generally less expensive than weaves, each will accrue costs over time for necessary care and maintenance. Considering the long-term costs, however, it is generally accepted that wigs are the cheaper investment. Quality is among the essential considerations when deciding between weaves and wigs. Synthetic wigs generally do not look as natural as real hair wigs, but this does not at all suggest that they simply cannot look natural. With wigs, customers can always try before they buy. Added to this is the often-elaborate process of choosing colors, narrowing down preferred styles and actually being fitted. Simply put, there will be plenty of time to try different cuts and styles before ever investing a considerable amount of money. The same cannot be said for weaves; customers simply will not know how they will look until they’re installed. You’ll need to feel confident in your hair care professional and the quality of the weave you have purchased. For weaves, a natural look is important; it must be as close as possible to one’s natural hair color and made of quality hair itself, or it will end up being a waste of your money. Whichever choice is made, customers should be ready to commit in every way, especially financially, to create an all-natural look and ensure their hair piece will maintain its longevity for some time to come. Time Investment Installing and caring for both weaves and wigs can be an intensive process. You will need to be committed to proper care to keep both items in good shape. Weave installations can take up to six hours, depending on the style you’re going for. With follow-up appointments over the next few weeks, you’ll need to factor in these plus re-installs to account for time spent in the salon chair. Overall, weaves are considered to be higher-maintenance than wigs. Wigs can simply be removed at night, allowing their owner to sleep comfortably without them. Weaves, however, have specific night-time care instructions, and if they are not followed the weaves can surely suffer damage. There are also a number of treatment regimens for weaves that must be followed to keep them looking “alive” while wigs do not require as much maintenance, especially synthetic wigs. Human hair wigs will need to be treated just like naturally-growing hair in some respects, but will still require less maintenance than weaves. Wigs can technically be installed for up to six weeks, giving the same effect as a weave. This is done with adhesives that hold them to the scalp or hairline. If cared for properly, they can be reinstalled at a later date, giving you greater longevity and lower costs. But this, of course, does add to the maintenance time investment. Hair Care If wig owners still have some natural hair, they are able to take care of it simply by removing the wig. Weaves, however, do not offer the same luxury because they are braided into one’s natural hair. This may be an important consideration depending on just how much natural hair the customer has. One of the greatest risks associated with weaves is damage to natural hair. If sew-in weaves are braided too tightly and left that way for a long time, hair loss is possible. If the bonding method is used, the removal process can be risky as the glue can potentially tear out natural hair. This is one of the greatest contrasts between weaves and wigs; wigs can be removed quite easily without the slightest risk of damage. Deciding what kind of hair accessories will work best for you can be a process. When you visit us in person you’ll get to see and feel the types of hair available. Visit the boutique for a full-service experience. For all types of wigs, hair extensions and other hair accessories, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

Depending on how quickly the natural hair grows out underneath, sew-ins can typically last two months. They will, however, need professional care to stay looking right during that time. You may be able to reuse the weave extensions for about a year with proper care but will need to remove and reinstall them every couple of months.

In contrast, a wig is a removable full head of hair. It is worn over a wig cap or band that helps it grip onto the scalp or natural hair. High-quality human hair wigs will last over a year when maintained properly, while synthetic wigs have about half that lifespan. Both can last even longer without everyday wear.

Depending on the amount of time, maintenance, and investment you want to put into your hair accessory, a wig or a weave may be a better or worse option for you.

The Purchase Process

Both options, no matter their initial cost, are investments.  Although wigs are generally less expensive than weaves, each will accrue costs over time for necessary care and maintenance. Considering the long-term costs, however, it is generally accepted that wigs are the cheaper investment.

Quality is among the essential considerations when deciding between weaves and wigs. Synthetic wigs generally do not look as natural as real hair wigs, but this does not at all suggest that they simply cannot look natural.

With wigs, customers can always try before they buy. Added to this is the often-elaborate process of choosing colors, narrowing down preferred styles, and actually being fitted. Simply put, there will be plenty of time to try different cuts and styles before ever investing a considerable amount of money.

The same cannot be said for weaves; customers simply will not know how they will look until they’re installed. You’ll need to feel confident in your hair care professional and the quality of the weave you have purchased.

For weaves, a natural look is important; it must be as close as possible to one’s natural hair color and made of quality hair itself, or it will end up being a waste of your money. Whichever choice is made, customers should be ready to commit in every way, especially financially, to create an all-natural look and ensure their hairpiece will maintain its longevity for some time to come.

Time Investment

Installing and caring for both weaves and wigs can be an intensive process. You will need to be committed to proper care to keep both items in good shape.

Weave installations can take up to six hours, depending on the style you’re going for. With follow-up appointments over the next few weeks, you’ll need to factor in these plus re-installs to account for time spent in the salon chair.

Overall, weaves are considered to be higher-maintenance than wigs. Wigs can simply be removed at night, allowing their owner to sleep comfortably without them. Weaves, however, have specific night-time care instructions, and if they are not followed the weaves can surely suffer damage.

There are also a number of treatment regimens for weaves that must be followed to keep them looking “alive” while wigs do not require as much maintenance, especially synthetic wigs. Human hair wigs will need to be treated just like naturally-growing hair in some respects, but will still require less maintenance than weaves.

Wigs can technically be installed for up to six weeks, giving the same effect as a weave. This is done with adhesives that hold them to the scalp or hairline. If cared for properly, they can be reinstalled at a later date, giving you greater longevity and lower costs. But this, of course, does add to the maintenance time investment.

Hair Care

If wig owners still have some natural hair, they are able to take care of it simply by removing the wig. Weaves, however, do not offer the same luxury because they are braided into one’s natural hair. This may be an important consideration depending on just how much natural hair the customer has.

One of the greatest risks associated with weaves is damage to natural hair. If sew-in weaves are braided too tightly and left that way for a long time, hair loss is possible. If the bonding method is used, the removal process can be risky as the glue can potentially tear out natural hair.

This is one of the greatest contrasts between weaves and wigs; wigs can be removed quite easily without the slightest risk of damage.

Deciding what kind of hair accessories will work best for you can be a process. When you visit us in person you’ll get to see and feel the types of hair available. Visit the boutique for a full-service experience. For all types of wigs, hair extensions, and other hair accessories, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!