It may seem like weaves are just for black people, but that is actually not true! White people can get weaves too, and this article will tell you all about it.
What is a sew-in?
A sew-in is a weave that is applied by sewing the wefts (or tracks) onto the natural hair that has been cornrowed. Sew-ins requires that the hair be cornrowed flatly on the head. Then, the wefts are sewn straight onto the braids. A hairnet can be used on the head to take the pressure off of the hair itself in the sewing process.
A person can either leave their natural hair out on the top or completely cover it with a closure. The hair is braided in a certain way for sewing in the wefts on. A typical weave installation can take 3 hours or more. The natural hair still grows under the weave, so touch-ups are required to keep the wig laying flat on the head.
Can white girls get weaves?
White girls can definitely get weaves, however, it might be a different experience for them than it is for black girls. White hair usually varies in texture from 1a- 3c. These types of hair textures are straighter than black hair in general – which is usually anywhere from a 3c to 4c texture. The main drawback a white person may experience when getting a sew-in is in the braiding process.
Straighter and finer hair doesn’t hold braids as well as thicker and curlier hair. It is also more delicate than black hair which makes it harder to support a weave. However, with professional help, it is entirely possible for a white person to successfully get a weave installed.
Pros
- Can add length and volume – When you get a weave, you can add length and volume to your natural hair, which is why most people get sew-ins. For example, if your natural hair is 12 inches, you can buy an 18-inch weave – giving you 6 more inches overnight! Sew-ins add versatility to your look and give you more styling options. Weaves come in all different colors and textures so it shouldn’t be hard to find hair that is a close match to your own.
- Protective style – If done right, a weave can be a protective style. All hair types benefit from some level of protection. A protective style is any style that keeps the hair tucked away and free from manipulation. The goal of a protective style is to give the hair a break from stressors and allow it to grow healthy and free from any breakage.
It is also a good alternative to using heat and chemicals on your own hair. Heat and chemicals damage all hair types, so wearing a weave is beneficial for white people when they want to go a different color or texture as well.
Cons
- Potential damage to the hair – This is especially true of people who have thinner and finer hair. A weave pulls on the roots and if the hair is really thin, then it may not be able to support all the extra weight being added to the scalp which may cause damage to the hair. This is something to consider if you have 1a-2a hair.
Also, the braiding itself can be too tight for some hair types and cause breakage if worn for an extended period of time – which is required for a sew-in. It is best to go to a professional that is familiar with your hair type to get a weave installed, to minimize the chances of damage.
- Discomfort – For white people especially, the braiding process alone may be very uncomfortable if they are getting it done for the first time. Cornrowing is braiding on the scalp, and afterward, the scalp can be sore for days. Also, the tracks that are sewn to the braids can add to that discomfort.
Many people experience itching with weaves, whether it be from a dry, irritated or dirty scalp. This itching is hard to relieve because it is hard to make contact with the scalp through braids and tracks. This is something to consider before getting a weave.
- Expensive – Getting a weave installed is not cheap. You first have to buy the hair, which can cost anywhere from $100- $500+ if it is human hair. Synthetic hair is cheaper, but is of much lower quality and doesn’t look as natural. You also need to pay for a stylist to install the weave, which normally costs $200+. It is important to do research on the stylist so that you don’t waste money on a bad and potentially damaging installation.
How long does a weave last on a white girl?
Weaves normally last between 6 to 8 weeks for natural hair. However, if the hair is of a finer and thinner texture, it can last less than this because of how much weight it is applying to the hair. Some hair types, such as straight hair, don’t hold braids well and can begin to loosen much faster than curly hair types. However, you can get hair added to your braids to make them coarser.
How do you maintain a weave on white hair?
One important way to maintain a weave on white hair is to refrain from styling it on a regular basis. When you pull and tug at the weave, you can actually loosen the braids which causes the tracks to become loose as well. You also should not wash the weave every day because that will leave the hair dry and dull. Once every two weeks is enough for washing a weave.
How do you take care of your hair under a weave?
While wearing a weave, it is important to take care of your natural hair underneath. The hair still needs to be shampooed underneath the weave – but gently. It is also beneficial to oil the scalp because a healthy scalp promotes healthy hair growth. Wrapping the hair before bed is essential while wearing a weave because it keeps the hair in place rather than pulling on the roots.
The Final Word
All kinds of people can get weaves, but some may have a different experience than others. Make sure you do your research to know the information that you need for your hair type!
