Installing a traditional weave can be a long and tedious process resulting in hours spent working on your hair. Did you know there is a solution to this problem? It’s called a quick weave.
If done right, quick weaves can be a simple way to attain your dream look in a short amount of time. Here is what you need to know.
What is a quick weave and how does it work?
A quick weave is a weaving technique that allows tracks, or hair wefts, to be glued directly onto a thick banded cap, a dome cap. From here, you can easily remove and apply the hair piece resulting in an outcome similar to that of a wig.
Read: Weave vs Wig
You can create any type of style you would like with a simple foundation, usually a dome cap, and some extensions. This style can be done at home or by a professional stylist.
A quick weave starts with you braiding your natural hair, like a traditional sew-in, and then securing it with a protective cap. Once you have the cap secured, cut and glue until you reach your desired style.
How to install a quick weave
Whether you install a quick weave at home or go to a salon to have a professional handle it, the installation process is the same.
- Braid your hair after it has been thoroughly washed and conditioned or sleek in down flat with a strong hold gel.
- Place a protective cap over all of your natural hair, this ensures the glue won’t do any damage. If you want your edges to show, leave them out of the cap.
- Measure the wefts along your head from left to right. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Apply glue to the extension and then apply to your cap. Sometimes a blowdryer will be used to ensure the extensions fully stick.
- Once finished applying, cut and style into your desired look.
What products are needed to complete a quick weave?
- Protective cap – Generally in the color of the weave you are installing or the color of your scalp. This allows for a seamless blend and protection to your natural hair.
- Hair wefts – Pick extensions for your desired style, can be any color or length that you want. Can be purchased online or at a beauty supply store.
- Scissors – Scissors are needed for when you cut the access length of the weft. This allows for the hair to not become bulky with extra hair.
- Glue – The desired adhesive for this style. Allows for an easy installation and quick results. Generally either black in color or clear.
Pros and Cons of a Quick Weave
Every style has some advantages and disadvantages, let’s see what they are for quick weaves.
Pros
- Affordable – quick weaves are significantly lower in price than most protective styles. They can range from $60-$160 depending if you install yourself or go to a salon.
- Fast – Not only are quick weaves a simple DIY stay you can do at your leisure, they also only take on average 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete.
- Simple – Once installed they are very low maintenance and allow for low tension on your natural hair
Cons
- Not long lasting – A quick weave lasts a little under 1 month if taken care of properly. This is a few weeks less than a typical sew-in installation.
- Installation – Since glue is the main product used, it requires you to be particular with where the adhesive is applied.
- Additional styling – Once the extensions are applied to a foundation, additional cutting and styling will likely be required so it can lay in a flattering way.
Can you wash a quick weave?
Yes! It’s actually recommended that you wash it so you keep the integrity of the glue. If you don’t, the glue can begin to loosen, mold, and accumulate salt and other substances from your sweat.
Washing a quick weave is pretty similar to washing any other type of hair but it’s important to make sure your shampoo is compatible with the glue that you used to install.
Another helpful tip is to not tug at the weave connections when massaging the “scalp” and when detangling be gentle. Use a wide tooth comb or even your fingers.
What is the difference between a regular weave and a quick weave?
Both have lots of benefits and plenty of styling options. They both also allow for you to skip on daily manipulation for the most part. The biggest difference is the way the hair is insulated.
Regular weaves involve adding extensions to your natural hair in some way. A quick weave allows you to apply the hair weave on to a foundation first. A dome or stocking cap are the most common foundations used. These foundations act as a protective barrier for the hair.
At the end of the day they both have their advantages and disadvantages. Thorough research will allow you to pick which is a better option for you.
How long does a quick weave last?
Quick weaves generally last about a month. Anything longer than a month is not ideal for your scalp or natural hair. It needs to be washed, conditioned, and detangled.
Once you have a quick weave installed, all you have to do is maintain it. Maintaining a quick weave on a regular basis will have a great effect on the longevity of your style.
Cover your hair in a satin scarf or bonnet and when you are ready to remove the hair piece ensure you do so in the proper way so as not to harm the hair.
What’s the best hair to use for a quick weave?
You may think since it’s so similar to a traditional sew-in weave, you can use any type of hair. Although this is true to some extent, since the weft is being cut quite often, the hair may not last as long.
Due to this reasoning, cheaper hair is often used. Whether it is synthetic or a cheaper version of human hair, it may be a better investment than top quality hair.
If you do decide to use an expensive form of human hair just ensure that the style you are planning to do is one that will last. By using the correct hair you can achieve maximum longevity.
Also read: Types of Hair Weaves
Do quick weaves damage your hair?
Just like any protective style, if not properly installed and maintained, damage can be done to your natural hair.
Installation is key. If glue comes into contact with your hair or the extension it can cause serious damage. Glue can be strong enough to cause breakage to your scalp and hair strands. [1]
The most common way this would happen is if it comes into contact with your hair line. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to know when glue has made its way to the wrong place. Oftentimes you don’t realize until it’s time to remove the hair.
You may also like to read: Do weaves damage your hair?
Are quick weaves better than sew-ins?
A quick weave is a great alternative to a sew-in due to the fact that it’s cheaper and quicker to install. With that being said, sew-ins have a much longer longevity.
There is more room for error when installing a quick weave, but it allows you to change your style more freely. Sew-ins allow for you to have a long term commitment.
Depending on what you are looking for, your lifestyle will ultimately decide which hair piece is better suited for you.
Read more: Quick weave vs Sew in
Can quick weaves grow your natural hair?
Protective styles are known to minimise manipulation of the hair and encourage hair growth, while this is true there is not a 100% chance your hair will grow.
Your hair is safely tucked away under the quick weave but this doesn’t mean something couldn’t go wrong in the installation process. Glue could harm the hair strands cursing it not to grow,
Another factor to account for is if you leave the weave on for too long. By doing this your hair can start to tangle, matte, and not grow.
Although quick weaves seem like an easy fix, you still need to take time to give attention to your hair or else it definitely won’t grow.
How to Remove a Quick Weave
When pieces of your weave start to get loose or even fall out, it’s time to remove the hair piece! Learning how to do this properly is an essential step in maintaining healthy hair.
The most important takeaway is using something with slip. Conditioner or oil are both great options. Between the slip of the product and water breaking down the glue, the weave will slip right off of your head.
Another useful method is glue remover. This is known to be an older method of removing your quick weave but it still has the same effect.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is to go slow, there is no need to rush and you can avoid having your hair pulled out.
Takeaway
Quick weaves are a great option for anyone who wants a fast and affordable change in style. They are so easy to install you can even do it yourself.
Keep in mind the importance of picking the right type of hair and even washing it while installed.
The biggest misconception of quick weaves is the damage they cause, but it’s all avoidable if you remove the hair properly. The takeaway should really be do what’s best for your lifestyle and enjoy the results.
