O's Guide to Hair Extensions

Who They're Good For: A partial weave is best for a woman who wants to add volume or length to her current style and has textured hair (such as African-American women who haven't used relaxers). A full weave is a solution for someone who wants to completely change her texture or color.

Who Should Avoid Them: Anyone who washes her hair more than once a week (washing loosens the weave). A partial weave won't look natural on women who have baby-fine or flat hair.

What They Are: For a partial weave, a stylist makes several small, tight braids along your scalp, then uses a curved needle and cotton, nylon, or silk thread to secure a weft (a line of extensions that are machine-stitched at the top, like a curtain of hair) to the braid. For a full weave, all your hair is pulled into braids before the wefts are sewn on.


How Long the Process Takes: A partial weave can take as little as an hour and a half; a full weave can take three to four hours.

Maintenance: Shampoo and condition every three weeks. Dry braids completely to avoid scalp irritation.

How Long They Last: Every four weeks, your stylist tightens the braids and the weave; every three months, she will remove the wefts, wash and condition them, then reattach them. The hair should last up to a year.

Price: $200 to $2,000 (depending on the length and type of hair).

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