Everything You Need to Know About Human Hair Weaves Before Buying

Written by: Nancy Pinder

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Time to read 8 min

Human hair weaves are some of the most popular types of hair extensions out there, and a lot of people swear by them for achieving their desired look. But if you want to know exactly where your money is going and what you can expect from human hair weaves, then keep reading.


There are lots of different hair extensions and wigs available on the market, but human hair weaves stand out for a few reasons.


Yes, they come with a higher price tag than synthetic weaves or extensions, but there’s a reason why you get what you pay for…

What is a Human Hair Weave?

Simply put, it’s human hair sewn or glued onto your own hair to achieve the look you desire.


Because it’s real hair, you can style it however you want – curl it, straighten it, even dye it – as long as you do it with care.


The great thing about human hair weaves is that they blend seamlessly with your own hair. No one will be able to tell you’re wearing a weave unless you let them in on the secret.


And because the hair is real, it will look and feel completely natural.

What is a Human Hair Weave Made From?

Human hair weaves come in many different lengths, shapes, and styles, but there are two main types of human hair weave:


  • Remy
  • Non-Remy

Remy Hair Extensions

Remy hair is made from 100% human hair that has been carefully sorted and arranged so that all the hairs face in the same direction. This ensures that the hairs don't tangle or matt when they're being worn.


Remy hair is also generally considered to be of higher quality than non-Remy hair because the cuticles are still intact, giving it a more natural look and feel.

Non-Remy Hair Extensions

Non-Remy hair is also made from 100% human hair, but the hairs are not arranged in the same direction. As a result, despite being from the same source, non-Remy hair is more likely to get tangled and become matted than Remy hair.


Here's a table outlining the main differences between Remy and Non-Remy hair.

Feature

Remy Hair

Non-Remy Hair
Source Single donor Multiple donors
Cuticles Intact and aligned Stripped or misaligned
Appearance Shiny, smooth, natural-looking Can be initially shiny (due to silicone coating), but becomes dull and tangled
Durability Lasts longer (up to a year with proper care) Shorter lifespan (4-6 months)
Heat Styling Holds up well to heat styling tools More prone to damage from heat styling
Colouring Can be dyed (usually in limited shades) Not recommended for colouring
Cost More expensive Less expensive

What is the Best Hair for Weaves?

When it comes to choosing the best hair for real hair weaves, there's no beating Remy hair as the top choice.


Although it's more expensive, it combines superior quality with excellent wearability. The two things you want from your hair extensions!


While non-Remy hair can still be used, its susceptibility to tangling and matting compared to Remy hair makes it a much less desirable option if you can afford to invest a bit more in Remy hair.

Benefits of a Human Hair Weave

Whether you're an avid hair extension wearer or you're trying to find ways to avoid reaching for the heat styling tools every day, there are many benefits to wearing a human hair weave.

Some of these benefits include...


  • Ability to change your hairstyle as desired: Perfect for those tired of their current look or wanting a change.
  • Allows you to wake up with the hair of your dreams every day: A perfect confidence boost every morning!
  • Protection for your own hair: Provides a break from constant styling and heat-treating.
  • Maintains natural look and feel: For people who want to remain stealthy about their extensions.
  • Helps to keep your scalp healthy and moisturised: Protects the natural growth of your hair.
  • Great for hair loss: Helps cover thinning patches and boosts confidence.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Human Hair Weaves?

As with anything, there are some potential disadvantages to human hair weaves that you should consider before making the purchase.


When shopping around for any type of human hair extensions, bear in mind that they can be quite expensive. Remy hair, in particular, can be quite pricey, which might make them unsustainable to maintain with regular refits.


Additionally, human hair weaves need to be treated with care. You should care for them as you would your own hair to ensure they last you a long time.


Again, this can come at the expense of investing in quality hair products.

Washing & Caring for Human Hair Weaves

One of the best things about human hair weaves is that they're relatively low-maintenance. You can wash, condition, and style them just like you would your own hair.


Just make sure you're using products designed for human hair, as some hair care products can damage weave hair.


When washing your real hair weave, be sure to use a mild shampoo and conditioner. We recommend the RiRi Hair Extension Shampoo & Conditioner Duo to keep your natural hair and extensions in tip-top condition!


Rinse the shampoo and conditioner out thoroughly, and then gently towel dry your hair, remembering to squeeze and blot the hair rather than rub it to avoid tangles and breakage.


It's best to let your human hair weave air dry whenever possible, but if you must blow dry it, use the lowest heat setting and keep the dryer moving so that you don't damage the hair.


Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals or sulphates, as these can damage the hair. Your extensions can't be grown out and repaired like your natural hair, so you'll need a new set.

Synthetic vs Human Hair: What's the Difference?

If you're considering getting a human hair weave, you might be wondering what the difference is between synthetic and human hair.


After all, both types of hair extensions can be used to create beautiful hairstyles.

Here's a quick rundown of the main differences between the two:


  1. Human hair is, well, human! It comes from real people who have decided to donate their hair. Synthetic hair, on the other hand, is made from artificial materials.
  2. Human hair can be styled however you want. You can curl it, straighten it, and even dye it. Synthetic hair is not as versatile (but our pre-styled synthetic extensions mean you don’t have to worry about styling!).
  3. Human hair looks and feels more natural than synthetic hair. If you're looking for extensions that are virtually indistinguishable from your own hair, human hair is the way to go.

That being said, synthetic hair extensions and wigs are still a great option for those on a budget or who are just dipping their toe into the world of hair extensions.


They're also a good choice if you're looking for a temporary hairstyle and don't need the longevity of human hair.


Our main recommendation if you're opting for synthetic hair extensions is to make sure you choose high-quality synthetic hair. Some lower-quality synthetics can look quite fake. Plus, they're likely to tangle and shed easily, which doesn't look cute!

Not Ready to Commit to Permanent Human Hair Extensions?

It's important to remember that there are many other hair extension application methods available besides sew-in or glued weaves.


If you're not ready to commit to permanent hair extensions, you could try clip-in hair extensions.


This is a temporary method, so they're an excellent choice if you want to experiment with different hairstyles without making a long-term commitment.


Clip-in extensions are super popular because they're easy to install and remove, so you can put them in and take them out as you please.


At RiRi, our human clip-in hair extensions are made from the highest quality Remy hair.


We also stock a range of Remy human hair wigs, which allow you to instantly change up your look without an ounce of commitment! They're super soft and lustrous too, and can be styled just like your own hair.

Key Takeaways: Transform Your Hair With a Human Hair Weave

A human hair weave is a great way to add length, volume, or colour to your hair. Remy human hair extensions are the best quality you can get, and they can be styled just like your own hair. However, they aren't for everyone.


If you're looking for an affordable alternative to human hair, synthetic hair extensions might be a good option for you.


If you aren't ready for the intensity of a real hair weave, you can try clip-in or colour tape-in human hair extensions instead. 

Article updated: Jul 26, 2024

FAQs

How Long Does Human Hair Weave Last?

With proper care and maintenance, a human hair weave can last from 6 weeks to over a year. The lifespan heavily depends on the quality of the hair (e.g., Remy) and how well it is maintained, including regular washing and avoiding harsh chemicals.

How Do I Wash a Sew-in Human Hair Weave?

To wash a sew-in human hair weave, use a mild shampoo and conditioner. Rinse the shampoo and conditioner thoroughly, and then gently towel dry the hair. It's best to let your human hair weave air dry whenever possible. If you must blow dry it, use the lowest heat setting and a heat protectant spray or cream.

Why Does My Human Hair Weave Tangle?

One reason your human hair weave might tangle is that it's dry. Be sure to use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner and avoid products that contain harsh chemicals or sulphates. Gently brushing your hair with a wide-tooth comb can also help prevent tangles.

Is a Weave Damaging to Your Hair?

Wearing a weave won't necessarily damage your natural hair, but if it's not installed correctly, it can put stress on your head and scalp. Be sure to visit a professional stylist who can install your weave properly.


You can find out What the Best Hair Extensions are for Your Hair with our guide!

What is the Difference Between a Weave & Hair Extensions?

A weave is a type of hair extension where the hair is sewn or glued into your natural braids, usually with a needle and thread. Hair extensions, however, encompass various methods, including clip-in hair wefts, tapes, and glue, and can be applied in more temporary and less invasive ways.

What is the Difference Between a Wig & a Weave?

A wig is a hairpiece that covers your entire head and usually requires no installation. A weave, on the other hand, can be installed in various ways and typically blends with your natural hair for a more seamless look. Wigs are great for quick changes of hairstyle, while weaves offer a longer-lasting solution.

Nancy Pinder

Nancy is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions. 


Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week!

Find Nancy on TikTok!

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