How to Safely Remove a Hair Weave

While sew-ins are perfect to wear for a longer amount of time, it is still important not to accidentally turn that protective style into a permanent style.

Be sure to pay attention to what your hair is telling you and do not ignore the signs of an installation that has run its course.

If you answer yes to two or more questions, it may be time to take your weave out. We give you easy tips and step by step guides on how to remove weave safely.

If you love weaves, get your pen and paper ready because this info might come in handy. If your install has been in for more than 6-8 weeks, it is time to remove your hair bundles.

After two months maximum, your installation could cause your hair to become tangled or matted.

It is essential for the life of your natural hair and the look of your style, to take down an install once you reach approximately eight weeks.

Between installations is a time when your scalp may be dying for air, your ends need a trim, and a good condition would give your locks some much-needed love and attention.🥰

When to Remove Weave Before Its Prescribed Duration

Furthermore, if your braid pattern has become very loose and you can visibly see new growth.

Even if you have not yet reached eight weeks if you leave out is becoming hard to manage it is probably time to rethink your style.

Telltale signs are a shifting closure, a lifting lace front, and a wobbly foundation.

If the braids are no longer strong enough to hold their shape, and you keep an install, it may lead to breakage, bald spots and will make detangling harder when you do decide to take down your weave.

Don't fret if your hair grows fast, at least you will be able to do a length check!

Next, if the thread has begun to come out of your install, it is simply time to take it down. Hanging wefts or tucked tracks serve no one.

Additionally, if your scalp begins to itch or feel tender, it is trying to tell you something! Listen, learn how to remove weave, or have a professional remove your install.

Being attentive to the needs of your scalp can save you money, time, and hair.

How to Remove Weave Safely for Each Type of Installation

How to Take Out a Sew In

A traditional sew-in is the most natural-looking. In a basic install, all hair is braided except the portion for your part and maybe the hair around your crown if you love "baby hairs." A traditional sew-in is fairly easy to remove.

Step-by-Step Guide:

To remove a traditional sew-in, all you will need is clips, a comb, a mirror, and a pair of scissors.

(1) First, identity everywhere hair is out, whether it is in part, around the nape or the edges; secure that hair with bobby pin or clips, so that you won't snip it in the process.

(2) Then start at the top of your hair, identify where the thread is, and gently lift it with a comb to ensure you haven't mistaken hair for the thread.

(3) After double-checking, proceed to cut the thread slowly out of your head, following along with your fingers or a comb.

(4) Try your best not to cut the wefts if they are folded over. Continue this process until you've reached the portion of your head that is not directly visible to your eye.

(5) Use a mirror to locate the thread and slowly begin to cut again. If you are unsure, you can take extra precautions by sectioning off the weft you wish to remove.

(6) After you remove all the wefts, use your fingers to go back through your hair and feel for any pieces of thread left behind. If you have an install that had a wig cap, pull the cap from the middle of your head and cut around it.

(7) Once you got the hang of how to remove weave safely, you will find that this process is not as complicated as it seems at first. Just keep in mind to be careful when removing runaway thread, you don't want to snip the ends of braids or new growth!

Closure Install

Learning how to remove weave done with lace closures install is similar to removing a traditional, however, with all hair tucked away, it can be a little trickier. A closure weave is a bit more complex than a traditional weave.

You want to follow your installation pattern. Cut out your closure first, then your wefts, the braiding net, and then take down your braids.

• First, next to the front of where your closure is secured locate the knots towards the front of your head.
  
  
• Then section off your closure securing the weft hair and closure hair away. Then, slowly cut the threaded knots at the end of the closure on both sides.
  
  
• Depending on the looseness of your install you may be able to pull your closure off gently; if not, continue to cut the thread, being sure not to damage the lace or the hair.
  
  
• Next, cut out your wefts but following along your thread. Cut the cap and then take down braids.

Lace Front Install

Lace fronts are delicate and require a particular solvent.

One can purchase our Safe Glue Removal. Apply to the ends of the lace front, let sit for twenty minutes, gently try to slide the lace-free.

Once your lace front begins to lift, gently start to pull it off until it is completely free from your hair. Then, clean your edges and forehead with olive oil or coconut oil.

This process will remove the dirt and any residue leftover from the adhesive. Continue to remove the install as normal.

How to Take Out a Quick Weave

The signs for a removal for quick weaves are a little different from sew-ins.

It is time to take your weave down after 4-6 weeks, itching of the scalp, hanging off of the tracks, or shifting.

Because most quick weaves are done by using a lace glue adhesive, the steps on how to take out a quick weave are imperative.

Following the right steps on how to remove a quick weave will ensure less hair loss or scalp damage which no-nos!

Step-by-Step Guide:

How to remove a quick weave that was either done at home or professionally, tries to take note of what adhesive was used.

For instance, if you use Salon Pro hair glue, you should aim to use their remover as well.

(1) Saturate your hair with the removal solution. Try to lift the cap up some and douse your edges with the solution.

After covering your head completely with remover, such as "Salon Pro 30 Seconds Super Hair Bond Remover 4 oz" which is about 3-4 dollars at your local beauty store, or the accompanying removal of the adhesive used, set a timer.

Leave the solution on your hair for fifteen to twenty minutes to ensure that all hair has had a chance to detach.

(2) Carefully maneuver around your head checking areas to see if they are loose enough to remove WITHOUT force.

If so, gently SLIDE wefts out of hair. Be sure not to yank out extensions or haphazardly cut pieces off.

Have patience when removing your quick weave. Repeat as necessary.

(3) Once all wefts have are gone, apply removal directly to your wig cap, there may be some glue residue still connecting the protective cap to your actual hair.

(4) After removing the cap, gently take out your braids, finger detangling along the way.

To make the process easier, you may consider rubbing light oil over your fingers; it will loosen the leftover glue (if any) to make detangling easier.

(5) Once all your braids are taken down, wash with a glue residue shampoo, such as "Salon Pro Glue Residue Remover Shampoo 12oz" $5 at your local beauty store, after rinsing, detangle hair to remove any clumps or stubborn glue that may be left behind.

(6) Next, follow with your regular shampoo and conditioner.

Taking Care of Natural Hair

The aftermath of the removal of installations can be daunting. Be prepared for weave shedding and knots.

If your install is maintained and took down with care, your natural hair should be okay.

Be sure to finger detangle your hair, clarify and condition to keep your hair and scalp fresh.

Be sure to trim your ends and allow your hair time to breathe.

After all, weaves are made to be a fun switch up a good protective style to ensure growth.

How to Save Extensions for Re-use

Extensions can be reusable and long-lasting.

Be sure when removing any install not to cut your wefts, this will reduce the chance of shedding and will make it easier to re-install without having to match all the pieces.

Lay cut wefts out in the same order you have removed them, to make it easier for installation later.

Additionally, deep condition your extensions. Conditioning will rid the hair of any dirt, dandruff, or oils it may have contracted while worn.

Your extensions are like your hair; it needs care and attention as well.

After deep conditioning, your hair, allow it to air dry and then comb through for detangling.

Proper Storage for Weaves and Extensions

Storing your extensions in a dry, safe area is essential to maintaining the integrity of your extensions.

Silk Extension Bags from Private Label Extensions, do an excellent job of protecting extensions from dust, tangling, and weather conditions.

After drying extensions, secure together with clips and place in a silk bag or scarf.

Things to Keep in Mind

Weaves are fun but can be damaging to your hair and scalp when installing or removed incorrectly.

If you are unsure or nervous about removing your installation, you can always find a salon and leave removal in the hands of a professional.💈

A weave removal ranges from thirty to sixty dollars, but you could save that much if you try to study how to remove weave safely on your own.

Stop by one of our hair stores so we can spill the tea together!🧋