Tips on How to Stop Weave from Shedding

Shedding is a standard issue in the world of hair. 

Consequently, it is a natural occurrence when it comes to hair follicles.

No one wants to leave a trail of hair behind them, or be met with clumps of hair every time they style, wash, or brush their extensions after investing time and money in your extensions.🫰🏾

Natural hair and extensions alike shed, on average, natural hair sheds 100-150 strands a day.

Though all hair sheds, curlier textures shed more often.

Hair Bundles such as deep wave, curly hair, or kinky bundles are more likely to shed, as they tangle more and require more attention.

Braid these textures at night to reduce tangling and therefore, reduce the rate of shedding.

Straighter hair textures are less likely to shed and are easier to manage.

Making Hair Extensions

Extensions, synthetic and virgin hair, are both created through a process called "wefting", in which hair runs through a machine weft that brings the hair together to form a straight, tied bundle.

This method makes the hair into the bundles that sold, such as the ones on Private Label.

The process contributes to the hair's easy installation and allows one solid unit, instead of free strands of hair.

Extensions are prone to shedding because they are made of human hair, and are not sewn tight enough to the weft.

Even the highest quality hair weave, including Raw Indian Hair, will eventually shed.

Furthermore, manipulation and build-up can contribute to extension shedding.

Here are a few ways that you can reduce shedding when it comes to hair extensions:

Ways to Reduce Shedding

1. Co-Washing Hair

Co-wash extensions to ensure that the wefts are cleaned. Co-washing is the act of conditioning hair, to keep it soft, clean, and moisturized.

Extensions are more likely to shed when they are brittle, think of it as your natural hair, breakage occurs when hair is not maintained.

2. Sealing Wefts

After this process, the hair sealed. "Sealing" means reinforcing the hair extension wefts with glue to reduce or attempt to eliminate shedding.

Sealing wefts enable hair to last longer and provide the wearer with a more satisfactory install requiring less maintenance.

How to Seal Wefts?

What You Will Need to Seal a Weft?

• Clean Extensions

• A Hair Sealant such as Dritz 1674 Fray Check Liquid Seam Sealant, on Amazon for $9, (two in one container). Dritz can also at Walmart for $3 a bottle or fabric glue. Choose one that dries clear to reduce the chances of having visible residue or film leftover on hair.
• Nozzle Bottle or Applicator (Both available at a hair store)

• Towels or Cloth to Lay the Bundles out on to Seal

Have all of your resources on hand. Make sure that hair is clean and combed to be free of dirt, tangles, and knots.

Lay bundles out flat across a smooth, even surface. Use clips or something sturdy to anchor the hair, keeping it straight, from bunching.

Using the nozzle or applicator, apply the sealant directly along the entire length of the weft of the hair.

Allow the sealant to dry. Flip the weft over and repeat the process. If you have double-weft extensions, repeat this process, and be sure to apply a sealant to both wefts.

Be careful to avoid applying the sealant to the actual hair; this could cause clumping or bunching and damage the extensions.

3. Choosing Double Weft Hair

Hair can be double-wefted or single wefted.

Double-weft hair means that two tracks of hair sewn together. The double-wefting process reduces shedding because it is thicker and sewn more securely.

Double-weft hair can also create a fuller-looking install.

4. Clarifying Shampoo

To reduce shedding, after installs wash hair with a clarifying shampoo. These can be beneficial to extensions, reviving the strands.

Clarifying shampoos are stronger than regular shampoos and strip hair of oils, conditioner, or build up, bringing the extensions back to life.

Clarifying keeps the extensions from being dry and susceptible to shedding.

5. Be Mindful of Your Stylist's Techniques

Whether you are getting a wig constructed, using clip-ins, getting a quick weave, or sew-in, it is essential to pay attention to how your extensions are handled.

Ask stylists not to cut wefts, ask for "The Flip-Over Method," in which stylists sew tracks across the length of the head, and flip the end over to continue to sew the next track, instead of cutting the weft.

Using the Flip-Over Method ensures that all of the hair used.

Stylists cutting the wefts attribute to shedding, the clipping breaks the wefts, strands fall out, and the hair is prone to more shedding with further manipulation.

6. Keep Hair Tied Up at Night

Treat extensions with care to minimize shedding. Just like natural hair, the constant pulling and rubbing of outside factors can cause hair to shed.

Be sure to wrap straight hair at night, braid curlier textures or cover your install with a bonnet to prevent shedding.

7. Pay Attention to the Products Used on Your Extensions

Use sulfate-free conditioners and shampoos. Do not put extra sprays or oils on your extensions.

Lastly, excessive shedding from extensions could mean that it is time for a new installation or to reseal wefts.

Merely remove extensions, and repeat the process of co-washing or clarifying extensions before sealing the wefts.

It is essential to keep in mind that no hair will be completely shed free, however with the steps taken above, one will be able to minimize shedding.

Top 5 Questions about Weave Shedding

Why does my weave start shedding in the first place?

Weave shedding often occurs due to the natural loss of hair from the weft, which is the stitched edge that hair strands are attached to.

Factors contributing to shedding include the cutting of wefts during installation, which leaves hair ends free, or the weakening of the weft over time due to wear and tear, improper care, or harsh styling practices.

Using lower quality hair extensions can also lead to more shedding as they might not be as well-constructed or made from inferior hair that is more prone to falling out.

Quick Note: If you are looking for hair extensions on a budget? Check out our warehouse bundles which are cheap human hair bundles but are good quality for the price!

Can I do anything to prevent my weave from shedding before installation?

Absolutely!

Sealing the wefts before installing your weave is a highly recommended preventative step.

You can use a fabric glue or a specialized weft sealer, which you apply along the weft line on both sides.

Let it dry completely before installing the hair weave. This process helps to lock in the strands of hair and prevent them from shedding.

Additionally, avoid cutting the wefts as much as possible; if you must cut them, seal the ends of the cut wefts as well.

Quick weaves are great but expect additional shedding!

How should I brush or comb my weave to minimize shedding?

To minimize shedding, always use a wide-tooth comb or a soft bristle brush.

Start detangling from the ends of the hair and gently work your way up to the roots.

This technique reduces stress on the weft where the hair is sewn, preventing unnecessary shedding.

Avoid brushing or combing your weave when it's wet, as this is when hair is most vulnerable.

Instead, use your fingers to detangle gently before drying.

What maintenance routines can help reduce weave shedding?

Regular maintenance is key to reducing weave shedding.

This includes using the right hair care products—preferably sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to avoid drying out the hair.

Moisturize your weave as you would your natural hair, focusing on the ends. When sleeping, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf to prevent friction with the pillowcase, which can lead to shedding.

Additionally, minimize the use of heat styling tools which can weaken the hair strands and lead to more shedding.

How often should I replace my weave to avoid excessive shedding?

The lifespan of a weave varies depending on its quality and how well it's maintained.

On average, a good quality weave can last between 6 to 8 weeks before it may need replacing.🤞🏾

However, if you notice excessive shedding or tangling, or if the weave starts to look lifeless and dull despite proper care, it might be time for a new one.

Investing in high-quality hair extensions and following proper maintenance routines can extend the life of your weave, making replacements less frequent.