Quick Weave Hairstyles: Techniques to Switch Up Your Hairstyle

A beautifully installed sew-in can turn heads whenever you walk into a room and make you the envy of all the ladies who wish their sew-in is as flawless as yours.

Most women are prepared to sit in a chair for over three hours (if not more) to get their favorite style.

However, there is an option for those of us who need a new style but don’t have three or more hours to dedicate to a sew-in.

Quick weaves are a fantastic option for getting the hairstyle you want without having to sacrifice so much of your time.💃🏿

In this article, you will find all the information you need to educate you on what a quick weave is, the benefits of wearing a long quick weave or a short quick weave, and the various styles you can wear if you want quick weave styles.

Get your virgin hair bundles ready because we are about to get started!

What is a Quick Weave?

A quick weave is a process by which you bond hair extensions to your hair or a protective cap.

There are also liquid gel products created that you apply to your hair, allow to harden, and serve as a barrier between your hair and the glue used to attach the extensions.

Another option is to bond hair extensions to a thick weave cap which I prefer because I can take it on and off which is a bonus benefit to a quick weave.

We change our minds daily and wear our hair based on our moods (I know I’m not the only one who does this...right), which makes quick weaves convenient.

This process is perfect for quick weave long hairstyles, bobs, and short weave styles. It’s the faster and more affordable option when it comes to installing a weave because you can install it at home.

You don’t have to have a license or specialized training to install one.

If you ask, “Do quick weaves damage my hair” I can tell you that a licensed hairstylist is a bonus because you know and understand how to take care of your hair.

If you are uncomfortable with hair maintenance, you may want someone else to install your quick weave to make sure it looks great.

It’s important not to rush the application because if you get glue on your hair, it can cause breakage.

The Pros and Cons of Quick Weaves

The quick weave is the perfect solution for people with busy schedules who desire the look of a traditional sew-in.

Although the sew-in technique can be more realistic looking, if you take your time, your quick weave can look just as good.

Below are some pros and cons to help you decide if this type of weave is for you.

Pros of Quick Weaves

1. The cost to get a quick weave installed is affordable.
2. It’s faster to complete than the traditional sew-in, which makes it perfect for those who don’t feel like waiting in a salon or sitting in a chair for too long.
3. If taken care of properly, it can last for three to four weeks, so that you will get your money’s worth.
4. This technique can be great for protective styles.

Cons of Quick Weaves

1. If you don’t use a protective seal over your scalp, the glue from the hair extensions can pull your hair out. To prevent hair damage, use a protective barrier.
2. The adhesive can damage your hair extensions.
3. Even though the process is quicker than most sew-ins, it still takes time for each weft track to dry before applying the next one. This method requires patience.
4. Cutting the wefts will increase the amount of shedding compared to a traditional sew-in.

Preparing Your Hair for a Quick Weave

Before installing your quick weave, I believe ensuring your hair is clean is essential.

• Whether your hair is relaxed or natural, you must shampoo your hair with Organix shampoo and conditioner (or your favorite brand). Blow-dry or air-dry your hair.
  
  
• Ensure you dry your hair thoroughly because any stored moisture can cause bacteria to develop.
  
  
• I believe in keeping my hair moisturized, so I pour a quarter-size of Jamaican Black Castor Oil into my palm, rub my hands together and then apply it to my hair.
  
  
• Since I have a TWA, I don’t have to use it much.
  
  
• Depending on the length of your hair, you may need to use more, but because the castor oil is very thick, I suggest you repeat the process I mentioned above until you have applied it to all of the hair strands.
  
  
• It should not look greasy.
  
  
• After using castor oil, apply a quarter-size of leave-in conditioner to add moisture to your hair, protecting it while it is braided up.

Cutting the Wefts

• When cutting your wefts, make sure you measure the back of your head first from ear to ear.
• This way, when you cut your tracks, they will be the proper length to glue to your weave cap.
• After I cut my wefts, I run my hands through the extension to remove any loose hair strands that may have gotten cut.

Quick Tip: Because you are cutting the wefts for a quick weave with a hairstyle that won't last a month we recommend using cheap hair bundles compared to raw hair bundles.

Some people prefer to let their tracks air dry by placing glue one after the other. Others prefer to use a blow dryer with the settings on low heat.

How to: Liquid Cap Quick Weave with Leave-out

• Part your hair where you will want your leave out to be.
  
  
• Braid the leave-out section so it does not get in the way as you prepare the rest of your hair.
  
  
• On damp hair, apply the Salon Pro 30-Second Weave Molding Gel to the rest of your hair. Do not use it in the braided or leave-out section.
  
  
• Comb through your hair to smooth it down and evenly distribute the product.
  
  
• Dry your hair with a blow dryer or use wrap strips to keep your hair smooth as it dries and sit under a hooded dryer until your hair is dry.
  
  
• Your next step is to squeeze a small amount of the Weave Wonder Wrap onto an application brush. Apply the liquid barrier all over the hair avoiding the braided leave-out section.
  
  
• You can use the blow dryer or sit under a hooded dryer until the wonder wrap is dry.
  
  
• Pull the thicker cap edge past your hairline once the wrap is dry and hard.
  
  
• Use a white pencil to outline your leave out because you don’t want to glue any wefts in that area.

Glue the Extensions

Now it’s time for the fun part! It’s time for you to glue your extensions onto your cap. Remember you are protecting your hair with the molding gel so the glue won’t harm it.

Remember, a quick weave glue is different than a lace glue!

• Measure your extension and apply your hair glue to the weft.
  
  
• Don’t go heavy on it because if you’re like me, I can’t stand all of that glue getting on my hands and fingers. I have someone help me with the next part.
  
  
• I pull my stocking cap down on the back because I will cut the thick band off.
  
  
• Apply your first extension at the nape of your head from edge to edge and smooth the weft down with your finger. I pull my stocking cap down in the back because I will cut the thick band off.

The great thing about quick weaves is you can opt for anything from straight hair to kinky curly hair as you hairstyle options.

• Apply your first extension at the nape of your head from edge to edge and smooth the weft down with your finger. Remember, the band should be hanging more extended than the extension because it will be cut off.
  
  
• Grab your blow dryer and run it across the weft to ensure it dries thoroughly to your cap.
  
  
• You may think this is crazy, but if you’re wondering how far apart your extensions should be, use the length of your index fingernail bed as a guide. 💅🏿 Trust me it works!
  
  
• Measure the distance of your next extension, one index fingernail bed length (that’s a tongue twister) above your first extension. Measure it from edge to edge of your nape area.

Measuring the Hair Extensions

• As you move up to the crown of your head, you want to start measuring your extensions from the edge of your hairline, not the edge of the stocking cap.
  
  
• You know how you love your edges to be flawless. Instead of taking the weft of your extensions to the very edge of your hairline, bring it back just a little.
  
  
• This way, you’ll still be able to show off your edges once you have completed your quick weave. 
  
  
• Once you reach the top of your head, start gluing your tracks in from front to back.
  
  
• At the top, don’t use the guide I suggested above because you don’t want to have much space between your wefts.
  
  
• Glue your wefts in by placing them on your cap's white line. Make sure your wefts are completely dry once you're close to the mark.
  
  
• Cut off the excess (visible) part of your stocking cap from around your head and leave out.

Quick Note: The trend has been to use a 2x6 lace closure with quick weaves. 

To blend your leave-out in with your extensions, use your flat iron to smooth your natural hair, taking small sections.

• Then apply a small amount of oil to the hair on your part.
  
  
• The oil softens the eco-style gel or edge control you will use to lay down your leave out, so it looks smooth. 

Style your extensions, and you are ready to show your hair off to everybody else.

Liquid Cap Quick Weave Without Leave-out and Invisible Part

• On damp hair, apply the Salon Pro 30 Second Weave Molding Gel to all of your hair.
  
  
• Comb through your hair with a comb to smooth the hair down and evenly distribute the product.
  
  
• To make sure your part is clean, mold down your hair, parting your hair where you want your invisible part. Dry your hair with a blow dryer or use wrap strips to keep it smooth as it dries under a hooded dryer.
  
  
• Your next step is to squeeze a small amount of the Weave Wonder Wrap onto an application brush.
  
  
• Apply the liquid barrier all over the hair. The best way to apply it is precisely like the molding gel. Use the blow dryer or sit under a hooded dryer until the wonder wrap is dry.

Set Your Hairline

• Once you dry your hair, put on your stocking cap by pulling the thicker edge of the stocking cap past your hairline.
  
  
• Use your white pencil or some type of marker to place the part of your stocking cap exactly where your part is in your hair.
  
  
• I apply Gorilla Snot to my hairline to hold my stocking cap in place.
  
  
• Apply Gorilla Snot to the left side of your hairline to the top of your ear.
  
  
• Pull your stocking cap to the edge of your hairline and press gently to secure it in place. Use your blow dryer to dry the area.

• Repeat this step on the opposite side. Wait to cut the band off the front of the stocking cap. I like to make sure it is as dry as possible, so I cut mine off at the end of the process.
  
  
• Measure your extension and apply your hair glue to the weft. I have someone help me with this part. I pull my stocking cap down in the back because I will cut the thick band off.
  
  
• Apply your first extension at the nape of your head from edge to edge and smooth the weft down with your finger.
  
  
• Remember, the band should be hanging further than the extension because it is going to be cut off.
  
  
• Grab your blow dryer and run it across the weft to ensure it dries thoroughly to your cap.

Applying the Tracks

• As you move up to the crown of your head, you want to start measuring your extensions from the edge of your hairline, not the edge of the stocking cap, because you will cut the excess cap off.
  
  
• Once you get to the top of your head, start gluing your tracks in line with the white line you drew on your cap.
  
  
• Wait to cut your stocking cap until you are ready to put in your invisible part wefts.
  
  
• Once you get to this point, cut off the excess (visible) part of your stocking cap from around your head and your part.
  
  
• At this point, you will cut small, like tic-tac small (yes, short) wefts to start creating your invisible part.
  
  
• Starting at the edge of your hairline, gluing the remaining part of your stocking cap down alongside your part.
  
  
• By doing this, you anchor the last bit of the stocking cap and ensure your part isn’t too wide.
  
  
• As you move up the part with your small wefts, make each one just a bit bigger because you want it to cover the weft below it. Think about it as stacking your wefts.

I recommend you stop midway and apply your lace closure to make sure it is placed to look as realistic as possible and finish applying your small wefts to complete your part.

Quick Weave with a Braided Foundation

• To complete a quick weave with a braided base, create your foundation braids. There isn’t a particular pattern you need to have, so I suggest you cornrow your hair straight to the back.
  
  
• Separate hair into three sections and slide down about a quarter of an inch to half an inch before you start your braid.
  
  
• You may need to add human hair to each braid to make sure your braids last longer. Braiding this way reduces tension on your scalp.
  
  
• Braid the rest of your hair, ensuring they are neat and small. Small braids provide you with a smooth foundation, so your quick weave looks flat.
  
  
• Once you complete your braids, put on your stocking cap.
  
  
• Apply your extensions in the nape the same as in the description for the quick weave with leave out.
  
  
• When you get to the midsection of your head and crown, you want to glue your extensions in a circular motion.
  
  
• By installing your extensions this way, you are covering the entire head and will only have an open space in the center of the crown, which you will cover with a DIY closure.
  
  
• To make your closure cut a weft about an inch long. Apply hair glue to your track and allow it to dry for about 5-10 seconds.
  
  
• Begin rolling your weft tightly to create a tight roll. At this point, I like to attach a clip or T-pin through the wefts to keep them all together.
  
  
• I allow it to dry for about five minutes or longer, depending on what else I have going on.
  
  
• Once the closure is dry, I fan the hair out around the wefts to create a fan of hair around it.
  
  
• I take my heated flat iron (low temperature) and sandwich the roll between the flat iron. Doing this flattens the wefts out and makes it smooth.

Don’t rush through this process because this step isn’t difficult, but it can look messy if you don’t take your time.

Quick Weave Hairstyles

One thing I love about quick weaves is that although they are quick, they are not limiting. There are so many quick weave styles to choose from! Let's go over some quick weave hairstyles.

1. Pixie Cut (Quick Weave with No Part)

I know many of us can relate to having to run to the store quickly!

You don’t feel like going through the drama of trying to put on the right outfit to look presentable. I mean, all you need to get is some chips, salsa, and a drink for Netflix and chill night, right?

This short hair quick weave pixie cut is a perfect style! Whether you are rocking jeans, sweats, or a formal dress, the pixie cut is a definite go-to and protective style.

2. Bob (Quick Weave with an Invisible Part)

A bob is for the woman who wants to be sassy yet classy! If you want a style that is appropriate for work (military) and play, you can create a quick weave bob and style it so many different ways!

To get the bob look once you install your extensions, pull all your hair back into a low ponytail and secure it with a rubber band.

Use the rubber band as a marker for the length you want your bob to be.

Pull your ponytail up as you cut it to give you layers in the back.

3. Long hair (Quick Weave for Longer Hair).

Okay, I know you love to rock those inches now and then! I do too!

I like long hair because it’s fun to play with different textures and colors. Quick weaves allow you to go from long to short or create a longer protective style in minimal time.

 

4. Bangs (Quick Weave Bang Extensions)

If you're looking for a weave hairstyle with bangs, quick weaves are also great. You can even rock a quick weave ponytail with bangs.

Bangs allow you to transform your hairstyle.

By doing a quick weave hairstyle with bangs, you don’t have to do a complete full-head quick weave.

You can braid down your hair, use a wig cap, and glue in your extensions. You can even do this with a DIY closure!

Straight weaves with bangs are also a very popular hairstyle that you can rock with quick weave hairstyles.

Best Hair for a Quick Weave

As we discussed earlier, the quick weave sew-in technique involves cutting the wefts of the human hair bundles.

*Cutting the wefts will severely limit the longevity of the hair.

I suggest using a lower-cost bundle as you will probably not have the hairstyle as long as if you decide on a traditional sew-in technique.

Our Malaysian Body Wave or Straight hair would be an excellent choice for affordability and quality.

Now if you are looking for a quick weave style only to last you through the weekend, then the old trusty Milky Way pack hair will always suffice.

If you are going to spend top dollar on hair extensions such as the Indian or Vietnamese hair, you might also want to invest in a longer-lasting install.

Quick Weave Tips!

Quick weaves can be your favorite go-to style when installed and taken care of
appropriately!

One thing to remember to look out for is the type of glue you use and also the protective coating. Other than that, enjoy your beautiful hair and make sure to take it out when it’s ready.

Leaving it in longer than it’s supposed to can cause breakage and damage to your real hair.

A quick weave is the faster solution to getting the look of the traditional sew-in without spending all your money and time on the resources to install it.

Find a professional who knows what they are doing; if you believe you’re savvy enough with your hands, ensure you have all the right materials. Beauty takes time, but it doesn’t have to take all your money!

What is your “Quick Weave” Experience?

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand what a quick weave is.

The Private Label team can recommend the best hair bundles for your next quick weave experience. We welcome you to stop by our Atlanta hair store or shop with us online!

Want to share your quick weave info with our readers?

We would love to hear your tips, pros, cons, experiences, or anything else related to it. Drop a comment below!👇🏿