Weave Lengths Guide: How to Get a Super Natural-Looking Weave

One of the first things to consider when choosing a weave is length. If you are going for a more natural look, you might want to choose a weave that is not too much longer than the current length of your hair.

Another important factor to consider is the texture of your hair vs the texture of your weave. You can choose from straight, wavy, curly, and kinky curly weaves. Choosing a hair texture similar to your own will help make your weave look more natural. However, if you have highly textured hair, choosing a weave of a different texture is a good way to experiment with a new look without the risk of heat damage. As long as it blends well with your natural hair, you’re good to go.

The same goes for color: if you go with a weave with a leave-out, it is especially important to match the color and texture of the weave to your natural hair. If none of your hair is left out, it’s okay to go lighter or darker than your natural color; just make sure it’s a color that compliments your complexion.

Once you decide on the length, color, and texture, you’ll need to figure out how many bundles of hair you’ll need to achieve your desired look. This will vary depending on the amount of volume desired, the number of layers you want to have, and the size of your head. If you’re looking for more volume, you’ll want to use more bundles than you would if you were going for a more flat look. Also, consider the volume of your natural hair when choosing how many bundles to use. Too many bundles and it’ll look like the weave is wearing you: not the other way around. In general, for shorter lengths, two to three bundles are usually enough to create the style of your choosing. If you’re going longer (18 – 20 inches or longer), then you’ll probably need three or four bundles, possibly more.

If you decide to have a leave-out, make sure it blends well with your weave. Since it’s the only part of your hair that is not braided underneath your weave, your leave-out is more susceptible to damage than the rest of your hair. Use a heat protectant if you use heat-styling tools to match the texture of your weave to the texture of your natural hair.

The benefit of a closure is the protection it provides. Wearing a closure eliminates the need for a leave-out, and reduces your risk of damage. Both silk and lace closures have their pros and cons. Lace closures are popular because they tend to lay flat, giving them a more natural appearance. Silk closures have very realistic looking parts, but they don’t allow your scalp underneath to breathe the way that lace does. If you can, get a custom closure that matches your scalp as closely as possible.

There are so many types of hair to choose from when it comes to getting a weave. Human hair extensions are more expensive than synthetic hair, but they also tend to look a lot more natural. Generally, if you want a weave that looks and feels natural, synthetic hair is a no-go. Human hair will cost you more, but it’s worth the investment. Not only that, if properly cared for, you can reuse human hair extensions for future installations.

Although ordering online might be less expensive and more convenient, it is a good idea to see the hair in person before purchasing. This makes it a lot easier to see how it will look on you. However, you may have access to the best quality hair online, so if possible, find a vendor that’s willing send you a sample of the hair before you commit to purchasing entire bundles. This will give you a chance to inspect the hair for quality purposes and texture and color-matching.

As mentioned earlier, weaves can be a great protective style, but they can also lead to damage if not properly installed or cared for. Generally, sew-in weaves are better than glue-in tracks, as the glue can damage your hair and make removal harder. It’s important not to leave a weave in too long (1 to 2 months is a good amount of time). Make sure you give your hair a break in between installs. Wearing weaves too often can put too much tension on your hair – especially your edges – which can lead to breakage and tension alopecia.

Again, if you’re going for the most natural look, choose a weave length that is close to your natural length. There is a little wiggle room if you wear your hair natural and you’re choosing a straight weave, as your natural hair will obviously be longer when straightened. However, if you just want to switch up your style and you don’t care about the length being believable, you have a lot more flexibility. After all, one of the joys of wearing a weave is achieving a different look than usual.

Layered weaves tend to look more natural, so you may want to choose two or three different lengths. However, you can also go with one length and have it cut into layers after installation. It’s important to trim and style your weave so that it frames your face in a flattering way. When deciding on a length, don’t forget to take your height into consideration. If you are relatively short, that 24-inch weave may look a lot longer on you than it does on your tall friend. There are a variety of lengths to choose from, but the most common lengths range between 10 and 30 inches. With that large a range, it can be tough to choose.

Here’s a look at some of the different lengths and textures you can choose from.

A 10-inch weave is usually one of the shortest lengths you’ll find. This length is perfect for a bob hairstyle. Whether you’re looking to add length or go for a shorter style without committing to a haircut, this length is just right.

A 12-inch weave is usually slightly longer than a bob. It will fall right around shoulder-length and can be cut to frame your face just right.

A 14-inch weave may be right for you if you’re looking to go a little longer. With straight or wavy weaves, this length will typically fall right below the shoulders.

16-inch weaves tend to be about armpit length. This is a nice comfortable length for those who like long hair with the Rapunzel factor.

An 18-inch weave will usually fall right around or just below the chest. This is a nice length that can be styled in a variety of ways.

A 20-inch weave will give you mid-back length hair. This is an ideal length if you want to style your hair into tight curls without sacrificing length.

22 inches will give you hair that is about waist-length, like this body wave. Even if the hair you choose is very curly, 22 inches is a nice long length.

A 24-inch weave will give you long, luscious locks that will likely flow past your waist. This length looks nice styled in a half up, half down topknot style like this one.

If you’re looking to go the distance with an extra long weave, 26 inches and up is the way to go. These lengths will bring you to hip or tailbone length. Aside from wearing it down, there are many different ways to style the hair, including braids, buns, ponytails, and loose or tight curls. You’ll have plenty of hair to play around to create updos that are nice and full.