How to Install Hair Weaves Without Damaging Your Natural Hair

by Abisola Aboh

If you love the versatility of hair weaves but want your real hair to thrive underneath, this guide is for you. Hair weaves can absolutely be a protective style, if they’re installed correctly and maintained properly.

This article is inspired by a YouTube short we recently shared that perfectly demonstrates what a healthy weave install should look like. The reaction said it all: “Her hair will thrive and so will her weave.” And that’s exactly the goal.

Below, we break down the best way to install hair weaves to protect your natural hair, plus how to use Anoint Hair Growth Oil, Protect Sealing Oil, and Embrace Hair Butter before and during your install to keep your hair strong, moisturised, and growing.

Why Hair Weave Installs Often Damage Natural Hair

Hair weaves get a bad reputation, not because they’re inherently damaging, but because of how they’re often installed and worn.

Common problems include:

  • Excessive leave‑out that needs constant heat

  • Tension around the hairline causing thinning edges

  • Dry, neglected natural hair under the weave

  • Fake‑looking edges that require over‑manipulation

A protective hair weave install should reduce manipulation, not increase it.

The Gold Standard: What a Protective Hair Weave Install Looks Like

The weave install featured in our video is a textbook example of how to do it right.

1. Minimal Leave‑Out (or None at All)

The most important detail? The leave‑out is not her real hair.

That means:

  • No constant straightening

  • No heat damage to blend textures

  • No stress on the ends of your natural hair

Even the small amount of hair that is left out is completely covered by the final style, so it doesn’t need daily manipulation.

💡 Healthy hair thrives when it’s left alone.

2. Ends Fully Protected

Your ends are the oldest and most fragile part of your hair. In a good hair weave install:

  • Ends are tucked away

  • Hair is braided neatly without tension

  • No friction or exposure

This is how you retain length while wearing hair weaves.

3. No “Fake Edges” Look

A properly installed weave eliminates the need to constantly lay or reshape your edges.

When installs rely on excessive leave‑out or forced blending, the result is often:

  • Thin‑looking edges

  • Over‑brushing

  • Edge control overload

A protective install allows your hairline to rest and recover.

Pre‑Install Prep: How to Prepare Your Hair for a Weave

Before installing hair weaves, your natural hair needs moisture, strength, and scalp support.

Step 1: Nourish Your Scalp with Anoint Hair Growth Oil

Before braiding:

  • Apply Anoint Hair Growth Oil directly to the scalp

  • Massage gently to stimulate blood flow

  • Focus on thinning areas and edges

This creates the ideal environment for growth while your hair is tucked away.

Step 2: Seal Moisture with Protect Sealing Oil

After moisturising your hair:

  • Apply Protect Sealing Oil to the lengths

  • Pay special attention to the ends

This locks in hydration and prevents dryness under your weave.

Step 3: Strengthen with Embrace Hair Butter

Before braiding:

  • Lightly apply Embrace Hair Butter to each section

  • Smooth it through from root to tip

This adds slip, reduces breakage, and keeps your hair soft for weeks.

Maintaining Healthy Hair While Wearing Hair Weaves

A weave shouldn’t mean out of sight, out of mind.

Scalp Care Is Non‑Negotiable

While wearing hair weaves:

  • Apply Anoint Hair Growth Oil 2–3 times per week

  • Focus on the scalp and edges

  • Avoid heavy build‑up

Healthy growth doesn’t stop just because your hair is covered.

Keep Hair Moisturised Underneath

At least once a week:

  • Lightly apply Embrace Hair Butter to exposed braids or parts

  • Follow with Protect Sealing Oil to lock it in

This prevents dryness, itching, and breakage.

Avoid Over‑Styling the Weave

A good install means:

  • Less heat

  • Less tension

  • Less manipulation

The less you interfere, the better both your weave and natural hair will look.

Final Thoughts: Your Hair Should Thrive in a Weave

If you’re going to wear hair weaves, please do it this way.

A proper install:

  • Protects your natural hair

  • Eliminates unnecessary heat

  • Preserves your edges

  • Supports long‑term growth

When paired with the right products and a thoughtful install, your hair can thrive.

Ready to grow longer, healthier hair?

👉 Grab your FREE Ultimate Hair Routine Guide and learn the exact steps to boost hair growth, maximise moisture and reduce breakage.

Full Bloom Beauty is a faith-led haircare brand specialising in afro-textured hair and hair oils for growth. Explore our full range of products and join a community committed to helping you bloom with confidence.

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