Should I Put Oil in My Virgin Hair When My Sew-In or Quick Weave Starts to Look Crunchy?

As a hair store owner, I've witnessed customers struggle to find virgin hair care routines that work. Whether you've opted for virgin hair bundles, a frontal or closure lace wig, or a quick weave, keeping your hair looking healthy and moisturized can be a real challenge, especially when the weather gets extreme. One common issue that many virgin hair product customers face is the dreaded "crunchy" hair stage – that stiff, dry, and sometimes even brittle texture that can cause most hair styles to look less than their best. This situation is caused by a virgin hair care routine that needs to be scrutinized and possibly restructured.

If you're finding yourself in this predicament, you might be wondering, "Should I put oil in my hair when my bundles start to look crunchy?" The answer is a resounding maybe! Incorporating certain hair oils into your virgin hair care routine can be a game-changer or a death sentence in your quest to revive thirsty weather-beaten hair extensions.

Understanding the Difference Between Virgin Hair and Processed Hair

Before we dive into the benefits of using hair oils, it's important to understand the difference between virgin hair and processed hair. Virgin or unprocessed hair is the raw material used in the manufacturing of high and low quality wefted hair also 100% human bulk A.K.A braiding hair, unprocessed/virgin hair and processed A.K.A pack hair. Virgin or unprocessed hair (raw material) is the mother of all 100% human hair products its nothing new, the new thing concerning virgin hair is simply that its being sold in its rawest or unprocessed form. We all remember the days of the color 1 and 1B and 2 at the hair store rite? Know for a surety that the hair you bought in colors like 1,1B,4,30,27 etc. all started out natural brown to dark brown and natural black before coloring and straightening agents were applied. Unprocessed hair had to be lightened in some cases and made darker in other cases to bring the hair to those aforementioned processed colors. In contrast virgin or unprocessed hair has never been chemically treated or altered. It retains its natural oils and cuticle structure, making it more resilient and easier to manage.

Causes of Crunchy, Stiff, and Dry Hair Extensions

There are a few key reasons why your bundles might start to look and feel crunchy over time:

1. Lack of moisture: When the hair doesn't receive enough hydration, it can become dry, brittle, and stiff.
2. Environmental factors: Changes in weather, particularly during the summer or winter months, can cause the hair to lose moisture and become more prone to dryness.
3. Excessive product buildup: Using too many styling products, or not properly cleansing the hair, can lead to a buildup of residue that can make the hair feel crunchy and stiff.

The Role of Hair Oils in Maintaining Sew-In Styles

Certain oils can be a powerful tool in combating the crunchy, stiff texture that can come about when wearing hairstyles that use or require hair extensions. There are natural oils that work to deeply condition the hair, replenish lost moisture, and help to restore the hair's natural shine and softness.

Some of the key benefits of using hair oils for your virgin hair include:

• Increased moisture and hydration: Oils can penetrate the hair shaft and lock in moisture, keeping the hair supple and manageable.
• Improved manageability: Oils can help to smooth the hair cuticle, making the hair more pliable and easier to style.
• Enhanced shine and luster: Oils can add a beautiful, healthy-looking shine to the hair.
• Protection from environmental factors: Oils can help to shield the hair from the drying effects of wind, sun, and other environmental stressors.

Choosing the Right Hair Oil for your Virgin Hair

When it comes to selecting the right hair oil for your virgin hair bundles or wig there are a few factors to consider:

1. Hair type and porosity: Different hair types and porosity levels respond better to certain oils. For example, those with fine, low-porosity hair may do better with lighter oils like argan or jojoba, while those with coarse, high-porosity hair may benefit more from heavier oils like castor or coconut.
2. Desired results: If you're looking to primarily add moisture and softness, you might gravitate towards oils like shea, olive, or avocado. If you're aiming to tame frizz and add shine, silicone-based oils like dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane could be a good choice.
3. Virgin hair vs. processed hair: As a general rule, virgin hair tends to do better with lighter, more penetrating oils, while processed hair may require heavier, more emollient oils to counteract dryness and damage.

Some top recommendations for hair oils to use with sew-in styles include:

• Virgin hair: Argan oil, jojoba oil, marula oil
• Processed hair: Coconut oil, castor oil, olive oil

Proper Application Techniques for Hair Oils being applied to Hair Extensions

When it comes to applying hair oils to your extensions there are a few practices to keep in mind:

1. Timing: For best results, apply the oil after washing your hair while your hair cuticle is in its most absorbent porous state. This will help the oil penetrate the hair shaft and lock in moisture.
2. Amount: Start with a small amount, about the size of a dime or quarter, and work it through the hair, focusing on the ends and any dry or crunchy areas.
3. Technique: Use your fingertips to gently massage the oil into the hair, working from the ends upward focus on keeping oil away from weft a non-oily weft is much less likely to shed from combing.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Healthy Unprocessed Hair

In addition to using the right hair oils, there are a few other tips to keep in mind for maintaining healthy, moisturized hair extensions.

1. Protective techniques: Wrap your hair before bed wear a bonnet or scarf if your extensions are long enough braid them before sleeping and apply bonnet or scarf. Silk or Satin pillowcases are also said to be beneficial if bonnets or scarves don't work for you.
2. Gentle cleansing and conditioning: Use a sulfate-free shampoo and a deep conditioning treatment to cleanse and nourish the hair without stripping it of its natural oils.
3. Avoiding excessive heat and manipulation: Limit the use of hot styling tools and be gentle when removing and reinstalling your sew-in quick weave or wig to prevent unnecessary damage.

By following these tips and incorporating the right hair oils into your routine, you can keep your virgin hair, raw or processed hair looking its best, even when the weather starts to take a toll. Remember clean, healthy, moisturized hair is the foundation for a beautiful, long-lasting hairstyle.