Fantasy tresses: latest styles in wigs and weaves

HAVE you been dreaming of transforming your tresses?

Would you want that supermodel look, a weave style with really l-o-o-o-n-g spiral curls? Or would you like to reinvent yourself just in time for summer with a short wispy wig? If you're on a quest to find the latest styles in wigs and weaves--that fantasy hair that will turn heads this summer--then you have several options. Stylists say that many of today's weave styles are difficult to distinguish from the real thing, and when done by a professional, they will not ruin your natural hair. And many of today's wigs are crafted from quality human hair, which means that you can style them yourself, anyway you want. On these pages, professional stylists from coast to coast give you an overview of the latest styles in wigs, weaves and beyond.

WIGS

If you want a really quick change that you can do yourself, then a wig may be a good option for you. You can transform your look in three easy steps: 1). Pull your natural hair back in a ponytail, leaving a section of your natural hair loose where the part in the wig is located; 2). Secure your wig with the clips that are located in the front, back and on the sides; 3). Style your hair anyway you want.

WEAVE TECHNIQUES

Three of the most popular weave techniques are the bonding method, sew-in weave method, and the fusion method. The bonding method is a favorite quick-change look for Sisters who don't want to commit to wearing a weave for more than a couple of weeks. With this technique, the natural hair is parted into small sections and the weaving hair is applied to the hair near the scalp with a bonding glue adhesive. When professionally applied and removed, the bonding method will not cause damage to your natural hair or scalp, says Los Angeles-area weave stylist Stefon O'Neil, co-star of the ABC Family Channel's beauty shop reality TV show Looks of Love.

"Never allow anyone to pour glue onto your scalp and clog your pores," O'Neil says. "Make certain that your stylist is a professional, and have the stylist remove the weave."

With the sew-in weave method the natural hair is braided into cornrows and the weaving hair is sewn onto the braids with heavy weaving thread. This style lasts for two to three months and can stimulate natural hair growth if cared for properly, says Los Angeles-area stylist Kimberly Kimble, who has developed a line of hair care products specifically for sew-in weave styles.

"It's important to keep the scalp clean and moisturized when wearing the sew-in weave," Kimble says. "If your hair is brittle, you should apply oil to the dry. areas to prevent premature balding."

FLIP THE SCRIPT by styling an Especially Yours "Cheri" NewHair wig with spunky spiral curls. Wig stylist: Johnny Wright, Me to You Salon, Chicago. (Details: Pima cotton T-shirt with hand-sketched gold accent, from Live! by Karl Kani.)

STUN YOUR CO-WORKERS with this sophisticated illusion from Especially Yours. This "Dee" NewHair wig (with center part) is made of premium "Yaki" style human hair that blends easily with your own relaxed hair. Available in various colors. (Details: Tuxedo denim blazer with satin trim, from Live! by Karl Kani.)

before

SHORT AND SWEET

Erica, an Atlanta-area hair stylist, loves to sport her naturally short hair during the winter months, but usually wears a fusion weave in the summer. Erica says when genuine cuticle human hair is used in the fusion weave method, the style actually allows her natural hair to grow. (Details: Aqua tank top from Bejeweled by Susan Fixel.)

FUSION WEAVE

The fusion weave method is the most expensive (the service can range from $600-$3,500) and it is the most versatile weave style, according to fusion celebrity stylist Gail Hudson of the European Hair Extensions salon in Atlanta. With the fusion method, there are no weave tracks to hide, so the hair appears to be growing from the scalp.

"First, I custom match each client's natural hair with quality cuticle human hair," Hudson explains. "Next, the weave hair is secured onto their natural hair with a form of acrylic hair adhesive. Depending on the style, the process takes two to three hours. You can shampoo or even relax your hair with this style. It doesn't damage your hair, and it lasts for about 90 days."

after

WEAVE FUSION!

Erica's new fused weave style is undetectable and as light as a feather. (Details: Dress, Linda Stokes, Calif.) Photographer: Sean Cokes, Atlanta.

Stylists' Tips:

1. Don't neglect or abuse your natural hair while wearing your sew-in weave or wig. Tip: Keep your scalp moisturized with FERM Moisture Retainer Creme from Avlon.

2. Don't overprocess your natural hair when you plan to blend it with your new weave style. Tip: You can relax your hair and temporarily color it with Dark and Lovely's Color Flash Vibrant Color Mousse.

3. Don't neglect your sew-in weave style and allow it to smell moldy. Tip: Try an antiseptic spray that eliminates odor, relieves scalp itch and kills bacteria.