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Time to read 7 min
No matter how you see it, extra hair will always boost someone’s confidence.
Whether it’s longer, curlier, more volume, or perhaps-- magically getting it back.
A lot of men know they are going to be bald one day.
The older they get, the more they anticipate the dreaded day of saying goodbye to their defined hairline and witnessing their hair thinning daily. But men accept it because there's an end, just like anything in life.
“Hair loss is genetic,” said Dr. Alan Bauman of the Bauman Medical Group in Florida.
In addition, male hair loss can be triggered by everyday habits such as smoking or taking certain medications, stress, and other medical conditions such as alopecia.
Because we are used to men balding, we need help to adapt to the idea of men getting their hair back, especially in a quick turnaround. And if it did reappear overnight, it would shock us.
What if I told you that men could get a full head of hair back?
The texture of man weaves is measured by MM.
The lower the number the more the curl will be tight.
The base options are either "French Lace" or "Medical PU."
Well, it’s happening. Now, more than ever, several men are considering getting a “man weave.”
Yes, a “Man Weave.” Some call it a Man Unit, Male Wave, Men's Hair Extensions, formally known as a toupee. Men are wearing hair units--units that are almost like wigs.
The popularity of men installing these hair units has recently risen substantially.
Many started a couple of years ago with this fresh new idea.
The yearn-for confidence and feeling young again is the reason why men want to get their hair back.
It’s just like women getting that exciting feeling about receiving new hair extensions in the mail: trying a different look, looking fresher and more beautiful after their installation--men want that same feeling.
Is this idea controversial?
Historically, men have been known to think negatively about women wearing weaves and hair extensions. Now that men are starting to wear hair unit weaves, are men more appreciative of the hair industry?
Do they see what hair can do to a person’s confidence and lifestyle?
Personally, I think culturally, growing up; we have been used to the idea that men do not necessarily need hair to enjoy life.
Men, culturally and socially, don’t have to have hair to be attractive.
“Image is a very important thing to both men and women and the fact that fashion trends are becoming more unisex and less gender-specific shows just how much the image industry is a huge game-changer,” states Susan Mukami of Potentash.com
Hair bundles, weaves, wigs, and hair products are a multi-billion dollar industry, and man weaves add to that industry.
As hair weaves appear more and more accurate and natural, especially for men and women of color, the dollars of this multi-billion industry continue to reach new heights and are available for anyone interested.
Today, what you can do with hair is limitless. The black hair industry is forever evolving, spending over 2.5 billion dollars.
This number shows the high importance of hair in the Black community. Not only have African Americans/Black men have bought into the idea, but man weaves come in different types of textures for all ethnicities: Caucasians, Latinos, Asians, etc. There is so much versatility when it comes to man weaves.
Man weaves vary in length and styles, such as braids, cornrows, realistic loc extensions, and different hair textures, such as straight, wavy, curly, kinky curly, afro kinky, etc.
“Man weaves are cranial prosthesis hair replacement units that are non-surgical.” Installing these hair units is helping men who have lost their hair regain it back.
Many patients who go through balding, thinning, or cancer treatments are usually tempted to get these cranial prosthesis hair replacement units.
Wade the Barber, a barber from Baltimore, Maryland, made the “man weave” very popular. He is a master barber, business owner, and entrepreneur.
Wade, is a certified Hair Loss Specialist, and he was one of the first barbers to offer and install custom hair units for men. His service allows men who are thinning or balding to regain their confidence by having hair again.
Without a doubt, the male weave helps with overall confidence. When you look good, you feel good.
I know what you’re thinking. “Okay, I get the whole man weave thing,” but how do you install it? How does it look so real?
Could I notice if a guy has on a man weave?” We need answers! We need receipts!
First, the installation process for a man weave is simple-- yet tedious. Someone with a great eye for styling would be the best behind a barber's chair. It’s craftsmanship.
"Man weaves" are installed with hair bands or comfort strips, which are adjustable elastic tabs, and glue. It is part of the process that gives the most natural results.
The hair glue and bonding chemicals do not damage the hair.
This video shows a detailed walkthrough of a man weave installation at a Private Label.
The stylist first defines a client’s hairline before starting the hair process. A marker is used to draw a line in the front of the hair.
The stylist then combs and cuts or shaves down excess hair that they'd have to remove before installing the hair unit.
After, the stylist styles the actual hair unit, cutting it into shape and preparing it for
installation on the head.
Next, they'll place a hair glue bond on the bald areas of the client’s scalp. Finally, the stylist uses a brush to glaze the glue bond over the scalp.
The stylist then uses a hairdryer to dry the glue bond to ensure the glue and the man weave quickly adhere together.
Next, they carefully place the hair unit on the head according to the defined hairline.
After continued styling and cutting, it's completed. And there you have it, the “man weave” is installed. Male hair extensions don't require a complex installation, but a professional should always do it.
Men feel confident once they leave the hair salon or barbershop.
The results are transforming. In addition to their self-confidence back, some men look younger with a head full of hair. They feel youthful again.
Stylist Q. Shamone of Atlanta stated, “Once you cross over, there ain't no coming back. This is a lifestyle.”
"The results were amazing," Robert Jenkins, getting a man weave for the first time, states, "I think I was shocked because I hadn't seen myself with so much hair for so long. I didn't know how to take it."
Hairstylist and Barber Wade the Barber stated: “...some of these brothers come in here nervous and then walk out with a smile and happy about life...”
So we get the general idea of how to install the man weave, but each man weave is styled exclusively for each client--meaning, no man weave is the same.
When installed, the stylist has to take into account the head shape of the client, the hairline, the hair texture, and color. It is a simple--yet tedious process. The stylist or barber then has to cut, trim, and shape the client's own hair and the unit to blend both hairs to give it a more natural look.
The average cost for man weaves usually ranges from $200 to $800, and it takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to install.
The texture of male weave can vary as well. Some of the most popular styles include the Extra Kinky Man Weave 4 MM, Kinky Curly Man Weave 6 MM, and Afro Wavy Man Weave 8 MM.
A man weave lasts about 3 to 6 weeks with proper upkeep and maintenance. Those who have hair units should be careful about too much water exposure. Wearing a shower cap in the shower is a must.
Although, it is possible to wear a hair unit while swimming. To get the full investment and life span of the man weaves, it depends on how well the individual maintains it. But it’s always okay, and you may be advised to go back to your hairstylist or barber to help with the maintenance.
Also, clients should even wear a du-rag or head covering at night. I also recommend sleeping on a satin pillowcase. Many types of hair coverings help keep the texture and look of the hair long-lasting and looking fresh.
Normalizing men wearing a weave will take some time, but it is definitely progressing. Hair weave for men should become the norm.
Men’s egos boost, and it feels great knowing they have found something that makes them feel good about themselves. Hair is an essential factor in someone’s life, whether you are a man or a woman. As the hair industry continues to evolve, so will our sense of style and the importance of our appearance.
I cannot see women policing men who wear man weaves, but definitely, be shocked and surprised by it. The hair industry is transforming and will continue to change.
What do you think about men wearing hair units?
Comments
Great to hear about man weaves. My hair is thinning on front and center Iam planning to have a weave.Need your guidance, how much does it cost and how to maintain it.
who is doing male weaves for black men in Phoenix
tell me more
Definitely Santosh! Black and gray or brown and gray, or even black gray and brown can be blend it to match your hair before your unit is made:).
Just wondering are there weaves for men who are gray. i enjoy my gray hair but my hairline is gone can i get one with waves?
