I wanna be a self installer!!!! Bout Damn time!

Since making the decision to weave it up (decided to grow out hair & relaxer back in Oct ) for the next two years, I simply can not and will not break my pockets with having someone else do it much longer. Don't get me wrong, I haven't had any installing problems, but I just can't see myself paying $160-$225 every 8-12wks for the next 12-24 months. We're in a recession and a sista just can't do it!!!! Here is where the divas who self install come in. I want to know how long did it take on your first one (I know practice makes perfect), how did it come out, were you please with the outcome, & how offend do you self install? Do you suggest I use bss hair or will my good hair do? Lord knows I don't want to use bss hair, but I don't want to risk messing up my good stuff. I already have scissors for styling, curling irons/flat irons (might stock up with more), thread, needles, and hair. Btw, Im not a braider, but I'll have a homegirl hook me up. I don't plan on attempting this until June or July for my next install, so Im just doing my research and gathering information.

Edited by jamara0120 - 07 May 2009 at 11:56am

I just did my second install and I think my first install was faster and easier. For my first install I used handtied wefts and I think they were much easier to handle than the machine wefts. It took about 4 hours for the first install and about 5 for the second (went to sleep and finished in the morning. I liked my hair each time because I did it to my liking. One suggestion is to get about 3 needles. It cuts down on the threading time. I also used clamps to hold the end of the weft in place.hth

I have been prepping to self install for a few months.  I just haven't done it yet since I am experimenting with closures.  I also purchased a video as well as the youtube videos. It helps me understand the process much better.  I plan to learn the feed-in method of braiding to reinforce my braids next.  After that I'll be weaving myself randomly **Still prefer the salon**

Slayfresh, you're better than me. I don't even want to try to braid. That will defly be the hard part.

Edited by jamara0120 - 29 Apr 2009 at 11:31pm

If I go with a net, I'll have or check to see if the braider can put it on for me. That might be too difficult, but I defly like net weaves since it can mask a bad braid job or lifting of braids. Plus, being able to place tracks where you want to go is key.

Ya'll got me seriously considering doing this...and I mean why not? I can do everything else that my stylist does with the exception of short precision cuts so I may as well learn how to and it will save some money. 

Yes, asianiis. Might as well. I feel the same way you do. Some of this hair stuff just come natural to me. The only thing I'm not good at is coloring and braiding. Other than that, I can do it. Oh yeah, and weaving. That's why I'm asking. LOL.

i use a net too but I still end up with bulky cone shaped head...ugh. next time i will see if i can get my mom to braid my hair for me. 

Hey Slay!

The braid shops I have gone to charge $25-40 just to corn row.  I think the net can be easy to apply.  I think if you use the one with that is similar to a stocking cap and just cut off what you don't sew down, it makes it easier...something like this....

I'm with you since I plan on weaving it up for the summer I decided I would do all my installs myself.I have done a total of 3 installs on myself.The first one was a half install since I had a horseshoe the second one was very cute but I messed up the cut so I took it down the next morning and the third one is the one I put in the day after the second install.I did 2nd and 3rd install last week.The weave is holding up well and I used cheap bss hair because I didn't want to mess anything good up.I did my braids going back in cornrows and then weaved the hair in a circular pattern.I'm good at individual braids but my three strand cornrows SUCK.The trick is getting them flat, they dont have to be neat.I tried to sew a new on but it was too much hassle.

Surprisngly this cheap bss hair is holding up well and I've gotten tons of compliments on it.It hasn't shed but I did not split my wefts,I also didnt seal the hair either.

Well young lady you know I do my own..Depending on how you feel it can be a cinch or a pain in the a-- but in the end either way you are in control of your hair.  If you don't like how it looks you can go back and fix it yourself and you did not pay someone 200 plus dollars to do it.  Think of the hair you can buy with 200.00!  I use a net and the braiding part is easy.  Sewing the net on by myself is the hardest part. Once I get that done its a breeze.  I used to do my weaves by myself back in the 80's and then I stopped.  I have just done my third one by myself here recently.  It takes me about 4 hours to do the weave and I have the coloring to do also every time cause I am a gray haired lady! (lol)  

Bump! I need all of the self installers to report to the Arts and Crafts room immediately. Thank you.