How to Take Your Weave Out

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you're ready to remove your weave, taking it out is actually very simple and requires very few tools. Use your fingers to find the threads connecting the tracks to your hair, and cut them loose with scissors. After all of the tracks are out, take your braids out to give your hair a deep clean and condition. Store your extensions in a dry, dark place so they're ready for the next time you want to use them.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Removing Your Weave

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-1.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a lace front closure on the top of your head, this is what you’ll start taking out first. Removing the tracks going from the top of your head to the bottom will make it easier for you to see what you’re doing, as well as keep track of which sections are undone. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/48\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-2.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re taking your weave out yourself, it’s important that you’re able to see what you’re doing to help make sure you don’t accidentally cut your hair instead of the thread that's connected to the extensions. [2] Stand in front of a bathroom mirror or sit at a vanity if possible. [3]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-3.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Starting at the front of your hairline, begin feeling for pieces of thread that are holding the tracks in place. Once you think you have a thread, tug on it a little to separate it from your hair and the track. [5]
    • The looser you can get the thread with your fingers, the easier it’ll be to cut.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-4.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A seam cutter works well if you have one available, but scissors with a fine point will work too. While holding onto a thread with your fingers, cut it carefully using the scissors or seam cutter, making sure you don’t cut your natural hair. [6]
    • As you cut the threads, your lace front closure or tracks will begin to come loose.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-5.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keep feeling for pieces of thread and pulling them straight outwards to make it easier to cut them. Do this going across your entire head, until you’ve removed each track. [7]
    • After you cut a thread, it’s likely that part of the track will just unravel on its own, making it unnecessary to cut every single thread.
    • Remove your weaving cap once all of the tracks are off if you used one.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/29\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-6.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This can be a tedious process, so avoid rushing to get it done faster. Go slowly and focus on cutting only the threads, not your hair or the tracks. [8]
    • When you’re taking the weave out of the back of your head where it’s harder to see what you’re doing, go extra slow and rely on your fingers to find the pieces of thread by pulling on them first.
    7. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Detangling and Washing Your Hair

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-7.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since your hair hasn’t had a good clean in a while, it’ll likely be dry and easily damaged if you’re not careful with it. Spray your hair with a leave-in conditioner or other moisturizer for hair to avoid any breakage when you go to take the braids out. [9]
    • Look for a leave-in conditioner at your local big box store or beauty store.
    • Spray your entire head to be sure all of your hair is moisturized.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-8.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Begin taking your braids out starting on one side of your hair, using the tip of a rattail comb to loosen the braids. Do this in front of a mirror to help you see where each braid is, or use your fingers to feel around your head for the next braid. [10]
    • Use your fingers to take your braids out instead of a comb, if desired.
    • If there are any threads still connected to your hair, they’ll come loose as you take out your braids.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-9.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once all of your braids are out, use a comb, tangle tamer, or your favorite brush to gently comb out your hair. Go around your entire head, making sure there aren’t any knots in your hair. [11]
    • Detangling your hair before washing it will help make sure it doesn’t form additional knots once it gets wet that are more difficult to get out.
    • Don’t be alarmed if your hair is shedding a lot—this is normal!
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-10.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Now that your weave is out, care for your scalp and hair by giving it a deep clean. Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and condition it to help give it some shine and moisture. [12]
    • If you had any glue in your hair from a lace closure, it will wash out in the shower.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Caring for and Storing the Extensions

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-11.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Gently brush out each track extension using a comb or your favorite brush. Make sure all of the knots and tangles are out of each strand.
    • Spray a gentle conditioner onto your hair extensions to make detangling them easier, just as you did with your natural hair.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/67\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-12.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To have them ready to be worn again the next time, wash each extension with a gentle shampoo and rinse them out thoroughly. Fill your sink with warm water and suds from a shampoo, and lap the water onto your extension as you hold the top. Gently rub the strand of hair to clean it with soapy water. [13]
    • Avoid using super hot water as you wash the extensions.
    • Look for shampoo that’s safe for hair extensions and is sulfate-free.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-13.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Set the extensions on a soft, absorbent towel, spreading them out so that the full strand of hair is laying flat. It’s important to make sure the extensions are completely dry before storing them, so let them sit out for at least 1 full day.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-14.jpg\/aid11407412-v4-728px-Take-Your-Weave-Out-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place the extensions in a shoebox or storage bag so that they’re well-protected. Keep them out of direct sunlight so they don’t become discolored.
    • If desired, you can tie your hair into bundles, organizing them by length.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • See a professional if you’re worried about damaging your hair by removing your weave yourself.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Try to wash your hair as soon as you remove the weave to deep-clean it properly.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Give your scalp a break and avoid immediately adding braids or extensions to your hair again.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Put in Clip-in Hair Extensions for Beginners
      How to
      Curl Synthetic Hair
      How to
      Apply Tape‐In Hair Extensions
      How to
      Blend Hair
      How to
      Keep Synthetic Hair Soft
      How to
      Sew in Hair Extensions
      A Complete Guide to Crocheting Extensions into Your Braids with a Hook
      How to
      Make Hair Extensions
      How to
      Braid Extensions
      How to
      Glue Hair Extensions
      How to
      Remove Glue from Hair Extensions Wefts
      How to
      Apply Hair Extensions
      How to
      Take Care of Synthetic Hair Extensions
      How to
      Put Extensions in Your Dreads
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W2ONEd72Wg#t=2m12s
      2. ↑ Tiffany Pate. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 November 2021.
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVfaFlCvgCI#t=59s
      4. ↑ Tiffany Pate. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 November 2021.
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKnDH_pblMk#t=40s
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W2ONEd72Wg#t=2m15s
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W2ONEd72Wg#t=3m45s
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W2ONEd72Wg#t=2m21s
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVfaFlCvgCI#t=3m25s
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xTLyE09S5Y#t=3m
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVfaFlCvgCI#t=4m50s
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVfaFlCvgCI#t=5m24s
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn8JKzwQxiU#t=1m28s

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 28,431 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement