Over the years weaves have become more and more popular as a way of styling hair.But new weave trends are seeing the style crossing gender barriers as barbers and hairstylists have started creating and installing weaves for men.Congolese weave designer and celebrity hairstylist Patrick Missile, based in Centurion, said he learned to create weaves from an American friend.The 34-year-old believes he's the only African salon owner who can create weaves from scratch using natural hair from Brazil, Malaysia, Peru and Russia.Missile prides himself on being able to make just about any length, shape or style of weave and has become so good at his trade that he makes custom lace wigs for celebrities like Bonang Matheba, Khanyi Mbau, Boity Thulo, Minnie Dlamini and Kelly Khumalo.Now he has extended his talent to include the male side of the market.Missile says that African- American men have been wearing weaves for years, but that the style hasn't caught on as quickly with African men. But he is working to change that."The trend is slowly becoming fashionable here, first among actors, musicians and performers," said Missile. "Hair is a major part of a person's look. It completes their image and can help boost self-esteem."Missile creates his weaves mainly for African and Indian men."In the past two years I've also started noticing moustaches and full lace weave beards trending on social media."Missile explained that he is constantly creating lace weaves to have in stock, even when he doesn't have a particular client waiting for an installation.The back room of Missile's studio is filled with industrial sewing machines which he uses to make his weaves.The machines can only create the structure of the wig while the Swiss lace part of it must all be hand made by Missile.Ventilation in the weave is created using a crochet needle so that the scalp can breathe.The most expensive weave Missile has ever created was custom-made for media personality Bonang Matheba.''It's worth R11 000," he said...