While I do love getting braids (I’ve tried out everything from box braids to straight backs), sew-ins are the one style I find myself returning to time and time again. IMHO, if you’re trying to grow out your hair or you just want to give your natural hair a break, you can’t really go wrong with a sew-in. But if you’re thinking about switching up your look and getting a sew-in for the first time, I’m sure you have a ton of questions—I definitely did before my first appointment. That’s why I reached out to Julius Nash, Mayvenn Hair certified stylist, to walk you through every single thing you need to know before getting your first sew-in weave, ahead.
What is a sew-in?
First things first: Sew-in weaves are a process where your natural hair is braided down into cornrows, says Nash, and a needle and thread are then used to sew down hair extensions onto the braids. With a sew-in, your natural hair is tucked away, so it requires very little upkeep. It also gives your natural hair a break from the damage of day-to-day styling (think: heating, brushing, and product buildup), so if you’re trying to grow out your hair, a sew-in is a great option.
How long does a sew-in take to install?
This totally depends on your hair length, texture, and the type of sew-in you want, but it’ll usually take between three to six hours to install (translation: you’ll def want to bring snacks to your appointment). BTW: Sew-ins are typically quicker to install than braids, which can take anywhere from four to eight hours (depending on the style, obvs).
How long does a sew-in last?
If you’re showing your sew-in love and taking proper care of it—more on that in a bit—it’ll last up to six to eight weeks, says Nash. If you try to keep it in longer than that, you’re risking damage to your hair and scalp (aka irritation, excess oil buildup, and breakage). The easiest way to avoid any irritating side effects? Keep up with your appointments.
Do sew-in weaves damage your hair?
They can if they’re not properly installed or you don’t take care of them. According to Nash, the best way to prevent damage is to make sure you go to a reputable stylist and that you feel comfortable enough to let them know if you’re experiencing any tension from the braids and/or the sewing in of the extensions. You’ll also want to ask your stylist plenty of questions about upkeep—the more info you have, the better.
How much is a sew-in?
This depends on a number of factors, including where you are in the country and who your stylist is. Generally speaking, though, the install service usually ranges from $100 to $600. And that’s not including the cost of the extensions, which can fall anywhere between $80 to $600.
What’s the best weave for a sew-in?
There are two routes you can go when it comes to choosing a weave for your sew-in: either synthetic hair or human hair. Both come in a variety of textures (straight, wavy, and curly), but they give you totally different options in terms of styling. Since synthetic hair is made up of—you guessed it—synthetic materials that just look like hair, you can’t heat-style or color it without damaging it. That said, synthetic hair is way cheaper than human hair and will usually cost you around $80. Good-quality and long-lasting human hair (which you can style and color—just like your natural hair) will likely set you back at least $200.
Can you wash a sew-in?
Nash suggests always going to see a stylist to get your sew-in professionally washed (for the record, you only need to wash your sew-in once every two weeks), but if you absolutely have to wash it yourself, you’ll need a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Nash suggests washing from your ends to your roots, using a wide-tooth comb or a paddle brush to distribute the product.
You’ll also want to make sure your weave and the braids underneath it are completely dry before styling your hair. If you don’t let the braids underneath your sew-in dry completely, sometimes mildew or fungus—I know, gross—can grow on certain parts of the scalp, leaving you with tons of irritation, says Nash. As a general rule of thumb, always consult with your stylist during your installation so they can tell you how to best upkeep your sew-in. All extensions are different and require specific maintenance.
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The verdict
Even though they’re on the pricey side, IMO, sew-ins are definitely worth it. Not only are they cute, but they also allow your natural hair to grow long and healthy. But hey, if you’re still on the fence, just chat with a stylist and get a consult before you make any decisions.
Ama Kwarteng
Ama Kwarteng was previously the associate beauty editor at Cosmopolitan.
FAQs
Before You Install the Weave:
- Wash and deep condition the hair with your choice of gentle and quality products.
- Moisturize the length of the hair using the L.O.C. ...
- Air dry.
- Take the weave that you are going to install and wash it. ...
- Be sure to wash the weave in warm water and rinse the conditioner out in cold water.
A sew in can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. This can vary based on the type of hair you choose, how long your hair is, and if you have someone else doing the sewing for you or not. It also depends on the amount of hair that needs to be sewn in.
How long to sit under a dryer with sew in? ›
Deep Conditioning – After shampooing the hair and weave, I apply a deep conditioner on both the weave hair and my exposed hair and sit under a hooded dryer for at least 30 minutes. The natural hair and weave love this process, and it also helps to keep the hair moist.
How often should I wash my sew in? ›
You should wash your sew-in approximately as often as you wash your natural hair. At maximum, you can wait two weeks between washes, but not everyone's scalp can tolerate infrequent washing, so it may create dandruff. If you exercise often or have an oily scalp, you'll need to wash your sew-in more often.
What not to do a sew in? ›
Here's what you shouldn't do:
Never apply oils and serums to the roots of your extensions, only use oils and serums at the midshaft and ends. Avoid using anti-dandruff shampoos or oils. Never use hair oils or conditioners on your roots, and never brush hair extensions at the root.
How long does a sew in stay tight? ›
On average, a healthy sew-in can last anywhere from 6-8 weeks. To maintain its quality, we suggest visiting for a maintenance appointment every two weeks for a shampoo and at four weeks for a shampoo and tightening.
Which is better, quick weave or sew-in? ›
Quick weaves are generally recommended for people with shorter hair, those who want a more affordable option, and those who want a temporary hairstyle. Sew-in weaves, on the other hand,are better suited for people with longer hair, those who want a more secure and long-lasting option, and those who have larger burdget.
Will my hair grow with a sew in? ›
Remember that hair growth is a gradual process and requires patience. Therefore, while sew in extensions can promote hair growth, it is essential to maintain healthy habits and take care of your natural hair to see the best results.
Can sew-ins damage your hair? ›
Sew-in weaves can be damaging to your natural hair if not installed correctly. It can take several hours to install a full head of sew-in weave hair extensions. You may experience some irritation around your scalp after getting a sew-in weave.
How to wash your scalp with a sew in? ›
Place your shampoo of choice in the applicator bottle and dilute it with water, swirl the mixture and then apply it to the base of your sew in. Begin to use your fingers to work up a lather and massage your scalp for 1-2 minutes.
Be sure to spend a little extra time rinsing your scalp and weave to ensure there is no leftover shampoo residue. A conditioner with slip will help make it easy to detangle your extensions and keep the hair underneath hydrated. Give the hair a few good rinses to ensure all of the conditioner is rinsed away.
Can a sew-in get wet? ›
+ Sew-ins are always the best to work with when considering getting your hair wet, quick weaves or glued wefts are more prone to dissolving and loosing in the chloric or salted waters.
What does a full sew-in look like? ›
A full sew in means that the base of your sew in is fully braided. During an installation, either a lace closure or lace frontal is sewn on top of your braids. With a full sew-in, you have more options when it comes to hair color and hair extension length. There is no blending to be done with your natural hair.
How long should you let your hair rest after a sew in? ›
After you take down your sew-in, let your hair breathe for at least two weeks before trying another protective style.
What is the best type of hair for sew in weave? ›
Virgin hair is the best for a sew-in weave since it's durable, doesn't tangle as much as synthetic hair, and gives you lots of styling options. By definition, virgin hair is human hair that hasn't been chemically treated. Virgin hair comes from many different sources and in a variety of textures.
Are sew-ins healthy for your hair? ›
It's recommended to have your sew-ins removed and reinstalled every 6-8 weeks or as advised by your stylist. Overall, sew-in hair extensions can be a great way to give your natural hair a break from regular styling, promote healthy hair growth, and protect your hair from damage caused by daily wear and tear.
How to prep your hair for sew-in? ›
Solution: Always deep condition your hair before a sew-in. Use a high-quality, moisturizing deep conditioner and leave it on for at least 20-30 minutes. This conditioning will help to nourish and strengthen your hair, reducing the risk of breakage and dryness while wearing the sew-in.
How long are you supposed to keep sew-ins in? ›
A healthy sew in cycle is 6-8 weeks depending on growth and home care. We recommend you come in for a maintenance appointment every two weeks for a shampoo and at 4 weeks for a shampoo and tightening. For a lace closure sew in, I suggest getting the closure repositioned at week 3.
How to take care of hair under sew in? ›
After You Install the Weave:
Fill it up with your favorite liquid moisturizer. S-curl is awesome to use, but if you don't have that then you can always dilute your favorite cheapie conditioner with water, add glycerine and natural oils. Lift up each track and spray or squeeze your moisturizer on the braids.
