Everything You Need to Know About Traditional Sew-in

What are the different kinds of sew-ins?

Before you learn how to wear a weave hair extension properly, you must know first what you want to achieve. If you are looking for relaxed hair that you can put into a pony, bun and any hairstyle that natural hair can do, go for a partial sew-in. 

The leave-outs will cover the tracks for the hairstyle, making it more natural-looking. It would help to decide whether you want to have a middle or side parting as the sew-in method, and leave-outs will depend on that. If you want a more relaxed look that will not need blending, go for a traditional sew in.

The sew-in covers your whole head, meaning no leave-outs are required to blend with your natural hair. Aside from the less hassle for an everyday look, it will also protect your hair from heat damage. However, the hairstyles that you may do are very limited. 

>>> Read more: Shoulder Length Side Part Sew In: Everything You Need to Know <<<

How to wear a traditional sew-in?

Once you have decided to have a traditional sew in, the challenge begins. The protective hairstyle and how to stitch the hair extension to your braids make a sew-in longer to install. The best protective hairstyle when wearing a weave is the cornrow braid. 

1. 1. Section your hair in the middle. Start on the first half and clip the other away from the parting.
2. 2. Start in front of your hair. Gather half an inch thick and start with a standard box braid before cornrowing it down on your nape. Tie the tail.
3. 3. Move to the next section. Do the 2nd step. Before completing the braid, gather the tail from the first braid and connect it to this hair section.
4. 4. Repeat the steps above until you reach the last section behind your head. 
5. 5. Start the same process with the other half of your hair. When you get to the last section, connect the tail from the other half.
6. 6. Twist the formed tail together into a low bun.

Now that you have your cornrow, it is time to sew the weave. If you want a closure to top the hair extension and make it look more natural, do the 10-minute steps below.

1. 1. Sew the closure around the top of your hair.
2. 2. Tie the closure to a bun so it will not get mixed with the hair extension.
3. 3. Start stitching from the corner of the weave around your hairline and keep sewing the edges around your head until you reach the other corner.
4. 4. Next, sew the front edges from half an inch away from the front to have a nice, natural framing.
5. 5. Lastly, sew the back edges. If mesh tabs are on the weave, only stitch from that part. You may skip the center parts. This step will decrease the installation time and allow you to access your scalp. 

Et voila! You now have your traditional sew in installed without the help of other people. If you want to blend it a little, you may comb the baby hairs out of the braid and into the front. You may style this after you have your traditional sew in complete. 

>>> Read more: 5 Best Braid Patterns for Sew-In Hair Extension <<<

How to take care of hair extensions?

Traditional sew in will be your new hair and thus, must be treated like your natural hair. It will experience tangling and damage if you do not treat it right. When washing your weave, you must shampoo it well and apply conditioner. Remember, the hair extension cannot produce natural oil like your hair.

When you dry your hair, consider that your natural hair under the hair extension is wet, too. Make sure to dry your hair throughout to avoid molds or fungi from breeding. It will take some time, but it is necessary. Comb the weave into sections to detangle. Work your way from the end to your roots to avoid too much tugging.

The procedures for taking care of your hair extension may be extra. However, when applying hair products, you must lessen it. Overusing products might cause your hair to look oily. The weave will not absorb the products like your hair as it is not attached to a scalp.

How to remove traditional sew in?

After weeks of wearing your hair extension, it is time to remove it. Uninstalling the traditional sew in, especially when you stitched it the way this article had told you, is very easy. 

Try to find any threads that are loose enough to put your finger on. Feeling lines in your finger will ensure that you are holding a thread, not your hair. You don’t have to start from the front of your face. Grab your scissors, and using the blade, slice the thread. 

Do this step on all edges and lightly pull the hair extension for each thread cut. Do not worry about the threads stuck between your hair. When you undo your braid, these threads will also come off. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does a traditional sew-in install?

Usually, a traditional sew-in installation takes about 2 to 3 hours, including the braid. However, following the steps mentioned above will only take you less than an hour to complete. The sewing part only takes about 10 minutes or less, and you’ll only have to worry about the cornrows.

What is a leave-out?

Leave-outs are your natural hair that you will not tuck under the wig or hair extension. People like to have leave-outs to blend the hair extension or hide the tracks properly. It will make your hair look more natural and prone to heat damage.

Is it safe to sew in by myself? 

If you do not know how to handle a needle or braid, it is best to go to a local parlor to help you with the process. However, if you are alone and want to cut your budget, there are many tutorials online that you may follow.

Summary

Wearing a traditional sew in can be easy enough to do by yourself. If you plan to install one, these tips and tricks you need to know will help you through the process.