33 Essential Sew In Weave Hair Questions Answered
A sew in weave hair is a protective hairstyle that involves sewing hair extensions to your natural hair to create length, volume, or add color.
There are various types of sew in weave installations, including:
- Classic Sew In: Hair extensions are sewn directly onto existing tracks in your natural hair.
- Invisible Part Sew In: A track is sewn underneath the natural hair, creating a seamless look.
- Quick Weave: Hair extensions are attached to a wig cap first, then sewn onto your natural hair.
The cost varies based on the type of weave, hair quality, length, and the stylist’s experience. Prices typically range from $150 to $500.
With proper care, a sew in weave hair can last 2-3 months.
The installation process typically takes 2-4 hours and involves the following steps:
- Washing and prepping your natural hair
- Sectioning into tracks
- Braiding the hair to create a foundation for the weave
- Sewing on the hair extensions
Consider the following factors when choosing hair extensions:
- Texture: Match the texture of your natural hair to achieve a natural blend.
- Color: Opt for shades that complement your skin tone and natural hair color.
- Length: Choose a length that suits your desired style and height.
- Shampoo and condition regularly with sulfate-free products.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair.
- Avoid using heat styling tools excessively.
- Sleep with a satin pillowcase to prevent friction.
Professional removal is recommended to avoid damaging your natural hair. The stylist will carefully cut and remove the extensions using scissors or a threading needle.
- Adds length and volume
- Protects natural hair from damage
- Creates versatile styling options
- Improves confidence
- Can be time-consuming to install and maintain
- May cause discomfort if installed too tightly
- Requires regular maintenance to prevent tangles and breakage
Sew in weaves are suitable for all hair types, including:
- Fine Hair: Adds volume and thickness.
- Medium Hair: Enhances length and fullness.
- Thick Hair: Manages unruliness and adds dimension.
- Natural Hair: Protects from heat and manipulation.
- Moisturize: Use hydrating products to keep the hair healthy and shiny.
- Detangle: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently remove knots.
- Avoid over-washing: Wash your hair 1-2 times per week.
- Use a heat protectant: Protect the hair from heat styling tools.
- Installing the weave too tightly
- Using low-quality hair extensions
- Over-shampooing or using harsh products
- Excessively using heat styling tools
- Ignoring regular maintenance
- Ombré: Gradually transition from one shade to another for a natural-looking style.
- Highlights: Add streaks of color to brighten up the hair.
- Lowlights: Use darker colors to create depth and dimension.
- Braided Weaves: Incorporate braids into the weave for a unique and protective style.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Adds length and volume | Time-consuming to install |
Protects natural hair | May cause discomfort if installed too tightly |
Versatile styling options | Requires regular maintenance |
Improves confidence | Can be expensive |
Quality | Description | Price Range |
---|---|---|
Remy Human Hair | High-quality, cuticle-aligned hair | $150-$300 |
Virgin Human Hair | Unprocessed, uncolored hair | $180-$350 |
Synthetic Hair | Affordable, non-human hair | $100-$200 |
DIY | Professional |
---|---|
Possible with some skill | Highly recommended |
Can damage natural hair if done incorrectly | Safe and effective |
Less expensive | More expensive |
- Cornrow Sew In: Creates a flat, secure foundation for the weave.
- Flat Sew In: Slightly raised weave for more volume.
- Curly Sew In: Adds volume and texture to natural curls.
- Invisible Part Sew In: Blends seamlessly with your natural hair.
- Adds volume and thickness
- Avoids damage from excessive heat styling
- Use lighter hair extensions to prevent weighing down the hair
- Enhances length and fullness
- Experiment with different colors and textures
- Consider highlights or lowlights to add dimension
- Manages unruliness and adds dimension
- Avoid extremely long weaves to prevent strain
- Use volumizing products and hairspray to control frizz
A partial sew in weave hair involves sewing hair extensions to only a portion of your natural hair, such as the back or sides. This creates less volume and a more natural look.
Type | Length | Price Range |
---|---|---|
Remy Human Hair | 12 inches | $150-$200 |
Virgin Human Hair | 14 inches | $180-$250 |
Synthetic Hair | 16 inches | $100-$150 |
Materials you’ll need:
- Natural hair
- Hair extensions
- Thread and needle
- Styrofoam head or mannequin
Step-by-step instructions:
- Braid the hair into small tracks.
- Sew the hair extensions onto the tracks.
- Repeat until the desired volume and length are achieved.
- Remy International: Known for high-quality Remy human hair.
- Indian Remy: Offers luxurious Virgin Indian hair extensions.
- Beauty Forever: Affordable synthetic hair extensions.
It depends on the hair type and the amount of moisture present. Typically, it takes around 2-4 hours for a sew in weave to fully dry.
Wash your sew in weave hair 1-2 times per week with sulfate-free products. Over-washing can damage the hair and cause tangles.
- Straighten: Use a flat iron on low heat.
- Curl: Use a curling iron or wand.
- Wave: Use a waving iron or create waves with a braid.
- Braid: Create a variety of braids for a protective and stylish look.
- Cut the thread between the tracks and hair extensions.
- Gently comb out any remaining hair extensions.
- Wash and condition your natural hair.
Yes, but it’s recommended to have a professional do it. Dyeing the hair yourself can damage the extensions and your natural hair.
- Wash your hair regularly.
- Use a scalp soother or serum.
- Avoid scratching or picking at the scalp.
Yes, but it’s best to cover your hair with a satin bonnet to prevent tangles and breakage.
Type | Cost | Longevity | Damage |
---|---|---|---|
Sew In Weave | $150-$500 | 2-3 months | Moderate |
Clip-Ins | $100-$300 | 1-2 days | Minimal |
Tape-Ins | $200-$400 | 4-8 weeks | Minor |
Fusion Extensions | $500-$2,000 | 3-6 months | Significant |