How to Care For Sewn In Hair Extensions? Unlock the secrets to flawless sewn-in hair extensions with our expert care guide. Discover step-by-step instructions and essential tips for maintaining your sewn-in extensions like a pro. From washing and conditioning to preventing tangling and preserving their longevity, we’ve got you covered.
There are three types of people in this world, those who love to have their hair short, because it’s carefree and hardly needs maintenance; those who love long hair because of how luscious and beautiful it looks and then there are the smart ones, who want to get the best of both worlds!
How? You may ask? Well, they keep their hair short and get sewn-in hair extensions when they feel like having their hair long!
Yes, the hair will look effortlessly gorgeous and it’s just simply woven into your own natural hair to give it length and lusciousness. It cannot get any better, can it?
So, if you’re intrigued to know what exactly sewn-in extensions are, tips on how to care for them and more, then check out all the details below.
How To Care For Sewn In Hair Extensions
What Are Sew-In Hair Extensions?
Sewn-in hair extensions are a semi-permanent method of getting extensions for your hair. These hair extensions or wefts of hair are attached to one’s natural hair using a special kind of needle and thread. These hair extensions are also often known as ‘weaves’.
This type of hair extensions are known to be more secure than the other types of hair extensions and are known to last even up to 12 weeks, provided they are maintained properly.
Sewn-in hair extensions are made using synthetic fibers (which are less expensive) and also come in wefts of natural human hair as well (which is rather a more popular choice, because people find they looking more natural).
There are two types of sew-in hair extensions – full sew-in extensions (for the entire head) and partial sew-ins (only for a portion of the head).
Overall, sew-in hair extensions are a great way to add length, luster and volume to your natural hair and can last up to 3 months with appropriate care and maintenance.
Tips on How to Care For Sewn In Hair Extensions
For those of you who have always dreamed of having long hair, well, I’m sure you may love having got your sew-in hair extensions on. But then remember that you need to care for them the right way.
So, here are some tips on how to care for sewn-in hair extensions.
Tip 1: Use a loop type of brush to brush your hair
Loop types of brushes, also known as wig or extension brushes have tiny loops that glide over the extensions and help detangle them easily. They are a great option for detangling the hair as compared to other regular types of hair brushes.
Tip 2: Always use a heat protectant spray before hair styling
Since sew-in hair extensions once installed become part and parcel of your natural hair, make sure to treat it the same way. You should always use a good heat protectant spray over your hair before you style it to protect your sew-ins from heat damage like dryness, frizz and breakage.
Tip 3: Use a good sulfate and silicone free shampoo and conditioner
Using a shampoo that doesn’t contain sulfates and a conditioner that doesn’t contain silicones is the best thing you can do for your sew-ins.
Shampoos with sulfates can dry out your sew-in hair extensions and make them frizzy, while silicones in the conditioner can cause product buildup in them. So, it is better not to use sulfate and silicone free products.
Tip 4: Cover or tie your hair while you sleep
When you sleep, especially with extensions on, they can get damaged. This can mean loss of moisture (resulting in dryness and frizz), tangling and knotting and also breakage. It can also make the extensions become loose.
So, covering your hair with a bonnet or tying it up in a loose ponytail, bun or braid is always recommended when you have sew-ins on.
Tip 5: Deep condition your hair at least once a week
The more you take care of your extensions, the longer they will last on your head. Remember that! So, always make sure to deep condition your sew-ins at least once a week.
This way they will be well-moisturized and will not become dry and frizzy over time.
Tip 6: Make sure not to sleep with wet hair
Sometime you’ve probably had a shower late and night and get to the bed to crash. Well, that’s the worst thing to do especially when you have sew-ins on.
They can get severely damaged, which means they can get tangled, knotted, break and could also become loose and insecure. So, make sure that your hair (with sew-ins in) is completely dry before you got to bed.
Sew-In Hair Extensions: Pros and Cons
Getting sew-in extensions can make your hair look instantly glamorous. Your hair will look lustrous and voluminous. But of course, behind the beauty, there’s also the “pain” right?
So, just like everything else, even sew-in extensions too have some pros and cons and we’ll now look into them.
Pros of having sew-in hair extensions:
1. They are cost effective to get, because they are long lasting and are relatively cheaper as compared to other types of hair extensions.
2. Sew-in hair extensions are well secured into the hair using a specialized needle and thread. Therefore, they are strong and sturdy as compared to other types of hair extensions.
3. Sew-in hair extensions do not cause hair damage as no heat or glue is used while installing them.
4. They look very natural because sew-in hair extensions get camouflaged into one’s natural hair.
5. These extensions are low-maintenance, because they become part of one’s natural hair and can fit into one’s normal hair-care routine with a little extra effort.
6. Sew-in hair extensions can help you achieve a variety of hairstyles from ponytails, to different kinds of updos.
7. They make one’s natural hair look more voluminous and can also make it look more lustrous.
8. Sew-in hair extensions are long lasting as compared to other types of hair extensions.
Cons of having sew-in extensions:
1. Incorrect installation can cause hair damage and scalp sensitivity.
2. Installing them is a time consuming process and cannot be done at home, as it requires a hair stylist.
3. Not suitable for those with thin hair (because it can weigh down the hair) or silky hair (as it could slip out).
4. May cause product buildup near the area where the sew-in hair extensions are attached to the hair.
How to Care For Sew In Hair Extensions While Sleeping
So, just because sew-in hair extensions can be treated like one’s own natural hair, that doesn’t mean that you just “let your hair down” and do not take care of it while you sleep.
Yes, it does need that exact care and maintenance of course and here’s what you can do.
- Tie your hair up and cover your head with a silk bonnet or silk/satin bandana.
- If you do not wish to wear a bonnet, then simply tie your hair into a loosely braided braid and then sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase. This can help reduce the tangling of your hair.
- Always make sure to comb your hair before you go to bed, so that the knots are removed and do not add up to the next day’s detangling process.
- Never go to bed when your hair is wet, as wet hair is very prone is damage and it can cause further tangling when you sleep.
- You could use a good leave-in conditioner on your hair before you sleep, so it can keep your sew-ins moisturized and can reduce any damage.
- Use a silk or satin scrunchies to tie the ends of your hair, so you can keep them away from damage and loss of moisture.
How to Wash Sew In Hair Extensions
Well, washing your hair with sew-in hair extensions on is not a Herculean task. But yes, there is some getting used to it involved.
You should first start off with massaging your scalp and hair with some warm oil. This is because the sew-ins may tug on your hair roots and require some form of circulation and easing off. Next, brush your hair with a loop brush to get rid of any tangles and knots.
Then, use a sulfate-free shampoo and silicone-free conditioner to wash and condition your hair thereafter.
Lastly, air dry your sew-ins (letting them dry naturally) or you could blow dry it on a low heat setting before you style it.
Final Takeaway
Getting sew-in hair extensions is a great way to enhance your hair volume and also add length to your natural hair.
Sew-in hair extensions are attached by installing wefts into one’s natural hair using a needle and thread and then they can stay in your hair for around 12 weeks if maintained properly.
Therefore, forming a routine to maintain your sew-ins is always recommended. Make sure to deep condition, massage, wash and clean your hair properly when you have them on.
Also, remember to keep them protected even when you sleep by tying it into a bonnet or loosely braiding it.
This way, the longevity of having your sew-ins on can be extended and you can get the worth of it before having to get them reinstalled.
Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?
The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.
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To Summarize