Are you ready to elevate your hair game and embrace the versatility of sewn-in hair extensions? This comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential knowledge and step-by-step instructions to master the art of sewing hair in. Whether you’re a seasoned hair enthusiast or a curious novice, this article will empower you to achieve salon-quality results from the comfort of your own home.
Sewing in hair is an intricate technique that involves attaching hair extensions to your natural hair using a needle and thread. This method offers a secure and long-lasting hold, allowing you to enjoy your new tresses for weeks or even months. Unlike temporary clip-in or glue-in extensions, sewn-in hair provides a seamless and natural-looking blend with your own hair. In fact, with proper care and maintenance, sewn-in extensions can enhance your hair’s volume, length, and overall appearance while protecting your natural hair from heat damage and breakage.
To embark on this hair transformation journey, you’ll need to gather a few essential tools and materials. These include a curved weaving needle, high-quality hair extensions that match your desired length and texture, a strong thread, and a detangling comb. Additionally, you may also want to invest in a sewing machine or a lace front to further customize your look. Once your prep work is complete, you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of hair weaving!
Prepare the Hair
Wash and Condition
Start by thoroughly washing your natural hair to remove any dirt or styling products. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner designed for your hair type. Avoid using heavy conditioners that can make your hair greasy and difficult to work with.
Detangle
Once your hair is clean and conditioned, use a wide-tooth comb or brush to gently detangle any knots. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can cause breakage.
Section the Hair
| For Full Sew-In | For Partial Sew-In |
|---|---|
| Braid your hair into small, tight cornrows or flat twists. | Section off the top layer of hair and secure it with hair clips. |
| This helps create a strong foundation for the hair extensions. | This will expose the natural hair along the perimeter of your head. |
Blow Dry (Optional)
If desired, blow dry your natural hair to smooth out any frizz or flyaways. Use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage. This will help the hair extensions blend seamlessly with your natural hair.
Section and Protect Natural Hair
Prepare Your Natural Hair
Wash and condition your hair thoroughly to remove any dirt or products that may interfere with the installation process. Avoid using heavy oils or serums, as they can make your hair slippery and difficult to work with.
Create Sections
Divide your natural hair into small manageable sections using hair clips or hair ties. Start at the nape of your neck and work your way up towards the crown. This will help keep your hair organized and prevent tangles during the installation process.
Protect Your Hairline
To prevent breakage and damage to your natural hairline, apply a protective barrier around the perimeter of your head. You can use a liquid bonding agent, cornrows, or a combination of both. Liquid bonding agents provide a thin, flexible layer that helps keep your edges in place. Cornrows create a sturdy foundation for the tracks to be sewn onto while protecting the delicate hairs along your hairline.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
|
Liquid bonding agents are quick and easy to apply. |
Liquid bonding agents can be difficult to remove and may cause skin irritation in some individuals. |
|
Cornrows are more secure and last longer than liquid bonding agents. |
Cornrows can be time-consuming to create and may cause discomfort for some people. |
Attach Hair Weft Using a Sewing Thread and Needle
Preparation
Gather your materials: weft, thread matching your hair color, needle, and a sewing machine.
Placement
Determine the placement of the weft. Mark the desired area on your hair and secure the weft in place using clips.
Insertion
Thread the needle with a double thread. Start by inserting the needle through the weft near the edge. Bring the needle under the track of your natural hair, right above where the weft is positioned.
Stitching
Pull the thread through and make a secure knot. Continue stitching in small, even stitches, alternating between the weft and your natural hair. Stitch as close to the scalp as possible without snagging.
Securing the Weft
To ensure a secure hold, repeat the following steps carefully:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | After stitching the entire edge, bring the needle back to the starting point. |
| 2 | Insert the needle through the weft, parallel to the original stitching line. |
| 3 | Cross the needle over the previous stitch and pull it through. |
| 4 | Continue crossing the needle over each stitch, creating a zigzag pattern. |
| 5 | When you reach the end of the weft, knot the thread securely. Double or triple knot it for extra strength. |
Repeat these steps for any remaining wefts.
Sew the Weft to the Cornrow or Braid
To sew the weft onto the cornrow or braid, gather a small section of hair from the weft and place it underneath the cornrow or braid. Secure the hair with a thread and needle, sewing it in place. Continue this process until all of the weft is sewn onto the cornrow or braid.
Tips for Sewing the Weft
* Use a strong thread and needle.
* Sew the weft in small, even stitches.
* Knot the thread at the end of each stitch to secure it.
* Be careful not to sew through the cornrow or braid.
Here are some additional tips for sewing the weft onto the cornrow or braid:
- If you are using a machine to sew the weft, use a zigzag stitch. This will help to prevent the weft from tearing.
- If you are sewing the weft by hand, use a backstitch. This will also help to prevent the weft from tearing.
- If you find that the weft is too long, you can trim it to the desired length.
- If you find that the weft is too thick, you can thin it out by removing some of the hair.
Once the weft is sewn onto the cornrow or braid, you can style the hair as desired.
Repeat Steps for Remaining Wefts
Once you have secured the first weft, repeat the following steps for the remaining wefts:
1. Section off the next layer of hair: Starting at the nape of your neck, separate another 1-2 inch section of hair, parallel to the previous weft. Clip or tie up the rest of your hair.
2. Create the cornrows: Braid a cornrow along the length of the new section, following the same steps as for the first weft.
3. Sew on the weft: Place the weft along the cornrow and sew it in using the same technique as described earlier. Ensure that the stitches are secure and not too tight.
4. Move up the head: Continue repeating steps 1-3 until you have secured all the wefts from the nape of your neck to the crown of your head.
5. Blend the hair: Use a comb or brush to blend the sewn-in hair with your natural hair. This will help to create a seamless look.
Tips for Sewing on the Remaining Wefts
Here are some additional tips to follow when sewing in the remaining wefts:
- Make sure to section off the hair evenly to ensure a balanced look.
- Don’t overtighten the stitches, as this can damage your hair.
- Use a needle and thread that are appropriate for the thickness and texture of your hair.
- If you are working with longer hair, consider using a backcombing technique to create volume and hold.
Trim Excess Thread and Blend Hair
Once you’ve attached the hair extensions, it’s time to trim any excess thread. Use sharp scissors to carefully cut the thread close to the weft, leaving just a small amount of thread at the end to secure it. Avoid cutting the actual hair extensions, as this can weaken them and cause shedding.
Blending the Hair
The final step is blending the hair extensions with your natural hair to create a seamless look. Use a brush or comb to gently blend the extensions into your own hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. This will help to conceal the tracks and make the extensions appear more natural.
Tips for Blending Hair Extensions:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a soft-bristled brush | Avoid using a hard-bristled brush, as this can damage the extensions. |
| Start at the roots | Blend the extensions into your natural hair starting at the roots to create a more natural appearance. |
| Work in small sections | Blending small sections of hair at a time will help to achieve a more even and seamless look. |
| Use a styling product | A small amount of hairspray or mousse can help to keep the extensions in place and create a more natural finish. |
Style and Maintain the Sewn-In Hair
1. Wash your hair regularly.
To keep your sewn-in hair looking its best, it’s important to wash it regularly. Use a mild shampoo and conditioner, and avoid over-washing, as this can damage the hair.
2. Use a wide-tooth comb.
When combing your sewn-in hair, use a wide-tooth comb to avoid snagging or breaking the hair.
3. Braid or wrap your hair at night.
To prevent tangles and matting, braid or wrap your sewn-in hair at night. This will help to keep the hair in place.
4. Avoid heat styling.
Heat styling can damage sewn-in hair, so it’s best to avoid using heat tools as much as possible. If you do need to use heat, be sure to use a heat protectant spray.
5. Get regular trims.
Just like your natural hair, sewn-in hair will need to be trimmed regularly to keep it looking its best. Get trims every 4-6 weeks to remove any split ends or damage.
6. Use the right products.
When using products on your sewn-in hair, it’s important to choose products that are specifically designed for this type of hair. Avoid using products that contain harsh chemicals or sulfates, as these can damage the hair.
7. Don’t sleep with wet hair.
Going to bed with wet hair can cause tangles and matting. Be sure to dry your hair completely before bed.
8. Protect your hair from the elements.
When you’re out and about, protect your sewn-in hair from the elements by wearing a hat or scarf. This will help to keep the hair from becoming dry or damaged.
9. Take breaks from wearing your hair extensions.
It’s important to take breaks from wearing your hair extensions every once in a while. This will give your natural hair a chance to rest and recover.
10. Wash your hair every 7-10 days.
Washing your hair every 7-10 days will help to remove any dirt or buildup from your scalp and hair. Be sure to use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out your hair.
Here is a table with a more detailed breakdown of how often to wash your hair, depending on your hair type:
| Hair Type | How Often to Wash |
|---|---|
| Oily hair | Every 1-2 days |
| Normal hair | Every 2-3 days |
| Dry hair | Every 3-4 days |
How To Sew Hair In
Sewing in hair extensions is a great way to add length, volume, and color to your natural hair. It’s a relatively simple process that can be done at home with the right tools and materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to sew hair in:
- Gather your materials. You’ll need hair extensions, a sewing needle, thread, a comb, and scissors.
- Prepare the hair extensions. Cut the hair extensions to the desired length and divide them into small sections.
- Part your hair. Part your hair into small sections, starting at the nape of your neck and working your way up.
- Sew in the hair extensions. Take a small section of your natural hair and a small section of the hair extension and place them side by side. Thread the needle with the thread and sew the two sections together, starting at the root of the hair. Repeat this process until all of the hair extensions are sewn in.
- Style your hair. Once the hair extensions are sewn in, you can style your hair as desired.
