How to Sew Hair In

Sewing in hair extensions is an excellent way to add length and volume to your natural hair without the commitment of permanent extensions. With the right tools and a little practice, sewing in hair is relatively easy to do at home. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure that the installation process goes smoothly and the extensions last as long as possible.

First, you will need to gather the necessary supplies. These include: hair extensions, a sewing needle, thread, a wig cap, and a pair of scissors. Once you have your supplies, you can begin the installation process. To begin, part your natural hair into small, even sections. Then, place the wig cap over your head and secure it with bobby pins. Next, start sewing the hair extensions to your natural hair, using a small, tight stitch. Be sure to sew the extensions in as close to your scalp as possible, but do not sew them too tightly, or you could damage your natural hair.

Once you have sewn in all of the extensions, trim any excess hair and style the extensions as desired. With proper care, your sewn-in hair extensions can last for several months, giving you the long, voluminous hair you have always wanted.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sew-In Weave

1. Prepare Your Hair and the Extensions

Before you begin sewing, it’s crucial to ensure that your natural hair and the extensions are thoroughly detangled and knot-free. Wash and condition both your hair and the extensions with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to remove any product buildup or impurities. Allow them to air dry or blow-dry them on a low heat setting.

Next, divide your hair into small, equal sections using clips or hair ties. The size of the sections will depend on the desired fullness of your weave. For a natural-looking result, aim for sections about 1 inch wide and 2 inches long.

Prepare the extensions by folding the top edge of each weft over by about 1/2 inch and sewing it down to create a track. This track is what will be sewn onto your natural hair.

2. Install the Tracks

Using a curved needle and thread, carefully sew the extension track onto your natural hair. Start at the root of your hair and stitch in an over-under motion, ensuring that the stitches are small and secure. Continue sewing along the track until you reach the end. Once the track is sewn in, trim any excess thread close to the scalp.

Repeat this process for all of the sections of your hair. As you sew, gently pull on the track to ensure that it is taut and secure. Avoid over-tightening the tracks, as this can damage your natural hair.

3. Blend the Weave

Once all of the tracks are sewn in, it’s time to blend the weave with your natural hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or brush to gently blend the roots of the extensions with your own hair. You can also use a smoothing serum or edge control to help tame any flyaways or frizz.

Materials Required for Sew-In Installation

Hair Extensions

The most essential material for a sew-in installation is the hair extensions themselves. These come in various textures, lengths, colors, and qualities. When choosing extensions, consider your natural hair type, desired style, and budget.

Sewing Thread

Sewing thread is used to secure the hair extensions to your natural hair. It should match the color of your hair or extensions to maintain a discreet appearance. Strong, durable thread is recommended to prevent breakage.

Sewing Needle

A curved or “C”-shaped sewing needle is specifically designed for sew-in installations. It allows you to easily thread the hair extensions onto the needle and pass it through your natural hair without causing damage.

Weaving Needle (Optional)

A weaving needle, also known as a crochet hook, can be used to create cornrows or braids as a base for the sew-in installation. It can help to evenly distribute the extensions and create a more secure foundation.

Hair Clippers

Hair clippers are used to blend the natural hair and hair extensions seamlessly. Sharp clippers with a variety of guards allow you to create natural-looking transitions between the two.

Additional Items

In addition to the essential materials listed above, the following items may be useful:

Item	Purpose
Rattail Comb	Sectioning and combing hair
Clips	Securing hair sections
Bobby Pins	Holding extensions in place
Hairspray	Locking in styles and reducing frizz

Preparing the Natural Hair for the Weave

1. Wash and Condition the Hair

Begin by thoroughly washing and conditioning your natural hair. Use a clarifying shampoo and conditioner to remove any product buildup or oils from your hair. This will help to ensure that the weave will bond properly to your natural hair.

2. Detangle the Hair

Once your hair is washed and conditioned, use a wide-toothed comb or brush to gently detangle your hair. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. This will help to remove any knots or tangles that could interfere with the weaving process.

3. Section the Hair

Once your hair is detangled, divide it into small sections. The size of the sections will depend on the type of weave you are planning to get. For example, if you are planning to get a sew-in weave, you will need to create small, cornrow-like braids. If you are planning to get a clip-in weave, you can create larger sections.

To section your hair, use a rattail comb or your fingers to create a part in your hair. Then, use hair clips to hold the section of hair in place. Repeat this process until all of your hair has been sectioned.

Tips for Sectioning the Hair

Here are some tips for sectioning your hair:

Tip	Description
Use a wide-toothed comb or brush	This will help to avoid breakage.
Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots	This will help to prevent tangles.
Create small sections for sew-in weaves	This will help to ensure that the weave is secure.
Create larger sections for clip-in weaves	This will make it easier to attach and remove the weave.

Cornrowing and Sectioning the Hair

Before you start sewing in the hair, you need to cornrow and section your natural hair. This will help to create a foundation for the sew-in and prevent your natural hair from getting tangled. Here are the steps on how to cornrow and section your hair:

Steps on How to Cornrow

Divide your hair into sections. Divide your hair into as many sections as you want. The more sections you have, the smaller the cornrows will be.
Start braiding. Starting at the front of the section, braid the hair in a three-strand braid. Continue braiding until you reach the end of the section.
Secure the cornrow. Once you reach the end of the braid, secure it with a hair band or elastic.
Repeat. Repeat these steps for the remaining sections of hair.

How to Section Your Hair

Once you have finished cornrowing your hair, you need to section it. This will help to keep the hair organized while you are sewing it in. Here are the steps on how to section your hair:

Divide the cornrows into sections. Divide the cornrows into as many sections as you want. The more sections you have, the smaller the sew-in tracks will be.
Secure the sections. Secure the sections with hair bands or elastics.
Start sewing. Start sewing the hair in at the top of the section and work your way down. Continue sewing until you reach the bottom of the section.
Repeat. Repeat these steps for the remaining sections of hair.

Section Size	No. of Cornrows	Sew-In Track Size
Small	10-20	1-2 inches
Medium	5-10	2-3 inches
Large	2-5	3-4 inches

The size of the sections you choose will depend on the thickness of your hair and the desired look. Smaller sections will create a tighter, more natural-looking sew-in, while larger sections will create a more voluminous, dramatic look. Experiment with different section sizes to find what works best for you.

Sewing the Weft onto the Cornrows

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

* Hair weft
* Cornrows
* Curved sewing needle
* Thread (matching the weft’s color)
* Scissors

Step 2: Sew the End Stitches

* Take the weft and align it with the end of the cornrow.
* Using the sewing needle, sew a stitch through the weft and into the base of the cornrow.
* Repeat this step to create a row of stitches at the end of the weft.

Step 3: Sew Down the Weft

* Move the needle a couple of inches down the weft.
* Sew a stitch through the weft and then into the cornrow.
* Repeat this step, evenly spacing the stitches across the weft.

Step 4: Sew Around the Corners

* When approaching the corners, sew the stitches closer together.
* This will help to secure the weft and prevent it from flipping or detaching.

Step 5: Lock the Stitches and Trim the Excess

* Once you’ve sewn the entire weft, double-knot the thread at the end.
* Use scissors to trim any excess thread or hair from the weft.

Tip: To ensure a secure hold, you can also reinforce the stitches by sewing a second row of stitches parallel to the first.

Blind Stitching for a Seamless Blend

6. Invisible Knot Method: A Deeper Dive

The Invisible Knot Method, also known as the French Knot Method, is a meticulous technique that requires precision and patience. To execute this method:

Step 6A: Insert the needle through the bead (or thread loop) and bring it up through the weft.
Step 6B: Pass the needle back through the weft hole, from the top.
Step 6C: Leaving the tip exposed, wrap the thread around the needle once.
Step 6D: Carefully slip the needle back through the same weft hole to secure the knot.
Step 6E: Gently pull on both thread ends to tighten the knot while keeping it concealed within the weft hole.

This technique creates an invisible bond between the weft and strands of hair, resulting in a seamless and undetectable blend.

Step	Action
6A	Insert needle through bead and bring up through weft.
6B	Pass needle back through weft hole from the top.
6C	Wrap thread around needle once.
6D	Slip needle back through weft hole to secure knot.
6E	Tighten knot by pulling on thread ends.

Cutting and Styling the Sew-In

After your sew-in weave has been installed, you may want to tailor it to suit your personal style. Here are some tips for cutting and styling your sew-in:

Cutting

For a seamless blend, it’s crucial to get a professional trim to remove any excess hair that may appear uneven or bulky. A skilled stylist will carefully cut the hair to match your natural texture, creating a natural and cohesive look.

Styling

The versatility of a sew-in weave allows you to experiment with various styling options. Here’s a table summarizing some popular styling techniques:

Technique Description

Blowout Using a blow dryer and a round brush to create volume and smooth out the hair.

Flat Ironing Using a flat iron to straighten the hair and create a sleek, polished look.

Curling Using a curling iron or wand to add curls or waves to the hair, creating a more voluminous and texturized style.

Braiding Creating braids with your natural hair and the sew-in extensions to add interest and texture to your style.

Technique	Description
Blowout	Using a blow dryer and a round brush to create volume and smooth out the hair.
Flat Ironing	Using a flat iron to straighten the hair and create a sleek, polished look.
Curling	Using a curling iron or wand to add curls or waves to the hair, creating a more voluminous and texturized style.
Braiding	Creating braids with your natural hair and the sew-in extensions to add interest and texture to your style.

Maintenance Tips for Sew-In Weaves

1. Wash and Condition Regularly

Wash your extensions with a mild sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner every 2-3 weeks. Avoid using harsh chemicals or heat during the washing process.

2. Brush Gently

Use a wide-toothed comb or a paddle brush to remove tangles and distribute natural oils from the roots to the ends.

3. Avoid Heat Styling

Excessive heat can damage the extension hair and your natural hair underneath. Use heat protectant sprays when styling to minimize heat exposure.

4. Protect at Night

Wear a satin or silk bonnet or scarf to protect your hair from friction and tangles while you sleep.

5. Trim Split Ends

Regularly trim split ends to prevent them from spreading and causing damage to the hair shaft.

6. Moisturize Your Scalp

Use a lightweight oil or scalp lotion to keep your scalp hydrated and prevent dryness and itching.

7. Avoid Over-Tension

Ensure that the sew-in is not too tight as it can cause tension on your natural hair, leading to breakage and shedding.

8. Additional Maintenance Tips

Use a spray bottle to mist your hair with water and leave-in conditioner to keep it moisturized.
Braid your hair in sections or use rollers when you’re not wearing it down to prevent tangles.
Avoid swimming in chlorine or saltwater, as it can dry out and damage the hair.
Get regular trims to maintain the health and lifespan of your sew-in weave.
Consider using a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent damage.

Advantages of Sew-In Hair

Sew-in hair extensions offer several advantages:

Protective: They protect natural hair from damage caused by heat styling and chemical treatments.
Versatile: Sew-ins allow for unlimited styling options, including buns, braids, and ponytails.
Long-lasting: With proper care, sew-ins can last up to six months.
Low maintenance: They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring regular washing and conditioning.
Customizable: They can be customized to match the client’s natural hair color, texture, and length.
Adds Volume and Length: Sew-ins instantly increase hair volume and length, enhancing overall appearance.

Disadvantages of Sew-In Hair

However, there are also some disadvantages associated with sew-in hair:

Time-consuming Installation: The installation process can be lengthy, taking several hours to complete.
Scalp Tension: The tension from the braids or tracks used to secure the extensions can cause scalp discomfort.
Hair Breakage: If the extensions are not installed or cared for properly, they can damage natural hair.
Difficult to Remove: Removing sew-in extensions requires professional assistance to avoid hair breakage.
Limited Styling Flexibility: Compared to other extension methods, sew-ins offer less flexibility in terms of styling options due to the fixed position of the braids or tracks.
Can Cause Hair Matting: If not properly maintained, sew-in hair can become tangled and matted, leading to difficulty in combing.
High Maintenance: While generally low-maintenance, sew-ins still require regular washes, deep conditioning treatments, and professional touch-ups to maintain their optimal condition.
Costly: The initial installation and ongoing maintenance costs associated with sew-in hair can be substantial.
Not Suitable for All Hair Types: Sew-in hair is generally not recommended for people with fine or weak hair as it can cause excessive tension and damage.

Troubleshooting Common Hair Sewing Problems

1. Hair Becomes Tangled

Tangling occurs when the hair is not properly detangled before sewing. To prevent this, use a wide-toothed comb to remove any knots or tangles before applying the hair.

2. Hair Falls Out

Hair falling out can be caused by using low-quality hair or incorrect sewing techniques. Choose high-quality hair and ensure that the thread is tightly secured to prevent hair loss.

3. Tracks Are Visible

Visible tracks indicate that the hair is not blended properly with your natural hair. Use a hairbrush or comb to blend the extensions seamlessly into your natural hairline.

4. Scalp Irritation

Scalp irritation can occur due to tension on the scalp or an allergic reaction to the thread or hair. Adjust the tension of the weave or consult a medical professional if you experience any irritation.

5. Hair Breaks

Hair breakage can happen if the hair is not properly moisturized or if the tension is too tight. Use a moisturizing conditioner and avoid pulling the hair too tightly.

6. Hair Matting

Hair matting occurs when the hair becomes tangled and compressed. Regularly brush the hair to prevent matting and use a detangling spray for easier combing.

7. Hair Looks Unnatural

Unnatural-looking hair can be caused by using hair that does not match your natural hair color or texture. Choose hair extensions that blend seamlessly with your natural hair for a more natural appearance.

8. Hair Feels Heavy

Heavy hair extensions can cause discomfort and strain on your scalp. Opt for lightweight hair extensions that are comfortable to wear for extended periods.

9. Hair Slides Down

Extensions slipping down can be caused by loose sewing or improper bonding. Ensure that the hair is securely attached and use a hairspray or gel to hold it in place.

10. Hair Extensions Cause Headaches

Headaches from hair extensions can be caused by excessive tension on the scalp. Adjust the tension of the extensions or use a less invasive method of attachment, such as clip-ins or tape-in extensions.

Sewing in hair extensions is a popular method used to add length, volume, or color to your natural hair. It’s a versatile technique that can be customized to suit your desired look, and is a relatively long-lasting option compared to other hair extension methods.

To sew hair in, cornrows or braids are created around the perimeter of your head. Bundles of hair extensions are then threaded onto a needle and sewn onto the cornrows or braids. The hair is sewn in tight against the scalp, creating a secure and natural-looking bond. The process can take several hours, but the results can be stunning and long-lasting with proper care.