Sew-in Weave Installation Techniques You Should Know

Ayana Anderson
4 min readJan 3, 2023

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Have you been wanting to try new amazing hairstyles that come across your feed, but your natural hair does not have the same length, volume or color to pull off that look? Hair extensions are a great helping hand that you can always rely on for trying new hairstyles, especially sew in extensions if you want to protect your hair and let it grow. If you want to always be toe-to-toe with the newest styles out there, the wide varied world of sew in hair extensions is at your disposal that can help you try hairstyles that need curls, a ponytail, or even ombre hair.

Sew in hair extensions or sew ins are a versatile method of adding extensions of hair to your natural hair by using a thread and needle to weave/sew in bundles/locs of hair. Sew in hair extensions can be added to your hair for long periods of 6–12 weeks without a need for adjustment. However, you will need a stylist to help you install sew in weaves in a proper manner, and it is ideal that you have a talk about the preferred kind of extensions to know how many bundles/length of hair is ideal for you.

What are some techniques of installing sew in extensions?

Sew-in weaves are a popular method of attaching extra hair to your own, using a needle and thread to sew the extensions into braids or cornrows in your natural hair. Before stepping in for your sew in installation appointment, you should ideally wash and condition your hair properly with a sulfate-free product and apply Argan oil for long-term nourishment for your natural hair. Here are some key techniques you should know when installing a sew-in weave:

Full Sew In Technique

To go with the full sew in technique (also known as a Lace Closure Sew In), you normally start by leaving out a small section of hair around the sides and the back for a desirably natural look. Now, create two perimeter braids that would reach the temple of your head, and braid them towards the back of your head. While leaving some hair separate, create one braid that reaches the back nape of your head.

Create 3 sections by separating your hair and slide down almost a quarter of an inch before you start braiding in your hair as it will reduce some of the tension on your scalp. Using the rest of your hair, create small and neat braids that will give you a flat and smooth feel when the entire installation is done. Now, insert the thread through the needle and tie a knot to secure the thread in place first. Begin sewing the needle through the braid starting at either side of the nape of the hair, then pull the thread all the way out, and repeat.

The best part about this technique is that the hair is secured safely and it is equally simple to take it down weeks later. All you need to do is just cut the thread out and the added extensions will start coming off, exercise caution while cutting to avoid damaging the extensions or worse — your natural hair. You can go for types of sew in extensions, including body wave sew in or a fabulous sew in ponytail.

Invisible Part Sew In Technique

An Invisible part sew in installation (also known as flip over sew in or no part sew in) covers your hair without a visible partition. In this style, most of the hair is braided down just except 1–2 inches of the front hairline.

The invisible part sew in technique is for extremely wavy and curly hair textures only, and it keeps your natural hair protected while also promoting hair growth. Using remy hair extensions or remy human hair extensions is highly recommended as they will last longer and aid in blending them perfectly. The installation might take 2–3 hours and normally requires 2–3 bundles of hair.

Micro-link Sew In Technique

The micro link sew in style is an exquisite-looking but difficult to execute sew in technique, which is where a stylist will be required. In this style, a clamping tool is used to clamp micro link loops that are applied on each of your hair strands. Your natural hair is passed through the loop and locked and the extension hair is passed through the next loop.

Once installed, you will be able to treat the hair like your own, that includes washing, cutting, styling, and even coloring (100% real/virgin human hair are ideal for coloring however) them. The best part about this technique is that it is the most long lasting and looks the best. Also read how to fix a lace front wig.

Conclusion

There are multiple different sew in techniques out there, and your stylist might probably be the best person to suggest the right kind of technique and extension for you. However, knowing the different types of sew in weave styles is very useful to avoid surprises and to know which style to go for.

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Ayana Anderson
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I am Ayana. I am a hairstylist by profession. I love experimenting with hair.