Traditional sew-ins, also known as sew-in weaves or just sew-ins, are a popular hair extension technique that has been used for many years to add length, volume, and fullness to natural hair. This method involves attaching wefts of hair extensions to a person’s natural hair by sewing them in with a needle and thread. This creates a seamless and natural-looking style that can last for several weeks with proper care.

In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about traditional sew-ins, including how they work, the different types of hair extensions used, the installation process, and how to maintain them.

How do traditional sew-ins work?

Traditional sew-ins involve sewing hair extensions onto a person’s natural hair using a needle and thread. The process begins with braiding the natural hair into a cornrow pattern, which serves as a base for the hair extensions. Once the braids are in place, the hair extensions are sewn onto the braids, row by row, until the desired style and fullness is achieved.

Different types of hair extensions used for sew-ins

There are several types of hair extensions that can be used for traditional sew-ins, including:

1. Human hair: This is the most popular type of hair extension used for sew-ins because it looks and feels the most natural. Human hair extensions can be styled and colored just like natural hair, and they can last for several months with proper care.

2. Synthetic hair: This type of hair extension is made from synthetic fibers and is generally less expensive than human hair. However, it does not look or feel as natural as human hair, and it cannot be heat styled.

3. Blend hair: This type of hair extension is a combination of human hair and synthetic fibers. It is less expensive than pure human hair, but it still looks and feels more natural than synthetic hair. Blend hair can also be heat styled.

Installation process

The installation process for traditional sew-ins can take several hours, depending on the style and amount of hair being added. Here are the basic steps:

1. The natural hair is washed and conditioned, then dried completely.

2. The natural hair is braided into a cornrow pattern that will serve as a base for the hair extensions. The braids are typically small and close together to provide a sturdy base for the extensions.

3. The hair extensions are measured and cut to the desired length and style.

4. The wefts of hair extensions are sewn onto the braids using a needle and thread. The stylist will start at the bottom of the head and work their way up, sewing each row of wefts onto the braids.

5. Once all of the wefts have been sewn in, the hair is styled and trimmed to the desired length and shape.

Maintaining sew-ins

Proper maintenance is essential to keeping sew-ins looking fresh and natural for several weeks. Here are some tips for maintaining your sew-ins:

1. Avoid applying heat to the hair extensions, as this can cause damage and shorten their lifespan.

2. Wash the hair extensions once a week with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and avoid rubbing the hair, as this can cause tangling.

3. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair extensions, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.

4. Tie the hair up at night to prevent tangling and breakage.

5. Do not keep the sew-ins in for too long. Most stylists recommend keeping them in for no more than six to eight weeks to prevent damage to the natural hair.

Conclusion

Traditional sew-ins are a popular and effective way to add length, volume, and fullness to natural hair. This method involves sewing wefts of hair extensions onto braids in the natural