Sew-in weaves are excellent protective styles to rest and grow your real hair. However, there are some precautions to wearing extensions safely to ensure that you are not damaging your hair in the process. After all no one wants to wear beautiful hair extensions for a few months, only to have their real hair break of in the meantime. So to keep your hair healthy, follow these tips before installing your sew-in:
Wash Your Hair
Clean hair is the basic starting point for any sew-in weave hairstyle. Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo to remove any buildup from the hair and scalp. Your hair will be largely inaccessible while wearing your hair extensions so you want to make sure it is as clean as possible before braiding it in preparation for your weave.
Protein Treat Your Hair
Hair is comprised of protein, which provides its strength and tensile nature. As your hair will undergo a large amount of manipulation while installing your sew in (braiding, sewing, styling), treating your hair with protein beforehand will fortify your tresses so it can withstand the process without being weakened.
Trim Your Ends
Thin ends are known to lead to splitting and tangling. To prevent tangles and knots (which cause breakage) upon the removal of your weave, we recommend trimming your ends just before getting a sew in. Don’t worry about the lost length, if you care for your hair properly beneath it will grow back quickly.
Wait Two Weeks After Chemical Usage
Relaxers, bleach, permanent coloring – it all takes its toll on your strands. We are not saying you cannot use chemicals and have healthy hair, but installing a weave right after a chemical process is not wise. Wait at least two weeks to allow your hair to regain strength but also for you to observe how your hair responds to the chemicals.
The Complete Pre-Sew-In Prep Routine
The tips above are your foundation. Here's the complete routine to maximize the health of your hair going into a sew-in and set yourself up for healthy hair when it comes out.
"A sew-in is one of the best protective styles available, but only if your hair is set up for success before the installation. We've seen too many customers who went into a sew-in with dry, compromised hair and came out with less length than they started. Proper prep makes the difference."
- Priyanka Swamy, Founder of Perfect Locks
Clarify your scalp 1-2 days before installation
Use a clarifying or residue-free shampoo to remove any product buildup from your scalp and hair. A clean scalp is the starting point for a healthy sew-in. Buildup under a sew-in can cause scalp issues and odor over the 6-8 week wear period. Don't clarify the day of installation - give your scalp one day to recover its natural moisture balance.
Deep condition after clarifying
Clarifying removes product buildup but also strips some natural moisture. Follow immediately with a deep conditioning treatment - leave-in for 20-30 minutes with heat if possible. Your hair needs to be at its most moisturized state going into the install, because access to your natural hair for conditioning will be limited while the sew-in is in.
Trim any split or damaged ends
Ends that are already split or damaged will continue splitting and breaking under a sew-in. A small trim before installation protects the length you grow during the wear period - you don't want to take the sew-in down after 8 weeks of growth only to need to cut more than you gained.
Communicate with your stylist about tension
Tell your stylist explicitly that you want your cornrows done with minimal tension, especially around the hairline. Some tension is necessary for the braids to hold, but your scalp should not be in pain during or after installation. If your edges feel sore or tight for more than 2-3 days, the braids are too tight and should be loosened.
Choose the right sew-in hair
The weight of the extension hair matters significantly for the health of your natural hair underneath. Heavier hair puts more tension on the braids and roots over time. Choose a weft extension weight that's appropriate for your natural hair density - thinner hair needs lighter wefts. Our team can help you choose the right weight for your specific hair if you reach out for a free consultation.
What to Do During Your Sew-In Wear Period
Prep doesn't stop at installation. Maintaining your natural hair during the wear period is equally important:
Moisturize your scalp every 2-3 days with a lightweight leave-in spray applied between the wefts. Apply a scalp oil to your parts weekly. Wash your scalp every 1-2 weeks even with the sew-in in. Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase every night. Schedule your removal before 8 weeks to prevent excessive tension from grown-out roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare my hair for a sew-in weave?
Clarify your scalp 1-2 days before installation to remove buildup. Deep condition immediately after clarifying. Trim any split or damaged ends. Go into the installation with clean, moisturized, healthy hair. Communicate with your stylist about tension preferences before they begin braiding.
How long should your hair be for a sew-in weave?
Your natural hair needs to be long enough to cornrow flat to the head - typically at least 3-4 inches, though 5-6 inches gives your stylist more to work with for flatter, more comfortable cornrows. Very short hair can sometimes be braided into a flat foundation, but the result is less secure and the cornrows may not lie as flat.
How do you keep hair healthy under a sew-in weave?
Moisturize your scalp every 2-3 days with a lightweight leave-in spray applied between wefts. Apply scalp oil to the parts weekly. Wash your scalp every 1-2 weeks. Sleep in a satin bonnet. Don't leave the sew-in in longer than 8 weeks. These habits keep your natural hair moisturized and protected throughout the wear period.
Does a sew-in weave help hair grow?
A sew-in is a protective style that promotes length retention rather than directly stimulating growth. Your hair grows at its natural rate regardless of what style you wear. What a sew-in does is protect your ends from manipulation and environmental damage, which means you retain more of the length you grow rather than losing it to breakage. With proper moisture maintenance during the wear period, many women see significant length gains after removing a sew-in.
Author and Founder of Perfect Locks LLC
Priyanka Swamy, the visionary founder of Perfect Locks LLC, is a passionate advocate for empowering women and promoting cultural diversity. With an unwavering commitment to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship, she redefined the hair extension market and created a supportive community that celebrates individuality.
Priyanka's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility continues to inspire positive change within the industry. Her journey with Perfect Locks remains an inspiration, unlocking the true potential and confidence of countless individuals worldwide.
