There are many types of permanent and semi-permanent hair extensions, and one of them is sew-in extensions. They are versatile in their application and this makes them a popular and preferred choice by many. However, before making your decision and getting these from a hair extensions salon, know these things that will help you decide if they are suitable for you.
What Are Sew-In Hair Extensions?
Before anything, we should discuss what sew-in hair extensions are. They are semi-permanent hair extensions where the stylist makes horizontal braids of the natural hair on the head and then sews the wefts in the braids. This ensures a seamless and natural-looking hair. They are also known as weave extensions, hand-tied hair extensions, and braid-in hair extensions.
Things To Know About Sew-In Wefts Before Buying
They Are Semi-Permanent
Sew-in hair extensions are semi-permanent extensions because one application lasts for 6-8 weeks. On the other hand, permanent hair extensions can stay on hair for a few months (2-6 months) with one application, such as fusion, k-tip, and other extensions.
Keep in mind that you can reuse your sew-in hair extensions, you just need to have them reapplied. The number of times you can reapply sew-ins depends on the quality of the wefts and maintenance. Human hair extensions last longer than synthetic ones. In fact, some synthetic wefts may not be suitable for reapplication at all.
Choosing Between Hand-Tied And Machine Sew-In Wefts Matters
You may know that there are many types of hair used for extensions, like Remy hair, human hair, and synthetic options. However, in sew-in hair extensions, you have to take care of another important detail: hand-tied wefts and machine wefts, and picking the right one is important for your hair health.
Machine Weft Sew-In Extensions
The wefts of these extensions are sewn using machines. These wefts are thicker than hand-tied and can be heavier. They are suitable for people with naturally thick hair, as the thick wefts stay in the hair without damage and being visible.
Another benefit of machine weft sew-ins is that they are cheaper than hand-tied wefts and are usually pre-made, so you don’t have to wait for them to be sewn. But they are never recommended for thin or fine hair because they can be damaging to the hair.
Hand-Tied Sew-In Extensions
The wefts are sewn manually by skilled stylists. This makes the wefts thinner and lighter than machine wefts. Because of this fact, hand-tied sew-ins are suitable for thick as well as fine hair, making it a more versatile choice as they are not considered too damaging and they can also hide well even in fine hair.
The downside to hand-tied sew-in extensions is that they are more expensive than machine wefts and require more time to be made.
Not For Hair Shorter Than 4 Inches
For proper application, a minimum natural hair length of 4 to 6 inches is required for cornrow braiding. These braids are used as a support for sew-in wefts. In fact, hair length of more than 8 inches is considered ideal, so the braid is perfect and there is enough natural hair to hide the wefts for a seamless appearance.
If your hair is shorter than 4 inches, there are many other hair extension options, like tap-in, halo, glue-in, micro-link, and clip-in hair extensions.
Improper Application Can Cause Scalp Pain And Hair Breakage
This is true for any semi-permanent and permanent hair extension option, but it’s still important to note that improper installation will prove to be damaging to the hair. So, choose a hairstylist who is skilled in applying sew-in extensions.
You Can Get Highlights Without Dyeing Your Hair
This is a common benefit of many types of hair extensions. If you apply them correctly, you use them as an alternative for dyeing your hair and get highlights, partial highlights, ombre, Balayage highlights, chunky highlights, peekaboo highlights, etc. This is even more useful for people who don’t want to dye their hair for any reason.
Plus, as sew-in extensions stay in your hair for a month or so, you don’t have to worry about carefully sectioning your hair every day for highlights. Your highlights won’t change every day, so this will help you sustain the perception that the hair is dyed.
Colored wefts are common and don’t need you to dye them. However, for a natural look, you can dye the extensions as well. But note that you can only dye human hair extensions with care. Coloring synthetic hair extensions will only damage the fibers and they won’t be of any use after the fact. However, for dyeing hair, visit a Balayage salon Potomac for the least-damaging and natural-looking highlights.
They Are Costlier
Sew-in hair extensions offer a natural method of applying hair extensions, but they can be costlier than many types of hair extensions. Even though the cost depends on the type, the fact remains that they are more expensive than other types, given that we compare extensions of the same size, length, and volume.
Both of their major categories, synthetic and human hair, are generally among the most expensive in their respective categories.
You Have To Reapply Them
We explained before that they are semi-permanent hair extensions. So, similar to any semi-permanent or permanent hair extensions, you have to reapply or have them moved up. In case of sew-ins, the reapplication process should be done every 6-8 weeks.
The stylist will check the condition of the hair. If the extensions are loose, reapplication will be done. It involves cutting the thread that’s securing the hair and gently lifting the extensions off the hair. The stylist then detangles hair and moisturizes if required. After this, the application process begins. A cornrow is made that is used as a support for sewing in wefts.
Professional Installation is Required
As with any permanent type of hair extensions, the best way to put them on is to trust a hairstylist. These extensions stay on your hair for weeks, so improper application can cause significant damage to the hair and the cost will be way higher than the money saved on DIY-ing the application.
In case you want hair extensions that you can easily apply yourself without visiting a salon, pick clip-in, halo, tape-in, micro-link, or I-tip hair extensions. Among them, halo and clip-in extensions are the easiest and fastest to put on.
Multiple Types Of Sew-In Techniques
Sew-in extensions are versatile as they can be applied in various ways:
- Traditional sew-in or full weave: This is the traditional method of making cornrow braids and sewing wefts onto them.
- Partial sew-in or trackless: The stylist makes fewer braids and also leaves some sections of the hair free. It’s less stressful for the hair and the scalp, but less secure.
- Crochet sew-in: The stylist uses a crochet needle for the method. It’s faster but less durable.
- Sew-in with beads: Along with sewing, small beads or micro rings are used. It’s more time-consuming, but less stressful for the hair and the scalp, and allows versatile styling.
- Tape and sew-in hybrid: Both tape and sew-in techniques are used. This method ensures secure installation, ideal for thicker hair.
Conclusion
Sew-in hair extensions offer versatility but at a higher price tag. So, know these things before buying them, and visit salons that do hair extensions Potomac for consultation.
