Introduction
A sew-in (also called a weave) is one of the most durable and protective styles you can get with hair extensions. When done correctly, a sew-in can last 6–8 weeks and help protect your natural hair underneath. In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire process from start to finish.
What You'll Need
- Hair extension wefts
- Curved weaving needle
- Weaving thread (matching your hair color)
- Rat-tail comb
- Hair clips
- Scissors
- Edge control or gel (for laying your edges)
Step 1: Wash and Condition Your Natural Hair
Start with clean hair. Washing removes product buildup and oils that can cause the braids to slip. Deep condition for 15–20 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Allow your hair to fully air-dry or blow-dry before braiding — braiding wet hair leads to mildew and scalp issues.
Step 2: Braid Down Your Hair
Create cornrows as the foundation for your sew-in. The direction and pattern of your cornrows will determine how your extensions lay. A common pattern is flat, horizontal cornrows from ear to ear. Leave out any perimeter hair you want to blend with the extensions naturally. The tighter and neater your cornrows, the flatter and more natural your sew-in will look.
Step 3: Thread Your Needle
Thread your curved needle with weaving thread. Use a length about 2 feet long — enough to work comfortably without tangling. Knot the end securely. A curved needle makes it much easier to pass the thread through the weft and around the braid without poking yourself.
Step 4: Sew the First Weft
Start at the nape of the neck. Hold the weft against the cornrow, and pass the needle up through the weft and over and around the braid in a loop stitch. Pull firmly but gently to secure. Continue sewing across the entire row, keeping stitches about half an inch apart for maximum security. When you reach the end of a weft, knot the thread and cut. Start a new piece of thread for the next row.
Step 5: Continue Row by Row
Work your way up from the nape toward the crown. Leave about half an inch of space between each row so the hair lays flat. Trim wefts to fit each row neatly — leaving extra weft hanging at the ends can cause them to unravel. Use a lighter or a hair weft sealer to seal cut ends and prevent fraying.
Step 6: Blend Your Leave-Out
If you left out hair at the perimeter, use a flat iron on a low setting to blend it with the extension hair. Apply a small amount of edge control or gel to lay edges smoothly. You can also use a closure or frontal to eliminate a leave-out altogether for a more polished look.
Tips for Maintaining Your Sew-In
- Sleep in a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
- Moisturize your scalp regularly with a light oil — never let it dry out under the wefts.
- Avoid getting the braids and roots overly wet, as this can cause mildew.
- Do not keep a sew-in in longer than 8 weeks to protect your natural hair.
Shop Our Sew-In Supplies
Get everything you need for a flawless install. Check out our Curve Sew-In Needle and browse our full range of hair extension wefts perfect for sew-ins.