SEW-IN HAIRSTYLES

THE FACTS ABOUT SEW-IN HAIRSTYLES

TECHNIQUE AND MAINTENANCE ARE EVERYTHING

For clients who have always wanted long, flowing locks but struggle to grow their own hair naturally, sew-in hairstyles are like manna from the heavens. Glossy, thick, and perfectly styled waves can be achieved after a single day in a stylist’s chair, without enduring years of awkward lengths and boring protective styles. Hallelujah!

Unfortunately, not all sew-in hairstyles are created equal. Of course, the hair extensions are beautiful and can make you look ready to star in your very own Disney musical, but the installation technique and the strategies for maintenance will make all of the difference in the lifespan of your sew-in and the health of your own hair. If your sew-ins aren’t installed properly, you are in danger of significant hair breakage and even hair loss.

So, how do you make sure your hair is fully protected underneath your sew-in extensions? Here are a few things you should know about sew-in hairstyles to make sure you achieve the best possible experience.

FIND A SALON THAT HAS MASTERED THE SEW-IN TECHNIQUE

The proper installation of sew-in hairstyles is a complex process. When performed poorly, the health of the client’s hair is put in jeopardy, either due to excessive pulling on the scalp or failure to prepare the natural hair adequately. This can lead to significant friction and even hair loss.

AK Hair and Healing has perfected a sew-in technique that fully protects the clients’ hair and scalp, nearly eliminating breakage, tangling, and matting. This process significantly extends the length of time clients can enjoy their sew-ins. Many clients can successfully keep their sew-in extensions for up to a full year while experiencing significant growth of their own natural hair.

HAVE YOUR HAIR PROFESSIONALLY MAINTAINED

Regular professional maintenance of sew-in hairstyles is critical to ensuring the health of both the natural hair and scalp, in addition to preserving the integrity of the extensions. It is recommended that clients have their hair washed, conditioned, and checked to make sure the stitching is in place.

It is also important to have the sew-in retouched and tightened periodically. It is generally recommended after approximately three months. This extends the life of the install and helps protect your natural hair.

BE MINDFUL OF THE LEAVE-OUT PORTION OF YOUR NATURAL HAIR

If your sew-in hairstyle requires a portion of your own hair to be blended into the extensions, you might want to consider using a texture of hair that resembles your own if you have concerns about heat styling. When you use hair that is significantly straighter than your own, you will have to flat-iron or use other straightening methods to make sure your leave-out matches your extensions. This can cause significant damage to your hair in a short amount of time. It’s best to style your own hair using no-heat, low manipulation methods, like twists, braids, or roller sets.

If you’re naturally curly but prefer straighter sew-in hairstyles, you have the option of a full sew-in with no leave out. This offers maximum protection of your natural hair.

WASH YOUR HAIR VERY CAREFULLY

Regular shampooing and conditioning are essential to the health of your own hair and scalp, and it keeps your extensions in good condition. The frequency of your shampoos will depend upon your lifestyle, but if you sweat often (if you work out regularly) it might be a good idea to wash your hair on a weekly basis, since sweat can damage your hair and attract buildup.

The strategy you use to wash and condition your hair will depend upon the type of sew-in extensions you have installed. However, whichever technique you use, drying your natural hair thoroughly is the most important step. Keeping wet hair underneath an install not only weakens your strands, it attracts the growth of mildew.

The best methods for washing and drying your hair will depend upon the type of hair extensions you have installed. Ask your stylist for the best techniques for drying your natural hair underneath your sew-in. If you are more comfortable having it done professionally, schedule regular visits to your salon for maintenance.

AK Hair and Healing’s proprietary Abra Kadabra Sew-In™ offers an excellent, flexible styling solution that allows clients to enjoy a gorgeous sew-in hairstyle while keeping their own natural completely protected for maximum health and growth. To learn more about AK Hair and Healing’s philosophy, please visit our Abra Kadabra Sew-In™ information page.