Before You Sew-In, Here’s The Flip Side

Look, I’m all for that added volume and length that sew-ins promise. But, just like that enticing ice cream sundae with the cherry on top, there might be some after-effects (like that extra calorie count). So, let’s chat about the lesser raved-about aspects of sew-ins:

Maintenance: Think of sew-ins as that one houseplant that demands a tad more TLC. Regular upkeep is a must, involving salon visits, detangling sessions, moisturizing, and ensuring your natural tresses aren’t being left out in the cold.

Time-Consuming Installation: You know those days when even a 5-minute wait for your coffee feels too long? Well, setting aside anywhere from 2-5 hours for a sew-in session might not fit snugly into everyone’s calendar, especially if you’re the type with a packed schedule and places to be.

So, Is It Worth The Hype?

Picking the Right Hair: It’s kind of like choosing the freshest veggies from the market. Always opt for Remy hair. It’s the creme de la creme, ensuring a natural look and feel, blending seamlessly with most hair types.

The Cost Factor: Okay, this isn’t a penny-pincher’s game. Sew-ins can lean towards the pricier side, considering both the installation and the regular salon visits for upkeep. But here’s the thing: it’s not just hair you’re paying for; it’s quality, style, and confidence. And isn’t confidence worth its weight in gold?

Why Consider Sew-In Hair Extensions?

Sew-in extensions might seem like another name in the vast world of hair extension methods, but they stand out for some compelling reasons:

Longevity: As highlighted, one of the standout perks of sew-ins is their staying power. Where clip-ins and other temporary methods might need daily reapplication, sew-ins settle in for the long haul, giving you weeks of gorgeous hair.

Protection: Using sew-ins can be akin to giving your natural hair a vacation. They shield your natural tresses from daily wear and tear, be it from styling tools, products, or environmental elements.

Versatility: One day you’re channeling beachy vibes with wavy locks, the next day, you’re rocking that power look with poker-straight hair. The beauty of sew-ins? They can adapt to your ever-changing style whims.

Natural Appearance: When expertly installed, sew-ins blend seamlessly with your natural hair, making it challenging even for the eagle-eyed to spot the difference.

Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While the upfront cost might seem steep, given their duration and less frequent need for replacement compared to temporary extensions, sew-ins can be more wallet-friendly over time.

Less Daily Hassle: Forget the morning routine of applying and removing temporary extensions. Once sew-ins are in, you’re good to go, slashing precious minutes off your morning ritual.

Style Retention: With sew-ins, your chosen style retains its charm for longer, be it curls, waves, or any texture. So, even if it rains or shines, your hair remains unfazed.

No Adhesives or Heat: Unlike some other methods which require glues, tapes, or heat, sew-ins are simply sewn into braids. This means lesser chances of allergic reactions or heat damage.

Suitable for Most Hair Types: Whether you’ve got curly, wavy, or straight hair, there’s likely a sew-in extension that matches your texture, ensuring a natural blend.

Boosted Volume and Length: For those with thinning hair or shorter lengths, sew-ins provide an instant boost, delivering both volume and length in spades.

But as is the nature of things, where there’s light, there’s shadow. While sew-ins come with an impressive list of pros, it’s also worth considering their cons to make an informed choice.

Cons of Sew-in Weaves

Enlightening yourself on the cons of sew-in extensions is equally important. They help with the decision-making process on whether to have them on or not.

1. Potential Hair Loss

Poor installation of sew-in extensions includes pulling the hair when braiding. That brings about tension and pain on the scalp, and if the braids are too tight, the more the problems.

You’ll see white flakes at the hair root, which means it has been adversely pulled. The hair gets brittle and weak, and it breaks with time.

2. Unfriendly to Thin Hair

Thin hair cannot bear the weight of sew-in extensions since it’s delicate. It’s vulnerable to hair loss if an inexperienced stylist applies the sew-ins to it. And if you didn’t know, it’s hard for thin hair to stay long in braids, as it loosens up so fast. [2]

3. Limited Hairstyles

Sew-in extensions do not grant the versatility to switch between different hairstyles. You’re limited because the hair bundles are sewn into immovable braids. Sew-ins do not support any other hairstyle apart from a bun or a ponytail.

4. Hard to Wash

Since the hair gets braided down, it’s easy for hair products to accumulate into an excessive buildup.

You have to wash regularly and thoroughly to prevent this occurrence. You will not avoid the buildup if you don’t, and cleaning the sew-ins will be a nightmare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Dye My Sew-In Hair Extensions?

Yes, it is possible to dye sew-in hair extensions, but it’s crucial to do so carefully and get the right products to avoid damaging them.

If you are considering dyeing your sew-in extensions, it’s best to consult your trusted stylist and ask them to assess the condition of the extensions and recommend the appropriate dye and technique.

You should also avoid using bleach or high-lift colors, which can cause damage and breakage to both your extensions and natural hair.

Before dyeing your extensions, we recommend testing a small section of the hair to ensure that the color applies evenly and does not cause damage.

Be sure as well to read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your chosen hair dye carefully to avoid any mishaps.

Can I Reuse My Sew-In Extensions?

Yes, it is possible to reuse sew-in hair extensions, but it depends on several factors.

The life span of sew-in hair extensions depends on how high-quality they are, how they were installed, and how well they’ve been cared for.

With proper care, high-quality human hair extensions can last up to a year or more, and they can be used for multiple installations.

To reuse sew-in extensions, they must be carefully removed from the previous installation, and any remaining thread must be removed without damaging the wefts.

The extensions should then be thoroughly washed, conditioned, and air-dried before being stored in a clean, dry place.

If you’re considering reusing your sew-in extensions, it’s important to assess the condition of the hair to determine whether it is still in good condition to be reused.

If the extensions have become damaged or brittle or lost their shape or texture, then it may be time to invest in new ones.