A crisp chill within the air marks the beginning of sew-in season. This extension technique entails stitching tracks of hair onto braided patterns shut to the scalp, and it is lengthy been a go-to for added size and quantity. Sew-ins additionally allow you to experiment with out dedication. Want highlights however not bleach? Ask your stylist to add a couple of coloured tracks. “Sew-ins give people the option to explore and play around with hair color,” veteran hairstylist Jamal Edmonds says.
There are many sorts of sew-ins—some rooted in conventional methods, others achieved with artistic twists. Want to know which one is best for you? We tapped consultants to break down the differing types of sew-ins and the way to benefit from the look whereas maintaining your pure hair thriving.
Traditional Sew-In
A conventional sew-in options both a beehive or straight-back braiding sample, into which extensions are sewn to utterly cowl the pure hair. The type can embrace a center or aspect half that extends to the hairline, or be sewn all the best way to the sides and completed with a bang. Because no pure hair is ignored, it is generally known as a “full” sew-in—and it affords a stage of safety different strategies do not. “In terms of a protective style, it’s what is going to protect the hair the most,” Edmonds says.
Still, stylists warning in opposition to doing these installs back-to-back. “Do not put [extensions] back in right away,” warns Brooklyn-based hairstylist Michelle Jones. Sadiku echoes the sentiment, including, “Your hair needs to rest.”
Partial Sew-In
A partial sew-in entails a conventional sew-in for one half of the hair and an alternate styling technique for the opposite half. For instance, you could go for braids within the entrance of your hair and sew-in extensions within the again. “You could even do crochet in the front [and] sew-in in the back,” editorial hairstylist T. Cooper provides. “There are so many different options.”
Partial sew-ins might be parted in several instructions as properly. “Many talented artists are also able to add multiple parts, including a center or deep side part,” movie star hairstylist Monae Everett explains.
However, be conscious of the upkeep necessities related to this look. “There is a lot of blending that needs to be done because you’re leaving so much [hair] out,” hairstylist Tinika Sadiku says. Jones provides, “If you are working out, you’re gonna have that reversion on your natural texture.”
Frontal Sew-In
Frontals first gained recognition in Hollywood, as they held up beneath vivid lights. They are immensely versatile, permitting for a spread of kinds and parting instructions so you possibly can personalize your look. Most typically, they’re used to shut the entrance of a sew-in with out leaving any pure hair uncovered.
Sitting on prime of the hair, the lace is often connected with glue. However, warning is vital throughout set up and elimination. The rigidity created when the frontal shifts backwards and forwards—even barely—could cause injury. “The lace in the frontal, no matter how incredible it is, will rub against your hairline,” Sadiku says. “Anything you’re doing that puts excessive tension on one area of your hair requires that your hair is strong enough to deal with that.”
The glue is one other space of concern. “The glue from these is eating our hair and destroying our skin,” Sadiku warns. Jones echoes this warning: “[The glue is] a little harsh on the hairline.” “It’s sad to see so many losing their hairline.”
For those that like to scratch or comb between tracks, frontals might be particularly dangerous. “Make sure you’re not stabbing yourself with a metal comb underneath the frontal, because that also rips out hair,” Sadiku factors out.
Closure Sew-In
A closure doesn’t have leave-out both and is parted in just one course. Unlike a frontal, it’s not versatile. Closures shut a small hole fairly than utterly protecting the entrance of the hair. “The frontals are ear-to-ear, and the closure could be a different size, like 2 x 5 or 4 x 6,” Sadiku says. According to our consultants, the smaller the closure, the extra pure the look.
Jones is just not a fan of the method. “I don’t really recommend the closures,” she says, noting that she doesn’t just like the influence they’ve on the pure hair beneath. “When something is constantly resting, pulling, that’s what’s causing the damage,” she explains.
A rising pattern is putting in a closure proper behind the hairline for a pure end. While aesthetically interesting, this placement will increase the chance of friction-related breakage.
Versatile Sew-In
As the title suggests, a flexible sew-in affords a number of styling choices, from ponytails and buns to updos, with the liberty to change between center and aspect components. Those who get pleasure from altering their look incessantly will admire this technique. “Some people like to wear center parts, and then they like to wear side parts, or sometimes they like to wear a deep side part, so they’re able to switch it up in that way,” licensed cosmetologist Cataanda James says.
She recommends this selection if you need to obtain the favored half-up, half-down type. “If you want to put your hair half up and half down, definitely get [a versatile sew-in],” she provides. “You don’t want to be able to see the track, so that’s where the versatility comes into play.”
Since this type typically entails leave-out, selecting hair that mimics your individual pure texture could make upkeep simpler. “[This method is] best for those who are wearing curlier textures that actually match their hair texture perfectly,” James says.
As for hair care merchandise to use, Cooper strongly advises utilizing a warmth protectant each time you type your sew-in. “I like [to use a] serum protector, especially when I’m doing women with texture,” she says. She says a serum outshines liquid choices as a result of: “Yes, you’re going to get the heat protection, but a lot of times if they have texture, [a liquid is] going to revert [their hair] a little bit and then you’re going to have to put more heat on it.”
Cooper additionally appreciates strong warmth protectants. “Those are also nice to lay their hair down,” she provides.
Hybrid Sew-In
A hybrid sew-in combines a conventional sew-in with one other extension method, like a k-tip or tape-in. “If I want to switch it up, I’ll do a partial sew-in in the back with tape-ins or k-tips in the front for a seamless and versatile finish,” Everett says, providing a private instance.
However, Edmonds says this selection is not suitable with sure life. “If they work out multiple times a week, some of those hybrid sew-ins aren’t the best, because you still have some of your hair out,” he says.
It might be tempting to contact up your leave-out incessantly to guarantee it is bone straight, however salon proprietor and grasp stylist Char Wilson warns in opposition to that. “I want clients to know if you properly maintain your hair [and] wrap it up, you do not need to flat iron it every day,” she says.
Skip Track Sew-In
A skip observe sew-in is a sort of sew-in that options fewer braids, spaced additional aside. It provides drama to an easier type, like a silk press with a couple of tracks of extensions. Everett defined that this type is “great for ponytails or half-up looks.”
The majority of the hair is ignored in these appears to be like. They are meant to improve one’s hair, not complement or defend it. It “skips” the majority of the braids from a conventional sew-in. According to Sadiku, it provides “a little extra bit of thickness and volume” and is right for somebody “using quality hair that mimics their texture.”
James recommends it for these with a “finer texture” who like to play with their type and wish to add a bit of density.