The Longevity of Sew In Weaves: How Long Do They Really Last?

When it comes to enhancing our natural beauty, we’ve all tried a variety of methods – from makeup to hairstyles. And while some techniques may come and go, one that remains a tried and true favorite is the sew in weave. This versatile and low maintenance hairstyle has been around for decades and continues to be a popular choice among women of all ages and hair textures. But if you’re new to the game, you may find yourself wondering just how long this hairstyle can last. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of sew in weaves and reveal the answer to the question on everyone’s mind: how long do they really last? Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets to getting the most out of your sew in weave!

Prepping Your Natural Hair Before Installation

Before getting a sew-in weave, it is important to properly prepare your natural hair to ensure the best results. This will not only ensure that your weave looks great, but also protects your natural hair from potential damage. Here are some steps to consider before getting a sew-in weave:

1. Detangle Your Hair

The first step in preparing your natural hair for a sew-in weave is to detangle it. This will help to prevent any knots or tangles from being secured into the braids for the weave. The best way to detangle your hair is by using a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots in small sections.

2. Wash and Condition Your Hair

It is important to have clean and moisturized hair before getting a sew-in weave. This will not only make it easier for your stylist to work with, but also promote healthy hair growth. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, followed by a deep conditioning treatment that is suitable for your hair type.

3. Trim and Moisturize Your Ends

If you have any split or damaged ends, it is important to trim them before getting a sew-in weave. This will prevent further damage and improve the overall look of your weave. After trimming, apply a leave-in conditioner or oil to seal in moisture and protect your ends.

4. Stretch Your Hair

Stretching out your natural hair can make it easier for your stylist to braid and install the extensions without causing too much tension on your scalp. You can stretch your hair by doing braids or twists overnight, using heatless stretching methods like African threading, or blow-drying with low heat.

5. Oil Your Scalp

To promote a healthy scalp, it is important to oil your scalp before getting a sew-in weave. This will help to prevent dryness, itchiness, and other scalp issues that can be caused by having your hair covered for an extended period of time. Use a lightweight oil like jojoba or grapeseed oil to prevent product buildup.

6. Be Honest with Your Stylist

Make sure to communicate with your stylist about any previous or current hair concerns you may have. This includes any allergies, sensitivities, or medications that may affect the installation process. Your stylist will also be able to recommend the best methods and products for your hair type.

Choosing the Right Products for Your Extensions

Choosing the right products for your extensions is just as important as prepping your natural hair. The quality and type of products you use on your sew-in weave will determine how long it will last and how good it looks throughout its lifetime. Here are some tips on choosing the right products for your extensions:

1. Use Products Designed for Extensions

When shopping for hair care products, make sure to check if they are specifically designed for extensions. These products are usually more gentle and lightweight compared to regular hair care products, which can weigh down or damage your extensions.

2. Avoid Sulfates and Alcohol

Products that contain sulfates and alcohol can strip away moisture from both your natural hair and extensions, making them dry and brittle. Look for sulfate-free shampoos and alcohol-free styling products when caring for your sew-in weave.

3. Choose the Right Type of Shampoo

When washing your sew-in weave, it is important to choose the right type of shampoo. Clarifying shampoos should be used before installation to remove any residue or product buildup on both your natural hair and extensions. For regular washes, opt for a moisturizing shampoo that will keep your extensions looking shiny and healthy.

4. Use a Leave-In Conditioner or Oil

To keep your extensions moisturized and tangle-free, it is important to use a leave-in conditioner or oil after washing. This will help to seal in moisture and protect your extensions from dryness caused by heat and styling products.

5. Don’t Overuse Styling Products

Using too many styling products on your sew-in weave can cause product buildup, making it look greasy or weighed down. Use them sparingly and make sure to wash them out regularly to prevent buildup.

6. Protect Your Extensions at Night

To prolong the life of your sew-in weave, it is important to protect it at night while you sleep. Use a satin or silk scarf or pillowcase to prevent friction and tangles while you toss and turn during the night.

In conclusion, prepping your natural hair before installation and using the right products for your extensions are crucial steps in ensuring a successful sew-in weave experience. By following these tips, you can achieve a flawless look that lasts longer and promotes healthy hair growth. Remember to also follow any specific maintenance instructions from your stylist for the best results.

Proper Styling Techniques to Avoid Damage

Sew in weaves have become a popular choice for those looking to add length and volume to their natural hair. However, like any other hairstyle, improper styling techniques can lead to damage and even result in the weave not lasting as long as it should. If you want your sew in weave to last, it’s important to take care of it properly. Here are some styling techniques to follow that will help prevent damage and make your weave last longer.

1. Use Heat-Protectant Products

Using heat-styling tools such as flat irons and curling wands can be damaging to both your natural hair and the weave. To minimize damage, make sure to use a heat-protectant product before applying heat to your weave. This will create a barrier between the heat and your hair, protecting it from any potential damage.

2. Limit Heat Usage

While we understand that you may want to switch up your look by using heat-styling tools on your sew in weave, try to limit how often you do so. Constant use of heat can dry out the hair extensions and cause them to become brittle, leading to breakage and an early demise of your sew in weave.

3. Sleep with a Silk or Satin Scarf or Pillowcase

Cotton pillowcases or scarves can cause friction on both your natural hair and the weave, which can result in frizzing, tangling, and eventually damage. So, instead of sleeping directly on cotton, invest in a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase. These fabrics are smoother and create less friction which will help keep your sew in weave looking fresh for longer.

Regular Touch-Ups and Removals by a Professional

As much as we may try, it’s nearly impossible to take care of our sew in weave as well as a professional hair stylist can. For that reason, it’s essential to schedule regular touch-ups and removals by a professional to ensure the longevity of your sew in weave. Here’s why:

1. Extensions Need Re-alignment

As the weeks go by, the hair extensions in your sew in weave may start to shift or move out of place due to frequent styling and daily wear. To keep your sew in looking fresh and natural, it’s crucial to have a professional re-align the extensions and make any necessary adjustments.

2. Scalp Needs a Break

Your natural hair needs time to breathe! After several weeks of having a sew in weave installed, your scalp might feel sore or irritated due to manipulation and constant styling. It’s essential to have the extensions removed and give your scalp a break for a few days before reinstalling the sew in.

3. Prevent Potential Damage

As much as we love our hair, it’s important to remember that even with proper care, sew in weaves are temporary and will eventually need to be removed. If you fail to schedule regular touch-ups and removals by a professional, you risk causing damage or breakage when trying to take out the extensions yourself.

In conclusion, proper styling techniques are essential for making your sew in weave last longer, but regular touch-ups and removals by a professional are just as crucial. Taking proactive measures when caring for your sew in weave will not only keep it looking fresh but also preserve the health of both your natural hair and the extensions. So be sure not to skip those appointments with your hair stylist!

1) How long does a sew in weave typically last?
Most sew in weaves can last anywhere from 6-8 weeks. However, the exact duration can vary depending on individual factors such as hair type, maintenance routine, and quality of installation.

2) How can I make my sew in weave last longer?
Proper maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your sew in weave. This includes keeping your scalp and hair clean, minimizing heat styling, and avoiding excessive pulling or tension on the weave.

3) Is it normal for a sew in weave to shed?
Some shedding is normal with any type of hair extension. However, excessive shedding could indicate a poor installation or poor quality hair. Be sure to consult with your stylist if you experience significant shedding.

4) Can I reuse my old sew in weave for a new installation?
Yes, as long as the hair is still in good condition and properly cared for, it can be re-used for another installation. Just be sure to thoroughly wash and condition the extensions before re-applying them.

5) What should I do if my natural hair starts to grow out while wearing a sew in weave?
To prevent damage or tangling, it is important to have regular touch-up appointments with your stylist to reposition the extensions as your natural hair grows. Alternatively, you can opt for a partial removal and reinstallation of the weave to accommodate new growth.

6) Are there any specific products I should use on my sew in weave?
It’s best to avoid heavy products that can weigh down your extensions or cause buildup on the scalp. Stick to lightweight moisturizers and oils specifically formulated for use on extensions. Your stylist may also recommend certain products depending on your hair type and the type of extensions used.

In conclusion, the longevity of a sew in weave greatly depends on various factors such as the quality of hair used, the expertise of the stylist, and proper care and maintenance by the wearer. On average, a sew in weave can last anywhere from 4-8 weeks before needing to be removed and reinstalled. However, with proper upkeep and attention to detail, it is possible to extend the lifespan of a weave to 12 weeks or longer.

When considering getting a sew in weave, it is important to invest in high-quality hair extensions and choose a skilled stylist who understands how to properly install and maintain them. Proper care, such as using sulfate-free products and avoiding excessive heat styling, can also make a significant difference in how long the weave will last.

It is also important for the wearer to understand that while sew in weaves can provide instant length and volume, they are not a permanent solution. It is crucial to give your natural hair regular breaks from weaves and allow it time to breathe and regenerate.

Ultimately, it all comes down to how well you take care of your sew in weave. With proper attention and maintenance, you can enjoy your beautiful new look for an extended period of time. However, it is important to pay attention to any signs of damage or