Master the Art of Sew In Hair Braiding: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Beautifully braided hair has always been a staple in the world of fashion and beauty. From intricate braided updos to trendy cornrows, there are endless ways to rock this classic hairstyle. One popular variation of braided hair is the sew in braid, also known as a weave. This technique not only adds length and volume to your tresses but also allows for endless creativity and versatility in styling. If you’re looking to master the art of braiding your hair for a sew in, look no further. In this article, we will guide you through the steps on how to perfectly braid your hair for a seamless sew in that will have heads turning. So grab your combs and let’s get started!

What is a Sew In?

A sew in, also known as a weave, is a popular method of adding hair extensions to your natural hair. This technique involves braiding the natural hair into cornrows and then sewing wefts of hair onto the braids using a needle and thread. Sew ins can add length, volume, and texture to your hair without causing any damage or stress to your natural hair. They are also a great option for those who want to change up their hairstyle without committing to permanent extensions.

The Importance of Proper Braiding for a Sew In

The key to a successful sew in is proper braiding. The foundation created by the braids determines how secure and long-lasting your sew in will be. It is essential to have neat and evenly spaced braids that can support the weight of the added hair. If the braids are too loose or too tight, it can cause discomfort or even lead to hair loss. Therefore, taking the time to braid your hair properly is crucial.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Braid Hair for a Sew In

Braiding your hair for a sew in may seem like an intimidating task, but with some practice, anyone can master this skill. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to braid your hair for a sew in:

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

Before you start braiding, make sure your hair is clean and detangled. Use a wide-tooth comb or brush to remove any knots or tangles gently. You can also apply some mousse or gel to help smooth out the strands and make them easier to handle.

Step 2: Divide Your Hair Into Sections

Begin by dividing your hair into small sections using the tail end of a comb or your fingers. The size of the sections will depend on the thickness of your hair and the desired size of your braids. Typically, smaller sections create more natural-looking braids.

Step 3: Start Braiding

Take one section of hair and divide it into three equal parts. Cross the right strand over the middle strand, and then cross the left strand over the middle strand. This is called a basic braid or a three-strand braid.

Step 4: Introduce More Hair

After completing one round of braiding, start adding more hair to each strand before crossing it over. Take a small section of hair from near the roots and incorporate it into the right strand before crossing it over the middle strand. Then do the same with the left strand by adding a small section of hair to it before crossing it over.

Step 5: Continue Braiding

Keep repeating step 4 until you reach the end of your natural hair, making sure to add hair from both sides evenly to maintain smooth and neat braids.

Step 6: Secure The Braid

When you reach the end, secure your braid by tying an elastic band or wrapping thread around it tightly. Repeat these steps for each section of your hair until you have all your desired braids in place.

Tips for Perfecting Your Braiding Technique

– Take breaks if needed: Braiding requires patience and can be tiring for your arms and hands. If you need to take breaks in between, do so to avoid any pain or discomfort.

– Practice makes perfect: Don’t worry if your first few attempts are not perfect. Keep practicing, and you will soon see an improvement in your technique.

– Use good-quality products: Invest in good-quality mousse, gel, or pomade to help you achieve smooth and neat braids.

– Be gentle: Avoid pulling your hair too tightly while braiding as it can cause a headache or damage your hair.

– Seek professional help: If you are struggling with braiding or want a more intricate design, consider going to a professional stylist who specializes in sew ins.

Caring for Your Braided Hair

Now that you have successfully braided your hair for a sew in, it is essential to take proper care of it to ensure it stays in good condition. Here are some tips for caring for your braided hair:

– Keep your scalp clean: It is crucial to keep your scalp clean and fresh while wearing a sew in. Use a mild shampoo to wash your scalp regularly without disturbing the braids.

– Moisturize regularly: Although the added extensions do not require moisture, your natural hair does. Use a lightweight moisturizer or hair oil to keep your natural hair hydrated and nourished.

– Be gentle while styling: Avoid pulling or tugging on the braids when styling your hair. This can cause tension on the scalp and lead to pain or even breakage of the braids.

– Touch up loose strands: Over time, some strands may loosen up from the initial braid

Step by Step Guide on How to Braid Hair for a Sew In

Braiding hair for a sew in is a popular method of adding extensions or weaves for a longer and fuller hairstyle. This technique involves cornrowing the natural hair and sewing the extensions onto the braids, providing a secure and seamless finish. If you’re looking to achieve this hairstyle but don’t know where to start, fret not! We’ve got you covered with this step by step guide on how to braid hair for a sew in.

Step 1: Prepare Your Hair

Before you start braiding your hair, it’s important to make sure that your natural hair and scalp are clean and moisturized. Deep condition your hair beforehand to ensure that it is well-hydrated and easier to manipulate. You can also detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or brush to prevent any knots or tangles during the braiding process.

Step 2: Section Your Hair

Divide your hair into sections depending on how many braids you want. For a full sew in, you will need around six to eight sections. Use clips or rubber bands to secure the sections and keep them out of the way while you work on one section at a time.

Step 3: Start Braiding

To begin braiding, take a small section at the front of your head and divide it into three even strands. Cross the left strand over the middle strand, then cross the right strand over the middle strand. Repeat this criss-cross motion until you have incorporated all of your natural hair into the braid.

Pro Tip: When adding in more hair, make sure to pull them tightly into each section before crossing them over. This will ensure that your braids are neat and secure.

Step 4: Continue Braiding

Once you have incorporated all your natural hair, continue braiding until you reach the ends of your hair. Secure the ends with an elastic band or a small hair tie to prevent the braid from unraveling.

Step 5: Repeat for All Sections

Repeat the braiding process for all the other sections of your hair. Make sure that each braid is neat and tight to provide a sturdy base for your sew in.

How to Sew in Your Extensions

Now that you have completed braiding your natural hair, it’s time to sew in your extensions. Follow these steps for a flawless and long-lasting sew in:

Step 1: Measure and Cut Your Extensions

Carefully measure the length of each section and cut your extensions accordingly. Leave a little extra at the end as you can always trim them later if needed.

Step 2: Start Sewing

Thread a sewing needle with weaving thread and make a double knot at the end. Start sewing by inserting the needle under one cornrow, then back through the extension. Continue this back-and-forth motion while making sure that each stitch is tight and secure.

Pro Tip: Use a thimble to protect your fingers from getting pricked by the needle.

Step 3: Secure the Weft

Once you have sewn all along one cornrow, tie off the thread with another double knot to secure the weft in place. Move on to sewing on the next extension using the same technique until all sections are covered.

Tips for Maintaining Your Sew In Braid Style

Taking care of your sew in braids is essential to ensure their longevity and protect your natural hair underneath. Here are some tips for maintaining your sew in braid style:

– Keep your scalp clean and moisturized by using a lightweight oil or serum.
– Avoid leaving the braids in for more than six to eight weeks to prevent any matting or damage to your natural hair.
– Sleep with a silk or satin bonnet or pillowcase to prevent frizz and maintain the braid pattern.
– Don’t pull too hard on the braids when styling it. This can put strain on your natural hair and may cause breakage.
– When it’s time to take out your sew in, carefully cut the thread instead of ripping it out to avoid any pain or damage to your hair.

Celebrity Inspired Sew In Braid Styles

Besides adding length and volume, sew in braids can also be styled in various ways for a trendy and versatile look. Here are some celebrity-inspired sew in braided hairstyles that you can try:

1. Beyoncé’s Signature Golden Braids

Sleek, long, and golden, these braids are a must-have for any Beyoncé fan. To achieve this look, opt for long blonde extensions and braid them into thin cornrows from top to bottom.

2. Zendaya’s Bold Box Braids

Take inspiration from Zend

Q: What is a sew in and why is it important to learn how to braid hair for it?
A: A sew in is a hairstyle where tracks of hair are sewn onto a cornrowed base on the head. Learning how to braid hair for a sew in is important because it creates the foundation for the extensions and ensures that the style lasts longer.

Q: Do I need to know how to braid in order to do a sew in?
A: Yes, knowing how to braid is essential for a successful sew in hairstyle. Braiding creates a secure base for the extensions, allowing them to be attached securely and evenly.

Q: What type of braids do I need to know for a sew in?
A: The most common braiding technique used for a sew in is the cornrow braid. It involves braiding small sections of hair close to the scalp, creating rows that serve as a base for sewing on the extensions.

Q: Is there a specific way to cornrow braid for a sew in?
A: To prepare your hair for a sew in, you need to part it into sections and then cornrow each section starting from the back and working your way towards the front. Make sure each cornrow is neat and even before moving on to the next one.

Q: Can I do my own braids for a sew in or do I need someone else’s help?
A: Braiding your own hair can be difficult and time-consuming, so it may be best to have someone else help you with your braids if possible. This will ensure that they are neatly done and secure.

Q: Are there any special techniques or tools I should use when braiding hair for a sew in?
A: To make sure your braids are tight and secure, you can use a comb and hair gel to keep them in place. Some people also prefer using braiding hair extensions for added length and thickness to the cornrows. It is also important to use a sewing needle and thread specifically made for hair extensions when attaching the tracks to your braids.

In conclusion, braiding hair for a sew-in is a popular and versatile technique in the world of hair extensions. With proper preparation, technique and care, anyone can achieve a flawless and long-lasting sew-in style. The key to a successful braided sew-in is to focus on sectioning, braiding tension and type of hair used. It is important to choose the right braiding pattern that suits your natural hair and desired style. The use of protective products and consistent maintenance is crucial to avoid any damage or discomfort to the scalp.

Furthermore, patience, practice and attention to detail are essential in mastering the art of braiding for a sew-in. It is also important to consider seeking professional help if needed, especially for beginners. Educating oneself on proper maintenance and removal techniques will extend the lifespan of the sew-in without compromising the health of your natural hair.

Additionally, it is essential to keep in mind that every individual’s hair texture and type are unique, which will affect the results of their braid out. Therefore, it is necessary to experiment with different methods until you find what works best for you. Remember that achieving a perfect braid out for a sew-in takes time and effort but will ultimately result in a stunning hairstyle that can be customized according to personal preferences.

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.