Mastering the Art of Closure: A Step-by-Step Guide for Sew-In Beginners

Are you tired of spending hours in the salon to get that perfect sew in only for it to start looking frizzy and untidy after a few weeks? If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with maintaining their sew ins, especially when it comes to creating a clean and flawless closure. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to do a closure for a sew-in. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the world of hair extensions, this article will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to achieve a beautiful and long-lasting closure. So sit back, relax, and get ready to master the art of doing closures for your sew ins.

The Importance of a Closure in a Sew In

A closure is an essential piece in completing a sew in hairstyle. It is used to cover the top or crown area of the head where the extensions are attached, giving a natural hairline and scalp appearance. Without a closure, the sew in can look incomplete and unnatural. There are many benefits to using a closure in a sew in, which we will discuss further in this article.

Firstly, closures provide protection for your natural hair. By covering the area where the extensions are attached, it prevents any damage that may occur due to constant manipulation and styling. This is especially beneficial for those with fine or weak hair that may not be able to handle the tension caused by sew ins. A closure acts as a barrier between your natural hair and the extensions, keeping it safe and healthy.

Another advantage of using closures is their versatility. They come in different styles such as lace closures, silk closures, and even pre-made closures with baby hairs for a more realistic look. These variations allow for more options when it comes to styling your sew in. With lace closures, you can part your hair in any direction without worrying about exposing tracks or thread. Silk closures give off a smooth and seamless finish that mimics the appearance of your natural scalp. And pre-made closures provide convenience by already having baby hairs incorporated into them.

Closures also aid in achieving a more natural-looking sew-in hairstyle. Without a closure, your extensions may start too far back on your head, making it obvious that you are wearing weave. But with a closure, it creates an illusion of hair growing from your scalp, which gives off a more realistic appearance. This makes it hard for others to detect that you are wearing extensions.

In addition to these benefits, closures also add volume to your hairstyle. By covering the top area of your head with extensions and creating layers underneath, it adds fullness and body to your hair. This is especially helpful for those with thin or fine hair that tend to lack volume. With a closure, you can easily achieve a fuller and more voluminous look.

The Different Types of Closures

As mentioned before, closures come in different styles and materials. The most common types are lace closures, silk closures, and pre-made closures.

Lace closures are made with a sheer lace material that mimics the appearance of your scalp. The hair strands are knotted onto the lace, giving off the illusion of hair growing from your head. They come in different sizes such as 4×4, 5×5, and 6×6, which refers to the size of the lace that covers the top area of your head. These closures are usually attached using glue or sewn on with thread.

Silk closures, on the other hand, use silk material instead of lace. They provide a smoother finish and are more durable compared to lace closures. Silk closures also come in different sizes but are usually more costly than lace closures due to their quality.

Pre-made closures are ready-to-wear options that already have baby hairs incorporated into them. They can be made with either lace or silk material and can be attached using glue or tape.

It is important to note that regardless of which type you choose, it is essential to properly maintain and take care of your closure for it to last longer.

How To Install A Closure for A Sew In

Although it is recommended to have a professional install your sew in closure, you can also do it at home if you have some experience with sewing/weaving techniques. Here is a step by step guide on how to install a closure for a sew in:

1) Prepare your natural hair: Your natural hair needs to be cornrowed down flat against your scalp in order for the closure to lay flat. You can also use a wig cap to secure your braids and create a smoother base for the closure.

2) Measure and trim the closure: Before attaching your closure, it is important to measure and trim it to fit the size of your head accordingly. This will ensure that there are no gaps or excess lace showing.

3) Secure the closure: Using hair clips or a wig cap, secure the closure in place on top of your braided hair.

4) Sew down the closure: With a needle and thread, start sewing down the four corners of your closure onto your cornrows. Continue sewing around the edges until it is securely attached.

5) Blend in your natural hair: To give a more seamless look, you can use a flat iron or hot comb to press down any visible edges that may show through the closure.

6) Blend in the extensions: Once your closure is securely attached, you can begin installing your extensions onto your cornrows as usual. Make sure to blend them in with the hair at the front using a small amount of leave-in conditioner for a smooth finish.

7) Style as desired: With everything installed, you can now style your sew in however you like while still maintaining a natural look thanks to your closure!

The Basics of a Sew-In Closure

A sew-in closure is a very popular hair extension technique that involves attaching wefts of hair onto a person’s natural hair with needle and thread. It creates a natural and seamless look and is commonly used to add length, volume, and even cover up existing hair loss or thinning areas. One of the key components of a sew-in is a closure, which is used to cover the top portion of the head where the extensions are attached. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to do a closure for a sew-in.

Choosing the Right Closure

There are various types of closures available in the market, each with its own unique qualities. The most common ones include lace closures, silk based closures, and lace frontal closures. A lace closure has a mesh-like appearance that mimics the look of scalp when applied correctly. Silk based closures have a more natural look with a thin layer of silk material that gives off the impression of real scalp. Finally, lace frontal closures cover more area on the head and can be styled in different ways for versatility. When choosing a closure for your sew-in, always consider your desired outcome, budget, and compatibility with your natural hair texture.

Preparing Your Hair for the Sew-In Closure

The first step to achieving a flawless sew-in with closure is preparing your natural hair beforehand. Start by washing and conditioning your hair thoroughly to remove any oils or product build-up. Once your hair is clean, apply a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant to protect it from damage during installation. Detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb and make sure it is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Installing the Closure

Begin by placing the closure over your head where you want it positioned for your final look. Use clips to hold it in place while working on the rest of your hair. To create a seamless look, your natural hair should be braided down in a circular pattern from the front to back of your head. If you have straight hair, create small twists instead of braids to prevent any bulky appearance. Use a needle and thread in the same color as your hair to sew the closure onto your braids or twists. Start from one end and work your way around until the closure is securely attached.

Blending and Styling

After attaching the closure, you can begin blending it with your natural hair by parting sections and placing strands of hair over the edges of the closure. Use a flat iron or hot comb to smooth out any visible tracks or bumps. You can also style your sew-in however you like, whether that’s with curls, waves, or straightening it. Just remember to use heat protectant before any styling tools and avoid excessive heat to prevent damage to your natural hair.

Maintenance and Removal

Proper maintenance is crucial for keeping your sew-in with closure looking flawless for weeks on end. Remember not to neglect washing and conditioning even with extensions installed. Use sulfate-free products and make sure all products are thoroughly rinsed out as build-up can cause tangling or matting of both natural and extension hair. Remove your sew-in after 6-8 weeks to give your natural hair some rest before installing another one.

Sew-in closures are an excellent option for achieving beautiful, long-lasting extensions with minimal damage to your natural hair. With proper installation techniques and maintenance, you can enjoy a seamless look for weeks at a time without any worries. Remember always to consult a professional stylist if you’re unsure about DIY installations as they have the expertise and knowledge to create the perfect closure sew-in for your specific hair type and needs.

Q: What is a closure for a sew in?

A: A closure is a hairpiece used to cover the top portion of the head where hair is typically left out when installing a sew-in weave. It provides a natural-looking scalp and helps blend the extensions with your natural hair.

Q: How do I prep my hair for a closure sew in?

A: Wash and condition your hair before installation to ensure it is clean and free from any product buildup. Gently detangle and blow-dry your hair, then lightly flat iron it to create a smooth base for the closure.

Q: What type of closure should I use for a sew in?

A: There are different types of closures, including lace, silk, and u-part closures. Lace closures are the most popular choice as they provide a more natural-looking scalp, while silk closures mimic the appearance of skin better. U-part closures allow you to leave out some of your natural hair for versatility.

Q: How do I secure the closure onto my head?

A: You can use either adhesive or clips to secure the closure onto your head. Adhesive can give a more seamless look, but be sure to follow proper application techniques to avoid damaging your natural hair. Clips provide an easier and quicker option for securing the closure.

Q: How long does a closure last?

A: With proper care, a closure can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks. However, it’s essential to avoid excessive heat and manipulation to prolong its lifespan.

Q: How do I maintain my sew in closure?

A: It’s recommended to wrap your hair at night with a satin scarf or bonnet to protect it while sleeping. Avoid using heavy products on the closure and gently comb through it daily with a wide-tooth comb to prevent tangling. You can also wash and condition the closure as you would your natural hair.

In conclusion, learning how to do a proper closure for a sew in is essential for achieving a seamless and natural-looking hairstyle. It is crucial to begin by carefully prepping the hair and choosing the right type of closure based on personal preferences and styling goals. Throughout the closure installation process, attention to detail and proper techniques are necessary for ensuring a secure and flawless application. Furthermore, maintaining and caring for the sew in closure is crucial for its longevity and overall appearance. Overall, mastering how to do a closure for a sew in can elevate any hairstyle, giving individuals the versatility and confidence to rock various looks with ease. Whether it’s a full sew in or partial install, knowing how to properly execute a closure can enhance the overall look while providing protection and promoting hair growth. With practice, patience, and careful technique, anyone can master this skill and achieve professional-looking results. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles using closures as they are an excellent way to add variety and enhance your natural beauty. I hope this guide has provided valuable insights on how anyone can successfully do a closure for a sew in at home or in a salon setting. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try out new techniques until you find one that works best for you.

Author Profile

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.