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

Have you ever wanted to switch up your hairstyle without committing to a dramatic haircut? Or perhaps you’re looking for a protective style that will leave your natural hair healthy and flourishing. Whatever your reason may be, a sew in closure may just be the solution you’ve been searching for. This versatile and popular technique allows for endless styling options, while also providing protection for your natural hair. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about how to do a sew in closure, so get ready to elevate your hair game!

What is a Sew In Closure?

A sew in closure is a type of hair extension technique that involves attaching a section of hair, known as the closure, to the head by sewing it onto braided tracks. The closure is usually made of lace or silk material and is designed to mimic the appearance of a natural scalp. It is commonly used to complete a sew in weave by covering the top portion of the head where the natural hair would be left out. This creates a flawless and seamless look as the extensions blend seamlessly with the natural hair.

Sew in closures are popular among women who desire a fuller and more voluminous hairstyle but do not want the hassle or damage associated with traditional clip-in extensions. They also provide versatility as they can be styled in various ways such as parting down the middle or on either side depending on your desired look. Another benefit of using sew in closures is that they protect your natural hair from environmental factors and heat damage caused by daily styling.

Types of Sew In Closures

There are two main types of sew in closures – lace and silk.

Lace closures are made of lace material which mimics the appearance of a natural scalp by providing undetectable parting. They come in different sizes such as 4×4, 5×5, and 6×6 inches to cater for different parting preferences. Lace closures are also available in different textures including straight, wavy, and curly to blend seamlessly with various hair types.

Silk closures, on the other hand, are made with silk material which provides a more realistic scalp appearance due to its matte finish. This type of closure allows for easy customization such as tinting so it blends perfectly with your skin tone. Silk closures also come in different sizes and textures like lace closures.

Both types of closures can be either free-parting, meaning you can part your hair in any direction, or pre-parted with a specific parting already sewn in. It is important to choose the type of closure that best suits your needs and desired look.

How to Prepare for a Sew In Closure

Before installing a sew in closure, it is important to properly prepare your natural hair.

The first step is to wash and condition your hair thoroughly. This will ensure that your natural hair is clean and free from any product buildup or oils that could cause damage to the extensions. It is also important to detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to minimize any tangling during the installation process.

Next, cornrow your hair in a pattern that will provide a flat foundation for the extensions. The braids should be small and neat, secured with rubber bands at the ends. This will ensure a seamless blend between your natural hair and the extensions.

It is also recommended to use a wig cap over the cornrows to help keep your natural hair in place and prevent any stray hairs from being visible through the closure. Lastly, make sure you have all the necessary tools such as weaving thread, needle, scissors, and pins ready for installation.

How to Do a Sew In Closure

Step 1: Start by dividing your extensions into two or three sections depending on how thick they are. This will make them easier to work with during installation.

Step 2: Place the first section of extensions onto the front row of braids starting from one side of your head towards the center. Use pins to secure them in place.

Step 3: Thread your needle with weaving thread and tie it tightly at one end so it doesn’t slip out while sewing. Begin sewing from one side of the braid towards the other using an overhand stitch method (loop the thread through twice before pulling tight). Use three or four stitches to secure the weft in place.

Step 4: Take the next section of hair and repeat the process until you reach the crown of your head. At this point, there should be a small portion of your natural hair left out which will be covered by the closure.

Step 5: Place the closure onto the remaining section of hair and sew it in place using a similar method as before. It is important to make sure that the closure is aligned with your natural parting for a realistic look.

Step 6: Once the closure is secured, continue sewing in the rest of your extensions until you reach the nape of your neck. Cut off any excess weft that may be left at this point.

Step 7: Lastly, style and blend your natural hair with the extensions using a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush to create a seamless finish.

How to Care for Your Sew In Closure

Proper care is essential to maintain the longevity and appearance of your sew in closure. Here are some tips on how to properly care for it:

– Avoid excessive heat styling such as blow drying, flat ironing or curling as this can damage both your natural hair and the extensions.
– Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners

The Basics of Sew In Closure

A sew in closure is a method of adding fullness, volume and length to your natural hair. It involves sewing in wefted extensions onto a braided base, and a closure piece is used to cover the top of the braided base, creating a natural-looking scalp. This technique is a popular choice for those who want to switch up their hairstyle without causing any damage to their natural hair. Unlike other types of extensions such as tape-ins or clip-ins, sew in closures are more long-lasting and do not require frequent maintenance.

Benefits of Sew In Closure

Sew in closures offer numerous benefits compared to other types of extensions. The most significant advantage is that they provide the most natural look as they closely mimic the appearance of your scalp. This is because the closure piece is made with lace material and can be customized to match your skin tone, giving the illusion that the hair is growing directly from your scalp.

Additionally, sew in closures are versatile and can be styled in various ways. You can part it anywhere you want for different looks, whether it’s down the middle, on the side or even with bangs. The wefts used for sew in closures are also less bulky than other types of extensions, making them more comfortable to wear. Plus, they are suitable for all hair textures and lengths, making them an excellent choice for everyone.

Preparing Your Hair Beforehand

Proper preparation is crucial when it comes to achieving a flawless sew in closure installation. Here are some steps you should follow before getting started:

– Ensure that your hair and scalp are clean and free from any product buildup.
– Detangle your hair thoroughly using a wide-tooth comb or brush.
– Deep condition your hair at least 24 hours before installing the sew in.
– Trim any damaged or split ends to avoid complications during the process.
– Braid your natural hair in a pattern that best suits your desired style.

The Sew In Closure Installation Process

Now that your hair is adequately prepped, you’re ready to install the sew in closure. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Create a horizontal parting at the nape of your neck and braid your hair in a circular pattern.

Step 2: Sew the hair wefts onto the braids using a curved needle and weaving thread. Continue this process, leaving approximately one inch of space between each weft.

Step 3: Once you reach the crown of your head, stop sewing in the wefts and attach the closure piece instead. Sew it down onto the braids with small stitches around its perimeter.

Step 4: Trim off any excess lace from the closure piece, leaving about half an inch closest to your hairline.

Step 5: Style your hair as desired by making different partings or adding curls using a curling iron or wand. Alternatively, you can straighten it for a sleek look.

Aftercare for Your Sew In Closure

Proper aftercare is vital to ensure that your sew in closure stays looking good for an extended period. Here are some tips to follow:

– Gently comb or brush your hair daily to prevent tangling or matting.
– Always sleep in a silk or satin bonnet or on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and protect your hairstyle.
– Wash and condition your extensions once every two weeks with sulfate-free products.
– Avoid using heavy oils or products containing alcohol as they can weigh down or make the extensions greasy.
– Do not overheat your closure piece when styling, as this can damage it.
– Avoid excess tension on your edges by redoing braids if they start to feel tight.

Sew in closures are an excellent option for adding length and fullness to your natural hair. By following the proper preparation, installation, and aftercare techniques, you can achieve a flawless sew in closure that looks just like your natural hair. Remember to always consult a professional stylist for the best results and to avoid any potential problems. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy beautiful and long-lasting sew in closure extensions.

1. What is a sew in closure?
A sew in closure is a hair piece used in hair extensions to close off the installation. It provides a natural-looking finish by creating a visual illusion of a natural hairline.

2. Do I need to know how to sew in order to do a sew in closure?
Yes, it is essential to have basic sewing skills to successfully install a sew in closure. However, if you don’t know how to sew, you can seek professional help from a hairstylist.

3. Can I use any type of hair for a sew in closure?
Yes, you can use any type of human or synthetic hair for your sew in closure. However, for the most natural-looking result, it is recommended to use high-quality human hair.

4. How do I match the color of my sew in closure with my natural hair?
It is crucial to choose the right color for your sew in closure that will seamlessly blend with your natural hair. You can either bring your closure and natural hair swatch to the store or consult with your hairstylist for color matching advice.

5. What type of thread should I use when sewing my closure?
It is best to use thread that matches the color of your extension wefts. Using transparent thread may cause visible stitches on the scalp and ruin the natural look.

6. How do I properly care for my sew in closure?
To maintain the longevity and appearance of your sew-in closure, you should wash it every 7-14 days with gentle shampoo and conditioner. Avoid using heavy products near the scalp area and never sleep on wet or damp extensions as it can cause tangling and matting.

In conclusion, learning how to do a sew-in closure can provide individuals with the opportunity to achieve their desired hair look without the commitment of permanent extensions. From picking the right type of closure to securing it in place, each step plays an important role in achieving a flawless and natural-looking sew-in closure.

The first key takeaway is that careful preparation is crucial before starting the process. This includes selecting the right type of closure for your desired look and ensuring that your natural hair is properly braided and prepared for the installation.

Secondly, it is important to have patience and attention to detail during the sewing process. This will ensure that the closure is properly aligned and secured, leading to a seamless blend with your natural hair.

Furthermore, maintenance and care are essential for prolonging the lifespan of your sew-in closure. Following recommended brushing techniques and using the right products can help maintain its appearance and prevent any damage.

Lastly, while sew-in closures may require some practice and patience at first, with time and experience, it can become a simple and versatile hair styling technique. With proper installation and care, individuals can enjoy their desired hair look with confidence.

To sum up, mastering how to do a sew-in closure allows you to experiment with different styles while protecting your natural hair. By following these

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.

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