Master the Art of Sew Ins with Closure: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of constantly struggling with your hair? Do you want a seamless and natural-looking hairstyle that will not damage your natural hair? Look no further than a sew-in with closure! This popular hair installation method has been around for decades, and it continues to gain popularity in the modern world of hair fashion. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of how to do sew in with closure to achieve the perfect, long-lasting and flawless look. So, put on your sewing hat and let’s get started!

The Benefits of Doing a Sew-In with a Closure

Sew-in hairstyles have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Not only do they offer versatility and low maintenance, but they can also protect your natural hair from daily styling and heat damage. However, one of the major drawbacks of traditional sew-ins is that they often leave your hairline exposed, which can result in tension and damage on your edges.

This is where using a closure with your sew-in comes in. A closure is essentially a piece of lace or silk material with hair attached to it that mimics the appearance of a natural scalp. It is placed at the front or top of your head to cover the tracks and create a more seamless overall look. If you’re considering getting a sew-in hairstyle, here are some benefits of using a closure that may convince you to give it a try.

1. Protection for Your Natural Hair

One of the biggest advantages of using a closure with your sew-in is that it offers protection for your natural hair. The closure covers the front and top portion of your head where most tension and damage can occur from the sewing process. This helps to prevent breakage and thinning, keeping your natural hair healthy and strong.

Additionally, because closures provide full coverage for your hairline, there’s no need for leave-out or blending which often involves heat styling or chemical treatments that can damage your natural hair. With a closure, you can have the length and volume without compromising your own hair’s health.

2. Natural-Looking Parting

Another great benefit of using closures is the ability to achieve a realistic parting. Traditional sew-ins often require meticulous braiding patterns to achieve natural-looking partings without exposing tracks or wefts. This means more tension on your scalp and potential damage to your edges.

With closures, you can have a perfect and realistic parting without the need for excessive braiding or worrying about your tracks showing. The hair strands on the closure are individually hand-tied onto the lace or silk material, giving you the appearance of a natural scalp.

3. Versatility in Styling

One of the reasons why many people opt for sew-ins is the endless styling possibilities they offer. And using a closure only enhances that versatility. With a closure, you have a flat surface to work with, meaning you can experiment with different hairstyles such as center-parted, side-parted, or even half-up and half-down looks.

Moreover, closures are available in various sizes and styles, including three-part and free-part options. This means you can customize your parting according to your preference for each hairstyle.

4. Low Maintenance

A full sew-in with leave-out requires daily maintenance to blend your natural hair with the extensions and keep your leave-out looking smooth and frizz-free. But with closures, there’s no need for daily touch-ups or re-styling because it blends perfectly with your sew-in hairstyle without any effort from you.

You also won’t have to worry about heat styling tools damaging your natural hair whenever you want to change up your look because closures maintain their shape and style even after washing.

How To Do a Sew-In With Closure Step-by-Step

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of using a closure with your sew-in hairstyle let’s dive into how to actually do one yourself at home. While it’s always best to consult a professional stylist for more complex styles or if this is your first time doing a sew-in, here is a basic step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Materials Needed:

Sew-in bundles/extensions
Closure (lace or silk)
Needle and thread
Scissors
Rat-tail comb
Edge control or gel
Hair clips
Hair dryer (optional)

Step 1: Prepare your Hair and Closure

Start by preparing your natural hair by washing, conditioning, and blow-drying it. This will ensure a clean and smooth base for the sew-in. Next, place the closure on your head to determine where you want it placed. You can try different placements to see which one looks most natural on you.

Once you’ve decided on the placement, secure the closure onto your head using hair clips, making sure it’s aligned with your natural hairline.

Step 2: Braid Your Hair

Using a rat-tail comb, create a horizontal parting at the nape of your neck. Braid this section tightly towards the center back of your head. Continue creating braids in each small section while ensuring they are neat and tight to create a flat base for sewing.

The Basics of Sew In with Closure

Sew in with closure is a popular hairstyle among women that involves attaching hair extensions to natural hair using a weaving technique. The closure refers to a small piece of lace or silk material that is used to close the gap when sewing in extensions. This creates a more natural-looking part and provides versatility when styling the hair. If you are looking for a protective hairstyle that doesn’t require much maintenance, sew in with closure might be the perfect option for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about how to do sew in with closure.

Materials and Tools Needed

Before we dive into the steps involved in doing sew in with closure, let’s first go through the materials and tools you will need. Making sure that you have all these items ready before you start will make the process much smoother and prevent any interruptions.

1. Hair extensions – You can either use human hair extensions or synthetic hair depending on your preference and budget.

2. Closure – As mentioned earlier, this is a small piece of lace or silk material that will cover the top of your head where there is no hair left out.

3. Weaving thread – This special thread is used for sewing in the extensions onto your natural hair. It is important to choose a color that matches your natural hair for a seamless finish.

4. Weaving needle – This needle has an eye at both ends, making it easier to switch from side to side when sewing.

5. Scissors – You will need scissors to trim any excess thread after completing the sew in.

6. Comb – A wide-tooth comb will come in handy when detangling your natural hair before starting the sewing process.

7. Hair clips – These are used to section off your natural hair while working on different parts of your head.

8.Hair ties – Use these to secure the rest of your hair that is not being worked on.

Step by Step Guide

Now that you have all the materials and tools needed, it’s time to dive into the steps involved in doing sew in with closure. Follow these steps carefully for a flawless finish.

Step 1: Prepare your natural hair. Before starting to sew in, make sure your natural hair is clean and free from any oils or product buildup. Detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb and section it off using hair ties or clips.

Step 2: Prep the closure. If you are using a lace closure, you will need to bleach the knots on it to make them less visible when installed. If you are using a silk closure, there is no need for bleaching as the knots are already invisible.

Step 3: Position the closure. Place the closure on top of your head where you want it to be installed and pin it down using hair clips. This will prevent it from shifting during sewing.

Step 4: Start sewing. Thread your weaving needle with the weaving thread and start sewing around the perimeter of the closure onto your braided natural hair. Make sure to keep each stitch tight for a secure hold.

Step 5: Sew in the extensions. Once you have completed sewing around the perimeter of the closure, it’s time to start attaching the extensions. Take one weft at a time and place it against your scalp, under the closure, and sew it into place using a blanket stitch.

Step 6: Work your way up. Continue adding wefts of extensions until you reach the top of your head. Make sure each row is tightly sewn into place for a natural-looking finish.

Step 7: Finish off with a fold-over technique. Once all wefts have been sewn in, use a fold-over technique for extra security. Fold over each weft and sew it into place, making sure it is securely attached to your natural hair and not just the braids.

Step 8: Trim the excess thread. Use your scissors to trim any excess thread or hair that may be sticking out for a neat finish.

Tips for Caring for Your Sew In with Closure

To ensure that your sew in with closure lasts as long as possible, here are some tips to follow:

1. Keep your scalp clean and moisturized. Use a lightweight oil or leave-in conditioner to keep your scalp moisturized without weighing down the extensions.

2. Avoid using heat styling tools. Excessive heat can damage both your natural hair and the extensions. Opt for heatless styles to maintain the integrity of your hair.

3. Sleep with a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase. This will prevent friction between your extensions and pillow, which can lead to tangling and breakage.

4. Avoid pulling on your extensions too hard when styling them. This can cause tension on the naturally braided hair, leading to hair loss.

5. Take care when washing your hair and gently detangle it without pulling on the extensions too hard.

Learning how to do sew in with closure takes

Q: What is a sew in with closure?
A: A sew in with closure is a hair extension technique where hair wefts are sewn onto braided natural hair along with a closure piece, which covers the top of the head to give a natural looking part.

Q: How long does a sew in with closure last?
A: A sew in with closure can last anywhere from 4-6 weeks depending on the type of hair and how well you take care of it. With proper maintenance, it can even last longer.

Q: Can I swim or shower with a sew-in and closure?
A: Yes, you can swim or shower with a sew-in and closure. However, it is recommended to use a swimming cap and to avoid excessively wetting the hair to prevent tangling and prolong the lifespan of your sew-in.

Q: How often should I wash my hair when I have a sew in with closure?
A: It is recommended to wash your sew in and closure once every 1-2 weeks. Over-washing can cause damage to both your natural hair and extensions. Be sure to use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner for best results.

Q: Can I style my sew in and closure like my natural hair?
A: Yes, you can style your sew-in and closure just like your natural hair. You can straighten, curl, or even braid your extensions as desired. However, it is important to use heat protectant products when using heat on your extensions.

Q: How do I remove my sew in with closure?
A: To remove your sew-in and closure, carefully cut the thread that holds the wefts onto your braids. Gently unravel the braids starting from the bottom until all wefts are removed. Use a detangling spray or conditioner to help remove any knots or tangles before washing your hair.

In conclusion, learning how to do a sew in with closure can provide a variety of benefits, including versatility, protection for natural hair, and long-lasting style. It involves precise techniques and proper maintenance to ensure a natural and seamless look. Some key takeaways include thoroughly preparing your natural hair and using high-quality products during installation and maintenance. Additionally, taking proper care of your sew in with closure can extend its lifespan. With detailed instructions and practice, anyone can master the art of installing a sew in with closure. Ultimately, this versatile hairstyle is a great option for anyone looking to switch up their look without damaging their natural hair.

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.