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What is a Sew-In Weave?

Anna T.
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Updated: May 21, 2024
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A sew-in weave is a type of hair extension that is typically done at beauty salons where either real or synthetic human hair is sewn onto small, tightly woven braids against the scalp. Many people believe that these extensions look more natural that most other types, such as wigs or clip-on hair. In most cases, a sew-in weave will last for at least three months before it must be taken out. This type of hair extension might be a good choice for a person who is frequently around other people, because weaves tend to stay in place better than wigs or clips. This decreases the chances of a person finding herself in an embarrassing situation in the event her false hair comes out.

Most of the time, a sew-in weave takes anywhere from two to four hours for a stylist to put it in. It typically takes lots of time to braid the existing hair against the scalp and then sew in the new hair. The price of a sew-in weave may vary depending on whether real or synthetic hair is used, the amount of hair sewn in, and where the procedure is done. Different stylists tend to charge different rates depending on their experience and the average income of the majority of their clientele.

Maintaining a sew-in weave is supposed to be easy. Stylists recommend washing the weave about once every 10 days. Washing more frequently than that may cut into the length of time the weave will last. People with scalps that tend to get oily may have to shampoo at least once a week to keep the weave looking like it is supposed to. It is also a good idea for a person to use conditioner with each shampoo to keep the ends of the hair from looking brittle.

Most stylists recommend staying away from chlorine while a weave is in place. Chlorine can be damaging to both real and synthetic hair, and lots of exposure to it might cause a hair weave to lose its sheen and start looking dried out. Sew-in weaves also tend to tangle easily, but this could be prevented if a person wraps her hair up in a scarf while she sleeps. Brushing the weave out a few times every day is also a good idea because one small tangle can quickly lead to another. Getting the tangles brushed out as soon as they form can prevent a larger problem down the road.

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Anna T.
By Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to BeautyAnswered. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
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Discussion Comments
By animegal — On Dec 26, 2011

Has anyone tried the Remy human hair extensions that are for sale in salons?

I am thinking about getting a weave and have read that the remy hair is much better quality than hair that doesn't have the hair cuticle intact. I am not sure if this is true, but I really want to make sure that I get the best quality of hair if I am going to be spending a fortune on extensions.

i really want to go with natural hair as I want to make sure that it isn't to obvious that I have a weave. I feel like natural hair will make it tougher to tell.

By Sara007 — On Dec 25, 2011

@manykitties2 - My husband treated me to weave hair extensions a little while ago and I really liked the way that the synthetic hair looks. I had the option for natural hair but I found that the synthetic hair was shinier and silkier to the touch.

The only downsides to synthetic hair is that you can't color it and it doesn't hold flowing styles very well. If you want to braid it or put it up though it looks really good. I think that a human hair weave is best if you are looking for a completely natural look that matches your own hair. For myself I like the high gloss shine. It reminded me of the looks you see in magazines.

By manykitties2 — On Dec 25, 2011

I have been looking at different sew in hair extensions and I really can't decide between synthetic and natural hair. I don't have a particular budget but I really want something that looks nice and is easy to care for.

I have used clip in human hair extensions before but found that they didn't stay in place that long and they weren't very comfortable. I couldn't help but constantly touch them to make sure they weren't falling out. I suppose the idea of clip in made me feel like they weren't that secure. I am hoping that if I get a sew in weave that I won't be nearly as nervous about the style shifting.

By kylee07drg — On Dec 24, 2011

I considered getting real hair extensions, but after I found out that you are not supposed to wash them more than once a week, I knew I couldn't do it. My scalp is so oily that I have to wash it every day to avoid looking grungy, so a sew-in weave just would not work on my head.

How do people tolerate going a whole week or more without washing their scalp? Is there a trick to handling the itchiness and greasiness that I don't know about?

I have tried putting baby powder on my scalp to soak up the oil, but it made my hair look gray and weird. Do people with weaves do something like this, or is there a better method?

By lighth0se33 — On Dec 23, 2011

@StarJo – Getting a weave can be worth all you have to go through when your natural hair is unhealthy and just won't seem to grow. I got my hair cut just below my ears several years ago, and it just will not grow out. So, I keep getting a sew-in weave.

I have light golden brown hair sewn into my own hair. It looks so natural and healthy, and I've never had anyone ask me if it isn't my own hair.

This is the only way I could ever have long hair, I'm afraid. I love long hair so much, and I'm so glad that this process exists. I feel prettier with the weave, and that improves my confidence.

By wavy58 — On Dec 23, 2011

It would be a shame to get in a chlorinated pool and ruin a sew-in weave. My friend got her weave in the summer, and she could not resist getting in her neighbor's pool every day.

Before long, her weave began to look like straw. Little pieces dried up and broke off, creating flyaways and frizz. Also, the chlorine bleached it out a little, giving it a reddish tint.

She was upset, because she had paid a lot for that weave. She knew that it was her own fault, though. She decided never to get another one in the summertime.

By StarJo — On Dec 22, 2011

Wow, I can't imagine sitting still for four hours while getting a sew in hair weave. I can't even sit through an entire three hour movie in a theater!

I have respect for people who do endure this, though. I have even more respect for the stylists who work on these tedious projects for hours at a time. They have to be on their feet the whole time.

It seems like having to have it done every three months would deter people from getting weaves. I can see putting up with it maybe once a year, but four times a year would just be too much.

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Anna T.
Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to BeautyAnswered. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
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