Sew-in weaves are a great protective style that have been popular for years. Have you been wanting to try sew-in weave but not sure if it’s worth the investment?
In this article, we are going to breakdown how long a typical sew-in will last but also ways to help increase longevity of your weave.
How long does a sew-in weave last?
As long as you do what you can to take care of the hair, it can last a good 4 to 6 weeks. Sew-ins may be able to last up to 8 weeks but just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
The purpose of a sew-in is to protect your natural hair. It shields your hair from the elements ensuring it reaches its maximum potential. If you leave your natural hair untouched for a period of time it may grow but cause more of a mess.
If you plan on leaving a sew-in installed for a long period of time, it’s essential to take care of your natural hair every few weeks. This means ensuring the hair is properly moisturized and such.
Going to an experienced stylist will be the best option for knowing how long a weave can last. Depending on your hair, you may be able to get away with a longer time or have to shorten the time.
What about quick weaves?
Quick weaves are an easy style option that aren’t as time consuming as sew-ins. Quick weaves are easy to install on your own and don’t take much time to do so. Quick weaves last around 4 weeks in total.
When comparing the two,quick weaves may seem like a better option for most. They last around the same time and don’t take as long to install. As always it’s important to get a professional opinion to find out what is the best option for you.
The downside to quick weaves is the fact that you can’t reach the scalp. This means it’s harder to maintain your natural hair.
Also read: Quick Weave vs. Sew In
Products to Help Upkeep a Sew-In
- Brush – Brushing or combing through your hair, whether curly or straight is very important. This will help tangles stay out of the hair and ensure that you are left with the healthiest hair.
- Oil – Oil is important due to the fact that it’s hydrating. Oil locks in mixture and will keep a nice shine to the hair. It will also help with any tangles that are usually associated with dry hair.
- Satin or silk products – Bonnets and pillowcases are two different products that are ideal in these materials. When sleeping your hair is secure and won’t rub against harsh surfaces causing breakage to the hair.
Factors that Can Affect the Longevity
Hair Quality
There are a few areas you can consider to understand the quality of the hair. One of these areas is the hair grade. This system was created by distributors to get a better understanding of the hair they are planning on purchasing.
You want to find the highest number possible which is generally around 12A. Do keep in mind that the hair grading system is not regulated and suppliers could easily mark what they want. Once you get the hair it’s important to test it out.
Does the hair shed or tangle a lot? How does it feel, soft and silky? Once you start to understand what high hair quality consists of you’ll easily be able to pick it out.
How you style the hair
Styling means manipulating the hair, there is no way around it! Pulling the hair back it to ponytails, braiding the hair, brushing it, using heat tools, all of these affect the overall longevity.
Less tension along with heat is ideal when planning on how to style your hair. The less your hair is manipulated, the healthier it stays. It’s understandable that some of these things are inevitable so let’s talk about what we can do to maintain the healthiness of the hair.
If you want to straighten or curl your extensions using heat, opt for a good heat protectant. This will create a great barrier between the hot tool and hair causing less damage. You can also ensure the hair is hydrated which leads to less tangles and less manipulation of the hair.
How Well Your Natural Hair is Cared For
Sew-ins are highly coveted as their main job is to protect you natural hair, hence protective style. Sew-in weaves can only accomplish this if the hair underneath is well cared for. The key to keeping your natural locks well cared for? Moisture.
As long as your hair remains moisturized, you are good to go. There are a few ways you can accomplish this. One is by washing and conditioning the hair prior to installing a sew-in, this provides a great base and allows the hair to be reset to a neutral state, not being overly dry or moisturized.
Another great idea is to deep condition your hair prior to preping it for a sew-in. This gives your hair the extra moisture it needs to be tucked away for weeks at a time. Detangling is another important step in ensuring your hair is well cared for.
How often should you change your sew-in weave?
A sew-in can last a good 4 to 6 weeks, 8 at the most. Just because sew-in weaves can last that long does not mean you should keep it installed for that long. Keep in mind sew-ins are a protective style and used to protect your natural locks. If you go 8 weeks without checking on your hair, it’s hard to know if the sew-in is really helping or just creating more damage.
Can a sew-in weave fall out?
A sew-in weave should not fall out. If this is the case for you, there are likely two scenarios that have happened. One could be the stylist did not properly install the weave so the tracts are not secure. Another possibility is you’ve had the weave in for too long and the installation method is starting to loosen which can fall out if being manipulated too much.
Do sew-ins grow your hair?
Sew-ins themselves do not grow your hair but are used as a tool to help encourage hair growth. Sew-ins shield your natural hair from the elements avoiding any unnecessary manipulation. This encourages the hair to store up all of the progress it has made by growing underneath the sew-in without any harm.
Do sew-ins itch?
No, sew-ins themselves should not itch. If you are experiencing itching it is most likely due to a dry scalp. This correlates to your natural hair and scalp, not the extensions. If you’ve had your sew-in installed for a longtime, this could be a sign that your hair needs to be washed and conditioned. It’s important to not ignore these signs and take proper care of your locks.
Also read: Why Do Weaves Itch?
Closing
By looking at the facts you can see that sew-ins are a great option. They last a good amount of time for the time it takes to get installed and the price.
If you take the proper steps prior to installation, you can increase the longevity of your sew-in. Remember to consider the type of hair you get, how you style the hair, and how well you take care of the hair underneath the sew-in.
