microbead hair extensions damage

Sew-In Hair Extensions Pros and Cons

Sew-in hair extensions have become increasingly popular among individuals seeking to enhance their natural hair. With various options available in the market, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of sew-in hair extensions before making a decision. In this article, we will provide you comprehensive insights into the advantages and disadvantages of sew-in hair extensions, help you make an informed decision before taking the plunge

What are Sew-in Hair Extensions

Sew-in hair extensions, also known as weave or sew-in weft extensions, are a type of hair extension method where wefts of hair are sewn onto braided tracks created on your scalp. This technique ensures a secure and long-lasting attachment, offering the desired volume, length, and style for your hair.

The Pros of Sew-in Hair Extensions

Versatility: Sew-in hair extensions provide tremendous versatility, allowing you to experiment with different hairstyles, colors, and textures without altering your natural hair. You can achieve long, flowing locks, add volume to thin hair, or try out trendy braids and updos.

Durability: When properly installed and maintained, sew-in hair extensions can last for an extended period, ranging from six to eight weeks. They can withstand daily styling, washing, and heat without significant damage.

Protection for Natural Hair: By adding a layer of extensions, sew-ins offer protection to your natural hair, shielding it from environmental factors, heat, and chemical treatments. This can promote healthier growth by reducing exposure to potential sources of damage.

Natural Appearance: Sew-in hair extensions can blend seamlessly with your natural hair, creating a flawless and natural-looking result. With proper installation and matching, it becomes virtually undetectable that you are wearing extensions.

Low Maintenance: Compared to other hair extension methods, sew-ins require relatively low maintenance. Regular cleansing and conditioning, along with proper care of the scalp and edges, can keep your sew-in looking fresh and vibrant.

The Cons of Sew-in Hair Extensions

Time-consuming Installation: The process of installing sew-in hair extensions can be time-consuming, ranging from two to four hours. It involves braiding your natural hair into cornrows and meticulously sewing the wefts onto the braids, which requires patience and skill.

Discomfort and Tension: Sew-in hair extensions can sometimes cause discomfort and tension on the scalp, especially if the installation is too tight or the hairpieces are heavy. This can lead to headaches or soreness in the scalp and may require adjustment or removal.

Limited Accessibility: Proper maintenance of sew-in hair extensions often requires professional assistance. This can limit your flexibility and increase overall costs, as salon visits for tightening, removal, or reinstallation may be necessary.

Risk of Damage: If not installed or maintained correctly, sew-in hair extensions can potentially damage your natural hair. Traction alopecia, breakage, thinning, or loss of hair can occur if the installation is too tight, the braids are too small, or the extensions are left in for an extended period.

Hygiene Challenges: Maintaining good hygiene can be challenging with sew-in hair extensions. It’s crucial to cleanse the scalp and hair regularly, ensuring proper drying to prevent odor, product buildup, or microbial growth.

4 Ways to Sew-in Hair Extensions

Traditional Sew-In Method: The traditional sew-in method involves braiding the natural hair into cornrows or tracks. These braids serve as a base for attaching the hair extensions. The wefts of hair extensions are then sewn onto the braids using a needle and thread. This technique provides a secure and long-lasting attachment. It is often favored by those with thicker or coarser hair because it offers good support for heavy extensions.

Braidless Sew-In Method: This is an alternative for individuals with fine or fragile hair. Instead of braiding the hair, this technique uses microbeads or silicone-lined beads to attach the extensions. The natural hair is sectioned off and the beads are clamped shut around small sections of the hair, securing the extensions. It allows for more flexibility and less tension on the scalp compared to traditional sew-ins.

Flip-Over Method: The flip-over method, also known as the quick weave or partial sew-in, is a technique that blends the natural hair with the extensions. To start, the natural hair is molded and secured with gel or a wrap, while leaving a portion at the top free. The hair extensions are then attached to this exposed section using a combination of glue and/or a needle and thread. The remaining natural hair is then flipped over and styled to cover the attachment area. This method provides a natural-looking result and requires less time compared to full sew-ins.

Invisible Sew-In Method: It aims to create a seamless and undetectable blend between the natural hair and extensions. Similar to the traditional sew-in, the natural hair is braided into cornrows. But, instead of directly sewing the extensions onto the braids, a net or cap is first placed over the braided hair. The hair extensions are then sewn onto the net or cap, creating a more natural appearance by concealing the braids. This technique offers versatility in terms of parting and styling options.

How Long Can You Wear Sew-in Hair Extensions?

The duration for which you can wear sew-in hair extensions typically ranges from six to eight weeks. The time frame for wearing sew-in extensions depends on various factors, including the quality of the installation, the rate of your hair growth, and the care and maintenance routine you follow.

Sew-in extensions should not be left in for too long. Wearing them beyond the recommended time frame can lead to potential issues such as matting, tangling, and damage to your natural hair. Additionally, leaving the extensions in for an extended period can make it difficult to maintain proper hygiene and scalp health.

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity and health of your sewn-in extensions. You may need to visit a professional hair stylist every six to eight weeks to have the extensions re-applied or adjusted. During this process, the stylist will remove the old extensions, reposition them if necessary, and secure them back onto your natural hair.

Keep in mind that the specific timeframe for reapplication can vary depending on individual factors. Your hair growth rate plays a role, as faster hair growth may require more frequent touch-ups. Also, the condition of your natural hair and the way you care for the extensions can influence how long they last.

To maximize the lifespan of sew-in hair extensions, you should follow a proper hair care routine. This includes gentle brushing and detangling, using sulfate-free and extension-friendly hair products, avoiding excessive heat styling, and protecting the extensions while sleeping or engaging in activities that may cause friction or tension on the hair.

Conclusion

Sew-in hair extensions offer a range of benefits, such as versatility, durability, and natural-looking results. However, they also come with potential drawbacks, including time-consuming installation, discomfort, and the risk of damage if not properly cared for. Careful consideration of these pros and cons will help you make an informed decision about whether sew-in hair extensions are the right choice for you. Don’t forget to consult with a professional stylist to ensure a safe and successful experience.

10 Best Dry Shampoos for Extensions: Keep Your Hair Clean and Refreshed

When it comes to hair-care, especially with people who have hair extensions, dry shampoo is a must-have. Not only people with extended hair or dyed hair, everyone should at least have a bottle. But there are thousands of brands on the market, consumers must be really confused with choosing the right one. If you’re one of those struggling consumers, we’re here to help you find the best dry shampoo for extensions.

What is Hair Extension?

Hair extensions are artificial hair pieces that are added to natural hair to add length, volume, or a specific style. They can be made from synthetic materials or real human hair and are attached to natural hair using a variety of methods, such as clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins, or fusion. Hair extensions can be used to add highlights or lowlights, volume to thin hair, create long hairstyles, or achieve a specific look for a special occasion. They come in a variety of colors, textures, and lengths to match the natural hair and can be styled and cared for just like natural hair.

Different Types of Hair Extensions

When it comes to hair extensions, many people just think about adding additional hair to someone’s head so their hair appears thicker and longer. In reality, hair extensions are more than that, and there are several types of extensions that you might want to know more about.

Clip-in hair extensions: Like their name, these are temporary hair extensions that can be clipped into the hair to add length, volume, or color. They are easy to install and remove and can be reused multiple times, making them one of the most popular and convenient types of extensions ever.

Tape-in hair extensions: Tape-in extensions are attached to the natural hair using double-sided tape. They are lightweight and blend seamlessly with natural hair, making them a popular choice for adding volume and length to the hair without making your whole look fake.

Sew-in hair extensions: Also known as weaves, sew-in extensions are connected to the natural hair by sewing the extension onto a braided track. Compared to other forms of hair extension above, sew-in extensions are much heavier but they provide wearers with more long-lasting and secure hair.

Fusion hair extensions: These extensions are attached to the natural hair using a bonding agent, such as keratin glue or microbeads. Fusion hair extensions are for people who like a natural look and feel. With proper care, these extensions can last for 6 months.

Micro tape hair extensions:  These are a type of semi-permanent hair extension that involves small wefts of hair with a thin, flat strip of tape attached to them. The tape is then applied to the natural hair in small sections, creating a smooth and natural-looking result.

Top 10 Dry Shampoos You Should Try Out

Dry shampoo is a must-have item in everyone’s bag, especially those who have their hair extended. If you want to buy one but don’t know what brand you should purchase, we suggest you check out these brands below.

Batiste Dry Shampoo: This is a cult-favorite dry shampoo that is perfect for sucking up excess oil and refreshing hair. It is available in a variety of scents and formulations for different hair types. This affordable product is liked by many people, they enjoy the convenience of the spray nozzle and the quick results it provides. However, the reviewer notes that the scent of the product can be strong and may not be suitable for those with sensitive noses.

Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo: The Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo is an eco friendly dry shampoo with a powder-based formula that is designed to refresh hair in between washes while absorbing excess oil and sweat. Many customers said that  Fat and the Moon Dry Shampoo was effective in refreshing hair and extending the time between washes and they appreciate the natural and eco-friendly ingredients and report that the dry shampoo leaves hair feeling soft and clean without any buildup or residue. Some of them note that the powder can be messy to apply and may leave a white cast on darker hair.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk: This dry shampoo is made with natural ingredients, including oat milk, to soothe and protect the scalp. It is gentle on hair extensions and leaves hair feeling soft and refreshed. Consumers’ reviews of the Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk are generally positive, with many customers saying that the product effectively refreshes their hair and extends the time between washes. But people are not satisfied with the spray nozzle on the bottle, which can be difficult to use and may not distribute the product evenly.

Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo: This is a high-end, plant-based dry shampoo that claims to refresh hair and add volume and texture. This product is formulated with natural ingredients such as cassava starch, which is said to absorb excess oil and dirt, and star anise, which is said to provide a subtle and pleasant scent. It is also a butane free dry shampoo so consumers don’t have to worry about irritations and further damage. The price and its messiness are what upset the customers since it’s more expensive than other products on the market as well as the powder makes it difficult to distribute the product evenly.

Drybar Detox Dry Shampoo: Drybar Detox dry shampoo is perfect for adding volume and refreshing hair when it gets greasy. The product comes in a spray bottle and is formulated with rice starch, which can suck up oil and sweat without leaving a residue or weighing down the hair. Customers love how comfortable and non-greasy the product is, as well as the pleasant scent. Additionally, customers note that the product is safe for color-treated hair and free of sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. But this is not the product for extremely oily hair as this dry shampoo is not effective enough.

Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder Dry Shampoo: Like other dry shampoo, this product helps consumers with greasy hair and lack of volume. Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder is in powder form which is extremely useful in eliminating oil on your scalp. The powder formula also adds grip and texture to the hair, making it easier to style and manipulate. This product is also suitable for all hair types and colors, making it a versatile option for those looking to refresh their hair between washes. Since this dry shampoo is in powder form, it’s quite messy to use and it can’t deal with hair that is too oily.

Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo: This is a cruelty-free and vegan dry shampoo that works as well as other types. There are rice starch and aluminum starch in the ingredients, making it perfect for greasy hair. However, there are consumers who experience irritations on sensitive and dry scalp so you might want to consider it carefully before purchasing. 

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo: For those who don’t want sulfates, parabens, and artificial colors in their product, you might want to check it out. This dry shampoo is praised for its effectiveness and convenience, as well as its fresh and subtle scent. But like Kristin Ess Style Reviving Dry Shampoo, it’s not for people with dry and sensitive scalps.

R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo: This is a highly rated product by customers thanks to its effectiveness in absorbing oil on our hair. Especially, R+Co Death Valley dry shampoo has volcanic ash in it which intrigued many consumers. Like those 2 dry shampoo above, if your scalp is dry or sensitive, you should skip this.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo: If you have thin hair and want to add more volume to it, this might be the one for you as this product is extremely lightweight with a non-greasy formula. However, many people said that the scent of Living Proof Perfect Hair Day was overwhelming and might cause minor breathing problems in people with asthma.

Since you’ve already invested in extending your hair, why don’t you spend just a little bit more for some hair-care, I promise it’s not gonna be a disappointment. Using cheap products for a long period of time will definitely ruin your hair extensions and even your natural hair, and the consequences will be much more expensive to deal with than these dry shampoo. If you haven’t had any, check out the products above, we’re pretty sure you will like one of them.