swim leave in conditioner

Sew In with Leave Out Hair Extensions: Achieving a Natural Look

If you’re looking for a hairstyle that will give you the flexibility of wearing your hair up or down, then the sew-in with leave out is just what you need. This particular style gives you the best of both worlds – the coverage and fullness of a sew-in combined with the natural look of leave-out hair. 

So, let’s unravel the secrets of achieving a stunning sew in with leave out extensions that will turn heads and boost your confidence.

What is a Sew-In with Leave Out?

A sew-in with leave out is a popular hairstyle that involves sewing in extensions to create a fuller and longer look. With this style, some of your natural hair is left out at the top and around the edges while the rest is braided and sewn down. The leave-out hair can be styled to match the texture of the extensions, creating a seamless blend.

Preparing for Your Sew-In with Leave Out

Hair Extension Selection

When it comes to choosing between human hair and synthetic hair for your extensions, there are essential distinctions to consider. Human hair extensions offer a more authentic appearance and texture, closely resembling your own hair. Conversely, synthetic hair extensions are a more budget-friendly alternative, although they might come with limitations regarding styling versatility due to the potential damage synthetic fibers can incur from heat. 

Choose hair extensions that closely match your natural hair texture, whether it’s straight, wavy, curly, or kinky. This will help in achieving a seamless blend between your leave-out and the extensions.

Choosing the Right Stylist

Seek out a professional stylist experienced in sew-in installations, especially if you’re new to this hairstyle. They can guide you through the process and ensure the extensions are securely attached.

Pre-Installation Hair Care

  • Wash your natural hair thoroughly before the installation to ensure it’s clean and free of any product buildup.
  • Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your hair hydrated.
  • Gently detangle your hair to remove knots and tangles.
  • Consider getting a trim to eliminate split ends and ensure your natural hair is in its best condition.

Preparing Your Natural Hair

  • Identify the section of your natural hair that you’ll leave out to blend with the extensions.
  • Part this section neatly to ensure it can be easily styled and hidden within your extensions.
  • Apply a leave-in conditioner or heat protectant to your leave-out section to shield it from potential heat damage during styling.
  • Consider braiding or twisting this section if you have highly textured hair to prevent excessive manipulation and stress on your natural hair.

The Sew-In Process

Installation Steps

  • Begin by creating a secure base for your extensions. Depending on your preference and the stylist’s recommendation, you can opt for various braid patterns like the traditional straight-back braids or a more versatile vixen or circle braid pattern.
  • Ensure that the braids are not too tight to avoid discomfort and potential damage to your natural hair.
  • With the braided base ready, it’s time to start attaching the hair wefts. Begin at the back and work your way up.
  • Sew the hair wefts onto the braids using a curved hair needle and strong weaving thread. Make sure the wefts are securely attached to prevent any slipping or shifting.
  • As you sew in each weft, double-check for even tension and positioning. Proper spacing and alignment are crucial for a natural look.
  • Continue attaching wefts until you reach the leave-out section. Be careful not to sew through your natural hair.

Leave Out Maintenance

Once you’ve sewn in the extensions up to the leave-out area, carefully blend your natural hair with the extensions. Use a flat iron or curling wand to match the texture of your extensions and ensure a seamless blend.

You have various styling options for your leave-out section. You can wear it straight, curly, wavy, or in any style that complements your look.

Experiment with different hairstyles to find the one that suits you best.

Sew-In Aftercare

  • Maintain the sew-in by washing your extensions and leave-out section regularly. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to prevent excessive drying.
  • Be gentle while washing, focusing on the scalp and roots to avoid tangling.
  • Protect your sew-in while sleeping by wrapping your hair in a silk or satin scarf or using a silk pillowcase.
  • Avoid excessive pulling or tugging on the extensions to prevent loosening or damage.

Sew-In with Leave Out Hairstyle Ideas

Classic Straight and Sleek

A timeless and elegant choice is to have your sew-in extensions styled straight and sleek, while leaving out your natural hair for a smooth and polished look. This style works well for any occasion, from formal events to everyday wear.

Curly and Carefree

If you love the bounce and volume of curly hair, consider getting curly or wavy sew-in extensions while leaving out your own curls at the front. This combination creates a beautiful contrast and a fun, carefree vibe.

High Ponytail Perfection

A sew-in with leave out can be transformed into a high ponytail for a chic and sophisticated look. The leave-out at the front adds a touch of natural elegance to the overall style.

Braided Beauty

Combine braids with your sew-in for a striking look. Cornrows or box braids can be used to create intricate patterns, while the sew-in extensions provide length and volume.

Half-Up, Half-Down

Opt for a half-up, half-down style with your sew-in. You can curl or straighten the leave-out portion, giving you a variety of styling options within the same look.

Bangs and Bob

A sew-in with leave out can also be transformed into a chic bob hairstyle with bangs. This look offers a trendy and youthful appearance.

Colorful Accents

Add some flair to your sew-in by experimenting with hair color. You can leave out a section of your hair to be dyed in a contrasting color, creating a striking visual effect.

Side Swept Glamour

Sweep your leave-out to one side for a glamorous Hollywood-inspired look. This style exudes sophistication and works well for special occasions.

Voluminous Curls

If you’re all about volume, consider opting for sew-in extensions that provide extra thickness and fullness. The natural leave-out will blend seamlessly with the extensions, creating a glamorous, voluminous look.

Accessorize Your Sew-In

Elevate your sew-in with leave out by adding accessories like hairpins, headbands, or scarves. These can help you create unique and eye-catching styles effortlessly.

Removing and Reinstalling

Firstly, recognizing the right time for removal is pivotal. Signs such as increased itching, discomfort, or loosening of the extensions may indicate that it’s time to remove the sew-in. Attempting to wear it for an extended period can lead to tangling, matting, and potential damage to your natural hair.

The removal process should be meticulous and gentle. Start by carefully cutting the threads that secure the extensions to your braided base, ensuring you avoid cutting your natural hair. Once the extensions are detached, proceed to gently unravel the braids while detangling your natural hair. Proper care during removal minimizes damage and tangling, making the reinstallation process smoother.

Reinstalling the sew-in can be a great way to extend your style. Ensure that your natural hair is well-moisturized and conditioned before the reinstallation. Choose a new braiding pattern if possible to prevent strain on the same areas of your scalp. By reinstalling the sew-in correctly and caring for your natural hair in between, you can enjoy an extended period of flaunting your stylish sew-in with leave-out look.

FAQs About Sew-Ins with Leave-Out

  1. How long does a sew-in with leave-out last? A sew-in with leave-out can last up to six to eight weeks, depending on how well you take care of it.
  2. Can I wash my hair with a sew-in with leave-out? Yes, you can wash your hair with a sew-in with leave-out. However, make sure to use a gentle shampoo and avoid rubbing your hair too vigorously to prevent tangling.
  3. Can I swim with a sew-in with leave-out? Yes, you can swim with a sew-in with leave-out. 
  4. How often should I moisturize my leave-out? You should moisturize your leave-out every few days to keep it healthy and prevent breakage.
  5. Can I style my sew-in with leave-out with heat tools? Yes, you can style your sew-in with leave-out with heat tools, but make sure to use a heat protectant spray to avoid damage.

Final Thoughts

Sew-ins with leave-out are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile hairstyle that’s easy to maintain. With the tips and information provided in this article, you can achieve a beautiful and natural-looking sew-in with leave-out that lasts for weeks. Remember to take care of your natural hair and visit a professional stylist if you’re unsure about the installation or maintenance process.

THE 15 BEST CURLY HAIR PRODUCTS

When it comes to curls, kinks, and coils, the greatest curly hair products leave no room for error. What are the must-haves on our shopping list? Hydrating products that hydrate and revive dry strands, stylers with added grip and hold, and clarifying cleansers that make wash days a breeze.

Every curly girl knows that finding the proper combination of products takes effort, but once you’ve discovered it, there’s no going back. Here’s our pick of the top curly hair products of 2024 to help you show off your bouncy, gleaming curls. 

BRIOGEO CURL CHARISMA

Briogeo’s leave-in cream does double duty by defining and protecting your curls from humidity. The composition contains rice amino acids and avocado oil, which help your hair retain moisture and decrease frizz. The creamy texture is soft and never flakes or feels sticky. Isn’t it also nice? This cream is manufactured with 96 percent naturally derived components and does not contain colors or silicones, making it suitable for all hair types. Many clients reported that it has a long-lasting effect on their hair. However, when it comes to weight, it is quite pricey. 

RIZOS HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

This Hydrating Shampoo cleanses softly, intensely hydrates, and nourishes the scalp and hair. Natural components such as Shea Butter and Moringa Oil are used to create soft, glossy, and healthy hair. This nutritious shampoo relieves dry and irritated scalp. This pair excels at retaining moisture and preventing dandruff and split ends while being silicone, sulfate, and cruelty-free. Rizos, formed by Latinx women, was founded to highlight the natural texture of curls, coils, and waves everywhere. If you have thick, dense hair that detangles best in the shower, this is a must-try. 

SEEN MAGIC SERUM

If your curls can’t handle heavy oils—or any oils at all—let me introduce you to my favorite oil substitute: this fragrance-free, silicone-free, three-ingredient serum. It employs a silky solvent and a combination of lightweight moisturizers (squalane and fatty acids) to smooth your curls and define your ends without feeling as heavy as typical hair oils. The texture is water-like, making it simple to apply to hair. To use it effectively, have a few drops on your hair and then massage the hair and scalp gently. You would see the difference after few days. 

PATTERN BEAUTY CONDITIONER

This is the Intensive Conditioner, the richest of PATTERN’s ultra-hydrating conditioner products, ideal for tighter textures. The powerful recipe is packed with ingredients like Avocado Oil, Shea Butter, Safflower Oil, and Acacia Decurrens Flower to help protect against breakage and dryness while leaving definition behind after rinse-out, making it ideal for low porosity hair fighting to get moisture to enter into strands. This nourishing blend of coconut, jojoba, avocado, and sweet almond oils hydrates curls restores bounce and locking in moisture. It can be used following the washing and conditioning steps. If you prefer to detangle outside of the shower, this leave-in has a lot of slip and will do the job without pulling. Furthermore, the aromas in this Pattern product are soothing – they’re fresh but not overpowering. 

AMIKA DEFINING CREAM

This is a curl-controlling smoothing crème that adds bounce and shape to hair. The ingredients in Amika’s Curl Corps are top-notch, according to the company, with tapioca starch providing definition and oat peptide forming a protective barrier, intensifying your hair’s shine. The inclusion of these components helps to control curls, fight frizzy and lightly condition the hair. The product claims to keep hair curled and defined all day long with little to no frizz. It is formulated free of paraben and sulfates, making it suitable for the most sensitive scalps.

SHEAMOISTURE CURL &=STYLE MILK

The key ingredient in this leave-in conditioner is coconut oil, which acts to detangle and nourish hair. It’s great for letting your hair air dry and saves time. Curls are left silky and swingy while being shielded from frizz and humidity. The natural formula contains ethically traded and sustainably produced ingredients. Its effects on hair are excellent, but it can be difficult to get the product out of the bottle. 

DPHUE ACV

Unlike shampoo, which can strip hair of its natural oils, our rinse is prepared with artisanal crafted Apple Cider Vinegar from George Paul Vinegar, which helps seal the hair cuticle, improve shine, and keep the scalp and hair pH-balanced. Allowing your hair’s natural oils to do their job for a while is a vital aspect of any good hair-care routine. However, using too much oil can result in weighed-down curls, scalp discomfort, and the appearance of having gone swimming when you most certainly did not. When you need a clarifying boost, DpHue’s ACV Rinse replaces your regular shampoo.

LUS LOVE UR CURLS ALL-IN-ONE STYLER

LUS’ products are straightforward and uncomplicated, free of silicones, sulfates, and mineral oils, and created with the best hydrating components. This all-in-one styler is a cross between a leave-in conditioner and a curl cream, with moringa oil and shea butter to mildly hydrate, define, and improve your curls. Plus, it’s adjustable for different curl types, so you can find the ideal fit for your hair. 

VERNON FRANCOIS CURL SHAMPOO

This Curl Shampoo has been a favorite for years due to the way it hydrates while cleansing. Most shampoos contain sulfates, which remove filth and generate the sudsy foam we’ve come to expect when we want to feel our scalps clean, but sulfates also strip natural oils from hair. Sulfate-free shampoos are softer but more expensive. This Vernon François recipe is not only reasonably priced, but it also contains healthy components like tea tree oil, seaweed extract, olive oil, and shea butter that work double duty to clear and hydrate.

KÉRASTASE CURL MANIFESTO

This shampoo mix checks all of the boxes for curly hair shampoo. First and foremost, it is sulfate-free, so you won’t have to worry about it removing your natural moisture. The creamy composition softly cleanses while also including moisturizing elements (manuka honey and ceramides) to keep your curls in great shape. It’s also a fantastic choice for wavy, curly, or highly curly hair. To use, apply it to wet hair. Then, thoroughly massage and rinse. If you come into touch with your eyes, rinse them promptly and thoroughly.

KRISTIN ESS CURL CO-WASH CLEANSING CONDITIONER

This mixture contains hydrating glycerin and hydrolyzed linseed, which is high in omega fatty acids and prevents curls from drying out while cleaning your hair and scalp. The non-sudsy product, which is devoid of drying alcohols, sulfates, and parabens, is ideal for curly and kinky hair. This hair product moisturizes and preserves coarse, curly, kinky, frizzy, and/or natural texture hair. This soothing co-wash will cleanse your hair and scalp gently while preserving your natural oils.

Pantene GOLD SERIES SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Pantene’s Gold Series Root Stimulating Shampoo and Conditioner cleanse and condition hair while promoting and sustaining new length. The star ingredients in this sulfate-free combination are apricot oil and green tea extract, which work their magic by detoxifying the scalp and nourishing the hair for long-term growth with frequent application. According to many customers, this shampoo does help with their dry and damaged hair, leaving it feeling clean, smooth and more manageable with extra bounce.

MOROCCANOIL CURL DEFINING CREAM

Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream is a hair product that aids in the definition of curls while combating frizz. It is paraben-free and ideal for colored, curly/permed, dry, and regular hair types. It’s also enriched with argan oil, which results in hair velvety smooth curls with extra shine. This product is suitable for the majority of waves and curls. While most creams weigh down finer curl types, this lightweight solution contains just a hint of argan oil, which works to smooth flyaways and define waves and curls without feeling greasy, heavy, or sticky.

AG CARE RE:COIL CURL ACTIVATOR

Re:Coil is a vegan, silicone-free styling cream for curly hair that also works as a curl enhancer for wavy hair. Amino acid curly hair solutions for damaged curls infuse each strand with critical nutrients, giving worn hair new energy.This curl-friendly gel product, as the name suggests, helps define, tighten, and moisturize coils so they look and feel their best. It’s not too heavy on the hair, and it’s a salt-free composition, so it’s less drying. To use, run a small amount into damp hair and dry as usual. Then sit back and wait for the compliments to come in.

KINKY CURLY KNOT TODAY DETANGLE

With this herbal conditioner, you can say goodbye to knots that cause breakage and grow your hair longer and stronger. It’s made with organic components including slippery elm, marshmallow root, lemongrass, and mango fruit extract. This hydrating product’s slide makes detangling easy by smoothing the cuticle and reducing knots. It can be used as a standard rinse-out conditioner for individuals with waves and loose curls, or as a leave-in conditioner for those with tighter textures.

CONCLUSION

Curly hair products that are loaded with nourishing nutrients are redefining hair care. These products, which range from a gentle cleaning shampoo to a hydrating conditioner, and from a defining curl cream to a volumizing mousse, change curls, banish frizz, and celebrate the beauty of various hair types. A game-changer for curly-haired people all over the world. Curly hair products that are loaded with nourishing nutrients are redefining hair care. These products, which range from a gentle cleaning shampoo to a hydrating conditioner, and from a defining curl cream to a volumizing mousse, change curls, banish frizz, and celebrate the beauty of various hair types. A game-changer for curly-haired people all over the world.