When you get a sew-in, a type of hair extension installed by sewing tracks of hair onto braided natural hair. Also known as weave, it’s one of the most popular ways to add length, volume, or texture without heat or glue. But like any investment, it only lasts as long as you care for it. A well-maintained sew-in can stay beautiful for 6 to 8 weeks—or even longer. A poorly maintained one? It frizzes, tangles, smells, and starts looking fake after just two weeks.
Most people think sew-in maintenance is just about washing it. It’s not. It’s about scalp health, the foundation of any extension system. If your scalp gets irritated, itchy, or oily, your extensions will suffer too. You need to clean your scalp without disturbing the tracks. That means using a diluted shampoo on a spray bottle, gently massaging your roots, and rinsing carefully. No soaking. No scrubbing. No pulling.
Moisture balance, how your hair holds and retains water is another big one. Sew-ins dry out faster than your natural hair because they don’t get oils from your scalp. That’s why you need to deep condition weekly—using a leave-in spray or light oil on the extensions, not the sewn-in tracks. Avoid heavy creams or silicones. They build up, weigh down the hair, and make it look greasy.
And don’t sleep with wet hair. Ever. Wet sew-ins tangle overnight. They stretch. They break. Use a satin bonnet or scarf. If you’re in a rush, tie your hair in a loose, high ponytail on top of your head. That keeps pressure off the tracks and reduces friction.
Heat tools? Use them sparingly. Even if your extensions are 100% human hair, repeated heat from flat irons or curling wands breaks the cuticle. It makes the hair brittle. If you must style, keep the temperature under 350°F and always use a heat protectant spray. And never sleep with hot tools in your hair—yes, people do this.
Every 2 to 3 weeks, gently brush your sew-in from the ends upward. Start with a wide-tooth comb, then switch to a soft-bristle brush. Don’t yank through knots. Spray a little detangler first. If you notice loose stitches, don’t try to fix them yourself. Go back to your stylist. DIY repairs often make things worse.
And here’s something most people miss: your natural hair is still growing. That means your edges start to lift after 4 to 5 weeks. That’s normal. But if you ignore it, the tension can cause breakage or even traction alopecia. Keep your edges moisturized with a light oil or edge control. Don’t over-tighten the sew-in during retouches.
What you put on your hair matters just as much as how you treat it. Skip sulfates. Skip alcohol-based products. Look for sulfate-free shampoos, moisturizing conditioners, and lightweight oils like jojoba or argan. Avoid products labeled "for extensions" unless they’re from trusted brands. A lot of them are marketing gimmicks.
Real talk: sew-ins aren’t low-maintenance. But they don’t have to be a hassle either. With a simple routine—clean scalp, moisturized hair, gentle brushing, and smart styling—you can make your sew-in last longer, look better, and protect your natural hair in the process. The posts below cover exactly how to do that: from washing tricks to fixing frizz, from choosing the right products to knowing when it’s time to take it out. No fluff. Just what works.
Learn how to sleep with sew-in hair extensions without causing damage, breakage, or premature loosening. Simple nightly habits like braiding, using satin pillowcases, and keeping your scalp clean can extend the life of your weave.
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