Are sew-ins weaves bad for your hair?

Are sew-in weaves bad for your hair?

No, not ALL sew in weaves are bad; the main thing you have to remember when wearing a weave is to TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN HAIR!!! Sew in weaves won’t give you freedom from your own hair, but if anything it kind of gives you more reasons to pay attention to your hair. Sew in, just like any other weave, has its ups and downs. They can protect your hair but if not “installed” correctly it can damage or break your hair. If you’re trying to grow your hair out it’s recommended that you install a “full head” of weave (which means none of the clients hair is left out.). Even though this may make it harder to shampoo the crown of the head, it keeps the hair growing at the same rate and it can be used as a protective style. Extracurricular activities such as working out etc may not affect this style as much. When doing a “partial sew in” the crown of the clients hair is left out, then flat ironed or “hot combed” to blend in with the weave and then used to cover the tracks, this gives the client a more natural look. But, this can cause breakage on the client’s hair because you would have to flat iron your hair to keep it blended. And the big thing that comes along with breakage…no growth. So, while the braided hair is growing, the hair at the crown is broken and not growing because of heat damage.

Now for a little Sew in 101; Some FAQs about getting sew ins.

• 1. How long do they last? It’s recommended that you get a new sew in about every 8 weeks and allow your hair to breathe for a few days. Once you feel the braids getting loose, and starting to hang because of the new growth, get a new install!
• 2. How do you maintain the hair under the sew in? It’s your hair do it just like you would do your hair if it wasn’t under the weave. You should still wash and condition your hair about every two weeks and dry under a hooded or bonnet dryer. Important note: Make sure your hair is dry before getting from under the dryer; don’t feel the weave to determine if your hair is dry. It’s important that your hair is dry first; it may take longer for your hair to dry because it’s braided and under the weave. If your hair isn’t completely dry then it can cause mildew in your hair because the weave is covering your hair and its not getting any air. Also, remember to dry your hair using the medium setting.
• 3. What kind of hair should I buy? Honestly, if you’re going to go buy the 12.99 pack of yaki hair that you used back in the day for a ponytail, that’s EXACTLY what you’re going to get. Some 13 dollar quality hair, don’t be surprised if it sheds a lot and tangles. Try buying a more expensive type of hair such as Remy hair. This hair is more expensive but it doesn’t shed as much, hardly won’t tangle and its reusable (if you want to reuse it).
• 4. How tight should your hair be braided? If it hurts, it’s too tight. Just like with regular braids, braiding too tight causes a strain on your hair. If you feel your stylist braiding your hair too tight, SAY SOMETHING! It’s your hair. (Do the “eyebrow check”, if you raise your eyebrows and you feel the braids pulling at your scalp. You need to call your stylist back. The oil sheen really won’t help this time lol)
• 5. What kind of products can I use on my weave? You don’t want anything too heavy that will weigh your hair down, you can use the same products you use on your regular hair just don’t get happy and start to get heavy handed. A little goes a long way. Since it’s a weave it won’t respond to products the way your normal hair will, so you won’t have to use a lot.

Tips for getting a sew in include: Knowing your stylist: Especially if you don’t know the stylist who’s about to do your hair, know what you want before you get there. Know the exact cut, how much hair you want in your head, and how tight you want it. (Some stylist may sew the hair in too tight and it can break the hair off, and we’re trying to grow our hair out, we don’t want to damage it.) Don’t let the stylist take advantage of your hair especially if you’re new to getting sew ins, they will tell you anything!!! Some stylist will do anything to make you look good, just so they can get your money. (Trust me I know from experience). Don’t rely on your stylist for everything; learn how to do your own hair. That way you can save money and getting stronger in your journey to healthily hair growth.

So, I don’t think all sew ins are bad. But, you do have to take care of your OWN hair under the weave. Sometimes we get so caught up in the weave and how much we love it, and we begin to think that having a sew in is a free ticket to get out of doing our own hair. When we forget about our hair underneath it causes our hair to become a victim of “Hair Negligence” which results in a bad sew in, breakage, and possibly some hair loss. That’s my time for now, keep it fabulous!!!!

Photo Credit:

Exotic Trenz Salon

2605 W. 79^th st.

Chicago, Illinois 60652