The Ultimate Guide to Washing Your Sew-In Weaves

Summer is here, but that doesn't mean you have to ditch your sew-ins. Whether you're opting for a classic sew-in or a versatile sew-in, proper hair care maintenance can ensure your hair lasts this summer. Product buildup and improper scalp cleansing can lead to scalp irritation, breakage, and severe.

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A good rule of thumb when caring for your sew-in is to treat the hair as if it were your own. Here’s our guide to properly wash your sew-in so you can swing your hair around all summer.

What is a Sew-In?

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A sew-in is a hair extension method where wefts of hair are sewn into your natural hair using a needle and thread. This technique involves braiding the natural hair into cornrows and then sewing the extensions onto these braids. Sew-ins are popular for adding length, volume, and even color to natural hair without causing significant damage.

How to Wash Your Sew-In

When properly washing your sew-in, it all begins with the braids. You want to be able to properly care for your braids underneath your sew-in without agitating the tracks. Using tools like applicator bottles and a scalp scrubber can help you apply the shampoo directly to the scalp without messing up the tracks.

Steps to Wash Your Sew-In

Brush Your Weave:

Before stepping into the shower, brush your hair to ensure it's free from any tangles or knots.

Apply Shampoo:

Using an applicator bottle, apply the shampoo, focusing on the front hairline and the back of the neck. Gently scrub these areas. In certain cases, diluting the shampoo with water can help it penetrate deeper into the scalp.

Rinse Thoroughly:

Rinsing out the shampoo with sew-ins is a longer process. Take extra time to cleanse the scalp thoroughly to ensure all the shampoo is rinsed out before conditioning.

Condition Your Hair:

Use a gentle sulfate-free conditioner. To ensure the conditioner penetrates into your braids underneath, apply a shower cap after conditioning. While the conditioner is sitting in your hair, gently detangle it. Let the conditioner sit for 5-10 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. Not washing out the conditioner properly can lead to product buildup and damage your natural hair.

Dry Your Weave and Natural Hair Completely:

Making sure your natural hair gets completely dry is just as important as cleansing. Sit under a hooded dryer for approximately 45 minutes, then gently detangle again. As the last step, apply any scalp tonic or oils in an applicator bottle and gently blow dry your hair to ensure it's 100% dry. Leaving your hair wet for too long can cause a mildewy smell.

Maintaining the health and appearance of your sew-in is crucial, especially during the summer months. By following these steps for washing and caring for your sew-in, you can prevent common issues such as product buildup, scalp irritation, and hair breakage. Treat your sew-in with the same care and attention as your natural hair, and you'll enjoy beautiful, long-lasting results.

You can also check here to get more details about how to wash your human hair wigs or clean synthetic wigs.

FAQs about Sew-ins:

Can you wash your hair with sew-in?

You can shampoo and condition your hair, then allow it to air-dry on hangers to keep its natural texture, To prevent your weave from shedding while you wear it, some retailers also recommend sealing the wefts before you install.

How often should I wash my sew-in weave?

"You should wash and condition your sew-in about once every three weeks," says Ursula Stephen. Stephen recommends a sulfate-free formula that removes build-up without drying out your hair, followed by a conditioner that adds moisture to your hair.

Can you go swimming with a sew-in weave?

Fear not, yes, you can go for a swim while wearing them. If on the other hand, you are wearing the clip-in style of hair extensions, it is better if you remove them first before getting into chlorine-treated or seawater.

How long can you keep a sew-in weave in?

But the quick answer is that sew-ins tend to last between six and 12 weeks. Choosing the right sew-ins and meticulously caring for them will help you keep your weave in for closer to 12 weeks. Weaves and extensions get itchy, dirty, or oily and lose their ability to hold style when they aren't properly taken care of.