Before You Begin:
- Ensure your hair is clean, dry, and free of any products.
- Have a mirror, a comfortable workspace, and all the necessary tools and materials ready.
- Sew-in extensions are often best applied by a professional hairstylist, but if you’re attempting it at home, proceed with caution.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Weave-in hair extensions (wefts)
- Weaving thread (matched to your hair color)
- Weaving needle
- Hair clips or ties
- Sectioning clips
- Hair comb
- Scissors
- Hair bands or hair ties
Prep Your Hair:
- Brush your natural hair thoroughly to remove tangles and knots.
- Decide where you want to create the part for your weave-in extensions. It’s common to start with a horizontal part near the nape of your neck and work your way upwards.
Section Off Hair:
Use sectioning clips to separate a thin horizontal layer of your natural hair at the nape of your neck. This will be the first section to which you’ll attach the wefts.
Prepare the Weft:
- Measure the width of the sectioned-off hair and cut the weft to match that length.
- If the weft has multiple tracks, gently separate them along the stitching line.
Thread the Needle:
Thread the weaving needle with the weaving thread. The thread color should match your hair color for a natural blend.
Attach the Weft:
- Start from the back of the sectioned-off hair. Insert the weaving needle under the natural hair and then through the weft, creating a loop.
- Pass the needle and thread through the loop to secure the weft in place.
Sew Along the Weft:
Continue sewing along the weft, moving from one side to the other. Make sure the weft lies flat against your scalp. Be careful not to sew through your scalp or too tightly, as this can cause discomfort or damage.
Secure the Ends:
When you reach the end of the weft, sew the thread through the weft a few times to secure it. Cut off any excess weft if necessary.
Repeat the Process:
Release another section of your natural hair above the attached weft and secure it out of the way using hair clips or ties. Repeat steps 3 to 7 to attach more wefts, working your way upwards.
Blending and Styling:
- Once all wefts are attached, comb your natural hair and the extensions to blend them seamlessly.
- Style your hair using heat tools, but be cautious around the weft areas to avoid damaging the extensions or your natural hair.
Aftercare and Maintenance:
- Gently detangle your hair regularly, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
- Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to keep both your natural hair and the extensions in good condition.
- Avoid heavy or tight hairstyles that could put stress on the sewn-in wefts.
Removal:
Weave-in extensions should be removed by a professional hairstylist to avoid damaging your natural hair. They will carefully cut the threads and gently remove the wefts.
Due to the intricacies involved in sewing in the wefts and the potential for damage if not done correctly, it’s recommended to consult with a professional hairstylist for the application and removal of weave-in hair extensions.