Sew-in weaves are excellent protective styles to rest and grow your real hair. However, there are some precautions to wearing extensions safely to ensure that you are not damaging your hair in the process. After all no one wants to wear beautiful hair extensions for a few months, only to have their real hair break of in the meantime. So to keep your hair healthy, follow these tips before installing your sew-in:
Wash Your Hair
Clean hair is the basic starting point for any sew-in weave hairstyle. Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo to remove any buildup from the hair and scalp. Your hair will be largely inaccessible while wearing your hair extensions so you want to make sure it is as clean as possible before braiding it in preparation for your weave.
Protein Treat Your Hair
Hair is comprised of protein, which provides its strength and tensile nature. As your hair will undergo a large amount of manipulation while installing your sew in (braiding, sewing, styling), treating your hair with protein beforehand will fortify your tresses so it can withstand the process without being weakened.
Trim Your Ends
Thin ends are known to lead to splitting and tangling. To prevent tangles and knots (which cause breakage) upon the removal of your weave, we recommend trimming your ends just before getting a sew in. Don’t worry about the lost length, if you care for your hair properly beneath it will grow back quickly.
Wait Two Weeks After Chemical Usage
Relaxers, bleach, permanent coloring – it all takes its toll on your strands. We are not saying you cannot use chemicals and have healthy hair, but installing a weave right after a chemical process is not wise. Wait at least two weeks to allow your hair to regain strength but also for you to observe how your hair responds to the chemicals.