22 Creative Ways To Style Your Sew-In Hair

Some days you want long hair, others short – some days call for vibrantly colored tresses, and others for monochrome natural hair color. This is why we would like to introduce you to the sew-in technique. Discover everything about these hair extensions, including the various ways to style your sew-in hair.

The sew-in technique is a way to add hair extensions to make your hair look thicker right from the roots. You braid your hair into a cornrow and sew in a weft of hair extensions to the braids with a thread and needle. Sew-ins, also known as weaves, have been used for decades by black women to style their hair. There are so many hair extension brands, materials, and colors on the market, that make it fun to experiment and try out new protective hairstyles with the sew-in technique. You can try Beyonce’s lemonade braids one day, then show up with short twists the next. You can try various hairstyles with different hair colors almost every day. These sew-ins let your creativity shine through!

So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to learn the sew-in hair extension technique with some unique styles. Scroll down to discover everything about sew-in weaves and change the way you style your hair! Swipe up now!

22 Creative Ways To Style Your Sew-In Hair

• Straight Black Hair With Red Highlights
• Feathered Auburn Bob
• Mahogany Curls
• Blunt Edged Short Bob
• Aquamarine Waves
• Mega Angled Long Bob
• Asymmetrical Orange Bob
• Unicorn Tresses
• Scarlet Root Melt Bob
• Long Powder Blue Curls
• Blonde and Auburn Highlighted Curls
• Layered Long Bob With Peek-a-boo Highlights
• Poker Straight Blonde
• Neon Pink Curls
• Blonde Root Melt
• Chocolate Pixie
• Golden Blonde Tresses
• Indigo Ombre
• Ginger Locks With Straight Cut Bangs
• Electric Blue Mane
• Blown-Out Curls
• Voluminous Blowout

How To Sew In Hair Extensions (Weave)

What You Need

• Hairbrush
• Rat tail comb
• Sectioning clips
• Weave-in cap
• Hair extensions (wefts)
• C-curve needles
• Hair thread
• Scissors
• Hair elastics (optional)

What To Do

1. Deep condition your hair before you sew hair extensions into it to hydrate it and get it as healthy as possible.
2. Part your hair on whichever side you prefer. This will be the parting from which all your extensions will extend so choose the location carefully.
3. First, create 2 braids that will be your “leave out” hair. These braids will be taken down after all the extensions have been sewn in to create a more blended and natural effect. These braids should extend all along either side of your parting, your hairline at the front of your face, and all the way along the nape of your neck.
4. Create 2 cornrow braids parallel to your leave-out braids and your parting, one on either side. These “anchor” braids are where you will stop sewing in your extensions and should be about ½ an inch in width.
5. Now, braid the rest of your hair in cornrows that go towards the back of your head. Use your rat tail comb to create neat partings and the sectioning clips to move the loose hair out of the way. You can leave the ends of the braids loose if your hair is kinky curly enough to not unravel. Otherwise, you can secure them with hair elastics.
6. Sew the ends of all your braids to each other, laying them flat against your head.
7. Now, put on your weave-in cap, placing it just behind the leave-out braids at the front and back of your head. This will reduce the strain on your scalp and natural hair.
8. Thread the C-curve needle with a strand of thread that’s at least the length of your arm.
9. Take your first weft of hair extensions and lay it all along the nape of your neck. Sew it in by pushing the needle first through the weft, then the cap, and then the braid.
10. Keep working your way up your head, curving the wefts to slowly align with your parting.
11. Your last weft of extensions will be sewn into the anchor braids that are parallel to your parting.
12. Neatly cut off the weave in the cap from around your leave in braids.
13. Take down your leave-out braids and shake out all your hair to blend them in completely.
14. Style them in any way you want to finish off the look.

Alicia Igess, a hairstylist, says, “When sewing in hair extensions, small cornrows are recommended to make sure the added hair is undetectable. Make sure the braids are comfortable.”

She further emphasizes the importance of choosing the right hair extension shade and adds, “Tight braids are not necessary. It is important to match the color of the extensions to the ends of your hair if you want it to look natural, and seamless and blend well. Choosing the right texture for your desired end result is key as well.”

However, consult a professional first to determine whether you are the right candidate for a sew-in hair extension.

Phew, now that was a long process, wasn’t it? But trust me, the time and effort you put into a sew in weave is worth the look you get in the end.

Octavia, a YouTuber embarks on a solo journey of sharing her DIY sew-in tutorial. She said, “I love how the hair just moves now that there’s layers so I love this um whole like look and it looks very natural (i).”

Trivia

Hair weaves were made popular in the 1950s by celebrities. Their use gained momentum during the 1970s disco era and has since grown in popularity.

Now, that that’s out of the way, let’s look at all the gorgeous ways you can style your weave in hair!

22 Gorgeous Ways To Style Your Sew-In Hair Extensions (Weave)

1. Straight Black Hair With Red Highlights

Let’s start off with a classic look that we can’t get enough of, shall we? There’s nothing classier than long jet black and poker straight hair. But this sew-in style has been given a pop of oomph and color by the addition of a few subtle red highlights to it.

2. Feathered Auburn Bob

If you’ve always dreamed of having a sleek short bob even though you have long kinky curly hair, tthen a sew-in style will work perfectly for you. The edginess of this angled bob in a popping auburn shade has been taken to a whole new level, thanks to the feathered styling of the front sections.

3. Mahogany Curls

Many women go in for sew-in styles because they want their hair to look as natural as possible. If that’s the case with you, try out this sew-in style with long mahogany locks that will cascade down your back. Style this hair in some big bouncy curls and part it on one side to look like a total diva.

4. Blunt Edged Short Bob

Simplicity and elegance come together with symphonic perfection in this gorgeous sew-in hairstyle. This blunt-edged bob in a stunning jet-black shade looks incredible on any outfit you style it with – be it a pantsuit for work or a little black dress for a night out on the town.

5. Aquamarine Waves

Look like the mermaid that you know you are on the inside with this wavy sew-in hair look. The bright aquamarine hair extensions in this style flow down her shoulders in voluminous waves to lend an oceanic vibe to her look. To add a bit of contrast to this sew-in style, you could go for extensions that have dark brown or black roots that fade into the bright blue hue.

6. Mega Angled Long Bob

The term ‘femme fatale’ will take a whole new meaning when you step out with this super edgy (quite literally) sew-in hairstyle. The angle on this bob starts at the nape of her neck and descends all the way down to her chest. Use a flat iron on this style to get the perfect poker-straight look.

7. Asymmetrical Orange Bob

It’s time to add a bit of quirk to your style statement, and this is the perfect sew-in style to do just that. An asymmetrical bob adds a ton of personality to your look anyway. But style it in a bright orange shade and you’re sure to grab eyeballs everywhere you go.

8. Unicorn Tresses

Unicorn hair in shades of pink, purple, and blue have been all the rage for a while now and you can get on this bandwagon without coloring your own hair! A sew-in style done with pastel blue, lilac, and magenta ombre extensions works brilliantly to create a gorgeous side-parted long bob.

9. Scarlet Root Melt Bob

A great thing about sew-in styles is that they can give you the volume in your hair that you’ve always dreamed of. This blunt bob, for instance, has been done using tons of thick textured extensions in a stunning scarlet shade. The dark root melt effect given at the top adds some great dimension to this look.

10. Long Powder Blue Curls

If elven princesses actually existed, they would envy you if they saw you with this hair. These pale powder blue tresses sewn into her natural hair look even more breathtaking when styled in long loose curls. A half top knot will only take this magical hair look to another level.

11. Blonde And Auburn Highlighted Curls

The great thing about sew-in weaves is that you can go as natural or as funky as you want with the way they look. This three-toned look is the perfect combination of the two. Though the side-parted black curls look perfectly natural, the blonde highlights on top and the auburn highlights on one side add a pop of vibrance to this style.

12. Layered Long Bob With Peek-A-Boo Highlights

Black women everywhere love getting sew-ins done because it lets them get exactly the hairstyle that they have envisioned in their heads. This super layered angled bob that goes down till her chest is exactly one of those dream hair looks that looks stunning when it’s blow-dried and styled. The red peek-a-boo highlights only add to the sexiness of this style.

13. Poker Straight Blonde

Getting hair that’s this long, this straight, and that blonde may be nigh near impossible if you have naturally dark and curly hair. But the sew-in technique can make it a reality. You can go for long hair extensions that are poker straight and a gorgeous monotone blonde to achieve this look.

14. Neon Pink Curls

If you wish to go wild and totally out there with your next hair look, then here’s what you need to do. Get a full head of bright neon pink extensions sewn into your hair, style them in big bouncy curls, and part them on one side to look like a candy floss princess. Or like Nicki Minaj. Whoever you prefer.

15. Blonde Root Melt

Straightening your natural hair can be a real pain sometimes, especially when you have kinky curly hair. So, a sew-in hairstyle is your best bet if you want those straight locks on your head for a considerable amount of time. This blonde sew-in hairstyle with a dark root melt on top looks great when styled straight because of the contrast created by the dual tones.

16. Chocolate Pixie

It feels like everywhere you look, you find a gorgeous lady sporting a spunky pixie cut. And with a sew-in style, you can too without cutting your actual hair! A great pixie style to go for would be this one with dramatic side-swept bangs and some breathtaking chocolate brown highlights.

17. Golden Blonde Tresses

You can put Grecian goddesses to shame when you sport this breathtaking sew-in hairstyle. These golden blonde tresses that flow down your back in gorgeous curls are stunning as it is. But pair them with some golden- and bronze-themed makeup to truly turn into an otherworldly beauty.

Pro tip

Wash your sew-in hair extensions in lukewarm water with sulfate-free shampoo. Ensure to wash them gently, especially near the wefts.

18. Indigo Ombre

Looking for a dark-toned hair look that will lend you that perfect air of mystery? Well, your search ends here. Go for this super long sew-in hairstyle with a deep indigo blue ombre and go at it with a straightening iron to style it poker straight. Pair it with strong brows, sharp winged liner, and a nude lipstick shade to complete the look.

19. Ginger Locks With Straight Cut Bangs

Fall is in the air, and it’s time that you reflect it through your hair! Check out this poker straight sew-in hairstyle in a bright ginger hue that looks like it was inspired by the adorable jack-o’-lanterns that dot the landscape at Halloween time. Straight cut bangs only elevate the beauty of this hair look.

20. Electric Blue Mane

If Vogue was to feature this awe-inspiring hair creation, it would surely dub it the ‘Futuristic Diva’ look. This gorgeous electric blue mane styled in lusciously bouncy curls goes to show why women love going for sew-in hairstyles – it’s because they let you transform into whoever you want.

21. Blown-Out Curls

Transform your sew-in hair with blown-out curls for a chic and voluminous style. This technique combines the sleekness of a blowout with the bounce of curls, creating a versatile and trendy look. These blown-out curls are perfect for adding glamor to any occasion and elevate your sew-in hairstyle with a touch of elegance and playful sophistication.

22. Voluminous Blowout

Revamp your sew-in hair with the voluminous blowout. Achieve stunning volume and texture with this technique, creating a glamorous and effortlessly chic look with a bold statement. The voluminous blowout adds a touch of drama to your sew-in hairstyle, ensuring you stand out with confidence and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sew-ins grow your hair?

Sew-ins protect your natural hair from damage, allowing it to grow unhindered at its own pace. However, sew-ins do not directly impact hair growth.

Can you wear a ponytail with a sew-in weave?

Yes, if it is styled to be worn in an updo. It is not uncommon for weaves to be designed with the intention of wearing them down, so your tracks might show through if you wear a ponytail.

How long do sew-in extensions last?

Sew-in extensions last for about 2-3 months.

Can you swim with a sew-in weave?

Yes. However, don’t soak it in water for too long. Also, dry it immediately after you are done swimming.

Revamp your look with 10 stunning middle-part sew-in hairstyles! Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide, and create beautiful hairdos in no time!

Whether it’s achieving different looks or exploring styling options, this creator guides her viewers through the process of styling a sew in for a versatile and trendy appearance. Check out the video now!

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Alicia IgessHairstylist

   

Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Asmita DeAssociate Editor

Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor. Her adeptness in refining content, ensuring clarity, and preserving the essence of the written word has consistently contributed to enhance the quality of published...more

Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA. This beauty and couture enthusiast also has a varied interest in Korean culture and cinematography...more