If you’re looking for more length or volume to your locks, sew in extensions are a great adhesive-free option that can instantly transform your look. Like everything else it starts with a consultation with your Tease Hair Boutique stylist, who can match your hair color and texture to come up with a custom plan.
Before you know it you’ll be walking out of the salon with the hair you’ve always dreamed of, but an important question we may have forgotten to ask our stylist in all the excitement is how to care for your extensions. In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of the do’s and don’t of hair extension care for sew-in wefts.
What are sew-in extensions?
Also commonly called “beaded wefts”, sew-in extensions start with sectioning of your hair. Your stylist will determine how many rows you need depending on the length of your hair and overall density. Your stylist will then add small beads to section of your hair, clamping them shut in a ring shape around your head. The number of beads used also depends on the style of extensions and the application method your stylist is using.
Once the beads have been applied, your stylist then uses a special needle and thread to sew the weft of hair along the line of beads, tying them off at the ends to secure. Once they’ve been applied, it’s as simple as style-and-go!
Depending on the brand and method, sew-in extensions can last anywhere from 6 - 12 weeks before you’ll need them re-applied. Factors like the quality of the hair extensions will also determine how long you can use the same set before you’ll need to purchase new ones, generally ranging from 2 - 4 re-applications. However, with the right products and care methods you may be able to extend the life of your extensions a little longer.
Extension Care Tips
Brush your hair extensions regularly
And when we say regularly, we mean often. Always brush your hair before you get in the shower to avoid tangles and matting. Use a soft-bristled brush or a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair extensions daily.
Tease recommended brush: Hairdreams Extension Brush XL
With short bristles that smooth and detangle locks without interfering or getting caught on the beads, this brush is the perfect extension brush. When brushing, hold your hair like it’s in a ponytail and start brushing from the ends, gradually work your way up to the roots.
Wash your hair extensions carefully
Wash your hair extensions with a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner. Gently massage the shampoo into your hair extensions, avoiding any twisting or rubbing. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and apply conditioner to the ends. Rinse and gently squeeze out any excess water before using a lightweight detangler and brushing.
Tease recommended shampoo: Kérastase Bain Fluidealiste Shampoo
This sulfate-free shampoo uses a morpho-keratine complex with other strong care agents to nourish and cleanse hair without the harshness of sulfates. Gently massage into scalp and ends, making sure to get between the extension rows. Rinse thoroughly.
Tease recommended conditioner: Kérastase Fondant Fluidealiste Conditioner
Add softness and shine to locks with the help of this conditioner by Kérastase. Using the same morpho-keratine complex plus health-inducing lipids and softening agents, follow shampoo with use of this conditioner on lengths, rinsing thoroughly.
Tease recommended detangler: Shiki Worker by Shu Uemura
This multi-tasking hair primer not only detangles but adds moisture, smoothness, and anti frizz while protecting against heat. Boasting seven benefits, use this spray on damp hair to detangles and tame frizz.
Avoid using too much heat
Heat styling tools such as straighteners, curling irons and hair dryers can damage your hair extensions.When styling your hair extensions, be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on them. If you must use heat, use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature low.
Tease recommended styling: Heat Free Curl set by Covet & Mane
This heat-free approach to curling your hair takes minimal effort and gives you bouncy, healthy curls when you wake up. Using five silk-wrapped tools, application is simple with instructions available here for placement.
Tease recommended heat protectant: Kérastase Serum Chroma Thermique Hair Serum
Using lactic acid to gently exfoliate and seal hair strands with centella asiatica for its
soothing properties, this hair serum protects against heat damage and is healthy for colored hair, leaving locks soft and smooth. To use, simply apply a quarter-size amount to lengths and ends before blow drying or styling.
Use a silk pillowcase and secure hair before sleep
As we all know, morning hair isn’t always the prettiest - especially when you leave your extensions down or go to bed with wet hair. To avoid matting and knots, make sure to gently brush hair before bed, securing it in a braid, a bun or ponytail using a scrunchie or a silk turban. For added softness and to avoid friction while you sleep, use a silk pillowcase.
Don’t over wash
Avoid over-washing your hair extensions to prevent dryness, breakage, or discoloration and fading. While most companies recommend washing extensions only once or twice a week, keep your scalp health top of mind and understand what is right for your hair. To elongate your look between washes, use a light dry shampoo to remove grease and a leave-in conditioner to add moisture back into ends.
Tease recommended dry shampoo: Kérastase Fresh Affair Dry Shampoo
With vitamin E to maintain moisture and rice starch to absorb oil and add volume, this Kérastase dry shampoo is silicone free and revitalizing for your locks. To use, shake well and then spray on dry roots from 6 inches away, evenly distributing. Massage in with your fingers and style as usual.
Bottom Line
Maintenance is always an important factor to consider when making changes to your hair, especially when it comes to your lifestyle and typical hair care routine. While the idea of caring for extensions may seem daunting, you’ll be surprised how quickly these small adjustments become a part of your routine - and how easy they feel. You’ll probably also save time on styling with extensions, and the better care you take of them the longer they’ll last!