How to Sew in Hair Weave Extensions
Hair weaves and extensions are becoming increasingly popular. Because of the increased popularity and demand, it is easy to find weaves and hair extensions to do at home, although the process is very difficult and requires some previous hairstyling knowledge or skill. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Sew-in weave or weft
- Friend or family member
- Clean, thin new needle
- Sturdy thread
Instructions
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Sew in weaves
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1
Buy all the necessary materials you need. Make sure the thread you buy matches the color of your weave or extension.
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2
Begin by wetting the hair, if possible. Gather a small chunk of hair (no thicker than a pencil or pen) at the crown of your head. Cornrow this small amount of hair. To cornrow the hair, begin by separating the hair into three smaller chunks and braiding them. Make sure the cornrow is tight to the scalp and continues for at least a few inches. Continue cornrowing chunks of hair until the entire top and side of your head is cornrows. You will probably need someone else to reach difficult areas or braid some rows in for you.
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3
Once the cornrows are at least a few inches long, sew the weave into the cornrow, overlapping the beginning of the weave with the last few inches of the cornrow. Tie a knot at the end of the thread and sew it in by inserting the needle into the area where the weave and cornrow overlap and looping it back through, so the needle is pointing away from the scalp (this should be an almost circular motion).
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4
Repeat stitches in the exact same circular motion until the weave is securely attached to the base of the cornrow, or about 7-10 times. You can ensure that the weave is secure by tugging on it gently. If the stitching is loose or there are too few stitches, you will have to sew in a few more stitches or tighten the existing stitches by grabbing each individual loop between your thumb and forefinger and gently tugging on it. Be very careful when sewing in the weave, as you can pierce yourself. You will need assistance sewing in the weave; it is dangerous to try by yourself.
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5
When you have completed sewing in the extension, lay the needle lengthwise alongside the extension. Insert the needle underneath all loops of the stitching so that the needle draws thread underneath the thread used to stitch the extension into the hair. This is how to "tie off" the thread. You may need to repeat this several times, until you feel that the extension is secure. Cut off the thread at the lowest possible point so that no excess thread hangs into the hair.
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6
Repeat step 2 to complete your cornrows.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Watch a video on how to sew in a weave before trying it yourself, especially if it is your first time. Additionally, make sure the person helping you is proficient in braiding cornrows and can sew well enough not to pierce you with the needle.
If you leave little bits of excess thread after cutting the thread from the needle, the extensions have a higher chance of becoming loose and falling out. Try to cut the thread so close to the extension that none will hang loose into the hair.
