Q&A for How to Sew in Hair Extensions

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  • Question
    How much does it cost to sew in hair extensions?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Rates vary a lot but they are usually at least a few hundred dollars. You will get a more accurate idea of rates in your area by calling a few salons.
  • Question
    Are sewn in hair extensions bad for your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    They can be, especially if your hair is fine or if you leave the weave in for a long time. To minimize damage you should always give your hair a few weeks between applications to rest.
  • Question
    How is a hair weave attached?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A weave is attached to cornrows using a curved needle. It is literally sewn into your natural hair.
  • Question
    How long do hair extensions last?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    They can last up to 8 weeks depending on how frequently you wash them and how well you take care of them. Take good care of your extensions to make them last longer. If they start to pull on your hair or slip loose, you should take them out.
  • Question
    Where do you buy the needle? Is there a certain type? Is there a certain type of thread?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can purchase a needle at a craft store. A regular sewing needle is fine, but it needs to be long and curved with a blunt end to protect your fingers and scalp. Regular sewing thread is fine.
  • Question
    How long can extensions stay in your hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    I'd recommend changing them every 6-8 weeks or so to account for growth at the root and shedding. You'll notice that they'll start to feel looser.
  • Question
    But how do you just stick the needle through the hair?
    Community Answer
    When you put the needle in the braid, all you have to do is just put it underneath. However, make sure you don't poke into the skin. Then, just keep going over and under.
  • Question
    How do I know I have picked the right sew-in?
    Community Answer
    The most popular types are the full sew-in (which has a closure so no hair is left out), the vixen sew-in (a combination of real hair and weave) and the partial sew-in (where some of your hair is left out at the top and blended into the weave). If you like to manipulate your hair in buns, ponytails, etc., then a vixen sew-in is best for you. If you want you hair to be protected and don't mind whether your weave is straight or in curls, then a partial or full sew-in is right for you.
  • Question
    Should I use cotton thread or polyester?
    Community Answer
    Polyester thread is sturdier than cotton, so you may want to go with a polyester thread to make your extensions last as long as possible.
  • Question
    When using regular sewing thread, do I just thread it like the regular thread? Or should I use more than 1 strand to thread?
    Community Answer
    You can use one or two threads depending. Just thread it like you usually do. If you mess up you can always take it back out and restart.
  • Question
    What is the recommended age for this?
    Community Answer
    About 12 to 13 years or age would be good, as long as the child is okay with it.
  • Question
    Can I sew them into straight hair?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can sew extensions into straight hair as long as the extensions are straight as well.
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