Sew-in weaves have been a long-standing favorite for anyone looking to protect their natural hair while exploring versatile styles. From sleek straight bundles to bouncy curls, sew-ins allow you to enjoy added length, volume, and texture without manipulating your real hair daily. But if you’re planning to invest in a sew-in, one of the first questions that likely comes to mind is: how long do sew in last?
The answer depends on several factors: your hair type, the type of sew-in you choose, your maintenance routine, and the method of installation. This guide from GoviHair will break down exactly how long a sew-in can last depending on the style and texture, offer professional tips to extend longevity, and help you decide which sew-in method fits your lifestyle best.
What Is a Sew-In Weave?
A sew-in is a type of protective style where your natural hair is braided into cornrows, and hair extensions are sewn directly onto those braids using a curved needle and thread. Sew-ins are loved for their durability, natural appearance, and the way they give your hair a break from constant styling and manipulation.
There are a few types of sew-ins:
- Traditional sew-in with leave-out: Small portions of your natural hair are left out at the part and/or hairline to blend with the extensions.
- Sew-in with closure: A lace closure is sewn in to give the illusion of a natural scalp and eliminate the need for blending.
Each method offers its own advantages, but they also affect how long your sew-in will last.
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Why Should You Choose Sew-Ins?
Sew-ins are a popular and highly versatile protective hairstyle that offers several benefits over other hair extension methods. If you’re wondering whether a sew-in is the right choice for you, here are a few reasons why people choose this style:
Long-lasting Results
One of the major benefits of sew-ins is their durability. Unlike clip-ins or tape-ins, which can shift or fall out with regular wear, sew-ins stay secure and intact for weeks. This makes them ideal for anyone who wants a long-term style without frequent touch-ups or reapplications.
Versatility
Sew-ins are incredibly versatile, allowing you to change up your look with minimal effort. Whether you’re going for sleek, straight strands, voluminous curls, or a full-bodied wave, a sew-in gives you endless styling options. The best part? You can experiment with different textures, lengths, and colors without worrying about permanently altering your natural hair.
Protective Styling
Sew-ins provide an excellent way to protect your natural hair from heat damage, environmental stressors, and constant manipulation. With a sew-in, your natural hair is tucked away underneath, reducing exposure to styling tools, harsh weather, and daily stress. This protection helps your hair grow and remain healthy while you enjoy a new look.
Low Maintenance
Once installed, a sew-in requires minimal daily maintenance compared to other styles. You won’t need to worry about the daily heat styling or constant detangling that comes with other hair extension methods. If properly cared for, a sew-in can last for several weeks, allowing you to enjoy a low-maintenance style.
How Long Do Sew In Last?
A well-installed sew-in generally lasts 6 to 8 weeks with proper care and attention. While some people may stretch it to 10 weeks, it’s not usually recommended to keep a sew-in for that long. Extended wear beyond the recommended timeframe can lead to issues such as tangling, matting, product buildup, and scalp irritation. Over time, the weave may begin to look unkempt, and your natural hair may become compromised underneath.
Most professional stylists will suggest removing or redoing the sew-in after 6 to 8 weeks to ensure the longevity of both your weave and your natural hair. Regular removal helps to give your scalp a break, allowing it to breathe and preventing any damage to your natural hair from prolonged tension.
The lifespan of a sew-in is influenced by a number of factors, including:
Hair Texture and Type
The texture of both the weave and your natural hair plays a significant role in how long a sew-in lasts.
- How long do sew in last on straight hair? Typically, a sew-in on straight hair can last 6 to 8 weeks, often longer with proper care, as straight textures are less prone to tangling and frizz.
- How long do sew in last curly hair? Curly sew-ins usually last 4 to 6 weeks because curls require more hydration and are prone to frizz and matting if not maintained properly.
If you’re using a loose wave or body wave texture, expect the sew-in to hold up for 6 to 8 weeks with proper maintenance, but keep in mind that the curl pattern may loosen over time, especially if exposed to high heat or humidity.
Type of Sew-In (With Leave-Out, Closure)
The type of sew-in you choose also impacts its lifespan. For example:
- Sew-ins with leave-out require additional attention because the natural hair left out is exposed to the elements. The leave-out is often styled with heat and needs constant moisturizing to prevent breakage. As a result, a sew-in with leave-out may need to be removed sooner, generally around 6 weeks.
- Sew-ins with closures or frontals tend to last a little longer, as there is less risk of damage to the natural hair. Closures create a seamless look and require minimal maintenance for blending. However, the wear time may still be similar to traditional sew-ins, lasting between 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the closure material (lace vs. silk) and how well it is maintained.
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Quality of Hair Extensions (Human vs. Synthetic)
The quality of the hair extensions you choose significantly impacts how long your sew-in will last. Human hair extensions, particularly 100% virgin hair, are of much higher quality and can withstand regular washing, styling, and maintenance. Human hair sew-ins can easily last 6 to 8 weeks, and with proper care, they can be reused for multiple installs.
Synthetic hair, on the other hand, is more delicate and often doesn’t hold up as well over time. It’s prone to tangling, frizzing, and losing its shape, making it more likely that you’ll need to remove the sew-in after a few weeks (2 to 4 weeks). Additionally, synthetic hair doesn’t react well to heat styling, so maintaining a natural look may become challenging.
Maintenance Routine
How well you care for your sew-in directly affects how long it lasts. Daily maintenance is crucial to keep the extensions looking fresh:
- Shampoo and condition the hair regularly (every 1 to 2 weeks) to keep it clean and prevent product buildup, which can cause matting and odor. Be sure to use sulfate-free shampoos to avoid stripping the natural oils from both the weave and your natural hair.
- Detangle the hair gently with a wide-tooth comb or fingers to prevent knots and tangles.
- Moisturize your natural hair and the extensions, especially the ends, to prevent dryness and breakage. A leave-in conditioner can be helpful for curly textures.
- Wrap or protect the hair at night. Always tie your sew-in up using a silk or satin scarf, bonnet, or use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction while you sleep. This prevents frizz, breakage, and tangling, keeping the weave intact longer.
Additionally, avoiding heavy products like oils, butters, and creams near the roots or tracks helps to prevent product buildup, which can compromise the sew-in’s look and feel.
How Active Your Lifestyle Is
The more active you are, the shorter the lifespan of your sew-in may be. Sweating, exposure to chlorine, and frequent washing can affect the longevity of your install. For example:
- Excessive sweating from workouts can cause the weave to become frizzy or lose its shape. Make sure to cover the sew-in with a scarf or sweatband to protect it during workouts.
- Swimming in pools with chlorine or saltwater can dry out and damage the hair. If you’re planning to swim, consider wearing a swim cap or opting for a protective style like a braid-out or twist-out under the sew-in.
- Frequent washing of the hair can weaken the bonds or cause tangling, especially if not properly detangled afterward.
By understanding these factors, hair texture, the type of sew-in, quality of extensions, maintenance, and lifestyle, you’ll be equipped to get the most out of your sew-in installation. Generally, a sew-in can last anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, with proper care ensuring it stays looking fresh and natural throughout its lifespan.
How Long Do Sew In Take to Install?
While the style may last for weeks, you’ll need to carve out a few hours for the initial appointment. A typical sew-in takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on:
- The complexity of the braiding pattern
- Whether you’re adding a closure or frontal
- The amount of customization (plucking, bleaching, curling)
Traditional sew-ins with minimal leave-out may take 2–2.5 hours, while closure or frontal sew-ins often require closer to 3–4 hours.
It’s time well spent for a secure, long-lasting install, but always communicate with your stylist ahead of time to get a more accurate estimate.
How to Maintain a Sew-In for Longer Wear
A sew-in is only as good as the maintenance that follows. Whether you’re wearing a sleek straight install or curly bundles, your upkeep routine will determine how long it stays fresh and healthy-looking.
- Wrap your hair at night: Use a silk or satin scarf, bonnet, or pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz.
- Cleanse your scalp: Use a spray bottle with diluted shampoo to gently clean between the tracks and rinse thoroughly. Dry completely with a hooded dryer.
- Avoid buildup: Use lightweight products and avoid applying oils or heavy creams near the tracks.
- Protect during workouts: Wrap your hair in a scarf to absorb sweat and prevent frizzing.
- Don’t exceed the 8-week limit: Even if your sew-in looks good, your scalp and natural hair underneath need a break.
When it’s finally time to remove the sew-in, let a professional stylist handle the take-down to prevent unnecessary breakage or tangling.
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Conclusion
So, how long do sew in last? The answer ranges from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the style, texture, and your care routine. Straight and closure installs tend to last longer, while curly textures offer shorter-term options.
Whether you’re trying a sew-in for the first time or you’re a seasoned wearer looking to improve your routine, always remember: the secret to a long-lasting install is in the care, not just the hair.
Ready to elevate your sew-in experience?
Explore Govihair’s premium selection of 100% Vietnamese raw hair bundles and weft extensions. Our products ensure a natural look, exceptional durability, and versatility for styling. Visit our channels to discover the perfect match for your desired sew-in style.
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Ms. Jade