Getting a sew-in soon... tips anyone?

[RedVelvet310]

Good morning ladies!

I'm planning on getting a sew-in in a couple of weeks, but being the obsessive hair addict I am, I want to know *everything* I need to do to keep the hair under the sew-in strong, healthy and growing so I have a couple of questions:

1. How long can I keep the sew-in in my hair?

2. a) How often should I wash it?
b) Should I wash it myself or go to a salon blush:I know how some of you ladies feel about salons, but I don't want to have a sew in with natural hair fuzz stickin up )
c) If I should wash it myself, how should I do it? (Is there a special 'process'?)

3. I want a straight weave (I love the curly ones but they never stay that way after week one, and as my hair grows I know I'll be rocking my natural curls everyday), which type of hair should I purchase at the BSS... I hear that Black Diamond is the best but most expensive, should I invest in that?

Sorry its so long on a Friday morning ladies but I'm just so confused, TIA!

blush: and I might have more questions)

 

[Blaque*Angel]

Good thread

I am also getting my 1st sew in in a few weeks too.

I would like advice on how to moisturise properly.

 

[RegaLady]

Good morning ladies!

I'm planning on getting a sew-in in a couple of weeks, but being the obsessive hair addict I am, I want to know *everything* I need to do to keep the hair under the sew-in strong, healthy and growing so I have a couple of questions:

1. How long can I keep the sew-in in my hair?

2. a) How often should I wash it?
b) Should I wash it myself or go to a salon blush:I know how some of you ladies feel about salons, but I don't want to have a sew in with natural hair fuzz stickin up )
c) If I should wash it myself, how should I do it? (Is there a special 'process'?)

3. I want a straight weave (I love the curly ones but they never stay that way after week one, and as my hair grows I know I'll be rocking my natural curls everyday), which type of hair should I purchase at the BSS... I hear that Black Diamond is the best but most expensive, should I invest in that?

Sorry its so long on a Friday morning ladies but I'm just so confused, TIA!

blush: and I might have more questions)

Funny, I got mine yesterday! I love it! I got the wet and wavy, and my SO loves it alot better than the straight hair! I do too! I had a new lady do it. I kinda liked the way my other sew in lady does it, only because she used weave to help cornrow the hair underneath. To me, that takes the strain off of your own hair.
I keep my sew ins for 4-6 weeks.
I washed my other sew in every 3 days, and it held up. Because I don't think my hair is so secure under hear(she used a net, so it might hold up) I plan to wash once a week, with using a waterless shampoo , in between! I used braid spray and ORS Olive oil moisterizer to moisterize, the hair underneath. NEVER neglect the hair.
I think with natural hair, sew ins look more natural with curly, wet and wavy, or wavy hair. I know most brands are crappy. You have to spend alot for great hair. I will let you know how my hair held up. It has been one day, and it's been okay. I LOVE the curls. I heard Beverly Johnson and Bijoux, are good brands for BSS hair wet and wavy(Brockgirl has noted this).

 

[RegaLady]

Good morning ladies!

I'm planning on getting a sew-in in a couple of weeks, but being the obsessive hair addict I am, I want to know *everything* I need to do to keep the hair under the sew-in strong, healthy and growing so I have a couple of questions:

1. How long can I keep the sew-in in my hair?

2. a) How often should I wash it?
b) Should I wash it myself or go to a salon blush:I know how some of you ladies feel about salons, but I don't want to have a sew in with natural hair fuzz stickin up )
c) If I should wash it myself, how should I do it? (Is there a special 'process'?)

3. I want a straight weave (I love the curly ones but they never stay that way after week one, and as my hair grows I know I'll be rocking my natural curls everyday), which type of hair should I purchase at the BSS... I hear that Black Diamond is the best but most expensive, should I invest in that?

Sorry its so long on a Friday morning ladies but I'm just so confused, TIA!

blush: and I might have more questions)

Funny, I got mine yesterday! I love it! I got the wet and wavy, and my SO loves it alot better than the straight hair! I do too! I had a new lady do it. I kinda liked the way my other sew in lady does it, only because she used weave to help cornrow the hair underneath. To me, that takes the strain off of your own hair.
I keep my sew ins for 4-6 weeks.
I washed my other sew in every 3 days, and it held up. Because I don't think my hair is so secure under hear(she used a net, so it might hold up) I plan to wash once a week, with using a waterless shampoo , in between! I used braid spray and ORS Olive oil moisterizer to moisterize, the hair underneath. NEVER neglect the hair.
I think with natural hair, sew ins look more natural with curly, wet and wavy, or wavy hair. I know most brands are crappy. You have to spend alot for great hair. I will let you know how my hair held up. It has been one day, and it's been okay. I LOVE the curls. I heard Beverly Johnson and Bijoux, are good brands for BSS hair wet and wavy(Brockstar has noted this).

 

[RedVelvet310]

Funny, I got mine yesterday! I love it! I got the wet and wavy, and my SO loves it alot better than the straight hair! I do too! I had a new lady do it. I kinda liked the way my other sew in lady does it, only because she used weave to help cornrow the hair underneath. To me, that takes the strain off of your own hair.
I keep my sew ins for 4-6 weeks.
I washed my other sew in every 3 days, and it held up. Because I don't think my hair is so secure under hear(she used a net, so it might hold up) I plan to wash once a week, with using a waterless shampoo , in between! I used braid spray and ORS Olive oil moisterizer to moisterize, the hair underneath. NEVER neglect the hair.
I think with natural hair, sew ins look more natural with curly, wet and wavy, or wavy hair. I know most brands are crappy. You have to spend alot for great hair. I will let you know how my hair held up. It has been one day, and it's been okay. I LOVE the curls. I heard Beverly Johnson and Bijoux, are good brands for BSS hair wet and wavy(Brockgirl has noted this).

Hmm, I've had wet any wavy EXTENSIONS before, but never weave ... you're gonna HAVE to update me on how that held up, since I'm going to Florida next month.. apart from hitting up the dominican BSS (hehe) I'll be spending a lot of time in the water.

My main concern though is the washing process, when you wash in what manner to you massage the scalp? And how to you prevent the braids from getting frizzy and showing through the sewin... I've never actually HAD a sew in so I'm kind of a newbie at this

 

[Ediese]

Good morning ladies!

I'm planning on getting a sew-in in a couple of weeks, but being the obsessive hair addict I am, I want to know *everything* I need to do to keep the hair under the sew-in strong, healthy and growing so I have a couple of questions:

1. How long can I keep the sew-in in my hair?
I wanted to start off with this disclaimer: the recommended length to leave it in is 4-6 weeks, but I've always kept my installs for 3+ mos. Last year, I kept it in for five months and I plan to keep my current install in for 6 months. Then again, it's because I know that my hair can handle it, but that isn't the case with everyone.
2. a) How often should I wash it? When I didn't know any better, I hardly ever washed. When I keep it in for three mos, I washed and dc every month. I also moisturized every day by spraying a mix of glycerin and water on my hair underneath and the hair left out. I would also apply castor oil to the ends of the hair that was left out. When I keep it in for longer than 3 mos, I wash every 2 weeks.
b) Should I wash it myself or go to a salon blush:I know how some of you ladies feel about salons, but I don't want to have a sew in with natural hair fuzz stickin up ) I always wash by myself. One really cool tip is that I add my shampoo, conditioner, dc, leave in cond in separate empty water bottles dilluted with water that you can pour over your head. Or, you could add them to a bottle with a nozzle. That way it makes it easier to apply and you're sure to get it evenly distributed throughout your head.
c) If I should wash it myself, how should I do it? (Is there a special 'process'?)

3. I want a straight weave (I love the curly ones but they never stay that way after week one, and as my hair grows I know I'll be rocking my natural curls everyday), which type of hair should I purchase at the BSS... I hear that Black Diamond is the best but most expensive, should I invest in that? I've been reusing the weave that I use right now. It's been four installs, and I've still been able to use it over. The only thing is that it's a higher quality not found in the BSS. I bought the relaxed texture hair from Extensions-plus.com. It's not shiny or fake looking. It doesn't shed, and looks just like AA hair but it's a little expensive. I'm not sure about BSS hair because I haven't tried them.

Sorry its so long on a Friday morning ladies but I'm just so confused, TIA!

blush: and I might have more questions)

I'm a little lazy so I'm copying this response that I wrote in another thread.

DISCLAIMER: This worked for my hair, but may not work for everyone.

I know alot of people that have been able to grow out their hair wearing weaves for 3 mos at a time. I can personally attest to that. I've always used it as my number one protective styling option. Last year when I cut my hair to neck length, I wore an install from Feb to July and probably washed my hair once a month (pre hair board). My hair didn't experience any breakage, and it grew to full SL. I then put another sew-in in July and kept it from July to September. My hair grew about 2 inches past SL in that time. I put the next one in from September to December and got 1/2 inch away from APL (grew about 2 1/2-3"). This is when I found the boards in Sept, and starting using my regimen.

Since I'm transitioning, my weaves help me deal with two textures and retain length at the same time. I plan on wearing my current install that I got done in February until August. One other thing, it also helped thicken up my hair.

This is my regimen with my current sew-in:
Wash every 2 weeks with Creme of Nature
Condition w/ Mane N Tail
DC every 2 weeks w/ORS replenishing pak or Pantene Pro V relaxed and natural
Leave in conditioner - Infusium 23
Use MN whenever I remember
Spray the hair that's left out, and my braids with a glycerin/water mix and seal my ends with castor oil
Clarify 1x month w/Suave clarifying shampoo
I've also started to incorporate using Mega tek and applying it to my scalp every day

I hope everyone doesn't believe that weaves are the debil because it does help alot of people without causing damage. By this Septemer (my 1 yr anniversary taking care of my hair), I could possibly get to BSL from NL last year. The main reason is because of my sewins, and the regimen that I've incorporated.

ETA: I only wear the relaxed texture that is straight hair.

 

[Ediese]

Hmm, I've had wet any wavy EXTENSIONS before, but never weave ... you're gonna HAVE to update me on how that held up, since I'm going to Florida next month.. apart from hitting up the dominican BSS (hehe) I'll be spending a lot of time in the water.

My main concern though is the washing process, when you wash in what manner to you massage the scalp? And how to you prevent the braids from getting frizzy and showing through the sewin... I've never actually HAD a sew in so I'm kind of a newbie at this

You won't be able to see the braids through the weave. You can easily massage your scalp if your cornrows are braided in a pattern that has a space between each braid, and not braids stuck together.

 

[ClassicChic]

I'm getting my second sew-in towards the end of June. I spoke with the woman yesterday. The first one I had was straight, but this time around I am going to do a curly on. I'm actually scared to get curly hair. Don't ask me why. Anywho, I'm gonna try it.

With the first one, I went to the shop and let the stylist wash it. For me this was best because I do not think I would have been able to get in between the cornrows really good.

I plan to wear the sew in for two months.

 

[ajacks]

1. How long can I keep the sew-in in my hair? This varies from person to person. I just had my weave taken out and reinstalled. My last install I kept in for 13 weeks and my hair was a tangled matted mess. Luckily I have a great stylist that patiently worked her way through and untangled the roots. It took her 2-1/2 hours and I mainly lost the naturally shedded hairs. It could have been a major disaster. This time I plan to keep it in for 8 weeks. I have a full-head weave, none of my hair is left out. The sew-in will be my protective style until Feb. 2009.2. a) How often should I wash it? I wash every two weeks w/ Beauty 4 Ashes Max Moisture and Gro Shampoo and Conditioner. I deep condition once a week with AO Honeysuckle Rose or AO GPB mixed w/1tsp. castor oil, EVCO and EVOO. b) Should I wash it myself or go to a salon ( I know how some of you ladies feel about salons, but I don't want to have a sew in with natural hair fuzz stickin up )I wash it at home.
c) If I should wash it myself, how should I do it? (Is there a special 'process'?)I wash in the shower with shampoo and conditioner diluted with water in applicator bottles. 3. I want a straight weave (I love the curly ones but they never stay that way after week one, and as my hair grows I know I'll be rocking my natural curls everyday), which type of hair should I purchase at the BSS... I hear that Black Diamond is the best but most expensive, should I invest in that? I don’t use BSS brands. I use the relaxed textured hair from Extension Plus. It is expensive but this is my second time using the same hair and I plan to continue using it for the remainder of the year, so in the end I will actually be saving money.

 

[czyfaith77]

I'm getting my second sew-in towards the end of June. I spoke with the woman yesterday. The first one I had was straight, but this time around I am going to do a curly on. I'm actually scared to get curly hair. Don't ask me why. Anywho, I'm gonna try it.

With the first one, I went to the shop and let the stylist wash it. For me this was best because I do not think I would have been able to get in between the cornrows really good.

I plan to wear the sew in for two months.

I actually wear and prefer curly hair. I do my own sew in. I have been doing so for years. For myself, I prefer straight cornrows going back and tucking and sewing the lengthbetween the braids (if you can picture that). My reason for doing so is that I can get longer wear out of my weave this way and it is easier to put in myself. I do the cornrows from front to back and the weave from left to right until I get to the crown in which I sew the hair in a circular motion to close the top up nicely. I was wash my hair with CON (green) when needed and let air dry (sometimes I use a dryer on cool setting). I use a color applicator to apply oil to my scalp (usually a sulfur mix that I make) and for the weave hair I use a little Hawaiian Silky 14n1 , which I also love on my natural hair. I also have my preference in hair. Contrary to what most people assume, I use a synthetic hair, which is usually better when wearing curly hair because it lasts longer. But when choosing a synthetic, you still have to consider quality. I use one that it looks very much near human hair and feels that way too (i hate shiny plastic looking hair). Another thing that makes a good weave, especially curly hair, is the cut (On my hair hair, I like nice layers- think Rachel True (Half & Half) or Cree Summer (Different World). I always advise people to cut it as if it is your own hair not in awkward, harsh lines that do not compliment your face. Often, people do not know I am wearing a weave. Even when my hair was reaching brastrap I stayed in a weave because I like saving my hair and I like the versatility because I love to change so much. I hope that you enjoy! Also, when wearing a weave don't be afraid to play with color too. Again, it is a change from your own so make the best of it. Best Wishes!

 

[yellow08]

Good morning ladies!

I'm planning on getting a sew-in in a couple of weeks, but being the obsessive hair addict I am, I want to know *everything* I need to do to keep the hair under the sew-in strong, healthy and growing so I have a couple of questions:

1. How long can I keep the sew-in in my hair?

I have been transitioning with a sew-in for the last year. I typically keep my sew-in for 10-12 weeks. The recommended time is 8-10 weeks from what I've seen...but my hair can handle the longer install


2. a) How often should I wash it?

When I first get my install I typically wash it 2 weeks later but after that I wash and deep condition my hair weekly (it's my Saturday rountine now)

b) Should I wash it myself or go to a salon blush:I know how some of you ladies feel about salons, but I don't want to have a sew in with natural hair fuzz stickin up )

I wash my own hair, it is easier to do in the shower IMO.

c) If I should wash it myself, how should I do it? (Is there a special 'process'?)

I know a lot of people dilute their shampoo with water (using a applicator bottle for the BSS). and then they squeeze the diluted shampoo into their braids. I don't do that, I take the shampoo applying to my braids/scalp and let it lather up. I make sure the the water really runs through my braids.

3. I want a straight weave (I love the curly ones but they never stay that way after week one, and as my hair grows I know I'll be rocking my natural curls everyday), which type of hair should I purchase at the BSS... I hear that Black Diamond is the best but most expensive, should I invest in that?
Sorry, I don't know about Black Diamond...
Sorry its so long on a Friday morning ladies but I'm just so confused, TIA!

 

[caramelty]

I did my sew-in last night and plan on keeping it for about 6-8 weeks. I washed,deep conditioned my hair, oiled it with MTG and put some mango butter on my ends and braided it up. I really like it. I didn't go for a GREAT quality of hair though b/c this hair is shedding alot. But I figured when I get ready to go out of town I will get some better hair.

 

[RedVelvet310]

Thank you ladies soo much. I'm a LOT more at ease. I'm hearing a lot about the extension plus so I might want to try it out, but since this is my first sew in I'm gonna stick with a BSS brand, if the only problem I encounter is the quality of the BSS hair but love everything else, I'm DEFINATELY gonna invest in the hair from extensions plus Once again than you! xoxo