The Real Sew-In Maintenance Checklist (From a NYC Extension Specialist)
A sew-in is often marketed as a “low-maintenance” style—but that phrase is misleading. Sew-ins are low daily styling, not low responsibility. When clients experience breakage, matting, or excessive shedding after a sew-in, it’s rarely because the method itself is bad. It’s almost always because maintenance was misunderstood or skipped.
This is the real sew-in maintenance checklist we educate clients on so their natural hair stays healthy underneath the style.
Why Sew-In Maintenance Matters More Than the Install
A flawless install can still fail if the hair underneath isn’t cared for properly. Your natural hair is braided, tucked away, and out of sight—which makes it easy to forget. But hair that’s ignored doesn’t rest; it weakens.
Healthy sew-ins require active care, not neglect.
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE: THE FOUNDATION
1. Cleansing Your Scalp Is Non-Negotiable
Your scalp still produces oil, sweat, and buildup—even under extensions. If the scalp isn’t cleansed regularly, it can lead to:
Itching and irritation
Odor trapped under the braids
Slower hair growth
Breakage at the root
Use a nozzle bottle or diluted shampoo to target the scalp between braids. Focus on cleansing, not aggressively scrubbing.
Rule of thumb:
If you wouldn’t skip washing your scalp without extensions, don’t skip it with them.
2. Moisturizing Without Suffocating the Hair
Moisture is essential—but heavy oils are not. Thick greases can clog follicles and attract buildup.
Instead:
Use water-based sprays
Light leave-ins
Minimal oil, applied sparingly
The goal is hydration, not shine overload.
3. Drying Completely (This Is Where Most Damage Happens)
One of the most common mistakes is letting braids stay damp. Moisture trapped under a sew-in can cause:
Mildew smell
Weakening at the root
Matting during removal
After washing, your scalp and braids must be 100% dry. Air-drying alone is usually not enough.
NIGHTTIME ROUTINE: PROTECTING WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE
4. Satin Protection Every Night
Cotton pillowcases pull moisture and create friction. Always protect your hair with:
A satin bonnet
A silk scarf
Or both
This reduces frizz, dryness, and unnecessary tension.
5. Securing the Hair Before Bed
Loose hair tangles. Tangled hair mats. Matted hair breaks.
Before bed:
Loosely braid the hair
Or wrap it low and flat
This keeps the install smooth and manageable.
STYLING RULES THAT PRESERVE YOUR NATURAL HAIR
6. Heat Is a Tool — Not a Habit
Excessive heat weakens both your natural hair and the extensions. Always:
Use a heat protectant
Avoid daily flat-ironing
Keep temperatures moderate
Your sew-in should last weeks, not require daily “fixing.”
7. Tension Is the Silent Enemy
High ponytails, tight buns, and slick styles can pull at:
The perimeter
The crown
The nape
Tension over time leads to thinning—especially around the edges.
REMOVAL TIMING: KNOW WHEN TO LET GO
8. Do Not Exceed 6–8 Weeks
Leaving a sew-in in too long can cause:
Matting at the root
Excess shedding
Breakage during removal
Healthy hair growth requires release, not just protection.
At our Williamsburg, Brooklyn salon, sew-ins are installed and removed with the same level of care—because the goal is long-term hair health, not just a good photo.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start working with structure, education paired with the right service plan makes all the difference.
