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How to Protect Edges With Sew in Extensions Full Guide of 2024

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how to protect edges with sew inYou know I’ve got your back when it comes to keeping those edges laid, honey. As your trusted stylist, let me hip you to what you can do to keep those edges intact while rocking sew-ins.

Quality extensions are key – don’t skimp, get what you pay for. But it’s not just about the hair, it’s how we install it. Together, we’ll find styles that don’t cause tension on your edges, and I’ll avoid braiding too tight.

Daily TLC for your edges is crucial too, boo. Generously moisturize, avoid heat, and gently massage your edges each day. When you’re sleeping or lounging, wrap your edges in a satin scarf to guard against friction.

By taking these steps, your edges will stay nourished and protected. Now you can slay your sew-in with confidence, knowing your edges are handled.

Key Takeaways

  • Moisturize and massage edges daily to nourish and stimulate growth. Use natural oils like castor or coconut oil.
  • Wrap edges in satin at night and use silk pillowcases to reduce friction that can damage fragile edges.
  • Limit tension on the hairline area by avoiding tight braiding and allowing breaks between installs for the edges to recover.
  • Speak up during installs if braids feel too tight around the edges. Having the stylist redo sections that are too snug can prevent damage.

Quality Extensions

Quality Extensions
Invest wisely in high quality hair extensions to avoid damage. Have your stylist properly install them, avoiding too-tight braiding and using weave caps for gentle tension. Keep them in only 2-3 months before removing for scalp health, and care for your natural hair in between installs.

Invest in High Quality

You’ll want to buy some nice extensions. Splurge on high-grade human hair, not synthetic. Real hair blends and lasts longer without irritation. Quality materials installed properly protect fragile edges and blend beautifully with your natural texture for weeks.

Proper Installation

Don’t let stylists braid too tightly or leave extensions in past their prime. Moisturize your scalp and hairline area daily while wearing sew-ins. Use quality human hair extensions properly installed for a flawless, natural look.

Caring for Edges

Caring for Edges
When rocking sew-in weaves, it’s crucial to moisturize and nourish your edges to keep them healthy. Avoid using heat tools on your edges, which can cause breakage, and be mindful of tension from too-tight braiding, which can damage the fragile hairline.

Prep your edges properly with moisturizing creams before braiding, and use protective silk wraps at night to retain moisture and reduce friction.

Moisturize and Nourish

Massage Jamaican castor oil into your edges nightly; although it may feel greasy, it deeply conditions hair for fuller, healthier growth.

  1. Apply almond oil to nourish and strengthen hair.
  2. Use an edge gel like Cantu Shea Butter Extra Hold Edge Stay Gel for definition.
  3. Invest in satin edge tamers to protect your hairline while sleeping.
  4. Always prep edges with heavier creams before braiding.

Moisturized, nourished edges lead to healthier hairlines that can better withstand tension from braids and ponytails.

Avoid Heat and Tension

How ’bout using silk pillowcases and hair wraps to reduce friction on your edges overnight?

Gentle handling protects fragile edges. Limit heat tools. Style hair loose. Massage in natural oils.

Ways to Avoid Tension Ways to Prevent Heat Damage Helpful Products
Secure loose braids Skip flat irons on edges Satin scarves
Alternate wig and weave styles Use heat-free edge control Silk pillowcases
Gentle brushing Allow hairline breaks between installs Jamaican castor oil
Loosely wrap ponytails Moisturize before heat styling Edge brushes

Natural oils strengthen edges. Excessive heat weakens hairlines. With care, your edges gain durability to withstand styling.

Alternate Styles

Alternate Styles
You’d be wise to switch up your protective styles. Wigs are less harsh on your edges than constant sew-ins, which can really do a number on your hairline over time.

  • Try wigs or crochet braids for a spell. It gives those edges a break.
  • Opt for twist extensions next install. Less tension than braids.
  • Space out sew-ins. Give the hairline time to recover.
  • Alternate between wigs and weaves. Avoid constant tension.
  • Take wig breaks between sew-ins. It allows a hairline reset.

Varying up your protective styles gives your delicate edges time to breathe and recover between installs.

Gentle Handling

Gentle Handling
As someone who’s been there and done that, I feel your struggle. This hair game can be rough on our edges, so it’s time to start giving them the delicate handling they deserve. Gently massage your edges daily, using natural oils to stimulate growth and prevent shedding.

When brushing those fragile baby hairs, be sure to keep it soft and easy. And, girl, check that your stylist has your extensions properly installed – not too tight or it’ll only lead to breakage over time.

Massage and Brush Gently

Don’t manhandle those fragile edges, girl. Massage them gently with natural oils to moisturize and stimulate growth. Coat them in castor or coconut oil, then gently massage. Avoid tugging or hard bristles when brushing too.

Check Tightness

Girl, make sure your stylist isn’t braiding too tight at your edges when getting sew-ins.

  • Check in on tension during install.
  • Speak up if too snug around hairline.
  • Have them redo section looser if needed.
  • Don’t risk damage just to lay flat.

Protect those fragile edges, honey. You’ve got to make sure they can still breathe and grow under those sew-ins.

Protect Overnight

Protect Overnight
Honey, snuggling those fragile edges up in satin at night’ll have ’em staying smooth like butter. Tuck your edges into a luxurious satin scarf or bonnet before bed, and it’ll shield ’em from that rough cotton friction of your pillowcase that can dry out edges and cause breakage.

A satin wrap gently cradles those baby hairs without tugging on ’em while you sleep.

Don’t forget to hydrate those edges first! Apply a little edge gel to slick those strands back and follow up with a nourishing hair oil, like castor or coconut, to lock in moisture.

This bedtime routine sets your edges up for success by reducing friction overnight and keeping those curl corners hydrated, protected, and ready to slay the next day.

Prep Before Styling

Prep Before Styling
Generously moisturize your edges with a thick, nourishing cream and work it in well to hydrate before braiding down. If possible, leave those fragile curl corners out of the braid pattern entirely so they don’t suffer under all that tension as the hair gets pulled taut.

Avoiding any manipulation of the hairline will allow your edges to stay nourished and protected while rocking your new look.

Moisturize Heavily

Tame those edges with lots of moisturizing cream before braiding up. Prep baby hairs by massaging in a rich, heavy cream. This gives fragile edges the hydration they need before a sew-in’s added tension.

Coat strands in an intensely nourishing cream to protect and moisturize before braiding.

Leave Out Edges

Even sisters, leaving your edges free of braids avoids stretching the life outta your delicate baby hairs.

  • No tension on hairline
  • Avoids breakage
  • Saves your edges

Leaving those fragile hairs out protects your hairline from damage. Like you, your edges deserve to be pampered. Show them TLC by letting them relax while the rest of your strands are neatly braided up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I get my sew-in tightened or redone?

Get your sew-in tightened every 4-6 weeks. Over-tightening strains your hairline. Let your stylist know if braids feel too snug. For longevity without damage, redo the style every 8-12 weeks.

What are some signs my edges are being damaged from my sew-in extensions?

Are your edges sore or itchy under that sew-in? Feeling tension when you smile or raise your brows? That’s your hair telling you those extensions are too tight.

What kind of products or home remedies can help grow my edges back if they start thinning?

Girl, start massaging castor or coconut oil daily into those edges to stimulate growth. Sleep with a satin scarf nightly to hydrate. Avoid tight ponytails and opt for loose braids to take tension off. Be gentle when brushing and use an alcohol-free, nourishing edge gel for sleek, defined baby hairs without breakage.

How soon after taking out my sew-in extensions can I get them re-installed?

Don’t rush to reinstall extensions right after removing them. It’s ideal to allow your fragile edges and hairline at least 2-4 weeks of rest for real recovery before getting extensions put back in.

Are there any hairstyles I should avoid while I have sew-in extensions?

You should avoid tight ponytails and hard brushing while wearing sew-ins. Go easy on your edges; they’re fragile. Choose loose styles to avoid extra tension on your hairline that causes breakage.

Conclusion

You’ve got this! Take it from me, your stylist has your back like a satin bonnet. Protecting your edges with sew-ins is a cinch if you prep ’em properly and pamper ’em daily. Moisturize those babies before braiding, leave ’em out if you can. Wrap ’em up softly at night, massage in some oils in the morning.

I won’t braid too tightly, promise! Just follow my lead – with care, your edges will flourish under those sew-ins.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief of sewingtrip.com, a site dedicated to those passionate about crafting. With years of experience and research under his belt, he sought to create a platform where he could share his knowledge and skills with others who shared his interests.