Taking care of a sew-in with a closure involves maintaining both the extensions and your natural hair underneath for a healthy and long-lasting style. Here's a breakdown of how to do it:
1. Washing and Conditioning
- Shampoo Regularly: Use a sulfate-free shampoo to gently cleanse your scalp and the weave. Focus on massaging your scalp to remove buildup, which can cause itching and irritation. A pro-tip is to use a pointed applicator bottle to apply the shampoo directly to your scalp.
- Condition: Apply conditioner to the weave hair, avoiding the roots (where the closure is attached) to prevent slippage. Detangle the hair gently with a wide-tooth comb while the conditioner is still in. Proper conditioning is crucial as sew-ins can be damaging if the braids underneath aren't properly cared for.
2. Drying
- Proper Drying is Key: Excess moisture can lead to mildew and odor. After washing, gently squeeze out excess water from the weave. Use a microfiber towel to pat dry. Allow your sew-in to air dry completely. You can also use a hooded dryer on a low setting to speed up the process. Make sure the braids underneath are also completely dry.
3. Scalp Care
- Moisturize Your Scalp: Use a light oil (like coconut, jojoba, or argan oil) to moisturize your scalp regularly. This helps to prevent dryness, itching, and flaking. Avoid using heavy oils, as they can weigh down the hair and cause buildup.
- Cleanse the Closure: Use a cotton pad with witch hazel or another gentle astringent to clean the closure area. This removes excess oil and keeps it fresh.
4. Styling and Maintenance
- Style as Desired: Treat your sew-in like your own hair when styling. You can curl, straighten, or style it as you wish. Use heat protectant sprays when using heat styling tools.
- Wrap or Cover at Night: Wrap your hair with a silk or satin scarf or bonnet to protect it from friction and prevent tangling. This helps maintain the style and reduces frizz. A silk pillowcase is also a good alternative.
- Detangle Regularly: Gently detangle your weave daily using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots.
5. Longevity and Removal
- Wash Routine: Repeat the wash and condition routine weekly, or bi-weekly depending on your activity level and product usage.
- Uninstall Properly: After 6-8 weeks, carefully uninstall your sew-in. Take your time to avoid damaging your natural hair. Gently remove the thread and carefully detangle each braid before washing and conditioning your natural hair.
- Deep Condition After Removal: After removing your sew-in, give your natural hair a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture and strengthen your strands.
By following these steps, you can maintain a healthy scalp, protect your natural hair, and keep your sew-in with a closure looking its best for longer.
