The world of hair extensions has come a long way since damaging glues, adhesives and extreme heat were being used to attach them. Today, the safest, most efficient and effective way to attach hair extensions is by forming a track and sewing them to the track.
So what are sewn in hair extensions?
Sewn in hair extensions are the most advanced method of hair extension installation. They require no braiding, are gentle on the natural hair and are easy to conceal. While sewn in extensions are by no means a new idea, they are the most secure method of installation and provide sufficient anchorage to attach wefts.
There are many well-known techniques for sewn in wefts. Some popular methods in the USA including NBR (Natural Beaded Rows), IBE (Invisible Beaded Extensions) are available in Australia. Whilst we are familiar in all these techniques, through years of experience we have developed a signature flat track method that we find extremely secure with no damage and is the most popular amongst our clients. It is our most requested method of installation in salon and for good reason.
At Carla Lawson Hair Extensions we specialize in many sewn in weft methods, however we tend to focus on our signature installation method. This method is exclusive to our flagship salon in Port Melbourne and is known to cause the least amount of stress to the natural hair and scalp. This is due to the many anchor points that the weft is sewn on to. The extensions are installed and sewn in using a blanket stitch which ensures they are extremely secure and comfortable for the client.
Our signature Sewn in method is a process where a track is formed using the client’s natural hair along with micro beads and then the hair extensions are essentially sewn using a needle and thread onto this track. As the natural hair grows out, the extensions will become looser yet still be securely attached to the track. After approximately 4-6 weeks, a re-lift will be required where the extensions are removed from the track. The track is then taken out and re-formed close to the scalp and the extensions are re-attached via our signature sewn in method to the newly formed track.
What are the differences with sewn in extensions and other methods?
With the sewn in method, your natural hair is used to form the track. Carla’s signature sewn in extension technique requires no braiding, is gentle on the natural hair and extremely easy to conceal. Feedback received from our clients is that they feel their natural hair grows well even with the extensions and is at times, healthier when they remove their extensions. So, if you are trying to grow out your hair but don’t like that ‘in between’ stage, sewn in hair extensions may be an ideal option for you.
Sewn in wefts usually take around an hour to an hour and a half to install depending on how many rows of hair extensions are being added.
How do you maintain sewn in in hair extensions?
The easiest way to maintain your sewn in extensions is to ensure you have them re-lifted every 4-6 weeks by a reputable stylist. It is important to let your stylist know if you are experiencing any discomfort or tension when the extensions are installed. It is not unusual for sewn in extensions to feel slightly tight for the first day after installation however you should not feel any pain or discomfort, especially as your hair grows out. Hair may be washed as normal provided correct aftercare products are being used, however it is also a good idea to have your hair professionally washed in salon to remove any excess buildup of product and oil and have a full hair refresh when you are getting your extensions re-lifted. A thorough scalp cleanse is paramount to hair and scalp health and will ensure the natural hair is in an environment where it can thrive.
When washing your hair at home, we recommend you detangle your hair before you begin shampooing. (we recommend our Carla Lawson Boar Bristle Brush). Use a salon professional shampoo that is sulphate free, we recommend the Oribe Gold Lust range for Carla Lawson Hair Extensions) and use a downwards motion when shampooing then rinse thoroughly. Don’t be afraid to get in there and give the scalp a good scrub to remove any excess dirt, product build up or oil that may be trapped underneath the sewn in extension track.
Always ensure hair is completely dry before going to sleep or heat styling. Having even slightly wet hair may cause damage to the extensions or your natural hair as it sizzles and that is the last thing you want.
Why are sewn in extensions the most popular installation method?
Clients love sewn in hair extensions. We have clients who have been wearing extensions for over 10 years and who have tried so many different methods of installation, from micro beads, to clip ins. They have reported that sewn in hair extensions are by far the most comfortable and secure method they tried. We have found that sewn in hair extensions are he most gentle on client’s natural hair and give the hair a break rather than the constant pull and stress of having other methods of attachment.
Overall, we offer a huge range of high-quality hair extensions that can be installed using our signature sewn in method. We have found this method to be an efficient and effective way to install weft hair extensions and it is our most requested method in salon. We always recommend a consultation first, to make sure hair extensions and a sewn in method is right for you and your hair.
