How to Care for Sew-In Hair Extensions (So They Last Longer)Updated 2 hours ago
Once your sew-in is installed, properly caring for your extensions is the key to maintaining their beauty and maximizing the value of your investment. Whether you’re rocking raw Indian hair or textured bundles, the right care routine makes all the difference.
Key Rules for Sew-In Maintenance
Keep your scalp clean and moisturized.
Shampoo with care every 1–2 weeks.
Condition and detangle regularly.
Protect your hair while you sleep.
Avoid heavy products that cause buildup.
Let’s break it down.
Wash Routine: Clean Scalp, Clean Wefts
Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo
Gently cleanse the scalp between braids or rows
Rinse in a downward motion—never rub the hair
Deep condition mid-length to ends (avoid roots)
Pro tip: If your wefts are textured (like our Afro Kinky Curly Weft), section the hair before washing to avoid tangling.
Detangling Without Damage
Start with damp, conditioned hair
Use a wide-tooth comb or our Extension Brush Set
Detangle from the ends upward, working gently
For curly textures, finger detangling is often best
Nighttime Protection
Always wrap or pineapple your hair at night
Use a satin bonnet or silk scarf
Sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase if possible
Braid or twist curly textures to preserve definition
Styling + Heat Tips
Limit heat styling to avoid dryness and breakage
When heat is necessary, use a heat protectant spray
Avoid applying heat to the roots or stitching area
Let the hair air dry when possible
What to Avoid
| Avoid This | Do This Instead |
|---|---|
| Tight hairstyles that pull on your edges | Loose buns, braids, or twists |
| Oil-heavy products at the scalp | Lightweight serums mid-shaft to ends |
| Overwashing your install | Cleanse weekly or biweekly only |
| Leaving sew-in too long (past 8 weeks) | Reinstall every 6–8 weeks |
Know When It’s Time for Removal
We recommend keeping sew-in wefts installed for no longer than 6–8 weeks. After this window, it's best to remove them to cleanse your natural hair and reinstall if desired. SL Raw wefts are reusable with proper care, allowing you to reinvest in your look rather than repurchasing hair every time.
Maintenance Recap:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Shampoo | Every 7–10 days |
| Deep Condition | Weekly |
| Dry Braids/Tracks | After every wash |
| Silk Wrap or Bonnet | Nightly |
| Limit Heat Styling | As needed |
| Reinstall Wefts | Every 6–8 weeks |