20 Beautiful Sew-In Hairstyles You'll Want to Try Immediately
Right this way for gorgeous protective-style ideas from celebrities and stylists.
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Sew-in hairstyles — or "hair weaves" and "weaves" as they're often called — are used to protect naturally textured hair from excessive heat styling and color. The style has a variety of installation techniques, such as traditional, partial and braidless. To create a sew-in look, all of the hair needs to be braided down around the scalp. Wefts of hair or tracks are then sewn into the braids.
Over the years, sew-in hairstyles have made an impact on popular culture. From being associated with the jaw-dropping cover stars of Vibe Vixen to Hollywood starlets, the discussion of sew-ins has found a way to be both popular and uniquely taboo. Even though hair extensions are used by people of every ethnicity and race, the installation technique has been heavily associated with Black women. The curiosity surrounding sew-ins and Black hair culture inspired comedian Chris Rock to create the documentary Good Hair. The documentary shows where the bundles of hair are sourced from and how prevalent weaves are within the Black community, especially in Black Hollywood.
No matter what time of year, sew-ins are always a good idea. Check out these gorgeous sew-in hairstyles (plus some helpful stylist and expert secrets!) for the next time you're looking to try something new.
Curly Sew-in
Interested in getting a sew-in but love your natural texture? No worries, this curly installation by StyleSeat stylist Erinn Courtney allows you to rock your natural texture while protecting your curls.
Traditional Sew-in
![washington, dc july 20 cast member angela simmons attends we tvs celebration of growing up hip hop season 3 at the smithsonian institute national museum of african american history and culture on july 20, 2017 in washington, dc photo by tasos katopodisgetty images for we tv](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/sew-in-hairstyles-angela-simmons-1644869062.jpg?crop=1.00xw:0.667xh;0,0.0556xh&resize=980:* "WEtv's Exclusive Premiere Of "Growing Up Hip Hop": Season 3")
Angela Simmons is a huge fan of sew ins (so much so that she is a brand ambassador for hair extensions brand Yummy extensions). The socialite and fashion designer opened up about her preferred use of sew-ins in her Youtube haircare video with stylist Q Hardy. Angela uses sew-ins to protect her hair from constant heat styling and potential damage. This style is ideal for those who prefer to wear their natural hair in heat-trained styles.
Auburn Highlights
![actress gabrielle union arrives at the los angeles premiere meet dave at the mann village theater on july 8, 2008 in westwood, california photo by jon kopalofffilmmagic](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/sew-in-hairstyles-gabrielle-union-1644869194.jpg?crop=1xw:0.76xh;center,top&resize=980:* "20th Century Fox Presents The World Premiere of "Meet Dave"")
Gabrielle Union has been a lover of protective styles for years. She's been known to rock weaves, wigs, braids and her natural hair. During the Los Angeles Premiere of the 2008 comedy Meet Dave, the actress used auburn color bundles to create the illusion of highlights.
RELATED: 25 Stunning Cinnamon Brown Hair Colors That Flatter Every Skin Tone
Inches and Bundles
Nicki Minaj has become known for her loud colored wigs and Rapunzel-worthy long bundles. For Nicki, sew-ins are not only a protective style but low maintenance in comparison to doing her own natural hair. According to Nicki's stylist Kim Kimble, she dyed the hair jet black and then straightened every inch. The celebrity stylist told Refinery 29,"It's a lot to flat iron," and that "she smooths on Argan oil for shine."
Ginger Spice
One of the benefits of wearing sew-ins? You can experiment with various colors without risking damage. This vibrant color is the perfect shade for fall (or any time, really).
Lavender and Gray Half Up-Half Down
According to StyleSeat colorist Brittaney Danyel, "Going gray is more damaging than going blonde for a couple of reasons. In order to achieve a gray color, you have to lighten (or bleach) your hair past the color of blonde." Yet another reason sew-ins can be a safer option.
Bubblegum Pink
Bubblegum pink hair is more than a spring hairstyle. Dyeing bundles pink requires virgin hair to be bleached blonde to create a base for the bubblegum pink pigment. Brittaney recommends coloring bundles if you're a fan of experimenting. The Style Seat expert adds, "[By] using coloring bundles, you are avoiding damaging your natural hair, you can have multiple color options if you are constantly changing your style, and they are great for adding volume and length to your natural hair."
Bronde Ombre
When deciding between going brunette or going blonde, bronde is the happy medium. This ombre of blonde and brown hair creates warmth and dimension at the same time.
Frontal
Some sew-in lovers complain that the use of leave-out and straight bundles results in heat damage. In order to shield against excessive heat, a frontal or a closure allow for all of the hair to be tucked away and protected. Both are made from human hair and Swiss lace, similar to a lace front wig. That said, according to sew-in hairstyle website Mayvenn hair, the difference between the two hair pieces has to do with size. A frontal is installed to cover the scalp from ear to ear, while a closure only covers the middle section of the hair. Both are great options.
Orange Ombre
If your favorite emoji is fire, then this orange ombre color is perfect! The ombre color adds dimension to the hair and gives the illusion of more volume.
Multi-Toned Skunk Stripe
The skunk stripe has definitely made a comeback in recent years. This gorgeous look experiments with depth, warmth and incorporates the classic look.
Asymmetrical Bob
The bob will never go out of style. Usually when people think of getting a sew-in they use it to add length. That said, if you don't like getting your haircut or aren't sure about risking the results, then a sew-in is a great way to experiment with shorter lengths, as well.
Red
Bright red is known to be a tricky color. According to Brittaney Danyel, "The molecules in red pigment are much larger than the molecules in most other colors. Because of this, the red color isn’t able to fully penetrate." Thanks to sew-ins though, you can wow in red without all of the extra maintenance involved.
Dirty Blonde
If you want to go blonde but are too afraid of the potential damage, a full blonde sew-in with a lace closure might be a good way to get the best of both worlds. What's more, this hue is gorgeous for all seasons.
Gray Highlights
This gray scale look combines black hair and gray highlights to create a youthful salt-and-pepper style.
Rainbow
If you're looking for your next Pride-inspired hairstyle (it's never too early to celebrate Pride!) or to add a major pop of color to your look, then this is the way to go. This multi-hue style is created through applying various highlights onto a frontal.
Icy Blue
Blue hair is bold, vibrant and versatile — and always a good idea. This icy blue shade is more than just a fun hair color: it's a statement.
RELATED: 25 Stunning Blue Hair Color Ideas For All Lengths and Skin Tones
HD Lace Frontal
Have you ever heard the question "what lace?" If you're interested in achieving a closure, then an HD closure is the perfect option. The HD closure gives the illusion of the scalp being exposed, and the natural hair is completely braided down and protected with zero leave out.
High Ponytail
This high ponytail uses a frontal and two bundles of hair to achieve a perfect updo full of volume and bounce.
Burgundy Wand Curls
Achieving texture is possible with bundles, even if the hair isn't curly. This burgundy style was created through the use of body wave bundles and a wand curler. According to hair expert and influencer DAISYDOESMYHAIR, the body wave may hold the curl better than a straighter bundle of hair.
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