A partial sew-in is a popular method for adding hair extensions that blend naturally with your own hair. It’s perfect if you want to add length, volume, or texture without covering your entire head. Unlike a full sew-in, where all your hair is braided and hidden under the extensions, a partial sew-in leaves sections of your natural hair out to create a more natural look.
The partial sew-in offers an immense range of styling options that allow you to experiment with new hairstyles or add a certain flare on what currently works well for you. Let’s examine the uniqueness of this process apart from classic traditional sew-ins where one applies their braids and then the other covers them all up.
How Does a Partial Sew In Work?
A partial sew-in is a hairstyle where your stylist will braid sections of your hair, especially the back and sides, leaving out some natural hair in strategic places such as the crown, front, or sides. The wefts are then sewn onto the braided parts while blending the unbraided part with tracks.
The method is ideal for people who would like to keep their natural hair texture and style choices. In other words, if you are someone who likes sleek ponytails or big curls, this means that you can have them through partial sew-ins while at the same time using extensions such as wigs.
What Makes a Partial Sew In Different from a Traditional Sew In?
You might be questioning yourself: What is the traditional sew-in? A traditional sew-in is a hairstyle where the entire head is covered with braids, and extensions are sewn into them, making an appearance as if the hair has been woven together. Protective in nature, this style requires minimal maintenance since there are no loose hairs exposed.
Partial sew-ins provide more versatility even though they don’t offer maximum protection for your hair like their counterparts; traditional sew-ins do. When you have the partial sew-in hair, you can still do anything with your own natural locks using heated tools among others or even style it differently altogether if that’s what pleases you. Unfortunately, however, maintenance of a partial may take longer than that of the normal one because some parts of your head will be left out, so blending becomes necessary on a regular basis hence demanding more effort than need be.
The Benefits of a Partial Sew In Weave
People prefer partial sew-in for several reasons. Some of the major advantages include:
- Looks Natural: As it leaves some of one’s natural hair out, a partial sew-in creates a very natural look particularly when the extensions are of similar texture and color as that of one’s natural hair. It becomes difficult for anyone to notice that you actually have a weave on because your hair blends with the extension!
- Versatile: A partial sew-in can be styled just like your own hair. You can have any style whether side parting, middle parting, or even high ponytail because all these styles can be achieved through this method.
- Less Tension on Your Scalp: In a case of partial sew-in, not all of your hair is braided down, meaning that this leads to less tension on your scalp. Therefore, it is more comfortable, especially for those who suffer from headaches or tight feelings due to full sew-ins.
- Installation Takes Shorter Time: This usually takes a shorter time because only a portion of your head will be plaited and sewn while doing full weaves. Less time will be spent in the chair thus allowing one more time with their different looks.
- Better Access to Your Scalp: Since not all your hair is braided down, you have better access to your scalp which is great for maintenance through regular washing and conditioning in order to keep it healthy.
The Different Types of Sew Ins
There are a variety of types of stitched weaves that cater to individual needs; partial and traditional sew-ins are not the only options available. Here, I present a brief overview of some common ones:
- Full Sew-In: In this technique, all your original strands get twisted together before getting hidden under the weave which would make one look completely different without worrying about blending it with theirs.
- Lace Closure Sew-In: A lace closure is attached at the top part of the hair to cover the leave-out area. It makes it appear more like a scalp while not needing any natural hair seen at all, thus ensuring a real natural-looking hairline.
- Frontal Sew-In: Lace frontal will be used on a frontal sew-in instead. Using this option protects your own temple area from damage by heat, used on curling irons while allowing you to explore different geometrical designs.
- Vixen Sew-In: Four sections are left out in such a way that they make an X pattern leaving room for different styles including ponytails, updos, and braids without showing any tracks.
- Leave-Out Sew-In: This type of hairstyling technique involves leaving some portions of your own hair intact and blended in with the rest.
Caring for Your Partial Sew In
A partial sew-in definitely needs some upkeep in order to continue to look fresh and natural. Here are some tips for keeping your partial sew-in in good shape:
- Blending Your Hair: If your natural hair has a different texture from your extensions, you can use heat tools or styling products to blend them together. For instance, if you have curly hair but you are using straight extensions, you will need to straighten your leave-out so that it matches the weave.
- Moisturizing Your Hair: Even though some of these strands are being protected by this sew-in technique, it is very crucial to moisturize both your natural hair as well as its extensions. Use a light leave-in conditioner on your leave-out area to avoid dryness and breakage.
- Regular Washing and Conditioning: Just because one wears extensions does not mean they should evade washing their hair. To avoid buildup especially around the areas where one leaves out their own hair, make sure that you wash the scalp and hair often.
- Protective Styling: To maintain good conditions for a longer time period for such a hairstyle, try using braids on night hours for your leave-out or wear a silk scarf while sleeping to minimize friction.
How Long Does a Partial Sew In Last?
Just like other types of sew-ins, partial sew-ins require maintenance for them to last long. They can last anything from 6 to 10 weeks depending on the level of care given. Moreover, the leave-out hair typically requires more attention than normal because of its frequent exposure to heated styling devices and products (comb, blow dryer, etc.). In addition, after two months or so, it is advisable to take out the sew-in so as to avoid stressing your scalp and natural locks.
Conclusion
To sum it up, if one intends to achieve extra length or bulk while being able to style their real hair at will, then a partial sew-in is the best solution. A standard sew-in imposes more limitations on someone’s freedom than a partial one but both serve the same purpose: making your hair beautiful for a long time. Whether you are new in the game of sew-ins or feel like changing your style, go for a partial sew-in weave because it will suit you well.
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