DIY Sew-In Hair Extension Guide: How to Braid Hair for Full Sew-In Extensions

Sew-in hair extensions offer an alternative for those that want longer or fuller hair without the use of heat or bonding agents. Sew-in extensions are typically done by a licensed stylist. However, since the process will not damage hair, it can be done at home. The process of braiding for sew-in extensions can be completed in about one hour or longer if the natural hair is very thick.Here's what you'll need along with an estimated cost for each item. You can find all of these items for a very low cost at a local beauty supply store.

Hair clips- These cost about $2 for a pack of 10
Curved or straight hair weaving needle - Costs less than $2.
Hair weaving thread- Costs less than $1.

1. Decide how much of the hair will be left out. This will determine how to proceed with braiding.

If all of the natural hair will be braided and sewn, you will need to braid the hair in one continuous, circular pattern around the entire head. However, if you want to leave out the perimeter of the hair, the parting and braiding will work differently. Leaving out the perimeter of the natural hair will allow for a wider range of hairstyles that can be worn off the face and neck. If you prefer to have more flexibility with possible hairstyles, leave out one inch of hair around the perimeter of the head. If you're a visual learner, check out this video.

2. Section off the hair, leaving 2 to 3 inches of the bangs out. Clip this part of the hair down so it doesn't get in the way while braiding. Next, part off one inch of the hair around the rest of the perimeter of the head from the bangs around the sides and the nape of the neck. Clip off this part of the hair, also.

3. Make a part that begins on the left or right back corner of the bangs, depending on which direction is most comfortable to start the braid. Part along the back of the bangs in a horizontal line across the head. It's not necessary to part out the entire head all at once. You can continue to part, braid, stop, then part again as you go. Don't be concerned about this too much because once the braid is started, you can easily clip off the hair and take a break if needed.

Tip: Make the parts as close together as you can. The smaller the braids are, the flatter they will lie against the head which will result in a more natural finished look. This is especially important if the hair is very thick or coarse. If the hair is fine, it's okay to make the braids a little bigger.

4. Start the braid along the part and continue until you get to the part of the hair that's not parted. Continue to braid and part in a circular fashion around the entire head working towards the crown as you go. Don't braid hair to the end but rather continue to grab more hair as you go along. This will result in one continuous braid around the entire head.

5. When you've reached the crown and braided all the hair, clip it down and thread the curved needle with at least twelve inches of thread. The needle should be threaded in the same way you would thread a needle to sew fabric. Run the thread through the eye of the needle and tie the ends together in a double knot.

6. Remove the clip from the end of the braid and lay it flat against itself so that you can attach and secure it with the thread. In effect, you will be sewing the end of the braid against itself. Sew the thread around the junction of the two braids several times until it's secure. Cut the thread from the needle and make a knot with the thread against the hair. Cut off the end of the thread. Now, you're ready to proceed with the next step of sew-in hair extensions; sewing!