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Hybrid… What?
Hi there,
Summer is already here (time sure flies!), and I know we always look forward to this period because it means new adventures, some vacation, and lots of fun in the sun (well..outside of our usual Nigerian sun anyway, heh). I personally enjoy hassle-free hairstyles in general – summer in particular because the last thing I want to worry about is my hair when I’m trying to be a hot girl in the summer 🥵. That being said, quite a few of our clients have actually converted to low-maintenance hairstyles such as the LA Weave, tape-ins, and even hybrid sew-ins.
So, what exactly is a hybrid sew-in?
A hybrid sew-in is an innovative hair trend that combines the best of two techniques we love at the salon: the traditional sew-in and alternative extension methods. As you may already know, a traditional sew-in weave is a type of hair extension technique where most of your natural hair is braided into cornrows, while some of your hair is left out for blending – this is what we call a “leave-out”. Hair extensions are then sewn onto the cornrows using a needle and thread. Alternative methods of hair extensions are braidless, which are tape-ins, microlinks, LA Weave etc.
When you combine these two methods, the result is seamless blending in the leave-out area whilst allowing more flexibility compared to a traditional sew-in weave. My preference is the use of tape-ins in the leave-out area for my clients as it gives the most natural results because tape-ins are very flat and the least detectable. A hybrid sew-in lasts for at least 8 weeks, depending on the alternative extension method used in the leave-out area.
Some of the Benefits of Hybrid Sew-Ins
- Versatility: Hybrid sew-in weaves offer more versatility, allowing you to wear your hair in updos, ponytails, braids, and other styles that were previously challenging with traditional sew-in weaves. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of a sew-in weave while having the freedom to style your hair in various ways.
- Protection and Growth: Sew-in weaves are a great protective style, so because the majority your hair is braided down for the sew-in weave, your hair is protected from daily manipulation and environmental factors, which promotes hair growth.
- Volume: Methods such as LA Weave, microlinks and even tape-ins are great if you want medium density, while with the hybrid sew-in, you’re able to have a much thicker density if that is the look you are after. This is because the area for the sew-in will allow your stylist to add as much hair as you want because traditional sew-ins allow maximum volume.
- Natural Look and Feel: Hybrid sew-in weaves feel lighter, and the leave-out area has a much more seamless and undetectable result. I do highly recommend using hair extensions in a texture that closely matches your own in order to get the best results. A texture that is popularly used for this service in our salon is our Yaki Straight hair extensions because it has a lot of movement but is textured and low in luster.
Maintenance Tips for Hybrid Sew-In Weaves
There isn’t much required to maintain a hybrid sew-in except ensuring you treat your extensions with some love and care the same way you’d take care of your own hair. This means gently combing or detailing your extensions (starting from the ends and working your way up), using a light serum if it needs some moisture. If your hair extensions start to feel greasy you may use some dry shampoo for a quick fix but I highly recommend visiting the salon to get a proper wash and blowdry (usually every 2-weeks) for upkeep.
While hybrid sew-in weaves offer fantastic styling opportunities, it’s crucial to prioritise the health of your own hair (your leave-out). Remember to:
- Moisturise your natural hair regularly;
- Avoid excessive heat styling to prevent damage;
- Set aside some time for wash days to keep your scalp clean and promote healthy hair growth;
- Book an appointment with the salon for maintenance and extension removal to ensure the best results.
As always, thank you for reading! Till next time!
