How-To: Side Part Sew In Tutorial & Styles
Weaves are great protective styles that allow you to give your natural hair a break and try new styles without a long-term commitment. A sew-in weave is usually less damaging to your hair than a glue-in weave, as long as it’s installed and maintained properly. If you’re going for the most realistic look, you might consider a sew-in weave with a side part. When done correctly, this method can produce an incredibly natural look. Let’s take a look at how to do a side part sew-in weave and explore some styles you can create with this method.
1Before You Begin
As with any style, you’ll want to prep by washing and deep conditioning your hair. This is especially important for protective styles since your natural hair will be braided down and inaccessible for a longer period of time than usual. You always want to start with a clean and moisturized head of hair and scalp. Shampoo with your favorite sulfate-free shampoo and hydrating deep conditioner and make sure your hair is thoroughly detangled. Follow up with a moisturizing leave-in conditioner. To make preparation easier, you may want to blow dry your hair or use a heat-less method that will stretch your hair while it dries. If you decide to have a leave out (this helps create the most natural look), make sure your hair will match the texture of your weave as closely as possible. If you decide to blow dry and flat iron your hair, apply a heat protectant first.
2Braiding Your Hair
Create your part on whichever side of your head that you prefer, then begin cornrowing your hair into a beehive pattern, as shown here. Using the right braid pattern is a really important foundational step that ensures that the hair will be flat and natural-looking. To prevent a lumpy-looking sew-in, make sure your braids are flat and smooth. The majority of your hair will be in cornrows; section of the portion of your hair that you’ll be using for your leave out and either braid it or put it in a Bantu knot to keep it separated and out of the way. If your hair is too short to braid, you can use a cornrow cap, as long as you’re able to find one with the right braid pattern. However, you’ll likely need to use a closure with this method.
3Side Part Sew In Installation
A mesh weave cap is recommended as it will make the sewing process a little easier and will avoid putting too much tension on your natural hair. Start sewing horizontally across the back of your head, starting at the nape of the neck and work your way up. When you get to the end of a row, fold the weft of hair (don’t cut it) and start on the next row. When you’re done, be sure to cut off any remaining part of the weft and cut and tie off the thread. Then style your leave out and blend it with your sew-in. There are video tutorials available on YouTube that will demonstrate how to install a weave using this method. It is helpful to see it in action, particularly the fold-over method, which will minimize any bulkiness and help your weave lie flat.
4Side Part Sew In Tips
For the most natural look possible, use human hair extensions that match your current hair color. Also, try to match the hair as closely as possible to your natural hair texture: this can also be done with a flat iron or curling iron and styling products, depending on the texture you choose. Using the fold over method mentioned earlier is easier than cutting the weft after each row; it will also make it easier to take down and reuse the bundles because they will pretty much stay intact, aside from where you cut it when you get to the front of your head. If you want a layered look or bangs, buy bundles of more than one length. Here are some different ways you can style a side part sew-in. Whether you want long, flowing locks, a chic short style, or a new hair color, there are many different looks to choose from.
5Long Curly Sew-In With Side Part
6Sleek Low Ponytail With Side Part
7Body Wave With Highlights
8Red Waves
9Long Bouncy Curls
10Medium-Length Curly Sew-In With Side Part
11Side Part With Loose Waves
12Bone Straight Tresses With Highlights
13Sleek Medium Length Sew-In
14Swoop Bang With Highlights
15Asymmetrical Long Bob
16Red Ombré
17Simple, Straight Side Sew-In
18Textured Long Bob Side Part Sew In
19Side Part Sew-In With Cornrows
20Asymmetrical Side Part Sew In Bob
21Medium-Length Body Wave
22Chic Classic Bob
23Loose Long Curls
24Classic Side Part Style
25Blonde Highlights And Cornrows
26Green Ombré Side Part Sew In
27Side Part With Single Braid
28Super Curly Sew-In With Flat Twist