Sew in hair extensions are not new and have been becoming increasingly popular in recent years. However, despite their beauty, they aren’t particularly versatile. Once you chose a style, you were stuck with it. But not anymore thanks to the vixen sew in.
With a vixen sew-in, you get all the benefits of a traditional sew-in. But you also get versatility. This hairstyle can be worn in a variety of styles and has completely changed the playing field when it comes to sew-ins, which are also known as weaves.
What Is a Vixen Sew In?
​A vixen sew in is a luxury hairstyle. Because it’s unique and not everyone can do it the right way. It gives you styling options that everyone wants from a sew-in.
If you want to put your hair in a high ponytail without any visible lumps, have a messy bun, or wear a left or right side part you can with this hairdo.
Four-Part Vixen Sew In
The most popular vixen sew-in method is the four-part method, which allows your sew-in to be styled in the most ways without fear of your weft (track) showing.
With the four-part vixen sew in you have the most styling options of any other type of sew in.
You will be able to wear your hair in these styles:
- ​Two cornrows going straight back
- ​A left side or a right side part
- ​A high ponytail going back
- ​Pigtails
- ​A messy bun
- ​Half up half down ponytail
To begin the hair must be clean with trimmed ends, if needed, and a moisturized scalp.
Braiding the Hair
- Part the hair into four sections.
- Leave out enough hair around the perimeter of the head (about 1 inch) and also leave out the middle and vertical cross-sections of the hair.
- Braid or twist all the leave out to keep it out of the way.
- Start to braid down each section in a beehive or circular formation. Make sure the braids are small and neat.
- This is the point where a hairnet would be added. It is not necessary to add a hairnet, however; the hairnet does increase the longevity of the hairstyle because it keeps the braids from unraveling when the hair is being washed.
Sewing in the Hair
- Get the needles (curved or straight) and thread you will be using to sew the hair down.
- Pre-thread as many needles as you can and make them as long as you can so you won’t have to continually stop to re-thread them.
- Begin sewing the hair extensions down from the right top section.
- Make sure you are sewing UNDER the braid and keep going until you get to the left side of the head where you will do the fold over method. The fold over method is one of the most important parts of the sew-in. If done incorrectly, there will be bumps in the hair that will keep it from looking natural.
- When you are close to being done with the left side, continue to go up and then fold over the weft. Once it’s folded, you will sew under and on top of the weft to make sure the install is flat. (If the weft is too thick split it to make the install easier.)
- Make a knot at the end of each section. This is very important because if you don’t the thread will unravel and the hair will come out.
- Once all the hair is sewn down, unbraid all the leave out around the perimeter of the head and the cross-sections. Check each section to make sure there is enough left out to cover the weft. If there is not, it may be possible to style it in a way where it’s not a problem but more than likely you’ll have to start over.
Other Vixen Sew In Styles
Although the four-part vixen sew in is the most popular way to do this sew in, there are other ways available. They won’t be as versatile but they will be less time-consuming and may work better for people who don’t need the full versatility of a four-part hairstyle.
Related Read: 50 Pretty Ways to Wear Sew In Hairstyles
Two-Part Vixen Sew In
​This version of the vixen sew in takes considerably less time to do but also has a lot fewer options in styling. Because there are only two sections of hair, it reduces the wearable styles to two cornrows, a middle part with the hair down, and a ponytail or bun.
Vixen Sew in For Short Hair
​It is very possible to get a vixen sew in with shorter hair. There will have to be more leave out to ensure the wefts can be covered and the extensions should be going towards the face to make it look like you have more hair and look more natural.
Just be sure to always check that your hair is styled properly because with shorter leave out hair it is easier for a weft to show.
How Expensive Is a Vixen Sew In?
​The cost of sew-ins can vary depending on the type of hair extension used, as some wefted hair extensions are more expensive than others.
The cost of having a professional hairdresser install the hair can also vary depending on their experience. However, you can expect a vixen sew-in to run you at least a couple of hundred dollars.
How It Compares
We picked a couple of similar hair extension methods that are popular today to see how they compare.
- Tape-In Hair Extensions
- Fusion & Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
- Micro-Link Hair Extensions
Vixen Sew In
We’ll start our comparison by looking at the pros and cons of the vixen sew in:
Pros
- Styling versatility
- Seamless look
- Easy Maintenance
- No heat or glue is required for an application
- Slipping will not occur
Cons
- Heat exposure to natural hair
- Uneven hair health
- Not for everyone
- The hair wefts will have to be cut which can cause some initial shedding.
Tape-In Hair Extensions
These extensions are pre-taped and then taped/glued together on either side of your own hair.
These extensions need to be applied by a professional because the tape needs to be aligned with each other at the root of the hair. They are applied with a tool that heats up the glue on the tape so it will sandwich your hair in between and stick together.
Because they are applied professionally, you will also need them removed professionally. To have them removed a glue remover will need to be applied to your hair and the extension. After removal, if the extension is in good condition, it can then reinstalled.
It takes about 40 minutes to an hour to apply. After the tape-ins are installed, you have to be very careful with the aftercare. Using conditioners or hair products on these extensions can cause the tape to loosen or slip off because of the oils in the products.
Because of this, you should use a special shampoo and conditioner that are less harsh and not as oily to ensure the glue sticks to your hair. You can style them any way you want, but you need to watch out for the roots where the tape is.
Tape-ins’ can last 4-8 weeks before you need to remove and re-apply them, but just like any other hair, it depends on how well you take care of them and it also depends on your hair growth.
Pros
- Fastest and easiest method of application.
- No heat or tools required for an application.
- Panels lay flat on the head, virtually undetectable. Suitable for thin, fine hair.
- Reusable method of extensions.
Cons
- The first 24 to 48 hours after application, you can’t wash your hair or excessively sweat because the weft needs time to cure and adhere properly to your hair.
- Expensive
- Semi versatile
Fusion & Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
Fusion hair extensions are also known as bonding or pre-ponded extension. These are bonded to your natural hair using different adhesives. Applying pre-bonded hair extensions can take 3-6 hours to apply, and they need to be installed by a hairdresser due to the method of installation.
Fusion extensions are not suitable for all clients, especially if you have damaged hair because this type of hair extension is very damaging in the way it is applied to your natural hair.
It uses a tool that looks like a hot glue gun, which basically glues the hair to individual strands of your natural hair.
For pre-bonded hair extensions, it’s a slightly different method where a heat clamp is used to melt the glue on the end of the extension to your natural hair.
You can treat fusion and pre-bonded extensions the same way you would treat your natural real hair. You can use the same products you would normally use, but the extensions need to be repositioned every 2 to 3 months due to your hair growing.
However, be aware that due to the chemicals in the glue, the application method and the skill needed by the hairdresser to install these extensions, this method can cause hair loss, breakage, and scalp irritation.
These are considered semi-permanent and can last up to 4 months. However, like all other types, this varies based on your own hair type/growth.
Pros
- Most durable hair extensions
- Looks like your own hair
- Suitable for coarse, thick hair
Cons
- Time-consuming, the average application time is around 2-6 hours
- May result in hair damage and breakage if not applied properly.
- Not reusable
Micro-Link Hair Extensions
Micro link hair extensions, also known as microbead or micro- loop hair extensions are applied by pulling your natural hair through a small metal bead. Then a small amount of the extension hair is added into the bead, and the bead is clamped down on your natural hair.
It is clamped down with a special tool that looks like pliers. They are secured to small sections of your hair and tightened with this tool.
Although some of the beads can come with silicone lining to try to protect the hair, this method can be very damaging. This is because the metal beads can get caught on the hair and cause it to break or be pulled out, especially during removal.
This method also takes approximately 3 hours to apply. These types of extensions can be treated the same way you treat your natural hair and similar to fusion, they need to be repositioned every 2 to 3 months as your hair grows and can last up to 4 months overall.
Pros
- Individual strands of hair can move more naturally
- No heat or glue needed for the application
- Hair extension can last up to six months.
- Hair extension is reusable
- Any extensions that may have slid down or off can be fixed in about an hour
Cons
- Time-consuming, the average application time is around 2-6 hours.
- Can cause hair breakage
- Not suitable for thin hair
- When first applied the beads may be tight and uncomfortable
- The beads slip easily
Related Read: 50 Protective Hairstyles for Natural Hair for All Your Needs
Is a Vixen Sew In Right for You?
The world of hair extensions and application methods has grown greatly over the years. But in our opinion, the vixen-sew in is the best. Unlike other options for extensions, it is very versatile.
In addition, it is less damaging than other weave styles and can actually protect your hair from the hassles of daily styling. And it lasts for a long time, which is a huge plus. The only real con is that you can’t keep it in forever.
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Jenni Haward has been working as a hairstylist for almost 11 years. With that much experience, she was able to start her own business. It has been two years since she started and had made three salons in three different cities and is still growing. She is continuing to pursue the career hoping to impact more with her skills and knowledge.
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