Relieve an Itchy Scalp While Wearing a Sew in Weave

A sew in is a method of extensions mostly used by black women but it is becoming increasingly popular in other cultures, as more hairstylist learn how to braid.

It works by attaching a long weft of the extensions to your hair by sewing it to a braid using a strong cotton thread. Many people choose this style as it can be very protective as a minimal amount of your natural hair is left out so it is not exposed to the elements or any harsh chemicals or glues as with other methods. This means that although your hair will not grow faster, you may notice it gets longer quickly as it is less prone to breakage.

You can choose from having your full head done or having a few tracks. With a full head, all of your hair is braided and covered by the extensions. it means you can have any style you like and any colour as you do not need to worry about matching it to your natural hair however if you choose to have tracks, you have a few horizontal rows usually between three and five where the  hair is sewn in.

This method can be very cheap and cost-effective as the installation is one of the cheapest methods of hair extensions and the hair can be reused time and time again as long as it kept in good condition.

However if you are not used to having your hair braided, it can be painful or uncomfortable also your scalp can get very itchy as you’re not able to reach it as with other methods of extensions.

Keeping your scalp clean and healthy is very important as if you don’t it could lead to flaking, dandruff or even in the worst cases mould and bacterial infestations. Fortunately, this is really uncommon and only happens when people really neglect their hair.

If you have a sew in hair weft and you are worried about looking after your scalp, follow these few simple steps to help you have the best experience.

Start as we mean to go on!

Before your installation make sure your hair is very clean and in good condition, try to have a deep treatment and make sure your hair is not damaged or dry in any way. A good stylist will be able to recommend products that will keep your scalp healthy during while you have the sew in.

Do not use heavy products or oils before you get this method done as you’re not going to be able to wash it as often, so they will build up and make your hair greasy and smelly. Instead use something light like Argan oil or Jojoba oil as these will not build up and are easily removed.

If this is your first time having this method done, instead of having a full head go for a few tracks and see how you fare with those for a few weeks, then when it comes to styling your hair if you are comfortable you can go for a full head.

Some people have a reaction or sensitivity to extension hair so before you install them wash the  extensions using shampoo and do an apple cider vinegar rinse. This will remove any chemicals or residue that was used to clean and disinfect the hair, air dry them where possible and then use a light moisturiser

Aloe vera is great for taking care of your scalp as it has many antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It will also stop any itching and prevent dryness and flaking. The best way to use it is by using the inside of a leaf from the plant. When you cut it open you can use the gel and apply it directly to the scalp, leave this for 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with cool to warm water, not only will your scalp be cleansed but your hair will feel supersoft.

If you have an itch that you just can’t get to, instead of scratching the hair rigorously and risking messing up the braids and making the hair extensions loose, use the tail end of a rattail comb as you will be able to reach the area easily without causing any disturbance.

Washing your hair with a sew in if you have a full head can be difficult to do alone as you may not know the right pressure to use to cleanse the hair without messing up the braids or getting the hair tangled. Most women will go to the salon for maintenance every few weeks where they can have their shampooed properly by professional and have it styled again at the same time. If you wash at home try to use a mixture of shampoo and water in a bottle with a nozzle this way you can go in between the tracks and make sure all of your hair gets clean.

If you have a very itchy and dry scalp Juniper Tar shampoo is a natural product that can relieve an itchy scalp and any scaling or flaking however be warned the smell is very strong and it does seem to linger. The best way to use it is to do a shampoo using this product first and then follow up with you on regular shampoos that have a nice smell.

You can also try and steam your hair. If you don’t have a steamer at home or can’t visit the salon then when you apply conditioner to your hair use a shower cap to cover it. The heat from your body will open up the hair to allow all of the nutrients to penetrate. As you sweat more toxins will be released from the scalp making it cleaner. Just make sure to rinse well afterwards.