6 Different Ways to Install Your Weave (Sew-In Hair Extensions) for Beautiful Hair

You read correctly; there are more than one or two ways of installing sew-in hair extensions!

It’s not just your typical glue and sew-in methods that seem to be the most popular.

There are tons of methods! Some are even so easy that you can do them yourself with the right human hair bundles in hand.

It seems that with each passing year comes a new sew-in installation method for extensions, and I’m all here for it.

Talk about options! Below I’ll discuss six different hair extension methods for how to put weave in your hair.🪡

What Is a Weave?

A weave install is a hairstyling method where hair extensions are attached to natural hair to add length, volume, or color without altering the natural hair's structure.

The hair weave process is typically done by braiding the natural hair into cornrows, onto which the hair extensions are sewn, glued, or otherwise affixed.

The process provides versatility in styling and is a popular choice for those looking to achieve a new look or for individuals with thinning hair seeking a fuller appearance.

Weaves can vary in texture and style, and when installed professionally, they offer a seamless, natural-looking enhancement that can be maintained for several weeks.

1. Glue Your Weave

In my opinion, the glue-in method is the easiest and fastest method! However, it may be the most damaging too.

It all depends on the sew-in weave installation. You can apply this one of two ways.

The first way you can get a strong hair glue to glue in hair extensions is by braiding or laying your natural hair down and placing a weave cap over your head.

The cap acts as a barrier between your hair and the glue.

Once intact, measure the needed track per layer, add glue, and apply pressure to the head. That’s it! Really easy!

This style is normally called a “quick weave,” and we can see why!

Quick Note: If you are looking for inexpensive glue-in hair extensions make sure to check out our Malaysian Straight Bundles.

The second method is the same but minus the cap. Some people don’t mind having the tracks glued directly to their hair.

There’s also a special type of glue that’s made just for that option.

It’s more like a molding gel that gets applied to your whole head, let dry, then apply tracks.

Use a Protective Skin Prep to prevent skin irritation from the glue.

Glue in hair extensions can be a great option if they are done right. Make sure to follow our tips in order to achieve great results with glue in hair extensions.

2. Sew-In Weave Installation

The sewing method offers a more secure style. Keeping the extensions in place until you’re ready to take them out.

This is our favorite way to install weave when clients ask us how to install bundles while visiting a Private Label. 

To prepare for this style, you will need a needle and thread, and your hair will need to be braided.

The two most common braid patterns for the sewing method are a circular style, the beehive, or straight back.

The desired braiding pattern often depends on how you want the extensions to lay or where your part will be located.

• You should consult with whoever is sewing your hair so they can best advise you.
  
  
• Once you’re all braided up, you will need the needle and thread. I prefer using nylon thread because it yields a more durable sew in.
  
  
• Place thread through the needle and tie a knot to secure the thread in place first.
  
  
• Then, starting at either side of the nape of the hair, begin sewing the needle with the wefts through the braid, pull the thread all the way out, and repeat.

In this method, the thread locks the tracks to the braid, so it’s super secure. Also, the takedown for this method is really easy too!

All you do is simply cut the thread out! Just be careful not to cut your own hair, though! It’s always best to have someone do it for you.

3. Crochet Hair

This style has been around since the 1990s.

It has definitely been making its comeback, out of nowhere, I started seeing many women rock this style again!

It’s a fun, quick method for almost anyone to do it themselves!

So with this method, you can save your salon money for the next trip!

When doing the crochet method to apply extensions, you first need a crochet needle.

• Braid your hair straight back as well. If you want a big hair hairstyle or kinky curly hair, I suggest this style because the visible appearance of the loop won’t show compared to the possibility of straight hair.
  
  
• All you do is slide the needle through the braid, open latch on the needle, add hair, close the latch, and viola! All done!

Unless you honestly don’t want to do their hair, this is the method for you!

You can sit down and watch your favorite movie all while looping and pulling, just looping and pulling!

4. Install Clip-Ins

The infamous extension method that’s been around since forever! Everyone from celebrities, high schoolers, and all ethnicities wear the cutest clip-ins extensions!

They are precisely what their name is, clip-ins.

It’s hair that is already threaded on a track and has a clip attached. The clip allows for easy weave installation.

Normally people wear these if they want to add some extra length and/or volume really fast. It looks great on straight hair.

Clip-ins are also the latest and greatest thing in the natural hair world. The natural girls love our curly clip-in extensions.

To install, just part your hair where you want the extension to go and clip it onto your scalp like you are combing your hair.

For example, let’s say you were wearing a braid-out style with your natural hair and you wanted a full look, clip-ins would be great to use.

You wouldn’t even need to add a lot either, maybe just two or three clip-ins around certain parts of your head to give you a fuller look.

5. Micro-Links

Micro-links are also making its stamp in the beauty industry. It is a tedious installation method that may take up to three to four hours to complete; and requires a specially trained hairstylist to install.

You must have a clamping tool, also known as hair pliers, to install the extensions for micro-linking.

Micro-links are attached with a bead that gets applied to each of your hair strands.

Your natural hair goes through the bead that is applied on a loop, and then the extensions go through next.

When the hair goes through the bead, clamp it in to secure the section. Once installed, you can treat it like your own hair.

You will be able to wash, cut, style, and color the hair, of course, assuming the hair is 100% virgin hair.

You’re guaranteed to have long-lasting wear with this hair! This method will ensure a seamless, natural look that will leave spectators wondering if it’s all your hair!

6. Bonding Hair Installation

The bonding method is great for leaving your hair out while rocking the extensions simultaneously.

Some may argue that this method can be damaging to your hair.

Others say it's only damaging depending on how you remove the extensions.

Bonding is done by parting your hair and gluing the tracks slightly underneath the scalp (so the scalp can breathe). It’s very similar to a quick weave installation, but the only difference is your natural hair is exposed with no braids.)

This method creates a natural illusion by allowing the extensions to blend well with your hair.

Weave Install

There you have it! You now have six different hair extension methods to choose from.

Each method has its purpose for all different preferences. We love options; they allow you to see which method best suits your needs.

So the next time you are getting extensions, be sure to weigh all options out and be sure to consult with your hairstylist. Want to see the best hair in person? Stop by Private Label, Atlanta's favorite hair store!

Which hair extension method is your favorite? Which method have you tried, or are you curious to try? Let us know by leaving a comment below.👇🏿