Fall Hair Transformation: How a Sew-In Carried Me Through Fashion Week

QuiltQueenie ByQuiltQueenie

In the ever-evolving world of hair fashion, finding the right style can take some experimentation. This fall, an ESSENCE Style Editor shared her experience with a straight sew-in, including the process, cost, and upkeep. From sourcing the hair to seeing the final look, her journey shows what a well-done hairstyle can do. Here’s a closer look at her sew-in experience and how to get a polished, long-lasting result.

The Inspiration Behind the Transformation

The editor chose a straight sew-in because she wanted a familiar look with a fresh feel. She hoped to recreate the long layers and sleek finish she had before cutting her hair into a bob. The style also worked well for the awkward in-between stage of growing out her hair and for big events like New York Fashion Week.

Choosing the Right Hair

Choosing the right hair is key to a successful sew-in. The editor picked Cambodian straight hair from D-Hair Boutique and bought three 20-inch bundles. The hair has a slight texture, like hair that’s been straightened from a curlier state, so it looked natural without much effort.

  • Texture: Naturally straight with a slight texture
  • Length: 20 inches
  • Cost: $495 for three bundles

The Installation Process

Next, the editor needed a stylist who could bring her vision to life. She booked with Shannon at Nami New York in Bed-Stuy, a reputable stylist known for her sew-in expertise. She also brought her own SheaMoisture products to help keep her hair healthy throughout the process.

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Prepping the Hair

The editor used SheaMoisture’s Strengthen & Restore collection, starting with shampoo and following up with a deep-conditioning mask. The mask helped add moisture and repair heat damage. She let it sit under a dryer, rinsed it out, then applied conditioner so her hair was ready for the sew-in.

  • Products Used: SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore collection
  • Steps: Shampoo, deep-conditioning mask, conditioner

The Sew-In and Styling

After prepping the hair, Shannon blow-dried and braided it down, then installed the bundles with a middle part. She finished by cutting long, face-framing layers and pressing the hair sleek, with a slight bump at the ends for extra body. The result was a polished, versatile look that felt confident and stylish.

Maintaining the Look

A great hairstyle depends on how you care for it. The editor kept heat to a minimum to protect her natural hair underneath. She wore hats to keep the style fresh and used a blow-dryer rather than a flat iron for quick touch-ups. Keeping things simple let the layers do their thing.

Heat Management

The editor made a point of limiting heat to protect her hair. This also helped her sew-in last longer. On days when her hair needed a quick refresh, she reached for a hat.

  • Heat Tools: Limited use of flat iron, occasional blow-dryer
  • Accessories: Hats for a quick refresh

The Financial Investment

The look took a significant financial investment, but the editor felt it was worth it. The total came to roughly $1,000: just under $500 for the bundles and $500 for the installation. It wasn’t cheap, but the investment bought her a high-quality style that lasted through Fashion Week and beyond.

  • Bundles: $495
  • Install: $500
  • Total Cost: $1,000
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Embracing Versatility

The editor’s straight sew-in showed her how much versatility matters in hairstyling. She’d thought her bob might be her signature look, but the long, layered sew-in made her reconsider. The experience also got her thinking about trying other styles, like microbraids, for different seasons and occasions.

Future Style Considerations

As her hair continues to grow, the editor is excited about what comes next. She plans to try microbraids in the warmer months, embracing the fun and flexibility of changing up her hairstyle. Her journey shows that the awkward stage of hair growth doesn’t have to feel awkward at all. It can be a chance to get creative and express yourself.

The editor’s fall hair reset with a straight sew-in shows how transformative a well-executed hairstyle can be. She carefully considered every step, from sourcing the right hair to maintaining the look, to get a flawless result. For anyone navigating their own hair journey, her experience offers useful ideas and inspiration. To read the full article and learn more about the editor’s experience, visit ESSENCE.

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