There are quite a few reasons why sew-ins have become one of the most highly sought-after hairstyles. They let you experiment with locks of all different lengths, thicknesses, textures, and colors without changing your own hair.
Plus, they're great for giving you a break from styling your own hair.
When people are thinking about giving them a try, one of the top questions they have is, "How much is a sew-in?" If you want to find out the answer to that and more, just keep reading! In this article, we'll explain how much a sew-in costs.
How Much Is a Sew-In?
Sew-ins take a lot of time, effort, and experience to install. As a result, they can be rather pricey. A sew-in installation usually costs between $100 and $500. Keep in mind that this is the price for the installation alone.
We couldn't find an independent survey of sew-in prices, so that range comes from what salons typically charge. For another data point, StyleSeat, a salon booking site, says its internal booking data put the average cost of a hair extension appointment between $112 and $409, depending on the state (StyleSeat). Those appointments aren't limited to sew-ins, and the total may include the hair.
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How Much Does Sew-In Hair Cost?
Sew-ins also require one or more bundles of hair extensions.
Some hairstylists allow you to bring your own hair in, while others provide the hair at an additional cost. If you don't supply your own hair, you may pay an additional $80 to $600. The price of hair varies depending on the length and quality of the hair and whether you purchase synthetic or human hair extensions.
Note: Real human hair extensions will usually cost more than synthetic hair bundles. We recommend buying high-quality hair whenever possible. Not only will it often last longer and endure normal styling habits, but it will also often look much more natural.
Hair sellers often recommend three bundles for a full head when the extensions are about 18 inches or shorter. You may need four or more for longer hair or a fuller look, but the exact number depends on the bundle weight, texture, and your head size. You can compare a few options in our guide to the best human hair for a sew-in weave. If you want a closure or frontal at the front, that's a separate piece, so it adds to your hair cost. It usually doesn't change the number of bundles you need, since it covers the spot where your leave-out would go.
Other factors that can impact how much your sew-in costs include the following:
- Whether you opt for a wash, cut, or color - These services are often treated as add-on services, so they can run up your tab quickly.
- The complexity of your installation method - Sew-ins may require one of several different parting and braiding patterns. And the one for you will depend on how much natural hair you have and how you plan on wearing your sew-in. If you need a specialized braiding pattern (like a beehive, 4-way vixen, diagonal parts, etc.), you'll have to pay for the extra time the stylist will take to do it. You'll generally pay less for a simple sew-in with straight-back cornrows.
- The amount of experience your hair stylist has - More experienced professional hairstylists will charge a premium for their services, whereas newer stylists tend to offer deals to build their clientele.
- Whether or not you're in a high-end salon - You're pretty much guaranteed to pay more at a high-end salon versus a mom-and-pop salon.
- The location of the salon - Salons located in urban or suburban areas usually set their prices higher than salons in rural areas.
Here's how the cost of a sew-in adds up.
What a sew-in costs, piece by piece
Add up the pieces you need. Your stylist’s quote will give you the exact number.
| What it usually costs | What moves the price | |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | About $100 to $500 | Your stylist’s experience, the salon and where it’s located, and how complex your braid pattern is. |
| Hair | About $80 to $600 | How many bundles you need, how long they are, and whether they’re synthetic or human hair. Skip this line if your stylist includes the hair. |
| Wash, trim, or color | Extra | These are usually add-on services. A trim usually costs $20 to $100, and salon color usually costs $45 to $105. |
| Tip | 10% to 25% of the bill | Plus about $3 to $5 for each assistant who helped with your sew-in. |
| Total with hair | About $180 to $1,100 | That’s the installation and bundle hair together. A closure or frontal, add-on services, and your tip cost extra. |
The install and hair ranges reflect what salons and hair sellers typically charge. We couldn’t find an independent survey of sew-in prices. The trim, color, and tip figures come from our guides to those services.
How Long Does a Full Sew-in Take?
Now that you know how much a sew-in costs, you're probably wondering how long your appointment will take. Installing a sew-in involves multiple steps. A full sew-in typically takes about two to five hours to install.
Your installation may take significantly longer if you get additional services, like a haircut or color. Either way, you should expect to spend at least a few hours in the salon.
How Long Does a Sew-in Last?
One of the reasons people love sew-ins is because they're incredibly long-lasting. As long as you take care of it properly, your sew-in can last for six to eight weeks. Some people wear a sew-in for up to 12 weeks, but that's the outer limit, not the goal.
Dermatologists set similar limits. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises keeping weaves in for two or three months at most (AAD), and a UK hospital's patient leaflet says to take them out after eight weeks or sooner (St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust).
If you keep it in longer than that, your hair may start to get matted. That will make your sew-in more challenging to remove and can lead to severe breakage and hair loss.
How to Make a Sew-in Last Longer
Properly caring for your sew-in will keep your natural locks healthy and dramatically increase the lifespan of your hairdo. Ready to find out how?
Here are some tips to help make your sew-in last longer.
Treat the Hair Gently
The most important thing you can do to make your sew-in last longer is to treat it gently. Too much tension or friction will loosen your tracks and damage your natural hair.
Be careful not to tug or pull on your sew-in extensions, and avoid using harmful hot tools. Treat your sew-in with the same amount of care and patience that you would have for your own hair.
Choose High-Quality Extensions
We get it. Sew-ins can be expensive, so who wouldn't want to save a few bucks on the hair? Unfortunately, cheap extensions just don't look as good or last as long.
They tangle more readily and shed way too many strands.
And while it might initially feel like you're saving money, this isn't the case. Low-quality hair extensions might not last you for a full install. In comparison, high-quality sew-in hair can often be reused for your next install if it's still in good shape.
Protect Your Hair at Night
Sleeping on a cotton pillowcase is one of the worst things you can do to your sew-in. Cotton is highly absorbent and sucks the moisture from your strands. A dermatology review recommends satin over cotton and nylon for the same reason, since those fabrics cause friction and absorb moisture (Mayo and Callender, 2021).
Cotton can also cause tangles as the hair rubs up against the fabric. Before you go to sleep, wrap your hair in a silk or satin scarf. That will prevent your hair from getting tangled and keep your sew-in silky smooth.
Avoid Using Too Many Products
Another way to extend the life of your sew-in is to use hair care and styling products sparingly. If you use them too often, they'll end up building up and adhering to your strands.
In addition to making your sew-in look dull and dry, the buildup means you'll have to wash your hair more often.
To prevent this, use styling products as sparingly as possible. Opt for products that have lightweight formulas, and be careful not to use more than the recommended amount.
Don't Neglect Your Natural Hair
Although sew-ins can give you a break from styling your own hair, you'll still have to care for it. Try to make sure your hair and scalp are clean, moisturized, and well taken care of.
The healthier your hair and scalp are, the better shape your hair will be in when the sew-in comes out. Additionally, you'll be less likely to suffer from scalp issues like itching and dandruff. And if your sew-in hurts or starts to irritate your scalp, the AAD says to take it out right away (AAD).
Be Careful Not to Overwash Your Hair
Whether you have a sew-in or not, washing your hair is an essential part of your hair care and styling routine. However, overwashing a sew-in will shorten its lifespan and leave the hair looking dull, dry, and brittle.
The AAD generally recommends washing Black hair once a week or every other week (AAD). That's a good starting point for many sew-ins.
Going too long between washes is a problem, too. Washing only once a month under a long-term protective style raises your risk of seborrheic dermatitis, a flaky, itchy scalp condition (Humphrey et al., 2026). Our guide to washing a human hair weave walks you through it step by step.
Use a gentle shampoo, and always follow up with a conditioner. The AAD suggests a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner under a weave to keep your scalp clean and hydrated. You can even use deep conditioners and hair masks to help smooth and strengthen the hair.
Give Your Hair a Break Between Sew-Ins
Our final tip for extending the life of your sew-in is to take a break after you take it down. Sew-ins are rough on your hair, and thin, broken strands don't make a good base for your next sew-in.
So, after you take out your sew-in, give your hair some time off before the next one. There's no set rule for how long, but the AAD suggests a few months in a looser style or your own hair after wearing cornrows. Use plenty of nourishing treatments, and pay extra attention to your scalp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Full Sew-In?
A full sew-in covers all of your natural hair. Your stylist braids your hair into cornrows and sews wefts of hair over every braid, usually with a closure or frontal at the front. A partial or traditional sew-in leaves some of your own hair out at the front or crown, which is called leave-out, so it can blend over the tracks.
Is 3 Bundles Enough for a Full Sew-In?
Usually, but it depends on the length, texture, bundle weight, your head size, and how full you want the finished style. Three bundles may be enough for hair that's about 18 inches or shorter. You may need four or more for longer hair or a fuller look. A closure or frontal usually doesn't change the count, but if you're adding one, ask your stylist whether it changes the number of bundles you'll need.
Is a Sew-In Good for Your Hair?
It can be a lower-risk option than a glued weave, but it isn't risk-free. The AAD suggests sewn-in weaves over glued ones. Still, the braids underneath can pull on your hair, and weaves may cause damage or hair loss without proper care. Ask for braids that don't hurt, keep your scalp clean, and take the sew-in out within two or three months.
Related Articles
- Hair Extensions Installation
- Are Hair Extensions Bad for Your Hair?
- How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?
- How Do Hair Extensions Work?
The price of a sew-in varies, depending on a number of different factors. But despite being generally pricey, sew-ins are well worth the cost.
They give your natural hair a break from daily styling, last for up to two months, and make you look absolutely fantastic!
Just make sure that you don't forget to care for your hair and scalp in the meantime. Otherwise, your sew-in can end up wrecking your natural locks. We hope the information we've covered today is precisely what you were looking for!
Curl Centric salon price index
What common salon services cost
Every range below comes from our guide to that service, so you’ll have a starting point before you sit in the chair. Your final price can change based on your hair’s length and density, the service you choose, your stylist’s experience, and where your salon is located. Each service links to its complete pricing guide.
| Service | What it usually costs | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | $20 to $100 | Your hair’s length and density, your stylist’s experience, the salon’s location, and whether your appointment includes washing, conditioning, or styling. |
| Perm | $40 to $200 | The type of perm you choose. A partial perm generally starts around $50 to $80, a full perm around $80 to $100, and a digital perm can cost $300 to $500 or more. |
| Salon color | $45 to $105 | All-over color starts around $45. Highlights, multiple colors, and longer or denser hair require more time and product, so they cost more. |
| Starter locs | $50 to $150 | The starting method, your loc count, and your hair’s length and density. Two-strand twists generally start around $75 to $150, while interlocks can cost $150 to $300 or more. |
| Balayage | $70 to $300 | Your hair’s length and density, whether you want partial or full coverage, how many sessions you need, and your stylist’s experience. A full head of traditional highlights usually costs around $75 to $150. |
| Keratin treatment | $100 to $500 | Your hair’s length and density, the treatment used, your stylist’s experience, the salon’s location, and any services you add to the appointment. |
| Sew-inThis page | $100 to $500 | This range covers the installation. If the hair isn’t included, expect to add about $80 to $600 for bundles, depending on their length, quality, and whether you choose synthetic or human hair. |
If you’re budgeting for a salon visit in the United States, remember to leave room for the tip. Most people tip between 10% and 25% of the bill, plus about $3 to $5 for each assistant who helped with the service. Our guide to tipping for a haircut walks you through the percentages.
