As a woman, trying to choose between wigs vs sew-in for your next hairstyle can make you spend hours contemplating which is the best choice for your hair. This article explores the benefits, so whether you choose a sew-in or a frontal wig, it will leave you beautiful while protecting your natural hair
Black women frequently choose wigs and sew-in as protective hairstyles and for good cause. They provide length retention, stylistic versatility, and an opportunity to preserve your natural hair. But how can you tell which is best for your hair goals?
In this article, we will outline six key considerations when choosing between wigs and sew-ins, as well as the long-term benefits of both, including versatility and convenience.
Benefits Explored: Why You Should Choose a Wig or a Sew-In
If you’re stuck and don’t know which to choose between a wig and a sew-in; just read through. This will guide your decision-making:
1. Styling Flexibility
Wigs are the obvious choice if you enjoy changing your appearance frequently. Their adaptability is unparalleled. Depending on the occasion, you may sport a blunt haircut, a wavy afro, or a long, straight 24-inch unit that adds inches without affecting your natural hair.
You may freely express your style and mood using wigs. Conversely, sew-ins force you to stick to the same look for weeks. That’s your appearance till removal after it’s installed. Depending on your hair type, you can still curl or straighten a sew-in, but you simply cannot switch up your look every day.
2. Daily Convenience
Sew-ins have that “get up and go” mentality. Nothing has to be applied or removed daily after it is placed. You don’t need to take extra steps to sleep, take a shower, or go about your day.
However, wearing wigs requires more work. You’ll need to put it in every morning and take it out at night, unless it’s a glueless device that you can sleep in. For someone who is always on the go or just wants something easier to maintain, this could be too much.
3. Hair Growth and Protection
Both wigs and sew-in hairstyles can aid in length retention, but sew-ins usually have the upper hand. It is more likely that your hair will grow undisturbed because it is braided and tucked away with less friction.
Although they are still safe, wigs can occasionally break, particularly at the edges if they are worn too tightly or too often without being broken. Wigs, however, provide better access to the scalp. Unlike a sew-in, which hides and makes it difficult to reach your scalp for weeks, you may take off the wig and treat it more frequently with oils, massages, or treatments.
4. Time and Effort
Wigs need little time. It takes only a few minutes to put on, making it ideal for lazy days or last-minute activities. Sew-ins, however, need a trip to the salon and hours of installation.
Every few weeks, you’ll also need to schedule for dismantling and potential reinstallation.
5. Security and Activity Level
Sew-ins are more secure if you’re active, like going to the gym, dancing, or just want a style that holds. There is no chance that they will slide off because they are sewn right into your braids.
Wigs may move, particularly if they are not correctly glued or banded.
6. Cost and Longevity
In terms of price, both have layers. Although a real hair wig might cost hundreds of dollars, with the right maintenance, it can endure for years.
Given the requirement for bundles and expert installation, sew-ins could first seem pricey, but over time, they prove to be cost-effective since the same bundles can be used repeatedly. Although synthetic wigs are less expensive, they sometimes tangle or shed after just a few wears.
Conclusion
So, which one is preferable? It really depends on you. Wigs could be a better option if you enjoy changing up your look, want to see your scalp, and don’t mind the extra steps in your regimen. Sew-ins, on the other hand, could be your best choice if you want a set-it-and-forget-it look, appreciate durability when exercising, and want a less complicated protective solution.
Ultimately, sew-in weaves and wigs each have their advantages. The secret is to know what suits your hair and lifestyle the best. And hey! Who says you have to choose just one? You can wear sew-ins for a while and switch to wigs for another period of weeks. Just do you. Check out our article on how to maintain cornrows and natural hairstyles you can try.
Wigs vs sew-ins? Which side are you choosing? Tell us in the comments below.
Image Credit: Photo by Dushane white on Unsplash
