How to Install Your Bundles At Home (No Salon Needed)
Save $200+ on your next install. This beginner-friendly sew-in method works for straight, body wave, and curly bundles.
Let us be honest — salon installs hit different… until you see the bill. $250, $300, sometimes $400+ just to get your bundles sewn in? For a lot of us, that is not realistic every 6–8 weeks.
The good news? You absolutely can do a clean, natural-looking sew-in at home. All you need is the right tools, a little patience, and this step-by-step guide.
What You Will Need
- 3–4 bundles + closure/frontal (depending on length and fullness)
- Weaving thread (match your hair color)
- Curved weaving needle
- Hair clips (sectioning clips are a game changer)
- Rat-tail comb for clean parts
- Scissors
- A mirror setup (hand mirror + wall mirror so you can see the back)
- Optional: Got2b Glued or hair gel for laying the closure
Step 1: Braid Your Base
Start with clean, detangled hair.
- Part your hair into your preferred leave-out pattern (or a full braid-down if you are using a closure).
- Braid your hair flat to your scalp in horizontal cornrows. The braids should be neat but not so tight they give you a headache.
- For the back, braid straight down and tuck the ends under.
Pro tip: The flatter your braids, the flatter your install will be. Lumpy braids = lumpy hair. No one wants that.
Step 2: Measure & Cut Your Wefts
Take your first bundle and hold it against the lowest braid at the nape of your neck.
- Measure to fit the width of your head, then cut the weft.
- Work your way up, row by row, cutting each weft slightly shorter as you go (your head gets narrower toward the top).
Do not cut through the actual weft stitching — cut between the wefts to avoid shedding.
Step 3: Start Sewing
Thread your curved needle and double-knot the end.
- Start at the lowest braid (nape area).
- Sew the weft onto the braid using an under-and-over stitch. Go through the braid, then over the weft, pull tight.
- Keep your stitches close together (about ¼ inch apart) for security.
- When you reach the end of the weft, double-knot it before moving up to the next row.
Work your way up from the bottom to the top, row by row.
Step 4: Install Your Closure / Frontal
Once you get to the top rows, it is closure time.
- Place your closure where you want your part to be.
- Sew around the perimeter first — front, sides, then back.
- Use smaller stitches along the hairline so they are invisible.
- Optioal: For a melt-worthy hairline, use a little Got2b on the lace edge and blow-dry on cool.
Step 5: Blend & Style
- Cut any excess lace if you have not already.
- Pluck the hairline of your closure for a more natural look (do not over-pluck — less is more).
- Flat iron the leave-out (if you have any) together with the bundles to blend.
- Lay your edges, add your favorite serum, and you are done.
Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Sewing too tight: You will get headaches and traction alopecia is not worth it. Firm, not painful.
❌ Using the wrong needle: Straight needles are harder to work with on braids. Curved weaving needles only.
❌ Skipping the double knot at the end: Your weft will start slipping within a week. Knot twice.
❌ Overstuffing with bundles: More is not always better. Too much hair at the top looks bulky and unnatural.
Q&A: Most Asked Questions From TikTok & Instagram
Q: How long does a sew-in usually last?
A: 6–8 weeks with proper care. After that, your natural hair grows out enough that the install starts shifting and you risk matting at the roots.
Q: Can I wash my hair while it is sewn in?
A: Yes, absolutely! Focus on the scalp and be gentle. Use a diluted shampoo and do not scrub roughly. Always air-dry or use low heat.
Q: How many bundles do I actually need?
A: For lengths 10–18″: 3 bundles is usually enough. 20–26″: 3–4 bundles. 28″+: 4 bundles minimum. Add a closure or frontal on top of that number.
Q: Is a closure better than leave-out?
A: Closures give you the most natural part and protect all your natural hair underneath. Leave-out is cheaper but requires more blending and heat styling your own hair. For protective styling, closures win.
Q: How do I prevent my closure from lifting?
A: Sew it down securely around the whole perimeter, and avoid heavy oils near the hairline. If you use gel or got2b, reapply every 1–2 weeks as needed.