Why Is My Sew In Itching So Bad? [4 Reasons Why]

Getting a sew-in can seem like a good idea. To be honest, it is, it gives you a new look. However, some people often complain about itchiness due to the sew-in. 

So, are you thinking to yourself- why is my sew in itching so bad? 

For starters, weave or sew-in can often cause itching if you have dandruff. Sewing the hair tightly can cause the same issue as well. Plus having no protection between the weave and braid is another reason. Lastly, some people are just allergic to the sew-in which causes itching. 

Now, to get a proper idea about this problem, you need more info. And we’ve provided just what you need. 

Therefore, don’t think twice before you start reading this piece of ours! 

Is Your Sew In Really the Problem behind Itching?

Now, before anything-

You have to know whether or not it’s the weave that’s causing the itching. Because the itching won’t start right after getting a weave or sew-in extensions. 

It’ll start itching if you don’t wash it or because of allergies. 

Now, how often do you wash your weave?

Well, it depends a little on your hair type. Therefore, we’ve specified the wash time for different hair types- 

Hair Type	How Often to Wash
Straight	2-3 times a week
Curly and wavy	1 time a week
Colored or color-treated	1 time a week

Now if you don’t wash your weave on time, you’ll surely suffer from crazy itching. 

Also, keeping the weave on for more than 2 months is another big no. Thus, if you have kept the sew-in for 3 or 4 months-

You don’t have to think twice to understand whether the sew-in is causing the itching. 

Moreover, along with itching, you’ll get a red scalp. You can even end up with scalp infection too-

If you don’t find the actual reason why the weave is itching and treat it accordingly. Moreover, your scalp will start aching just how cowlicks can cause scalp pain. 

Why Is My Weave Itching Like Crazy? 

Now, you’re sure it’s your weave or sew-in that’s responsible. But other than being dirty, what other reasons can be responsible?

Well, there are 4 more reasons why your weave is itching like crazy-

Dandruff Is Causing the Issue 

Well, you might be aware that you’re sewing in hair that’s not yours. This is to extend the length of your hair. You’ll even get more volume to your hair by getting it. 

Furthermore, most of the time African American people get a weave. In those cases, they use African American hair to maintain the hair similarities.  

Now, if you didn’t know- 

African American hair is a bit drier than other hair types. Therefore, the hair follicles don’t generate much oil. Thus, the scalp turns dry. This leads one to have dandruff. 

Now, dandruff means an overgrowth of yeast. This condition is known to cause inflammation at your hair roots which leads to itching. 

Solution 

If this is the cause, it’ll take a bit of time to recover from it. Therefore, you have to be patient. 

Firstly, you have to treat the dry scalp and dandruff. You can treat it at home or seek help from a dermatologist. 

Either way, the suggestion is to massage the scalp frequently. For example, apply jojoba or coconut oil to the scalp at least once in 10 days. 

Furthermore, remember to wash your weave or hair after keeping the oil overnight. While washing the hair it’s best to use an anti-dandruff shampoo. 

Thus, here are a few options regarding the shampoo-

So, now just properly use the shampoo and keep your scalp clean! Do consult your dermatologist before using either.

The Braid Is Too Tight 

Now, the foundation for a good sew-in or weave is braids. However, sometimes while getting the hair done-

Your stylist might braid or sew in the hair a little too tightly. This might seem like a good idea for keeping the hair in place. 

However, this way the scalp won’t get air or moisture. Pulling the hair too tightly can cause the hair follicles to get inflamed. 

And if you don’t take any action fast, your scalp will get super dry. Hence, you’ll feel like itching the weave or sew-in afterward.

Solution

Well, first you need to know whether this is the cause of itching or not. And it’s pretty easy to find out. Because we can clearly understand when our braids are tight. As you’ll feel like someone is pulling your hair. 

Anyways to recover from this-

There’s nothing else you can do other than taking the weave off. You’ll have to redo it again by keeping braids a bit loose this time.

However, sometimes if you don’t take action quickly-

The inflamed hair follicles can turn into a skin disorder called folliculitis if you don’t act quickly. Thus, it’s best to consult a dermatologist after getting the weave off. 

There’s No Protection between The Weave And Braid 

Sometimes the stylist might not put a net before sewing in the weave. This way there won’t be any protection between your braids and the weave.

Therefore, this will only create extra tension on the braids. As a result, you’ll start itching the weave. 

Solution

Now, if you’re missing the net, you have to go to the saloon again. This time you’ll need to take off the weave. Tell them to do it again by putting on a net first.

The net will act as a barrier between the weave and your braids. Thus, it’ll relieve the tension of your braids. Hence, no more itching problems! 

Maybe You’re Allergic to the Weave 

Now, weaves are made out of real human hair. Thus, there shouldn’t be any reason to be allergic to it, right?

Well, not everyone likes the idea of sewing in other people’s hair. So, because of that, artificial hair extensions or weaves were made. 

Now, these are made out of monofiber or monofilament, and sometimes poly filament. Hence, there’s a chance you might be allergic to the material. Plus synthetic hair can even cause the skin near the weave to itch.

Solution

To understand if this is the reason-

First, you need to know what the weave was made of. Then you have to go to a doctor to check out what you’re allergic to. 

But if you can’t go to the doctor at the moment, observe the symptoms you’re having. For example, see whether you’re getting rashes on your scalp, neck. Furthermore, you’ll also see the skin close to the weave turning red.

Because these are some clear indications of allergy. However, we still suggest going to a dermatologist to be extra sure. Because sometimes rashes can appear because of washing hair in sulfur water as well. 

Lastly, if you’re actually allergic to the material, take off the weave. Then either redo it with virgin human hair or go for an alternative. 

Why Does My Weave Itch So Bad at Night? 

Now, having the itching problem at night can be more annoying than ever. To be honest, it’s not the weave that’s at fault. 

It’s your scalp that’s itching. An overflow of histamine is responsible for itching at night. 

This overflow can occur because of too much histamine in your diet. Or it can take place due to overproduction of the histamine in your gut. How?

Well, if there’s too much histamine in your system-

You’ll need properly functioning enzymes to break it down. Without them, the breakdown will accumulate all day. And at night, your scalp will start itching. 

Now, for immediate relief, you might feel like scratching the scalp is the best solution. However, we suggest you tame the itching by doing these-

• Apply a wet cloth or ice pack on the place that’s itching. 
• Wash your head or just your hair with oatmeal water. However, only cold water can relieve the itching as well. 
• Try out menthol or other cooling agents on your itchy scalp. 

Now, to recover from the situation permanently, follow the below-stated rules- 

• Don’t consume foods that carry too much histamine. For example, stay away from canned, ready-to-eat frozen foods. 
• Always buy fresh food products and cook your own meal with them. 
• Don’t forget to refrigerate the fish and meat. 

These are a few ways you can lower the histamine level in your system. This can fix your itchy scalp. 

The Last Resort (Alternatives to Sew In or Weave)

Now, if nothing is solving your problem, it’s time to look for alternatives. Because this might be the only way to achieve what you want without having any issues. 

So, there are basically two alternatives to weave or sew-in. The first one is using a wig. The other one is clip-in hair extensions. Both will serve the benefits that a weave would have delivered. 

Now, which one should you choose for yourself? 

Well, that depends on what type of change you want in your hair. Now, to help you out, we wanted to show you the ups and downs of the two options-

Alternative-1: Wearing a Wig

A wig is a great way to enhance your beauty. It’s a superb alternative to weave as well. 

To understand if the wig is the way for you, we’ve mentioned the ups and downs of it- 

Positive Sides

• Great choice to add more volume and length. 
• Comes in different sizes and colors. 
• Easy to use and maintain. 
• Wigs cover more of your hair than extensions.

Negative Sides

• Wigs with artificial hair can cause allergies. 
• A bit more expensive and can be hard to find your preferred wig. 
• They can also damage natural hair if you don’t wear and take them off properly

So, these were the pros and cons of wearing wigs. 

Alternative-2: Clipping in Hair Extensions

Another way to substitute weaves is using clipped-in hair extensions. They’re pretty popular these days as well. 

Here are a few good and bad sides of clipped-in hair extensions- 

Positive Sides 

• Will give more thickness and length to the hair. 
• Comes in different colors and sizes. 
• Easy to put on and take off.
• Cheaper than a wig.

Negative Sides

• Clip-in extensions can cause scalp itching if clipped in too tightly. 
• They can also stop hair growth by making the hair brittle and break

Now, as you can see- both wig and clip-in hair extensions are quite similar to each other. But still, there’s a bit of difference. And we’ve mentioned them all. Now, it’s your time to choose a suitable option. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Bottom Line

Well, that’s it! We’ve delivered almost everything regarding why does my sew in itching so bad. Hopefully, you have understood what causes the itching. 

By the way, don’t pat your weave when it itches. It’ll only cause more problems. 

Now do tell us if the itching disappeared or not. But till then good luck taking care of the problem!!