Quick Answer
A flip over sew in is a protective hairstyle where your natural hair is braided flat and then flipped over the installed weave, so your own hair covers the leave-out and blends with the extensions. It gives you a seamless, natural look without using your edges, and it works best for people with at least a few inches of hair to cover the part.
The technique is popular because it hides the tracks and leaves no visible lace or netting, making the style look like your hair is naturally long. The main downside is that your natural hair is exposed to daily styling and heat, so you need to care for it like your own hair. If you have very short hair or a shaved nape, a traditional sew in with leave-out or a full lace wig might be a better fit.
How Does a Flip Over Sew In Work?
A flip over sew in starts with braiding your natural hair into flat cornrows, leaving out a section of hair at the front or crown. The weave hair is then sewn onto the braids, and the leave-out is flipped over the sewn tracks to cover them. This creates a natural part and a seamless blend between your hair and the extensions.
The key is to leave enough hair to cover the tracks without being too thick, which can make the style bulky. Typically, the leave-out is about two to three inches of hair that you can blend with the weave using a comb or your fingers. The rest of your hair stays braided underneath, so the style is protective for the majority of your strands.
Unlike a full lace wig, a flip over sew in doesn’t require any adhesive or lace, so it feels lighter on your scalp. It also allows you to style the leave-out with heat or flexi rods, but you have to be careful not to damage your natural hair with too much heat or tension.
What Are the Benefits of a Flip Over Sew In?
A flip over sew in gives you the most natural-looking part because your real hair creates the part, not a lace front or a closure. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants a seamless blend without the risk of visible lace. It also protects your ends because most of your hair is braided underneath, so you can grow your hair out while wearing the style.
Another benefit is that it’s versatile. You can part the flipped hair in the middle, on the side, or even do a deep side part, and the style looks different each time. It also works well with different textures, from straight to curly, as long as the leave-out matches the weave’s texture.
However, the flip over method requires a bit of length. If your hair is too short to cover the tracks, the style won’t look as seamless. In that case, you might consider a lace front wig, which gives you a natural hairline without needing your own hair. For example, a full lace wig like the 22 Inch Body Wave Full Lace Wigs 100% Indian Remy Human Hair from LaceWigsBuy can mimic a natural part without any leave-out.
How Long Does a Flip Over Sew In Last?
A flip over sew in typically lasts between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how well you maintain it. As your natural hair grows, the braids underneath will loosen, and the leave-out will start to look less neat. You’ll know it’s time to take it down when the style feels loose or the leave-out no longer blends well.
To extend the life of your sew in, you can re-braid the leave-out and re-flip it, but this only works a couple of times before the hair gets too tangled. Most people prefer to keep the style for a month and then give their scalp a break before installing another one.
If you’re looking for a style that lasts longer without maintenance, a wig might be a better option. You can switch between different wigs and give your natural hair a break in between. For example, a glueless lace front wig like the 22 Inch Body Wave Natural Black 100% Virgin Human Hair Lace Front Wigs from LaceWigsBuy can be worn for months with proper care.
How Do You Maintain a Flip Over Sew In?
To keep your flip over sew in looking fresh, you need to moisturize your leave-out regularly. Since it’s your natural hair, it needs the same care as your regular hair. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner and a small amount of oil to keep it soft and prevent breakage.
At night, wrap your hair with a silk or satin scarf to reduce friction and keep the leave-out from frizzing. You can also braid the leave-out loosely before bed to prevent tangling. When you wash your hair, focus on the braids underneath and be gentle with the leave-out to avoid matting.
Avoid using too much heat on the leave-out. If you need to style it, use a heat protectant and keep the temperature low. The less you manipulate the leave-out, the longer the style will last.
Related Questions
Can I do a flip over sew in on short hair?
Yes, but it depends on how short. You need at least two to three inches of hair in the leave-out area to cover the tracks. If your hair is shorter than that, the tracks will be visible, and the style won’t look seamless. In that case, a wig or a full lace wig might be a better option.
How is a flip over sew in different from a regular sew in?
A regular sew in leaves out a small section of hair at the front to blend with the weave, but the leave-out is usually styled straight back. A flip over sew in flips that leave-out over the tracks, creating a natural part. This gives you more styling options and a more seamless look, but it requires more hair to cover the tracks.
Can I swim with a flip over sew in?
Yes, you can swim, but you should protect your hair from chlorine and salt water. Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming, and wear a swim cap if possible. After swimming, wash your hair with a gentle shampoo and deep condition to keep the leave-out moisturized.
Ready to Try This Style?
If you’re ready to try a flip over sew in, you’ll need quality weave hair that matches your texture. For a natural look, consider the 22 Inch Curly Natural Black 100% Virgin Hair Full Lace Wigs or the 16 Inch Body Wave #4/27 360 Lace Wigs from LaceWigsBuy. You can also browse the Human Hair Wigs collection to find the perfect match for your style.
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