Tell me you’re overwhelmed by the number of hair products you’re influenced to try – without telling me you’re overwhelmed …Did you just show me a trashcan full of free samples?
So, let’s shift the focus to hand-tied weft extensions.
Instead of thinking about which hair product to use next – think about what it is you want the product to do.
Are you after volume? Texture or length? Maybe you’ve always coveted Blake Lively’s epic ponytail from the movie Green Lantern (It was the real hero of the story).
Originally you may have turned to hair products to achieve any one of these desired outcomes. But let’s look at why hand-tied weft hair extensions will be a better option for you in 2023.
For the past 10 years, I have been a certified hand-tied weft extension expert. I not only install them but I also wear them too. I hope my experience and opinion can help you determine if they are right for you.
This article aims to explain what hand-tied weft extensions are and answer a few common questions about the process.
Hand-Tied Weft Extensions
Hand-tied weft hair extensions are handmade, thinner, and more natural-looking than tape-in or keratin bonds. These extensions can easily be color matched with your natural hair or lightly colored to blend seamlessly.
They are easily and painlessly sewn into your natural hair with beads.
The video below is an example of hand-tied weft hair extensions installed on a woman with short fine hair. You can easily see the texture, volume, and movement her wefts provide!
Advantages To Hand-Tied Weft Extensions
There are so many beautiful hairstyles to try and all the Youtube videos to get you there.
But often hair has its limits, whether it’s feeling too thin or too short. Hand-tied wefts are a fantastic way to increase your options regarding hairstyles.
Versatility
Imagine trying to tease your crown and douse it in a can of sticky hair spray then pray it holds out for at least 3 hours.
Instead, you can add several simple rows of hair extensions. Immediately you have all the volume and fullness you could want without lifting a finger.
Styling Options
How often have you picked this hair spray and that hair spray and then another brand – hoping it would hold your hair exactly as you need it to, only to have it flop?
Did you know, the volume added to your natural hair with hand-tied wefts will get it to respond better to the products you’re using? This means sculpting a style guaranteed to hold in a way it wouldn’t without the added hair.
Installing a couple rows of beautiful hand-tied wefts can help you no longer fret when you’re rushing to get ready each morning.
How Long Do They Last?
Your hand-tied weft extensions can last between 10-12 months depending on the quality of hair you purchase and how well you take care of it.
It’s important to remember that hand-tied wefts grow with your natural hair. The faster your hair grows, the sooner you want to move it up.
I recommend most of my clients’ schedule move-ups every 6-8 weeks.
If you are a newbie when it comes to hair extensions then check out my post “A Clients Guide To Hair Extensions“.
Where Does The Hair Come From?
I talk extensively about the different types of hair you can buy in my guide to hair extensions. Most extension companies source their hair from Asia – mostly India and China.
Unfortunately, sourcing hair for extensions is a shadow market and another dark side of the beauty industry.
With about 80% of the world’s population having dark hair – its no secret that light or blonde colored extensions are heavily bleached.
It is important to choose an extension company that provides healthy and strong hair and ethically sourced as well. Talk to your stylist about the company they use and where they get their hair from.
Can Anyone Install My Extensions?
The short answer is no, it is not recommended. Experience really matters in this realm of the hair industry.
It is important to communicate with your stylist your desire for hand-tied wefts and whether your hair is in the proper conditionto allow for the installation.
Installing wefts on dry and damaged hair will only accelerate the deterioration of it. It is so important to find an extension expert with the years of experience necessary to help make that call with you.
The delicate process of sewing wefts into your natural hair is a technique that requires finesse and patients by your stylist. Incorrect installation can causes damage and breakage to your natural hair from too much tension on the beads and wefts.
Usually a stylist takes a class and is certified by a specific hair extension company to install their hair. In the consultation process, ask your stylist who they are certified with and what type of hair they most often use.
How Much Hair Do I Need?
It is also the responsibility of your stylist to recommend how much hair you will need. This is a point of contention for me because some stylists want you to buy a lot of hair – unfortunately its not necessary all of the time. Especially when prices start around $400 – $800 for each row. It truly depends on your hair goals.
I always recommend getting two options to see if they are close before investing a lot of money into your hair.
Maintaining Hand-Tied Weft Extensions
Here is the exact list I use to inform my clients on how to take care of their hair extensions. I cannot stress enough how important a strong hair care routine is for protecting not only your extensions but your natural hair as well.
- Wash your hair 1-2 times per week with sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner
- Oil the mid to ends of hair once a day
- Sleep on a silk pillow
- Sleep with your hair in a low braid to prevent matting
- Beware of saltwater and chlorine – it can strip the color from the extensions
- When swimming coat your hair with leave-in conditioner
- Brush periodically to avoid tangling your wefts
- Do not wear extensions in a high ponytail for the first 2 weeks – this can cause breakage
- Be careful toning your hair with purple shampoo
My Hair Company Recommendations
Remember like most things in life – you get what you pay for. Expensive hair is usually better quality. Cheap hair purchased on Amazon for 1/8 the cost is usually plastic looking and sourced unethically.
Be careful buying your hair before receiving a consultation with your stylist about the install and amount of hair needed. Most stylists I know will not instal extensions from companies they do not know.
The following are hair companies I recommend. Their websites are also flush with more information that can help you determine if hand-tied wefts are right for you!
