What Are Weft Hair Extensions? A Beginner’s Guide Zala US (2024)

Anyone else ever look at celebrities with their thick, cascading locks and think - “my hair could NEVER”?

So not all of us are born blessed with gorgeous disney-princess hair *sigh* but that doesn’t mean we can’t get it! It’s the 21st century girl - long, thick and glamorous hair is for EVERYONE.If you were born with hair that won’t seem to grow, or lacks volume and thickness, the answer is hair extensions!

But with so many different styles, forms and lengths of hair extensions, it can be really overwhelming to choose the best type for you. That’s what we are here for, so let us walk you through the basics, focusing on weft extensions, so you can pick your perfect match!

Weft Hair Extensions: Everything You Need to Know

100% without a doubt, the absolute best hair extensions you can get your hands on are human hair extensions. Why? They are the longest lasting, they blend with your own hair better in texture and movement, and, well, we could go on and on, but trust us (and the world’s leading hair extension specialists).

And among the vast variety of human hair extensions, weft extensions are a super popular choice. What are weft hair extensions? Weft extensions are made from real human hair (Zala ensures this is sourced ethically), sewn by hand or by machine onto a weft - which is a horizontal stripe.

Now, these do need to be applied by a hair extension specialist and there are a number of different ways this can be done. The most popular style of weft hair extension application is a weave!

This is where the specialist will create small braided rows of their client’s natural hair along the back of the head, or create “tracks” with small microbeads, and sew the weft into the track or braid. While it is quite a tedious process, it is completely painless to the client. Yes, we know the sewing needle and thread can look a little scary if you don’t know the process!

These weft extensions can last you for 3-6+ months. But you have to visit your stylist every six to eight weeks to have them moved up a bit, depending on your hair’s natural growth rate. The specialist may also need to trim them a little with each application to keep them looking healthy and full.

The best part is that weft extensions keep your hair tangle-free, unlike some other hair extension types. They stay in your hair and don’t need to be removed or applied each morning. This can save you an ample amount of time on hairstyling.

Also, since the wefts are installed with the help of tiny beads, you can rest assured that the extensions will blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Make sure to choose a color that matches your own hair's shade for perfect blending, or have your hair extension specialist do this for you. You can also purchase a colour match wheel from the Zala website to see the shades in real-life. OR take advantage of our complimentary colour match service! You’ll also receive $5 off your order just for using the service!

Colour Wheel: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-colour-wheel-sample-all-17-zala-shades.html

What Are Weft Hair Extensions? A Beginner’s Guide Zala US (1)

Colour match service: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/color-match-service

If you’re wondering how to take care of your extensions, including weft extensions, the answer is simple: you must care for your extensions just like you care for your natural hair with a couple of minor differences. Minimize heat styling, and always use a protective product to reduce damage when you do heat style. As for washing, we recommend using the Zala products, which are designed specifically for getting the most out of your Zala Hair Extensions!

Grab your products here girl: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-care-products/hair-extension-brushes

Other Hair Extension Types

Let's take a little peek at some other types of hair extensions, so you can understand how they differ from weft extensions:

Clip-in Extensions

Clip-ins are the most popular hair extensions because they are easy to apply and remove and don't damage your natural hair. This extension is best for women looking for a temporary fix.

Like all other hair extensions, clip-ins come in many different lengths, volume, thickness, and color options. These hair extensions come in pieces of wefts that vary in width. You have the choice to buy ready-made clip-in hair extensions or have a set specifically customized to match your hair and preferences.

As the name suggests, these extensions come with tiny clips that you can clip onto your hair's roots to transform your look in a matter of minutes.

Pros: These extensions are excellent for newbies looking to experiment with their hair without a permanent commitment. You can clip these reusable hair extensions in and out whenever you want.

Cons: When applied to fine or very short hair, clip-in extensions could damage your natural hair if applied incorrectly or if you choose to apply too many for your hair to support.

Shop Clip-In Extensions here: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-extensions/

Tape-in Hair Extensions

Tape-in hair extensions come with adhesive tape on the strip. These also need to be applied by a hair extension specialist/hairdresser - so be sure your professional can provide the service before purchasing. It is crucial to align the wefts with your own hair's roots as perfectly as possible to get the best results.

It’s always a good idea to have the tape-in wefts installed by a professional because improper installation or removal could result in damage to your natural hair.

Pros: Tape-ins are great for women committed to a specific hairstyle. With proper care, these semi-permanent wefts can last you around eight to ten weeks.

Cons: Unlike clip-in extensions, you cannot reapply tape-in extensions more than two or three times.

Shop Tape-In Extensions here: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-extensions/tape-hair-extensions/

Sew-in Extensions/Weaves

Weaves, or sew-in hair extensions, are applied by braiding your own hair into cornrows and then having them sewn into your hair with a needle and thread. Unlike clip-in extensions, you cannot install these extensions by yourself. You'll have to go to your stylist to install sew-in weft extensions. The installation process is quite long, but the results are worth it!

Pros: A weave is excellent for you if you're looking for a permanent hair solution. The extension will stay in its place until it wears out or unless you choose to take it out.

Cons: Weaves can damage your natural hair if they are applied incorrectly, or your natural hair cannot support the weight of them. Choosing your specialist carefully will help you avoid this. An experienced specialist will never compromise the health of your natural hair. They will assess how much hair is suitable to achieve the look you desire, and advise you on the best way to make it happen!

Benefits of Weft Hair Extensions

While weft extensions are not the perfect solution for everyone, they offer many benefits for the right candidates. These include:

  1. Flawless, natural-looking, and fabulous hair
  2. Multiple thickness levels and lengths to choose from
  3. Minimal damage to your natural hair if your hair length is medium or long
  4. The liberty to experiment with different colours without settling for a permanent solution

Do not choose weft extensions if your natural hair is especially delicate and weak because it can cause further damage to your hair. Depending on your hair's condition and hair goals, you may be better off with clip-in, halo, or other sorts of extensions. Consult your stylist for an expert opinion!

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

Introduction

As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics, including hair extensions. I can provide you with information and insights based on my knowledge and the search results I have access to. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.

Weft Hair Extensions

Weft hair extensions are a popular choice among human hair extensions. They are made from real human hair and are sewn by hand or machine onto a weft, which is a horizontal stripe. Weft extensions are known for their longevity, as they can last for 3-6+ months with proper care [[1]].

The most common method of applying weft hair extensions is through a weave. In this process, a hair extension specialist creates small braided rows of the client's natural hair along the back of the head or uses small microbeads to create "tracks." The weft is then sewn into the track or braid. Although the process may seem tedious, it is painless for the client [[1]].

One advantage of weft extensions is that they keep the hair tangle-free and do not need to be removed or applied daily. This can save a significant amount of time on hairstyling. Additionally, weft extensions blend seamlessly with natural hair when installed with the help of tiny beads [[1]].

To maintain weft extensions, it is recommended to visit a stylist every six to eight weeks to have them moved up, depending on the natural growth rate of the hair. Trimming may also be necessary during each application to keep the extensions looking healthy and full [[1]].

Other Hair Extension Types

The article also mentions two other types of hair extensions: clip-in extensions and tape-in extensions. Here's a brief overview of these types:

Clip-in Extensions: Clip-in extensions are popular because they are easy to apply and remove without damaging natural hair. They come in different lengths, volumes, thicknesses, and color options. Clip-in extensions consist of wefts with tiny clips that can be clipped onto the roots of the hair. They are a temporary solution and can be easily removed and reattached [[2]].

Tape-in Hair Extensions: Tape-in extensions have adhesive tape on the strip. They also need to be applied by a hair extension specialist. The wefts should be aligned with the natural hair's roots for the best results. Tape-in extensions are semi-permanent and can last around eight to ten weeks with proper care. They cannot be reapplied more than two or three times [[3]].

Another type of hair extension mentioned in the article is sew-in extensions or weaves. Weaves are applied by braiding the natural hair into cornrows and then sewing the extensions into the hair using a needle and thread. Weaves provide a more permanent hair solution but should be installed by a professional to avoid damage to the natural hair [[4]].

Benefits of Weft Hair Extensions

Weft hair extensions offer several benefits for the right candidates:

  1. Flawless, natural-looking, and fabulous hair.
  2. Multiple thickness levels and lengths to choose from.
  3. Minimal damage to natural hair, especially if the hair length is medium or long.
  4. The freedom to experiment with different colors without committing to a permanent solution [[5]].

However, it's important to note that weft extensions may not be suitable for individuals with delicate and weak natural hair, as they can cause further damage. In such cases, alternatives like clip-in extensions or halo extensions may be more appropriate. It's always best to consult with a stylist for an expert opinion based on your specific hair condition and goals [[5]].

I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!

What Are Weft Hair Extensions? A Beginner’s Guide Zala US (2024)

FAQs

What Are Weft Hair Extensions? A Beginner’s Guide Zala US? ›

Weft extensions are made from real human hair (Zala ensures this is sourced ethically), sewn by hand or by machine onto a weft - which is a horizontal stripe.

How many Zala wefts do I need? ›

To hide the beads easier, use only 1-2 bundles if you have fine or thin hair. You can use 2-3 weft bundles if you have medium to thick hair.

What is a weft hair extension? ›

Weft hair extensions or hair weft is a collection of artificial hair strands that is woven on to a fine strip of cloth to make a “weft.” Technically, hair wefts are manufactured for salons and stylist professionals to be attached using various semi-permanent fitting methods to apply some form of hair extension on salon ...

What type of extensions are best for beginners? ›

Clip-in hair extensions are fast, easy to use, and are great for beginners who don't want to commit. These extensions include clip-in bangs, ponytails, buns, and other pieces that add length and volume.

How long do weft extensions last? ›

While having a natural look to your hair is important, one of the main reasons why women love these extensions is because they last longer than any other option. These weft hair extensions can last between 3-6 months, even longer for some. Because actual human hair is used, the longevity of the extensions is unmatched.

How many wefts do I need for a full head? ›

On average, it takes 30 to 40 pieces of tape-in extension wefts for full head coverage. It's recommended to start with 40, that way, you'll have extra if it ends up needing less. You can order 10-20 pieces if you want to add extra volume as needed.

Are weft extensions OK for fine hair? ›

To choose the best hair extensions for thin hair, you'll need to consider your particular type of thinness. If your fine hair is also straight, look for a hand-tied human hair weft extension that is lightweight and very fine hand-tied seamed, using microbeads as the support.

Is weft good for short hair? ›

It's entirely your choice whether you visit your local extensionists to fit wefts professionally or treat yourself to clip-ins that can be fitted and removed whenever you wish. Both routes are fabulous for adding length and volume to all hair types and can blend beautifully into even the shortest of blunt bobs.

What kind of extensions look the most natural? ›

Human hair extensions tend to look more authentic than synthetic hair extensions. From the colour to the texture, they look and feel exactly like real hair. You can also use heat styling on human hair extensions in the same way you would your own hair, which helps to achieve a natural style.

What is the easiest hair extension to get? ›

Clip-ins are the easiest type of hair extension to apply and remove. They are made of synthetic fibres that are glued onto a band with clips. These types of hair extensions are great for everyday wear since they can be removed and replaced easily.

What hair extension method is the least damaging? ›

Clip-in hair extensions are considered to be number one when it comes to being the safest and least damaging hair extension method.

Do weft extensions look natural? ›

Weft extensions look completely natural once installed correctly because they blend seamlessly into your existing hairstyle--you won't even know you're wearing them!

Will my hair grow with weft extensions? ›

While extensions do not directly affect the speed of hair growth, they can provide a protective layer for your natural hair. Proper nutrition, blood circulation, and personal care are essential for maintaining healthy hair growth, whether you have extensions or not.

Do wefts damage your hair? ›

With a safe installation such as IBE®, the removal and reinstallation process is non-damaging to hair — unlike other hair extension methods. A certified IBE® stylist will know how many wefts they can layer to maintain the integrity of your hair.

Is 7 pieces of hair extensions enough? ›

On the other hand, if you have medium to thick hair, you should use all 7 pieces for the best result. Generally, 1 pack with 7 pieces is enough to create a natural look, but if you wish to create extra full and voluminous hairstyle, you might want to purchase an extra set.

Is one row of weft extensions enough? ›

If you are looking to get extensions for a little extra volume, one to two rows of extensions will probably be sufficient. One row of quality Bellami hair or Hothead extensions can make a big difference in overall volume. For those looking for mega volume or those with hair on the finer side, two rows is a good idea.

Is 20 hair extensions enough? ›

A 20 piece pack will NOT be enough for any hair type as this will only make 10 sandwiches of hair. When putting in tape extensions, 2 pieces are sandwiched at the root over sections of your hair. As you can probably imagine, a 20 piece set will definitely not be enough for a full head of hair.

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