Have you ever dreamt of long, voluminous, and luxurious hair? Sew-in weft hair extensions human hair can turn that dream into reality! This popular method offers a temporary yet transformative way to achieve your desired hairstyle. Whether you crave extra length, want to add body to your tresses, or experiment with vibrant colors, full shine sew-in wefts can be the perfect solution.
This guide will equip you with all the essential information about sew-in weft hair extensions, from understanding the different types to mastering the installation process and ensuring proper aftercare.
What are Sew-In Weft Hair Extensions?
Sew-in weft extensions are one of the most popular methods to change your hairstyle, which looks natural and is as comfortable as possible to wear. These tracks are then strategically attached to your natural hair using a weaving technique. This method offers a secure and versatile way to add length, volume, or even highlights to your existing hair.
There are three main types of sew-in weft extensions.
Machine-Made Wefts
- These are the most common and budget-friendly option for hair wefts.
- The hair is machine-stitched onto the weft track, creating a sturdy and uniform structure.
- Due to the mechanical stitching process, machine-made wefts are generally thicker and provide good coverage.
- They are ideal for those who want a fuller look or need to add volume to their natural hair.
- If you’re on a budget or looking for a practical choice, machine-made wefts are a great pick.
Hand-Tied Wefts:
- Hand-tied extensionsare crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
- Each individual strand of hair is carefully hand-tied onto the weft track.
- The result is a thinner and more natural-looking weft that lies flat against the scalp.
- Hand-tied wefthair extensions are perfect for those who desire a seamless blend with their natural hair.
- However, keep in mind that they are typically more expensive than machine-made wefts due to the labor-intensive process.
- If you prioritize a lightweight and undetectable extension, hand-tied wefts are an excellent choice.
Flat & Genius Wefts:
- Flat silk wefts, combining the advantages of machine weft and hand tied weft, ensure a seamless blend with natural hair. The flat design minimizes bulk and maximizes comfort.
- Unlike hand-tied wefts, flat silk wefts can be cut from anywhere without the risk of shedding. They offer unparalleled versatility allowing for customization, as they can be cut to fit any head shape or size.
- Designed without return hair, flat silk wefts provide a smoother, more comfortable wear, eliminating irritation and ensuring a natural appearance.
- Genius wefts are uniquely dense yet maintain a thin profile, perfect for adding both volume and length without compromising comfort.
- These wefts are crafted to mimic the natural look and texture of hand-tied wefts, yet surpass them in functionality by allowing cuts from any area without shedding.
- Specifically designed for sensitive scalps, genius wefts merge the best attributes of flat silk and hand-tied wefts, offering a comfortable, irritation-free wearing experience.
Read more about the differences between Machine-Made & Hand-Tied Wefts from our blog.
The Installation Process for Sew in Weft Hair Extension
Sew-in weft hair extensions offer versatility in terms of application, but seeking professional assistance is highly recommended for optimal results and to avoid any potential damage to your natural hair. However, if you're comfortable with braiding and basic sewing techniques, here's a general overview of the installation process:
1. Sectioning & Braiding
- Part your hair into thin sections, starting at the nape of your neck and working upwards.
- Braid each section using your chosen braiding technique, ensuring the braids are tight and secure.
2. Attaching the Weft
- Place the weft under the braided section, aligning the edge with the base of the braid.
- Using a needle and thread (matching your hair color for discretion), sew the weft onto the braid in small, secure stitches. You can either sew through the weft itself or through a pre-existing channel on the weft, depending on the type you choose.
- Repeat this process for each weft, ensuring even spacing and tension throughout your head.
3. Securing the Weft
- After attaching all the wefts, gently secure the ends by folding them under and sewing them down for a clean finish.
- Use a comb to blend your natural hair with the extensions and style as desired.
Aftercare for Sew-In Weft Extensions
Maintaining the health of your natural hair and the longevity of your sew-in weft extensions go hand-in-hand. Here are some key aftercare tips:
Washing and Conditioning
Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for extensions to prevent dryness and damage. Wash your hair gently, focusing on the scalp, and avoid excessive manipulation of the extensions.
Detangling
Gently detangle the hair extensions with a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This helps prevent matting and breakage.
Sleeping Habits
Invest in a satin or silk pillowcase to minimize friction and prevent tangles while you sleep.
HOW LONG DO SEW-IN EXTENSIONS LAST?
Typically, weft extensions last for 6 to 8 weeks, after which you'll need them reapplied. This timeframe can vary depending on a few factors:
- As your hair grows, the wefts will move away from your scalp, becoming more visible and potentially uncomfortable.
- Following your stylist's instructions for washing, combing, and using the right tools is crucial. This helps maintain the extensions and your natural hair.
- Choosing a skilled stylist with high-quality hair extensions makes a big difference. For example, some hair types, like Chinese and Indian, might feel heavier and look different from natural hair, especially in North America. They may also undergo harsh treatments that damage the hair, making them less comfortable to wear.
Benefits of Sew in Hair Extensions
Let’s explore the advantages of sew-in hair extensions:
Most Gentle Hair Extensions
When the stylist employs this extension method—avoiding overly tight braids and ensuring proper attachment of the wefts—your natural hair remains safe and healthy. This extension technique doesn't involve heat, eliminating the risk of damage from high temperatures, making it the least harmful type of hair extension.
Suitable for Various Hair Types
The key is to select high-quality hair with the appropriate texture for the wefts. For fine hair, virgin Slavic hair is recommended for its delicate, undyed curls that don't strain the roots or cause damage. Russian hair suits slightly thicker hair types, offering a range of textures, colors, and lengths. European double-drawn hair is preferable for those with thick hair.
Ultimate Comfort in Wear
Opting for sew-in extensions allows you to use styling tools like hair dryers, flat irons, or curlers without worrying about damaging the extensions. This differs from keratin tip extensions, where high temperatures can weaken bonds and cause strands to come loose. With weft extensions, you can lead an active lifestyle, including sauna visits and swimming, while maintaining a stunning look.
Preserve Length
In techniques like tape-in hair extension and fusion extensions, every reapplication process leads to some length loss as a portion of hair near the bond or tape is trimmed during maintenance. However, with hand-tied or machine wefts, there's no loss of length. The stylist removes the weft, undoes the braid, applies a new one, and reattaches the weft, preserving every centimeter of length."
