What Are Weft Hair Extensions?
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
Colour match service: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/zala-color-match
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:
- Flawless, natural-looking, and fabulous hair
- Multiple thickness levels and lengths to choose from
- Minimal damage to your natural hair if your hair length is medium or long
- 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!
