Good Hair Day: Everything You Need To Know About Weft Hair Extensions

In the United Kingdom, interest in hair extensions has tripled since the year 2005.

Weft hair extensions are the best way to change up your look in a semi-permanent way. You can change your length, volume, and even your colour with hair extensions.

Finding hair extensions online is easy, but to get the best luxury hair extensions you have to know what you are looking for.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about hair wefts before you buy.

Weft hair Extensions

What Are Weft Hair Extensions?

Weft hair extensions or a hair weft is a collection of hair sewn into a strip for easy application into your natural hair. Some wefts are sewn by hand onto a thin cloth strip, while others are sewn on by a machine.

Machine and hand-sewn wefts both have their advantages and disadvantages. One may work for your hair better than the other. It's important to know your hair type before deciding between the two.

Hand-sewn weft hair extensions are typically lighter and delicate. They cannot be cut into smaller sections. You must work with them as is. They are also more expensive on average. Yet, they look great with thin or fine hair.

Machine-sewn weft hair extensions tend to have a thicker band. This makes them stronger and allows you to cut them. Yet, you should keep in mind that they can be bulky. They often look best on people with thicker or curly hair.

What Do Weft Hair Extensions Look Like?

Types of Weft Hair Extensions

Once you have chosen between hand-sewn or machine-sewn extensions, you can choose the application method. There are four main types of weft attachments. They are clip-ons, tape-ins, sew-ins, and micro links.

Clip-On Extensions

Clip-on extensions are an easy method of getting some volume or length for a short time. They last as long as you take care of them, because you can take them off and put them on as needed.

It isn't recommended to leave your clip-on extensions in for a long time, though. Leaving your clip-ons in for extended periods can lead to dryness and breakage.

It's best to put in your clip-ons during the day and take them out when you are staying in. Alternatively, you could wear them on nights out and special occasions, only to give your strands a break.

Tape-in/Bond Extensions

Tape-in extensions are great for thin or fine hair. They use two small wefts of hair with a piece of special tape or glue to bond to your natural hair at the root.

This method is great, because the wefts can lay perfectly flat at the root of your hair. They can last up to six months, depending on the maintenance you can provide them and how fast your hair grows.

If your tape-in hair extensions grow out, you can have them removed and reapplied. Your hairstylist will use a special remover to safely take them out. Then they will apply a new bonding agent to put them back in at the root.

Sew-in Extensions

Sew-in extensions or weaves are a method that is used by many people. Yet, it is not recommended for people with thin hair. The weight of the hair wefts sewn into the braids can be damaging to fine hair.

Sew-in extensions and weaves are applied by first braiding the hair in small sections, sometimes all over the head. Then the stylist uses a needle and thread to sew the extensions into the braids.

The application of these extensions can take many hours to complete. The process can also be painful due to the tight nature of the braids needed.

Beaded/Micro Link Extensions

Beaded and micro link extensions use tiny beads to attach small sections of weft hair extensions into your hair. This method is desirable to people who don't like the idea of using heat to put in their extensions.

To secure the hair in place, the bead is slid into the hair then clamped shut. Normally, this is done with small pliers. Depending on how fast your hair grows, these can last weeks or months with proper care.

Benefits of Weft Hair Extensions

Weft hair extensions are a great way to add volume and length to your hair. Depending on the attachment method, you can choose the amount of volume you want to add.

The length, volume, and style can be perfectly tailored to your liking. You can try a new colour or style with minimal commitment. If you don't like them after a few weeks, you can have them easily removed.

What's better? If you decide you don't like one method, the hair is yours to keep. Many places are happy to help you turn your hair extensions into clip-in extensions that you can use whenever you please.

Weft hair extensions also cause minimal damage to your hair. This is especially true when your hairstylist is someone you trust. They are an easy in-and-out method of changing up your hair in a way that you'll love.

How to Choose the Right Provider

When you are looking for a provider of hair extensions, you want to pick one that is legit. Whether you choose synthetic or real human hair you want it to match your hair colour and look nice.

If you are buying online, it is a good idea to view a colour matching chart to find your perfect colour. Research the provider you like before buying to ensure their product is of good quality.

Buy Your Weft Hair Extensions

Weft hair extensions are the best way to give your hair great volume and length to your natural hair. If you are looking for quality hair wefts, our website ririhairextension.com has it all.

Check out our range of clip-in hair extensions, ponytails, scrunchies, and wigs. You can find them made with real human hair or synthetic in the perfect colour for you.

You can also book an appointment with us for our other services, including the weft hair extension application.


Written by our hair extension expert

Nancy Pinder


Nancy Pinder is our resident hair and beauty specialist at RiRi Hair Extensions. She advises customers daily in our Lakeside and Bluewater stores, helping them find the perfect look, length, and shade of hair extensions. Nancy also presents our TikTok live to thousands of viewers across the world. You can catch her on our TikTok every week here: @ririhairextensions_uk.

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