Hand-Tied Weft Hair Extensions
Let’s talk hand-tied wefts! I’ll be honest, I’ve had just about every type of extension offered nowadays – i-tips, tape ins, etc. so this isn’t my first rodeo. I started getting extensions in December 2017, right after I was diagnosed with celiac disease. Due to my low iron levels, the ends of my hair were brittle and breaking off, making my hair look extremely jagged, uneven and short. I wanted to look and feel my best all the time especially since I am on-camera for work and this was the quickest way to get the results I wanted while my real hair grows back. After moving to Dallas and getting my second round of i-tips installed, I knew it was time for a change when Erin Leigh Shaw (my hairstylist) told me that she offered hand-tied wefts. They are a GAME CHANGER so I wanted to answer some of y’alls questions in case you want to get them too!
1. How much do they cost? Hair + installation?
Hair starts at $300 and can go up to $1,000 depending on how many rows you want. Installation is $175 per row, most people wear 2-3 rows. These prices are pretty consistent across the board.
2. What is the maintenance on them? + cost?
Maintenance needs to be done every 6 weeks and takes about 20-30 minutes. It costs $200 per each maintenance trip. After 18 weeks, the wefts will need to be completely taken out and reinstalled with fresh beads and threads which costs $175 per row. The hair lasts about 9 months to a year depending on how well you maintain it.
3. How are the wefts put in?
The beads are applied in a row and serve as an anchor. The wefts are sewn in with thread into the hair above the beads to the weight is evenly distributed.
4. How does the process work? (from ordering to installation)
Erin requires a free consultation for about 15-20 minutes and if you’re ready to order the hair that day, you can order it then. Once the hair is ordered, allow two days for delivery before it can be installed. With cutting and styling, it takes around 3 hours total.
5. Do hand-tied wefts work better on certain types of hair?
Finer hair usually requires more maintenance, sometimes come in 5 weeks for maintenance instead of 6 weeks. Hand-tied wefts work on all hair types and have the best results overall.
6. Why are hand-tied wefts better than other types of extensions?
Overall, the even distribution of the weight isn’t as hard on your hair so it’s different than other types of extensions. There is minimal damage to your natural hair and are more comfortable than tape ins or i-tips. They are much easier to install and take out than other types of extensions too.
7. How can you style them?
You can style them however you want! I typically curl mine and straighten the ends and it lasts for a few days. When you wash them, definitely be sure to blow dry the root and sleep with them up not down. A loose braid is what Erin recommends.
8. What color / length / brand do I use?
Erin only uses Bellami Professional. I have them in the shades “ash blonde” and “sunkissed golden blonde” to make it look more natural. She orders me the 20 inch wefts but cuts them shorter.
9. How do you know when it’s time to get new hair?
Erin says that you’ll know when it’s time! Dark wefts tend to last longer than light hair but when you start seeing dead ends, you know it’s time.
10. Where do I get them done?
I go to Indigo Child in Bishop Arts! They have a brand new beautiful salon in such a fun area. I am so happy for them and their new beautiful space!
Final Notes: When I get mine installed, I always have her put them in longer than I typically would want since she cuts them little by little overtime. She also has a two-week grace period if I want to cut them shorter, free of charge. Remember, it’s easier to go shorter than wish you made them longer!
If you have any other questions about hand-tied wefts, leave a comment below or send me a message! If you’re interested in trying them, booking a consultation doesn’t hurt. You can see Erin’s work on Instagram and check out the new Indigo Child salon in Bishop Arts!