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Introduction to Weft Hair
Weft hair extensions, also known as weave hair, are a popular method of adding length, volume, and style to natural hair. Weft hair gets its name from the “wefted” or machine-sewn tracks that the hair extensions come attached to. This allows the weft hair to be woven, clipped, or bonded into the natural hair for a seamless look.
Weft hair is commonly used because it offers numerous benefits over other types of hair extensions. In this comprehensive guide, Yoghair will explore what exactly weft hair is, its many advantages, how to care for it properly, the different types available, how it compares to other extension methods, and ultimately help you decide if weft hair is the best choice for your hair extension needs.
What is weft hair?
Weft hair consists of bundles of human hair that are sewn onto a thin, horizontal track. The wefts can then be clipped, taped, bonded, or sewn into the natural hair, depending on the installation method.
There are two main types of weft hair:
- Machine-wefted hair: This is the most common type used for extensions. The hair bundles are sewn onto the track by a sewing machine for durability.
- Hand-weft hair: More expensive and rare, the bundles are sewn by hand onto the weft for a flatter, tighter hold.
Human hair wefts are considered the highest quality as they blend most naturally with your own hair. Synthetic weft hair is a cheaper alternative but may not blend as seamlessly.
The Structure of Weft Hair Extensions
Weft hair extensions are composed of:
- The weft, or track: is usually 5-8 inches long and made of thin fabric or mesh.
- The bundles: or the hair sewn onto the weft, are usually 8” or more long.
- Double-drawn hair: where the bundles contain hairs of only two lengths for a thicker, more even look.
- Single-drawn hair: the bundles have hairs of multiple lengths for a more natural look.
- The clips, tape, or bonding agents: are used to install the wefts into the hair. Metal clips, keratin bonds, and tape adhesives are commonly used.
This unique construction is what makes weft hair so versatile for installing extensions.
Understanding the Benefits of Weft Hair
Weft hair extensions have become incredibly popular because they offer many advantages compared to other hair extension methods. Here are some of the key benefits of using weft hair:
Easy and Quick Installation
Weft hair is very easy to install compared to other extensions. Whether clipped, taped, or sewn-in, the installation process is relatively quick and does not require intensive braiding or prep work on your natural hair. Appointment times are shorter, and the extensions can be put in and taken out simply.
Lightweight and Comfortable
The wefts used are lightweight and flexible, so you do not feel weighed down by heavy extensions. The fine tracks comfortably lay flat against the scalp for comfort. Those sensitive to hair pulling can have wefts installed with no pain or discomfort.
Long-Lasting When Maintained
Weft hair can last anywhere from 4-12 months with proper maintenance and care. Avoiding excessive heat styling, keeping hair moisturized, and getting them moved up as your hair grows out are keys to longevity. When cared for, the clips, tape, and bonds keep the wefts securely in place long-term.
Low Maintenance Between Installs
Weft extensions only need re-tightening or removal every 6-8 weeks as your hair grows out. You do not need to get them redone or re-installed more frequently. Their ease of use makes maintenance simple between appointments.
Allows Styling Versatility
Weft hair blends with natural hair and can be styled just the same. It can be colored, curled, straightened, and upstyled as desired without limitation. The integrated wefts move and bounce naturally with your hair. Different textures and colors can be mixed for maximum styling options.
Cost-Effective
Pricewise, weft hair is very affordable, especially when done yourself. The hair can be reused for up to a year with proper removal and storage, making it even more cost-effective long-term. The styling versatility also adds value for your money.
Safe With Minimal Damage
When installed correctly, weft extensions do not damage hair like other methods can. The adhesive tape, keratin bonds, and clips do not require heat or chemical processing, which is safer for your natural hair and causes less breakage and shedding.
Why Choose Weft Hair Over Other Types?
There are a few other common hair extension methods—tape-in extensions, fusion or pre-bonded tips, and microbead (loop) extensions. So why do many people prefer using weft hair instead? Here are some of the advantages weft hair offers over other extension types:
More Natural-Looking Result
Weft hair lays flat and blends seamlessly into natural hair even when styled, while other extensions may look more bulky or artificial in the hair. The fine weft strips are nearly undetectable and create a very natural-looking fullness.
Less Long-Term Damage
Tape, fusion tips, and microbeads require more manipulation, heat, and chemicals to apply, which can cause long-term damage when removed and reapplied. The adhesive can pull out hair over time. Weft hair causes significantly less damage with less scalp stress.
Easier Removal
Weft hair can be removed quickly and painlessly at home. Other extensions often require a professional removal service to safely dissolve the bonds and adhesives used without damaging the hair. The clips and minimal bonds of wefts allow for easy self-removal.
Lower Cost Over Time
Weft hair is reusable for up to a year in most cases, making it more economical in the long run. Other extensions, like pre-tips cannot be reused once removed. Wefts offer more value for money with their longevity and reusability.
Less Styling Limitations
Wefts move more naturally with your natural hair, allowing for easy heat and chemical styling. Fusion tips and tape-ins are more obvious when hair is curled. Weft hair blends better and has fewer style restrictions.
Overall, the benefits of a seamless look, affordable pricing, and easy use with less scalp stress make wefts a better option for many people over other extension methods.
The Quality and Durability of Weft Hair
Just like natural hair, weft hair comes in different levels of quality. Choosing quality weft hair is important for achieving beautiful, long-lasting results. Here are the key factors that affect the quality and durability of weft hair extensions:
Hair Texture
- Vietnamese hair has a soft, smooth, silky texture suitable for Caucasian hair textures.
- Indian hair has a thick, coarse texture best for blending with African American relaxed or natural hair textures.
- Malaysian hair has a medium, wavy density and shine that blends with various hair types.
Matching the texture correctly to your hair is vital.
Hair Origin
100% Remy human hair is the highest grade because the cuticles all face the same direction. This creates fewer tangles and allows the hair to reflect light naturally. Synthetic hair does not move or feel like real hair.
Processing Methods
- High-quality hair is collected using kinder methods and not overprocessed to keep the integrity of the cuticles intact. This retains shine and prevents tangling.
- Ethically sourced hair ensures no harmful chemicals are used that may damage the quality.
Weft Construction
- Double-drawn hair makes the weft look thicker and fuller. Single-drawn gives a more natural graduated effect but may look thinner.
- Tight, neat stitching secures the hair to the track properly, so shedding is minimal. Hand-stitched wefts are usually superior.
- Reinforced tracks prevent the weft from stretching and loosening over time.
Considering these aspects ensures the weft hair will last, blend naturally, and be worth the investment. Compromising on quality to save money often leads to disappointment.
How to Care for Weft Hair
Caring properly for your weft hair extensions is crucial for keeping them in optimal condition. Here are some essential weft hair care tips:
Gentle Brushing and Handling
Use a wide-tooth comb or soft brush to gently detangle from bottom to top. Avoid excessive pulling or friction that can loosen the weft stitches. Handle the extensions delicately.
Regular Conditioning
Condition weft hair after each shampoo with a moisturizing conditioner. Apply conditioner from roots to ends, focusing on where the wefts are stitched, to prevent tangling and shedding.
Heat Protection
Always apply a heat protector before using hot styling tools. The heat can damage and dry out the hair, causing breakage at the weft. Low to medium heat is best. Avoid over-styling.
Sleeping Care
Use a protective style, like a loose braid or high bun, when sleeping to avoid friction that can loosen the wefts. Use a satin pillowcase as well.
Avoid Chemical Processing
Chemical treatments like perms, relaxers, or color should only be done by experienced stylists. Bleach and color damage can cause the weft hair to become brittle.
Regular Maintenance
Get the wefts tightened or reapplied every 6-8 weeks as your natural hair grows out to prevent matting, loosening, and shedding. Proper maintenance improves longevity.
By practicing good care habits, your high-quality weft hair can last up to a year or more, keeping its natural feel and beautiful appearance.
Different Types of Weft Hair are available.
Weft hair comes in a variety of textures, colors, lengths, and sizes to suit every preference and need. Here are some of the main types of weft hair extensions available:
Human Hair vs. Synthetic
- Human hair blends most naturally and mimics real hair when styled. It’s the best option for a seamless look.
- Synthetic hair is cheaper, but it has a fake sheen. It doesn’t blend as well and cannot be restyled. However, synthetic ponytail wefts are popular for adding temporary length and volume.
Remy vs. Non-Remy Hair
- Remy hair has the cuticles intact and aligned to prevent tangling. It’s the highest grade and most expensive, but it blends beautifully.
- Non-remy hair has the cuticles misaligned, so it tangles more. However, it’s still a good budget option when properly maintained.
Straight, Wavy and Curly Textures
- Straight, silky weft hair blends best with straight hair types.
- Wavy or deep wave wefts add body and bounce for looser waves.
- Tight curly wefts can blend with or help tame naturally curly hair.
Colors
- Natural black, brown, and blonde shades seamlessly match natural hair hues.
- Fashion colors like ombre add subtle pops of color.
- Full, vivid colors allow complete color transformation.
Lengths
- 16”-24” lengths add subtle fullness and length.
- 30”-36” lengths of dramatic elongation
- Clip-in ponytails can give instant extra length.
With so many options, it’s easy to find weft hair that perfectly matches your hair type, texture, length, and color.
Weft Hair vs. Other Hair Extension Methods
There are a few other popular types of hair extensions, including:
Tape-in extensions involve sandwiching your hair between strips of tape-in hair extensions for seamless blending.
Microbead or micro loop extensions Use small beads to attach tiny tufts of hair extensions to your own hair strands.
Pre-bonded or fusion hair extensions use keratin or glue-tipped extensions fused to your natural hair with hot tools.
So how do these other methods compare to weft hair extensions? Here’s an overview:
- Wefts are quicker and easier to install and remove. Other methods require more prep, and removal is often more complex.
- Weft hair blends more seamlessly, especially when curled. Other methods may appear bumpy or stiff when styled due to bulk.
- Wefts feel lightweight, while pre-bonded tips can feel heavy.
- Weft hair causes less damage over time with less manipulation and adhesives.
- Wefts are more reusable and cost-effective long term. Other extensions usually cannot be reused.
- Heat styling is easier with wefts. High heat can damage the adhesives in other methods.
While tape-ins, microbeads, and fusion extensions do have benefits like flat placement against the scalp, weft hair offers the most seamless, damage-free and hassle-free experience for most people. The easy reuse of wefts provides better value over time as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weft Hair
How long do weft hair extensions last?
With proper care and maintenance, quality human hair wefts can last 4-12 months. Synthetic wefts may only last 1-3 months. Getting them moved up as your hair grows is key to longevity.
How are weft hair extensions applied?
Wefts can be installed by sewing, gluing, clipping, or taping them into sections of your natural hair. Clip-ins are the easiest to apply yourself. Sewing, gluing, or taping are best done professionally.
Can you reuse weft hair extensions?
Yes, human hair wefts can be reused for up to a year or more with proper removal, cleaning, conditioning, and restyling between uses. Synthetic wefts are more delicate and have a shorter reuse lifespan.
How often do you need to get wefts re-tightened?
Expect to get weft hair re-tightened every 6-8 weeks. As your natural hair grows out, the wefts and their placement will need to be adjusted by your stylist to prevent loosening or matting.
Can you color or perm weft hair extensions?
Yes, it is possible to color or perm weft hair, but it should be done by an experienced stylist. Overprocessing damages the hair, so minimal processing is best.
Can you swim or shower with weft extensions?
Yes, weft hair extensions can get wet, but chlorine and salt water can dry them out. Use a swim cap and deep condition afterward. Avoid excessive shampooing and friction when wet. Let the air dry naturally.
Weft hair offers an easy, damage-free way of achieving beautiful extended locks when properly cared for. Following the maintenance tips above will help your wefts stay lush and lasting.
Real Customer Reviews on Weft Hair Products of Yoghair
Yoghair is one of the leading hair brands that offers a variety of different weft hair extensions in every length, texture, and color imaginable. But don’t just take our word for it—here are some real customer reviews on Yoghair weft hair products:
Vietnamese Straight Wefts
Jessica, New York:
“I have been using the Vietnamese straight wefts from Yoghair for years now and am obsessed – they blend perfectly into my fine, straight hair and always look so natural, even when curled! The quality is amazing, and they last a long time. I always get compliments on how thick and healthy my hair looks. I will never use another brand!”
Body Wave Wefts
Jade, Los Angeles:
“I wanted to add some volume and wave to my thin, flat hair, and the 16” Vietnamese body wave wefts from Yoghair are perfect! They make my hair look so much fuller, and I love that I can still curl or straighten them however I want. The waves give me that bombshell blowout look even when I air dry my hair. Love it!”
Ombre Straight Clip-Ins
Lily, Miami:
“As a blonde who dreams of mermaid hair, I’m obsessed with the 16” pink ombre straight clip-ins from Yoghair! The pink blends so well into the blonde and looks like the perfect, subtle pastel strawberry hue I’ve always wanted. Excellent quality too – no shedding or tangling even after lots of wear!”
Curly Weft Topper
Emma, Chicago:
“I struggled with thin spots after having a baby and wanted an instant fix. The curly weft hair topper from Yoghair gives me my confidence back! It covers my problem areas seamlessly while matching my natural curls and texture. No one can even tell I’m wearing it. Just beautiful results!”
Clearly, Yoghair offers some of the highest quality weft hair around, with rave customer reviews. Their selection provides solutions for every hair type and need.
Conclusion: Is weft Hair the best choice for You?
After reviewing the many benefits of weft hair, like damage-free installation, reusable longevity, seamless blending, styling versatility, and affordable pricing, it becomes clear why wefts make an excellent option for many people seeking to add fullness, length, and style to their natural tresses.
Weft hair offers solutions for all hair types and needs with a wide variety of textures, lengths, and colors available. Matching your weft hair closely to your own natural hair is key for the best blend and results. Seeking out high-quality hair and reputable brands gives you the best chance for beautiful, long-lasting extensions.
Caring properly for your wefts with gentle handling, conditioning, protective styling, and regular tightening will keep the hair in optimal condition. And removing wefts correctly allows them to be reused again and again.
If you’ve been on the fence about trying weft hair extensions, hopefully this guide has shown you why they just may be the perfect solution for enhancing your natural locks. Longer, fuller, and more beautiful hair is totally achievable with the many weft hair options out there. You can have the head-turning, confidence-boosting tresses you’ve always envisioned with wefts that look and feel totally natural.
