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Hair Wefts and Weaves: All you need to know
The Hair Weft or Weave as it is also commonly referred to, is one of the fastest transformation methods and most versatile type of hair extension available. They can be converted into bespoke temporary Clip-ins or even applied permanently in many different methods to suit your hair type and desired result; the possibilities are endless.
Not only are Hair Wefts super adaptable but they also give a extra voluminous result compared to other permanent hair extensions that have a more subtle finish. In todays blog we’ve explained all the ways you can have a Hair Weft/Weave applied, how to make your own Clip-Ins from them and who a Hair Weft is most suitable for. Here at Cliphair we offer 2 types of Hair Wefts: Our Remy Royale, luxury double drawn AAAAA quality Weft and also a more budget friendly AAA grade single drawn hair weft. You can see both collections here:
Remy Royale Weave Weft Hair Extensions
Euro Straight Hair Weft / Weave
What are Hair Weft extensions or Weaves?
A Hair Weft/Weave is hair that has been woven carefully together onto one wide thin strip usually weighing between 110-130g. The width can fluctuate but it is typically around 4ft feet it can also vary depending on the length.
How do you apply Hair Weft Extensions?
There are 5 main ways that Hair Weft/Weaves are applied to the hair which we will explain in detail below. The 5 main Hair weft Application methods are:
- Made into Clip-Ins
- LA/Celebrity weave (most popular and current application method for Hair wefts)
- Sewn in Weave
- Glued in Weave
- Micro-Ring Weft
How do you make Clip-Ins from a Hair Weft?
Not all head shapes and sizes are the same which can sometimes mean that pre-made temporary hair extensions are not suitable for you. You also may like to just add small pieces to your hair when you are wanting to add flashes of colour and do not need wide sections, whatever the reason for making your own Clip-ins doing it yourself will give you the freedom to tailor them specifically to your needs.
If you’re the creative type and a dab hand with a needle and thread you can actually create your own bespoke Clip-In hair extensions from a Hair-weft. This is done simply by cutting the weft to your desired sizes and sewing small snap clips on to them. You can also double or triple them over to make the weft thicker to add more volume, this is done by layering wefts of the same size on top of each other and tightly sewing together.
All you need for this process is some scissors, needle and thread, the Hair Weft, several snap clips and some sewing skill. Remember to match the colour of the thread and the clips to the hair to keep them looking professional and discreet, the last thing you want is a beautiful blonde weft with neon pink stitching!
What is a LA Weave?
The LA Weave, also called Celebrity Weave is a new improved version of the micro-ring weft. Still involving the use of rings and sewing its twice as secure and has a far more discreet and softer finish.
How is a LA Weave Applied?
As you can see from the image above, a row of silicone lined Micro-rings are added to the hair, this is the base for the weft to attach too. Your weft is then neatly placed on top and held in place by some sectioning clips.
Next, using a curved needle and thread the weft is sewn to the rings by threading through each ring and through the weft. This is repeated from one edge to the other and secured with a tight knot at the finish. Always match your rings and thread to the root colour for the most discreet natural finish.
There is no exact rule of placement with the LA Weave however it usually includes 3-4 rows which are placed from the middle of the ear upwards towards the crown area. Maintenance appointments are needed every 6-8 weeks with this system where the hair is simply pulled back up by unclamping the rings in the opposite direction and pushing them back up to the root.
What is a Sewn in Weave?
The sewn in weave is one of the original hair extensions methods, dating back to the 1950s created by the talented Christina Jenkins. The sewn in weave proved extremely popular amongst African American women at this time as it allowed the freedom to explore different hairstyles like never before and is still commonly used today as one of the most popular weave applications.
How is a Sewn in Weave Applied?
As you can see from the image above, a small, intricate braid or cornrow is created horizontally in the hair.The cornrow will be the base in which your weft is then attached so its very important that it is tightly made and very neat for the best results.
Your weft is then neatly placed on top and held in place by some sectioning clips.
Next, using a curved needle and thread the weft is sewn firmly to the braid and secured at the end with a tight knot.
This process is repeated in rows around the head, there is no specific rule to where on how many rows are used in this method. Some even vertically cornrow the entire hair first and sew the wefts in a different direction however this is the basic application method of the Sewn in weave.
As this method requires very little tools and no rings it is a much cheaper method. Its also fantastic for Afro-Caribbean hair types or very curly hair. Maintenance appointments are needed every 4-6 weeks with this system where the hair is simply retightened into the braid.
What is a Glued in Weft?
The Glued in weft is probably the least used system of applying a hair weft. Glue and Heat tend to put a lot of people off when it comes to adding in extensions and we can understand why! With so many newer, safer and cleaner methods on the market today we predict gluing hair extensions in will soon become a thing of the past. However, it is still done and as promised we can tell you how!
How is a Glued in Weft Applied?
When using any chemicals on or near the skin/scalp a spot test must be done first to avoid any allergic reactions. As this method involves the use of glue, 48 hours before the full application test the glue on yours or your clients skin, if after 48hours there is no irritation or reaction you should be able to use the glue safely.
Special hair extension adhesive will need to be used for this method, you can get this in specific colours to match the shade of your hair. We have linked a reputable brand of Hair Glue below.
After you have measured and cut the wefts to size the hair is then neatly divided into horizontal sections. A thin layer of glue is then applied to the track on the weft and along the top of the section of your natural hair.
Next press the glued weft against the glued hair firmly and hold in place until it has dried and holds without the need of your help. Repeat this process in neat rows until you are finished, make sure you allow the glue to dry in between sections to avoid the outside hair catching.
After 4-6 weeks you will need to remove the weft from your hair using a special bond remover solution which we have linked below. Some people are able to remove the glue with Conditioner which is much kinder to the hair but with something as strong as glue we believe you need to use a stronger solution.
What is a Micro-Ring Weft?
Before the LA Weave came around the Micro-Ring weft was the new, enhanced version of the Sewn in weave. Still using Micro rings and the hair weft and without braids however it is slightly more fiddley and not as discreet as the rings lay on top of the weft rather than underneath.
How is a Micro-Ring Weft Applied?
After you have sectioned the hair and measured and cut your weft pieces to size you can attach the wefts to the hair. To do this lay your wefts against the head and hold them firmly in place with some clips.
Once you are happy with the placement of your wefts you take a tiny 0.5 cm section from the top of the weft and then a identical section from the natural hair sitting directly underneath it.
Next, thread a micro-ring to both these sections and clamp tightly in place. Repeat this procsess across the row of hair making sure both edges are secured with a ring and not hanging out.Always match your rings to the root colour for the most discreet natural finish.
There is no exact rule of placement with the Micro-Ring Weft however it usually includes 3-4 rows which are placed from the middle of the ear upwards towards the crown area. Maintenance appointments are needed every 6-8 weeks with this system where the hair is simply pulled back up by unclamping the rings in the opposite direction and pushing them back up to the root.
What Hair type is suitable for a Hair weft?
As Hair Wefts tend to be on the heavier side and used to create lots of volume and length we would advise very thin/fine haired customers to avoid this method. If your hair is average to thick then Hair-Wefts are ideal for you as they are so quick and easy to apply and require very easy maintenance!
Also take a look at our guide on double weft hair extensions.
Now you're good to go…
So, Now that you’ve explored the many applications of a hair weft, why not have a browse through our collection here at Cliphair, our goal is to provide confidence boosting, affordable, gorgeous hair extensions for all, no matter the hair type or concern. We have a wide range of lengths and over 50 shades to choose from including our New Balayage colours! We have also got all the accessories and haircare products you need to apply and maintain them here. Whatever your after you will find it in our selection, and what’s more if you need any help choosing the right ones for you feel free to ask an expert and use our FREE Colour Match and Advice service by clicking the button below!
