The ultimate guide to weave hair extensions.

Weaves or wefts as they are also known have gained immense popularity for their ability to very quickly transform hair.

Just like any hair extension choice, weaves can come with their fair share of challenges and different options.

The purpose of this article is to address with full disclosure the most common problems associated with weave hair extensions but we won’t leave it there…

We’ll also discuss;

• What causes these problems and how to prevent them so that they can be avoided.
• We’ll also provide some solutions too!
• We also aim to help inform you about which weave type and method to choose.
• We also feel that it’s important to delve into the factors that influence pricing of weft hair extensions as the most frequently asked hair extension questions we receive are:

“How much do weave hair extensions cost?”

“What are the best weave hair extensions?”

By comparing various different types of weaves we’ll help to provide you with a balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages of weave hair extensions so that you can make a more informed choice regarding whether they are the right choice.

So sit back, grab a cuppa and read on…

First of all let’s cover some of the main types of weaves which are available as sometimes it can be so confusing hearing all of the different names.

Here’s just a few that you may have heard of:

Invisible weave

Hidden weave

LA weave

Hollywood weave

Invisible bead (IBE)

Genius weave

Flat weave

It’s important to understand that some of the names you hear are either brand names or names which companies have given to a method of application.

The main types of weaves or wefts that you will find available are:

• Machine Wefts: These are durable and cost-effective. They are quick and easy to apply and versatile for most types of application.
• Flat wefts: These usually incorporate a very flexible style adhesive at the top making them suitable for sew in wefts and even micro wefts.
• Hand-Tied Wefts: These are thinner than machine and flat wefts and are flexible, offering a more natural look but at a higher cost. You also need more of these in the hair to create more thickness and if you place lots of rows together sometimes this will make them just as thick at the top as a machine or flat weft.
• Genius wefts: These provide a seamless appearance when attached to the scalp, making it ideal for people with fine, thin hair. They add more volume compared to hand-tied weft extensions but not as much as a machine weft.
• Skin Wefts: Ultra-thin, virtually undetectable, but delicate and requiring careful more regular maintenance. These are particularly good for hair loss clients.

There are many different types of Hair used for weaves and this is an overview of the main types of human hair which are available. The cost is heavily effected by the type of hair that you select for your weave.

• The most expensive hair will often be Virgin Hair which is untreated. This means that it will come in its natural colour and have a pure, natural appearance. The texture and curl will vary from head to head. This type of hair can be very long lasting if cared for correctly although costly plus restrictive on hair colour options.
• The next most expensive hair will often be Remy hair which means that the hair Cuticles are fully intact and aligned. Care will have been taken to carefully sort the hair so that the cuticles all run in the same direction as your own hair and because the cuticles protect the hair and give it shine and strength, Remy hair  is usually long lasting. Most of the time Remy hair will have been coloured to provide an extensive range of shades.
• The next most expensive hair will often be Non-Remy hair where the cuticles have not been carefully sorted and so will not be aligned. Non-Remy hair often will require more care and can become knotty.
• The more cheaper hair will be Non cuticle Processed hair which has been chemically treated to remove the cuticles and to achieve specific textures or colors. This hair is usually disposable and not designed to be long lasting but can provide a good budget option of hair extensions.

The advantages and disadvantages of: Machine Wefts

• Advantages: Affordable, durable, and easy to maintain.
• Disadvantages: Thicker, may be less flexible on very fine hair.

Advantages and disadvantages of: Flat wefts

• Advantages: The flexible adhesive means that when you cut the weft pieces to size you don’t loose any hairs from any of the ends.
• Disadvantages: Incorrect aftercare may damage the top where the adhesive is. 

Advantages and disadvantages of: Genius wefts

• Advantages: They are natural looking, thin and light and can provide a more affordable option to the hand tied wefts.
• Disadvantages: They can be costly for very thick hair where more are required.

Advantages and disadvantages of: Hand-Tied Wefts

• Advantages: Natural look, good for super fine hair.
• Disadvantages: Delicate. Costlier if you have medium to thick hair as lots may required where they are thin.

Advantages and disadvantages of: Skin Wefts

• Advantages: Virtually invisible, easy to apply.
• Disadvantages: Delicate, require frequent replacement.

We want to be as transparent and honest and so now we’ll move on to address those common problems that you may experience with Weave Hair Extensions, the causes and how to prevent them.

1. Tangling and Matting:

Cause: One of the main causes of tangling and matting is inadequate maintenance, including infrequent brushing and not drying the roots hair thoroughly after washing.

Prevention and Resolution: Regularly brush your weave hair extensions to prevent tangles. Use a detangling spray and a wide-tooth comb to gently remove knots. Avoid sleeping with wet hair extensions as it can lead to matting.

2. Shedding:

Cause: Poorly constructed wefts, improper installation plus inadequate maintenance, can lead to shedding but again it doesn’t have to be this way.

Prevention and Resolution: Invest in high-quality, well-constructed wefts and ensure professional installation. Avoid excessive tension on the wefts during styling and use the correct procedures and tools as recommended by your stylist.

3. Slippage:

Cause: Inadequate attachment, incorrect methods selected to suit the hair type, or improper placement of weft extensions. We hate to say it but again inadequate maintenance can be the cause of slippage too.

Prevention and Resolution: Choose the right attachment method for your hair type and have your extensions installed by a skilled professional to ensure secure placement. Again following the aftercare as recommended by your stylist plus keep up with your re fits.

4. Scalp Irritation:

Cause: Allergic reactions to adhesive or tape, or excessive tension on the scalp during application.

Prevention and Resolution: A patch test for allergic reactions can be arranged before the application when using adhesives or tapes. Ensure that extensions are not too tight to prevent discomfort and scalp irritation. Finding a good stylist who will carry out a thorough consultation to make sure that they select the best weave type and method to suit your needs is always essential.

Now we aim to go more in depth with the price of weave hair extensions and the factors which can drive price up or down.

The hair quality of your weave extensions will always have a big impact on the price.

• Premium, ethically sourced 100% human hair is more expensive, but it provides a more natural look and greater longevity.
• Length and Weight: Longer and heavier weft extensions cost more due to the increased amount of hair required.
• Double drawn hair weaves are more expensive than single drawn as they are much thicker all the way to the bottom of the weave and so will give more thickness to the overall look.
• Application Method: Some methods, like hand-tied wefts, may be more expensive due to the labor-intensive process whereas machine produced weaves will cost less.
• Supplier Reputation: Established suppliers may charge more for their reputation and quality assurance.

Our conclusion: 

Weft hair extensions can be an amazing addition to your hair, but it’s essential to be aware of the potential problems and many factors which can effect your choice.

With this knowledge, we hope that you can make an informed, unbiased decision on which weave hair extensions are the best choice.