Why weft hair extensions are brilliant for adding length and volume
If you've never tried them before, hair extensions can be a bit daunting.
You might think adding extra pieces to your hair will look fake or unnatural, but when the right extensions are installed correctly, they're absolutely gorgeous and a total game-changer.
At Paul Edmonds, we're big fans of weft hair extensions, which are sewn into the hair, for providing much-needed volume.
"I have a client who's got very fine hair and wanted her hair to feel thicker, not longer," says director Lizzie Hearn.
"I put just one row of weft extensions in and now she's addicted! It's completely transformed her hair from what she felt was really thin and lifeless to nice and thick."
Equally, wefts can work wonders if you do want to add length to your strands, plus they're easy to install and maintain.
Here, our extension experts explain how weft hair extensions can be the perfect solution to a variety of hair issues…
WHAT ARE WEFT HAIR EXTENSIONS?
"Weft hair extensions are either small sections of hair or long strips that are sewn onto the hair rather than glued or bonded," Lizzie says.
"To install them, we place micro ring beads close to the root across the hair and then the weft is stitched on top of the beads to help hold it in place. Then as the hair grows the weft moves down with it."
Also known as weaves, these extensions are reusable and they're faster to apply than other types.
"The installation time can be as short as 20 minutes if a client is only having one row," says director Matilda Marshall.
"And then the removal takes about five or 10 minutes per row. It's really easy, you just cut the weft out and undo the beads."
While bonded hair extensions need to be completely redone every three or four months, wefts can be reused multiple times as long as the hair is maintained well and trimmed regularly.
"You have to have a maintenance appointment every six weeks," Matilda says.
"On the first appointment you can, if the hair isn't tangled, just push the beads up towards the root, whereas the next time you have to take the weave and all the beads out and reposition it to prevent the hair from becoming weaker due to the pressure from the weft."
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WEFT EXTENSIONS?
The versatility, quick application and easy maintenance is what makes wefts so appealing.
"You get longer, thicker hair quickly, and as the weight of the weft is distributed across more of your hair there's less tension on your head, so it's less damaging," Matilda says.
Plus, you can choose from a variety of brands offering different thicknesses and shades.
"You can pick a lighter weft if you've got finer hair that will blend with your own hair and create a softer look," Lizzie says.
Matilda adds: "We can also do lots of different colour combos, so you can either have a pre-mixed weft or you can layer different shades."
WHAT KIND OF LOOKS CAN YOU CREATE WITH WEFTS?
"With wefts you can create thickness, length or both," Lizzie says, depending on how many weft pieces you add.
You might want to add some volume to long, wavy locks or create a lustrous ponytail for a special occasion.
"Ponytails are great because you can put a weft in place if, for instance, you're going to a festival," Lizzie says.
"It's quick, it's easy, you create the look in salon and then tomorrow you can have it taken out if you want."
However, there are a few limitations in terms of who can and can't have wefts.
"You need to have at least bob- or jaw-length hair to be able to have wefts, so they wouldn't work on short hair," Lizzie explains.
"And I wouldn't recommend wefts on someone who is postpartum or going through the menopause and experiencing hair shedding, because where the hair is shedding it will get trapped in the beads."
Matilda agrees: "Wefts need the right amount of weight per hair to support the extension, so if it's shedding it won't be strong enough."
Could hair extensions help you achieve your dream look?
HOW SHOULD YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR WEFTS?
Caring for your wefts at home is just as important as having regular maintenance appointments in salon.
"You need to make sure you brush your hair at least twice a day and, if you've got long hair, put it in a low braid when you sleep to stop the wefts from matting," Lizzie says.
"And you have to make sure the root of the weft is dry when you've washed your hair. It's a bit like an item of clothing, it needs to be dried properly otherwise it can get a bit damp-smelling when they're wet."
For that reason, you should always blow-dry wefts (with a soft bristle brush or Tangle Teezer) instead of letting them dry naturally, and never go to bed with them wet.
In terms of products, Matilda says: "With any hair extensions the best thing is using moisturising products, so I recommend the Urban Moisture range from Shu Uemura or the Oribe Moisture & Control range. You can use either a conditioner or masque on wefts."
Why wefts?
As our extentionists have explained, wefts are a fantastic way to add volume or length (or both) to your hair.
These natural-looking hair pieces are easy to install and come in a wide variety of styles and colours, so you can create all kinds of gorgeous looks, from subtly boosting fine locks to a dramatic long-hair transformation.
Wondering if wefts are right for you? Book a hair extension consultation at Paul Edmonds London.
