1. What is a hand-tied hair extension?
2.Hand-Tied vs. Machine weft
3. Hand-tied vs Tape-in
Tape-in extensions are taped in-between layers of your hair by a stylist. It means they can be easily and quickly installed or removed. They last for a few uses, so tape-ins are an excellent option if you're looking to try out the extensions experience or aren't ready to commit to hand-tied extensions yet. They're also a good option if you only intend to wear your hair down or go to a special event, as the adhesive will show otherwise. Because they're not meant to last as long or require as much maintenance as hand-tied extensions, tape-ins are also less expensive.
4. What hair types do Hand-Tied Extensions Work Well?
Hand-tied extensions featuring thin wefts are perfect for people with thick hair or thin hair, or fine hair, primarily if you aim for long beautiful, glamorous Instagram hair.
If you want to avoid the heat or glue of tape-ins, hand-tied wefts can be comfortable to wear and touch. Hand-tied extensions are perfect for people with straight or wavy hair types because the beads will lay flatter against the scalp, and detangling can be done closer to the root, just below the beads.
If you wear thin/fine hair, you could read Best Hair Extensions for Thin / Fine Hair to understand more.
5. How Are Hand-tied hair extensions Installed?
Typically each weft is 11" wide and 14 grams in weight. It would be best if you did not cut the weft, or it may unravel. The weft may be folded or overlapped with more than one weft per row to adjust the size, depending on the individual client's hair.
The famous "Beaded Row" application method is achieved by applying 1-3 rows of microbeads or rings to a client's hair. Micro rings are placed about 1" apart in a type of horseshoe shape from temple to temple. Most rows contain 3-4 wefts sewn together.
It usually takes 2-3 hours to install hand-tied extensions. It is a relatively complicated process, so it is in your best interest to see a professional stylist if you're interested in getting yourself hand-tied extensions. Find your perfect hair-stylist here with the super easy salon locator. Although you might be able to figure it out at home, the best option is to leave hand-tied extensions to a pro. A certified stylist in this method will understand how to blend your hair correctly, how many wefts you'll need, and the suitable takedown method. Leaving it to a pro will ensure that they not only look good and last longer, but it'll keep your hair healthier by having them done the right way."
6. How to take care of hand-tied hair extensions?
Care for your hair just like the way you usually would care for your natural hair.
Brush the hair daily and massage your scalp
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Product buildup, dandruff, and other scalp issues can weaken the rest of your hair if left untreated. You are using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Heavy oils and silicones are not recommended due to the slipping of the beads that are used to install your hand-tied extensions.
Be careful when washing your hair.
If you are washing your hair at home instead of in a salon, don't rub your hair. Be sure to gently brush the hair at the top of the hair along the roots' strands to wash. As for the bottom part of the hair, wash it naturally.
Do not go to bed with wet hair.
With hand-tied extensions, you're not supposed to go to bed with wet hair. If you're going to use heat like blowdrying on your hair, make sure you use a protectant beforehand. Minimizing heat damage is critical.
Other than that, you honestly take care of them just like you would your natural hair. You will find that the hair is in excellent condition after months, and you can reinstall them once again even when you have them uninstalled for a while!
7. How Much Do They Cost?
Recommended Usage by Experienced Stylists(Full head):
Thin hair: 1 Pack of Hairlaya hand-tied extensions
Medium Hair: 1.5 Packs of Hairlaya hand-tied extensions
Thick Hair: 2 Packs of Hairlaya hand-tied extensions
As for the cost of hair extensions, you have different options. Hairlaya offers eight individual 18-inch hand-tied weft bundles, starting at $459. If you're unsure about what hair usage to use, make an appointment with your stylist for a consultation. They usually guide you on the hair usage, length, and matching your hair color.
Revisits to the salon could be needed every 6-8 weeks, starting at $100 to move up (aka tighten) one row, and the price increases depending on the number of rows that need adjusting.