We all yearn for voluminous, stunning hair that cascades gracefully down our backs, and weft extensions offer a wonderful solution to achieve this desired look. These extensions, renowned for their versatility and natural appearance, hold the potential to transform our hair game. However, a common question among those considering weft hair extensions revolves around their lifespan. So, just how long do weft hair extensions last?
In this article, I will explain how long weft hair extensions last and provide some recommendations to help you keep the beauty of your weft hair extensions for longer.
What Is a Weft Hair Extension, Exactly?
A hair weft is essentially a collection of hair strands sewn onto a very thin cloth strip that is ready for your stylist to incorporate into your hair.
To suit each person’s preferences, weft hair extensions are processed into a range of hairstyles, such as natural straight, bone straight, and wavy. Weft hair extensions are additionally divided according to the thickness of a bundle. However, there are several ways in which the hair attaches to that strip. Some will be hand sewn, while others will be machine sewed. Even though one may be more suitable for you than the other depending on your hair type, both have their advantages.
Weft hair extensions tend to be manufactured from 100% human hair. This enables the hair to look so natural and be easy to style.
How Long Do Weft Extensions Last
The longevity of your weft extensions is determined by the type of hair used and how well you care for them after installation. Weft hair extensions are normally good for 3-6 months per set. However, how frequently you use and wash them will influence how long it takes. Weft hair extensions are not given nutrients from your scalp, thus they quickly become damaged after a period of use if they are not properly cared for.
The quality of the extensions plays a pivotal role in determining their durability. Higher-quality weft extensions, often crafted from natural human hair, have the potential to endure longer periods of wear compared to synthetic counterparts. Human hair wefts blend seamlessly with natural hair and can be styled, washed, and maintained just like your own hair. Synthetic wefts, while more affordable, tend to have a shorter lifespan due to their synthetic nature.
Selecting the Right Weft Extensions for Your Hair Type
For those with finer hair, opting for hand-tied weft extensions is ideal, as they are lightweight and won’t cause strain on your hair. Considering the attachment method is important too. Tapes are a better choice for individuals with very fine hair, as they apply less pressure and don’t require braiding or sewing. This is crucial since these methods can be problematic with thinner strands and might become noticeable.
Thicker hair types are best suited for hand-tied sew-in or weave extensions. You can choose between hand-tied or machine-sewn wefts. Your hairstylist will create braided sections in your hair and then manually sew in the wefts. With more substantial strands and volume, your hair can handle the weight of these extensions. Moreover, these extensions can last around 9 weeks. Your technician can also recommend the appropriate weight based on your hair’s thickness.
What Are The Different Types Of Weft Extension Attachment Methods?
After deciding whether to use hand-tied or machine-sewn wefts, you must decide how to attach them. We’ve included a summary of some of the most popular alternatives (aside from weaved and hand-tied extensions) below!
1. Tape-In Extension
Tape-in hair extensions are a semi-permanent hair extension application method. They use a small strip of glue that sits immediately on top of your natural hair, instantly attaching to it. These should last 6-8 weeks.
Pros: If you are prepared to commit to a certain hairdo, tape-in extensions are a fantastic choice. They are classified as semi-permanent.
Cons: As with any heat tool or product, the act of placing and removing tape-in hair extensions can cause hair damage.
2. Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions are ideal for those who wish to add volume or length to their hair quickly and easily. They last as long as you keep them in, usually up to a year. However, we do not recommend leaving them in for extended periods, particularly overnight. This can easily cause breakage and dryness in your strands.
Pros: If you’re new to extensions and don’t want a permanent alternative, clip-in hair extensions are an excellent choice. They are reusable, easily clipped in and out, and offer hair a naturally fuller and longer appearance.
Cons: If clip-in extensions are not used properly, they might pull on the scalp and rip the hair out. As a result, they should not be worn frequently.
3. Bond Hair Extensions
These extensions are applied with a heat tool, which attaches each little extension weft to the base of your natural hair. When properly cared for, the heater heats a unique resin that fuses with your natural strands and lasts up to six months.
Pros: If you are ready to make the commitment and want a long-term outcome for larger, more voluminous hair, fusion extensions are a fantastic choice.
Cons: Fusion hair extensions are the most expensive because of the length of time required to install them.
4. Micro Link Extensions
Micro links are ideal for individuals who want to avoid glue and heat. This process involves placing tiny parts of your natural hair and hair extensions through tiny beads to secure the wefts. The beads are also clamped shut using a plier tool, securing the hair in place. They last approximately 3-4 months.
Pros: When installed correctly, microlink hair extensions shouldn’t do any harm to your natural hair because they don’t involve the use of heat, glue, or other chemicals.
Cons: Although microlinks are not glued to your natural hair, they can still be very harmful if used incorrectly. For instance, a tight bead may tug on the roots and harm your strands.
Tips To Increase Weft Extensions Longevity
1. Choose quality wefts
Invest in high-quality weft extensions to lessen the chances of tangling and matting and to keep them in good shape for a longer period.
Installation by a Professional
Have your weft extensions installed by a competent stylist who specializes in weft extensions, not simply hair extensions in general. Proper installation ensures that the wefts are secure and evenly distributed, reducing the possibility of damage or early loosening.
2. Use caution while using a shampoo that contains sulfate since it can damage weft hair extensions
Sulfate is a component in laundry detergent. Sulfates can quickly cause dryness and split ends in your weft hair extensions. Conditioner is required to keep weft hair extensions hydrated, lustrous, and smooth. Instead of washing your weft hair extensions every day, wash them three times every week.
3. Brush with Care
Use a wide-toothed comb or a brush made specifically for extensions to gently brush your extensions regularly. To prevent pulling or tugging, start at the ends and work your way up, holding the hair above the weft. Detangling knots or tangles requires patience.
4. Precautions for Heat Styling
Use heat-styling equipment sparingly to prevent harm. When styling, use a heat protection spray and maintain a moderate temperature. When you can, give your extensions a break from the heat to keep them healthy.
5. Taking care of your weft at night
Prioritize the protection of your extensions by gently braiding or loosely tying them into a ponytail before you settle in for a night’s rest. This preventive measure significantly reduces the chances of tangling, ensuring your extensions remain manageable and free of knots. Consider using a silk or satin pillowcase as your hair’s resting place. Alternatively, wrapping your extensions with a silk scarf can minimize friction, contributing to the longevity of your extensions.
6. Regular maintenance
Maintaining the perfect state of your extensions entails a consistent routine of care. Schedule routine maintenance appointments with your stylist, entrusting them to inspect your extensions for any potential damage. Beyond assessment, these appointments provide an opportunity to address any loose wefts, skillfully reattaching them to maintain the seamless blend with your natural hair.
How Do You Sleep When Wearing Weft Extensions?
Weft hair extensions are very safe to wear while you sleep. However, if it is not intended for nighttime use, you should never wear it up at night.
Can You Wear Your Hair Up With Weft Extensions?
Absolutely! Wearing it up is one of the most popular uses for weft extensions. They won’t fall out like ponytails can when worn at the nape of the neck, making them ideal for buns and top knots.
Are Hair Weft Extensions Heavy?
Any additional weight added to your hair will feel extremely heavy at first. The new weight will feel normal after about 3 days. There are a few options for dealing with this excess weight. One method is to cut the extension. It will not only aid in blending but will also remove any unwanted bulk. If you’re worried about your hair becoming too heavy, consider investing in quality extensions. They will be thick but uniformly spread, preventing the hair from feeling heavy.
Conclusion
Weft hair extensions can make an incredible hair transformation, but the quality of the extensions, how well they are cared for, and how quickly each person’s hair grows can all affect how long they last. If you treat your weft extensions right, you may get the most out of them and enjoy their lovely effect for weeks to months before they need to be replaced or adjusted.
