You may have seen luscious long locks (still) trending on Instagram and Pinterest. Well, the secret is out: Many of those influencers are actually wearing extensions to add length and volume to their hair. There are many types of hair extensions, but hand-tied extensions are the new long-lasting solution. Today, we’ll go over everything you need to know about hand-tied hair extensions.
Getting Hand-Tied Extensions Put In
Hand-tied, or hand-sewn, extensions are installed by attaching beads to your natural hair and sewing hair wefts onto the beads. The number of wefts or rows depends on personal preference. These rows are evenly spaced in the hair to provide instant volume, body, and length. This method avoids some of the damage that other extensions cause since no heat or glue is involved in the installation.
Hand-tied extensions use real hair, which means they can be dyed, cut, and styled exactly how you want. This adds versatility and ensures they blend seamlessly into your natural hair. Hand-tied extensions are best for straight or wavy hair, because the beads will lay down best with these hair types.
The cost of hand-tied extensions can vary depending on the number of desired wefts and your stylist’s installation fee. Prices include the labor and the cost of the extensions themselves and usually start around $300.
Hand-Tied Extension Maintenance
Since hand-tied extensions are sewn onto your hair using a bead and weft method, they will move away from the root as your natural hair grows. The extensions will stay in place, so you don’t have to worry about them falling out or slipping as your hair grows, but they will need to be moved back up to the root every six to 10 weeks.
Stylists recommend sleeping with your hair in a braid or low ponytail to avoid any pulling or damage to your hair while you sleep.
They also recommend gently brushing multiple times throughout the day to prevent tangles and maintain volume.
Styling Your Extensions
Hand-tied hair extensions are made of real hair and are cut and colored to blend perfectly with your own. This means you can style them however you want. Extensions have had a bad rap for showing through a style (think Britney Spears circa 2005). But since hand-tied extensions are sewn to your roots and are in the middle of your hair, there likely won’t be any embarrassing reveals.
To maintain the volume and health of your extensions, stylists recommend shampooing two or three times a week, and using heat protectants.
The best part of hand-tied extensions? They diffuse heat damage to your natural hair and allow it room to grow, while still offering you the flexibility to style it as you please.