Are you a professional stylist who works with weft hair extensions, or an extension enthusiast planning to apply them yourself at home? Either way, achieving the perfect fit often means customizing the extensions by cutting wefts to different widths.
But can you cut weft hair extensions without ruining them? At Big Kizzy, we have plenty of experience with weft hair extensions, so rest assured, you’re in the right place for answers! We’ll cover everything you need to know about trimming your wefts safely and share special tips for cutting tape weft extensions. Get ready to take notes on how to cut extensions for a flawless fit!
Can You Cut Hair Extension Wefts for a Custom Fit?
Cutting weft extensions by width can help create a more seamless and natural look for application in smaller sections and around the face. But before you grab the scissors, it’s important to know that not all wefts are the same. There are two main types of wefts, and only one can be safely trimmed without damaging the extensions. Let’s break down the differences!
Machine Wefts
Can you cut weft hair extensions that use machine wefts? Yes, you can!
These wefts are stitched together with a sewing machine, creating a sturdy seam that securely holds the hair. Because of their durable stitching, machine wefts can be safely cut to custom widths without unraveling. Make sure to always seal the cut edge with weft glue or a weft sealer to prevent shedding over time.
Hand-Tied Wefts
Can you cut hair extension wefts that are hand-tied? Unfortunately, no, you can’t cut hand-tied wefts.
Hand-tied wefts are crafted by hand, with very fine thread tying small sections of hair together. Cutting the seam of the weft can cause the delicate stitching to unravel, leading to shedding and making the wefts no longer usable. If you want to cut a hand-tied weft, you can use a hair extension adhesive to seal the weft together. Instead of cutting the weft, try stacking or layering hand-tied wefts to get the desired width or density you’re looking for.
Hybrid Wefts
Can you cut hybrid weft hair extensions? Yes, you can cut hybrid wefts!
Hybrid wefts combine the thinness of hand-tied wefts with the flexibility and customization of a machine-made weft. Cutting a hybrid weft will not cause it to unravel, so feel free to cut it to your desired width to create the perfect look!
How to Cut Extensions to The Width You Need
Once you’ve confirmed you’re working with machine-made or hybrid wefts, you can start cutting! Grab your weft scissors and weft glue before you begin. So that the final application looks flawless, follow our expert tips for cutting wefts properly:
-
Use sharp professional weft scissors - Dull scissors can fray the edges of your wefts and damage the hair (try our small weft scissors!)
-
Measure twice and cut once – Plan out where the wefts will be placed on the head, measure those areas, and then measure the wefts to fit precisely before cutting them.
-
Seal the ends after cutting – Apply weft glue or sealer to the area where you trimmed the wefts to prevent shedding over time.
-
Avoid over-cutting the wefts – Start by trimming small amounts off the wefts at a time. Remember that you can always cut more if needed.
-
Keep things consistent – When customizing both sides of the head, ensure the wefts are cut to the same size so everything looks even when you’re done.
-
When in doubt, consult a professional – If you’re doing this at home and not getting the results you want, a professional can cut your extensions for a flawless finish.
What About Cutting Wefts That Are Pre-Taped?
Now that you know how to cut machine-made wefts, what about taped wefts? Tape weft extensions differ from sew in or beaded wefts because they come with pre-taped panels that attach directly to the hair. But can you cut them? The short answer is yes, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:
-
Always use sharp salon-quality scissors for a clean cut. Dull blades can damage the adhesive or fray the weft.
-
Cut straight across the adhesive, taking your time to avoid jagged edges that could make the application tricky.
-
Some pre-taped wefts are designed for specific section sizes, so trimming them could affect how evenly they apply or even void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Everything You Need to Cut and Style Like a Pro
Can you cut weft hair extensions to different widths? If they’re machine-made or hybrid wefts, you can safely trim them to the size you need. However, hand-tied wefts should not be cut, while taped wefts can be cut carefully. Knowing which wefts can be cut and following our tips will help your extensions look their best and last longer.
When you’re ready to cut, apply, or remove your extensions, you’ll need the right tools! At Big Kizzy, we have salon-quality tools such as scissors, double-sided and single-sided tape, remover, thread, beads, and more. We carry the essentials for applying and removing extensions with professional results. Visit our website to find all the top products for gorgeous extensions in one place!