We love a hair extension transformation moment (who doesn’t?). Weft hair extensions are one of our favorite hair extension styles at Big Kizzy. They offer a semi-permanent hair extension option that you can leave in for much longer than other methods. For best results, weft extensions should be applied by professional stylists who have experience or specialize in them. This way, you won’t have to deal with any damage or less than natural looking strands in the process.
If you’re a stylist (or an experienced hair extension DIYer!), then you’ll need hair extension thread you can count on! Depending on the method you use for the hair extension weft attachment, extension thread is a must. First, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of weft extensions, and then we’ll give you our product recs plus some application tips. Let’s get into it!
What Are the Different Types of Weft Hair Extensions?
There are two main ways to apply weft hair extensions: sew-in and beaded (or a combination of the two!). This gives stylists and their clients the best experience possible, as they can choose the ideal application method for them. Both methods have their own variations and techniques, depending on the stylist and what they specialize in.
Let’s get into more detail about both weft methods:
Sew-In Weft Extensions
Sew-in (or weave) is the best hair extension method for medium to thicker hair types. This hair extension method is applied by braiding the natural hair and then sewing the wefts into the braids. Depending on the final look you're going for, the stylist can provide a few different versions, including a partial sew-in, full sew-in, or invisible sew-in. If you’re looking for long-lasting weft extensions, you’ll be pleased to find out that these can last several weeks to a few months before you need to remove and reapply.
Beaded Weft Extensions
Beaded weft extensions (or micro-link, NBR, IBE, hidden beaded row, invisible beaded row, etc.) are attached to the natural hair using tiny silicone-lined beads. These extensions can be applied with just the beads, or they can also be used as beaded row tracks to sew the wefts onto. They don’t require any heat, glue, or chemicals for application or removal, which makes them an excellent choice for minimizing damage to your strands. Beaded weft extensions can last eight to twelve months (especially with high-quality human hair) but will need to be readjusted every four to eight weeks.
What Type of Hair Extension Weft Thread Should I Use?
If you’re a stylist wondering what hair extension weft thread to use for your clients, we’ll help you out! It’s recommended to use a durable nylon thread in a color that blends well with the natural hair and extensions. Our nylon thread for weft extensions is strong, safe, and secure for all types of weft hair extensions (including most of the leading hair extension brands!).
This thread's non-slip stitch is compatible with hand-tied weft, machine weft, and hybrid weft extensions. It comes in 250m or 1400m size and five shades (light blonde, blonde, brown, black, and burgundy) for a flawless color match. Once you’ve stocked up on the colors you need, you’ll be ready to apply sew-in and beaded weft extensions with ease.
Here’s how to use hair extension thread:
- Thread the needle (like our weaving needles) with the nylon thread and tie a knot at the end to secure it.
- Take your weft and place it against the braid or beaded weft track on the scalp.
- Insert the needle under and through to bring the thread through the weft to start sewing.
- Continue sewing along the row, making tight stitches to secure the weft (make sure they’re tight enough to hold the weft in place but not too tight that it causes damage or discomfort!).
- Ensure that each stitch goes through both the weft and the braid or beaded track of natural hair.
- Once you get to the end of the weft, tie a knot with the thread and cut off the excess thread with small weft scissors.
- If you have multiple rows, repeat the same process for the remaining rows and wefts.