Hand-Tied Hair Extensions

As women, we all want to have hair that makes us look good, and our hair definitely enhances our beauty. We can all relate to the phrase “having a bad hair day” and what this does to our confidence. Some of us may want to add a little something to our hair to give it a little boost, have you ever thought of trying out hand tied hair extensions? If you are desiring a little more volume or length to your hair, maybe hand tied hair extensions are something you may want to consider.

What Are Hand Tied Hair Extensions?

Hand-tied hair extensions have been around for quite a long time, however in the past few years they have made a comeback. Hand-tied extensions are made with real human hair which is then sewn by hand onto a horizontal strip, creating a weft. Since the hair is sewn strand by strand onto the horizontal strip, this makes the finished product thinner, flexible and seamless when attached to the head. If you are looking to add volume and length to your hair, with the least amount of damage possible, then hand tied hair extensions may be for you.

To apply these extensions, silicon micro beads (or rings) are first applied about 1” apart in a horseshoe shape from temple to temple. The weft is then weaved into the hair using thread, this does not cause any discomfort or pain. The amount of wefts used per row depends on how much thickness is required. When deciding to have hand tied hair extensions added to your hair, make sure you select a skilled professional, the process should take an hour or more, so make sure you are ready to be patient!

What are the advantages of hand tied hair extensions over other types of extensions?

There are a variety of hair extensions on the market. Hand tied hair extensions offer quite a few positive attributes which may influence your choice. They cause the least amount of damage because there are minimal points of contact to your hair and there is no heat, glue or tape involved. Keep in mind, however, that anything you do to your hair will cause some damage. They are very light to wear, you may feel a tightness when they are first applied but once they loosen up you will probably forget you are wearing them. Hand tied hair extensions can give you a fuller look because you can stack quite a lot of wefts on top of one another. With other types of hair extensions you are limited to the amount of hair you can put in your head. Your hair can be worn in any style your heart desires whether it be a ponytail, an updo, a bun or another style and the weaved in wefts will not show. When it comes time to remove these extensions, the process is painless!

How do I maintain my hand tied hair extensions at home?

Maintaining your hand tied hair extensions at home is not that difficult. Before washing your hair, using a soft bristle brush or wide tooth comb and holding your hair/extensions where the beads are attached, give it a gentle brush removing any knots or tangles. Whether you are brushing your hair during the day or before a shampoo, always start at the bottom and work upward. This is much gentler for your hair and extensions.

The best shampoo choice for your hand tied extensions as well as your natural hair is a sulfate free one. Sulfates in a shampoo can create a lovely lather but the effect on your hair is not so lovely. Sulfates can strip your hair and your extensions of too much oil leaving both feeling dry and brittle. The sulfates can also make your hair weaker at the scalp, causing breakage and damage to the areas where your hair extensions wefts are attached.

When washing your hair and extensions, make sure you are getting each section clean. You may even want to part your hair horizontally between the rows and shampoo and rinse each section separately, starting with the lowest part. Rinse thoroughly, very thoroughly! Once all the shampoo is rinsed out of your hair, it is time to condition. Using a hydrating conditioner, condition your hair from the midsection of your hair downwards, avoiding the top of the extensions where they are attached to your head. Again Rinse thoroughly!

When drying your hand tied hair extensions it is very important that they are dried thoroughly. You can definitely allow them to air dry, but it may be a good idea to also use a blow dryer aimed at the top of the wefts to make sure they are completely dried. If left wet, the wefts can retain moisture and begin to swell as well as become moldy…ewww!

Washing your hair once or twice a week is all that is needed…a little bit will do ya! This will extend the life of your extensions and also be good for your natural hair. Using a heat protector on your hair and extensions is a must.

When sleeping, think about tying your hair and extensions in a low lying ponytail or up on your head with a scrunchie. A silk or satin pillowcase is also a must. These two steps will cut down on the amount of friction to your hair while you sleep and help to maximize the lifetime of your hand tied hair extensions.

A visit to your hairstylist is a must!

Once you’re rocking your extensions, a follow-up appointment with your hair stylist will be necessary in about 6 - 8 weeks. At this appointment, the hair stylist will loosen the silicon micro beads using a special tool, and the wefts will be pushed up closer to your scalp. After the wefts have been pushed up, your hair stylist will shampoo and style your hair. Your next 6 - 8 week appointment will be a removal/re -install. The wefts and beads will be removed and your hair and the extensions will be shampooed. While the wefts are out of your hair, this is the chance to have any color touch-up done. After this is complete, the beads and wefts will be reinstalled.

Let’s wrap it up

Hand tied hair extensions are perfect if you desire a thicker look to your hair, or you want to experiment with a longer hair style. They are low maintenance and easy to care for at home. They are certainly natural looking and do minimum damage to your hair. So what’s stopping you?
Ready, set, go for it!

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