Hand-tied Wefts and Machine Wefts are both popular sew-in hair extensions that may appear similar at first glance. However, selecting the approriate type for your client is crucial. Your clients sometimes specifically request machine-wefts but receive hand-tied weft instead.
While we’ve previously covered various hair extension methods like keratin and tape-in extensions, and how to identify high-quality extensions, this post will delve into the specifics of hand-tied vs machine wefts. We will explore what each type is, their respective pros and cons, and how understanding these differences will empower you to provide your clients with the perfect hair extension solution. Familiarize yourself with the wefts and be confident about them; you will grant your customer peace of mind before they sit on your salon chair.
Machine Wefts vs Hand-tied Wefts_ Which is better
VARIETIES OF SEW-IN HAIR EXTENSIONS
Sew-in Hair Extensions
Hand-tied and machine weft are both weft hair extensions. They are subtypes of the sew-in hair extensions family.
Sew-in hair extensions, as their name implies, are hair extensions that are technically sewn into the wearer’s natural hair, so the wearer doesn’t have to worry about slipping. The process involves braiding the natural hair into cornrows and then using a needle and thread to sew the extension wefts onto the braids. This technique is popular for adding length, volume, or thickness to natural hair.Â
WHAT IS HAND-TIED WEFTS?
What is Hand-tied Wefts?
The term “hand-tied” refers to the method of creating the actual hair extensions. Hair is manually tied to the extensions seam and knotted in place to create hand-tied wefts. In comparision to the machine tied weft, this process enables the creation of much thinner yet much stronger weave.
You won’t have to worry about the edges of the weft showing through natural hair with hand-tied extensions because they are almost undetectable. Once hand-tied extensions are installed, they look and feel completely natural. They can be colored, washed, curled, and upstyped just like natural hair. Many stylist and client prefer Hairac’s Hand-tied Weft Hair Extensions. Check our product page to see more details.
WHAT IS MACHINE WEFTS?
What is Machine Wefts?
Machine weft hair extensions are a collection of hair sewn together by a machine. They are thicker and heavier than hand-tied wefts.
Hair extensions are machine sewn to generate a thicker weft, which mean there is more hair on each weft. In comparision to a hand-tied weft, a machine weft has hair density that is 2-3 times higher.
This is the most popular weft types. You can find it here.
DIFFERENT OF HAND-TIED WEFTS AND MACHINE WEFTS
Firstly, let’s put all wefts together and see what hand-tied and machine wefts are good at and not so good at:
- Pro(s): Sturdy hold, the hair is sewn to the wearer’s natural hair, so it will never slip off. The way they get sewn to the natural hair also guarantees that the wearer doesn’t have to worry about undergrowth of natural hair.
- Con(s): Unlike tape-ins, clip-ins, hair wefts are not a time and money-efficient hair extension method.
HAND-TIED WEFTS PROS AND CONS
Hand-tied Wefts Pros and Cons
Hand-tied Wefts Pros
- Hand-tied wefts are hand-tied. So they are thin, present the wearer with a smooth, sleek mane, natural, and seamless.
- Tied to the first advantage, hand-tied wefts are thin, so they are generally lightweight, put very little stress around the natural hair roots if worn correctly, an ideal choice for wearers with thin or fine hair.
- Some attaching methods, like IBE (Invisible Bead Extensions) or beaded weft extensions, will ideally disguise the extensions, even with fine or thin hair.
- Hand-tied hair extensions can be attached in layers for vast styling and dyeing options.
- Again for their thinness, hand-tied hair extensions can be attached to sectioned natural hair to create layers to spread weight evenly.
- Appropriate for active lifestyles, including swimming, and high temperatures
Hand-tied Wefts Cons
- Initial installation requires a significant investment of both time (2-5 hours) and money ($1000 or more).
- Hand-tied wefts must be moved once every 6-8 weeks as the wearer’s natural hair grows.
- Frequent brushing, combing, and other maintenance mechanisms are required to keep hand-tied hair extensions looking their best.
- May not be the best choice for coily or super-curly hair (depending on the desired style)
MACHINE WEFTS PROS AND CONS
Machine Wefts Pros and Cons
Machine Wefts Pros
- Machine wefts are cheaper than hand-tied wefts, because they are machine-made and take less time to make, which makes them less costly than hand-tied wefts.
- The tracks are thicker and more durable than hand-tied wefts, as they are machine-made. They generally shed less hair.
- Tied to the previous advantage, machine wefts are a great option for thick hair. They better thicken the hair with fewer wefts.
- Machine weft manufacturing costs less and takes less time, making it less labor-intensive throughout the manufacturing stage.
- Most Machine wefts can be cut to smaller sizes without fraying and applied piece by piece to the areas where volume or length is required.
Machine Wefts Cons
- They are thick, so they are heavier than hand-tied wefts, which could cause damage by pulling against natural hair.
- Bulky, this is also tied to their being much thicker. They can’t provide layers, not look as realistic as the hand-tied wefts.
- Opposite of hand-tied wefts, machine wefts are not as flexible as hand-tied wefts and don’t have many styling options.
WHICH IS BETTER: HAND-TIED OR MACHINE WEFTS?
Machine Wefts vs Hand-tied Wefts: Which is better?
When it comes to choosing the best hair extensions, it depends on your hair texture and the look you’re going for. If you are thinking about sew-in extensions, the key things to consider are how thin and durable the extensions are.
For those with thin or fine hair, hand-tied weft exensions are often your best bet. They are super thin and light, so they lay flat against your head, giving you a smooth, full look without anybulk.
On the other side, machine weft extensions are fantastic choice for anyone with thick or coarse hair. Their thicker track can be easily hidden within your natural hair. Because of their weight, machine wefts generally aren’t recommended for those with thin or brittle hair.
Ultimately, deciding between hand-tied and machine wefts is a personal choise based on natural hair type. It’s tough to say one is definitively “better” than the other, because both are designed to meet the uniques needs of different women with different hair textures.Â
However, as qualified stylists, we can be flexible. We can use both types of hair wefts on one customer. For example, stitching machine wefts to the back of the head and hand-tied wefts around the crown area where hair is more delicate.
Many stylists these days also choose wefts for customers depending on the size of their heads. If hand-tied wefts are too long, then switch to the machine ones, which can be cut accordingly. That said, most importantly, make sure the hair extensions has the same density as the wearer’s natural hair, and be very careful when attaching them where hair is fragile.
FINAL THOUGHTS
When comparing hand-tied wefts and machine wefts, each has its strengths. Hand-tied wefts are celebrated for their thinness, ability to blend seamlessly with natural hair, versatility in styling, and lightweight feel. Machine wefts, however, excel in durability, are typically more affordable, and can be cut to size without fraying.
But what if you could have the best of both worlds? Enter “Genius Wefts“. These innovative extensions combine the finest of both hand-tied and machine wefts, offering superior thinness, a natural blend, diverse styling options and durability. It’s highly likely that Genius weft will soon become the leading choice in the global weft market.
Click here to view all top-quality weft hair extensions at Hairac Vietnam.
