Weft hair extensions are the method most stylists reach for when a client wants serious volume, a dramatic change in length, or a full head of hair that moves like one continuous piece. But the word "weft" covers several very different products. A machine weft, a Genius weft, a butterfly weft and a hand-tied weft can all look similar in a photo, yet they differ in thickness, flexibility, how they are installed, whether they can be cut, and who they suit best.
This guide walks you through every major weft type the way a senior extension specialist would explain it at a consultation. You will learn how each weft is made, how it is attached to your hair, how much hair you are likely to need, how to care for it between appointments, and how to decide which one fits your hair, your lifestyle and your budget. Whether you are in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Dallas, Chicago or New York, the principles are the same, and most of our readers buy their hair online and have a trusted local stylist install it.
In this guide:
- What weft hair extensions are
- The four weft types side by side
- Machine wefts in depth
- Genius wefts in depth
- Butterfly wefts in depth
- Hand-tied wefts and how they compare
- How weft hair extensions are installed
- How much hair, how many rows, and cutting wefts
- Which weft type suits you
- Caring for weft hair extensions and staying safe
- Frequently asked questions
- Your next steps
What weft hair extensions are
A weft is a long, continuous curtain of hair held together at the top by a seam. Instead of attaching hair one small strand at a time, as you would with keratin tips or nanotips, a weft lets your stylist place a whole row of hair along a horizontal line on your head. One row can carry a lot of hair, which is why wefts are so efficient for adding volume.
The seam at the top is where the types differ. On some wefts the seam is stitched by a sewing machine, on others the hair is knotted by hand, and newer designs use thinner, more flexible constructions that lie closer to the head. That seam determines how flat the weft sits, how much it bends around the curve of your skull, whether it can be shortened with scissors, and how much hair it can carry per centimetre.
Why stylists love wefts
Wefts are fast to install compared with strand-by-strand methods, because a single row can replace dozens of individual bonds. They also distribute weight along a line rather than concentrating it in many tiny points. For clients with medium to thick hair who want a full, glossy, swingy result, wefts are often the most natural-looking option once they are placed correctly.
Wefts are also gentle on the hair itself in one important way: the extension hair is not glued or fused to your strands. It is sewn or secured to a foundation, usually a row of small beads or a braid, which means removal involves no solvents or heat on your natural hair.
What wefts are not ideal for
Wefts are not a perfect fit for everyone. Very fine or very thin hair can struggle to hide a row, and it may not have enough strength to carry the weight of a full weft. Very short hair can make rows hard to conceal. If either of those describes you, keep reading, because some of the newer, thinner wefts change the picture, and our guide to the best hair extensions for fine and thin hair covers the alternatives in detail.
Wefts versus other methods at a glance
If you are still deciding on a method, it helps to see where wefts sit in the wider family. Tape-ins are thin panels that sandwich your hair. Keratin tips and nanotips are individual strands attached in small sections. Clip-ins are wefts with removable clips that you put in yourself. Sewn wefts, the subject of this guide, are semi-permanent rows installed by a stylist and worn for weeks at a time. If you want a direct comparison of two popular options, our article on tape-in vs sew-in extensions goes through the trade-offs point by point.
The four weft types side by side
Before going deep on each one, here is a quick comparison. Treat it as general guidance, because every manufacturer builds its wefts slightly differently and your stylist's technique matters as much as the product.
| Weft type | How the seam is made | Seam thickness and feel | Can it be cut? | Typical strengths | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine weft | Stitched by a sewing machine, often with a folded "return" of hair at the top | Thicker and sturdier than other types | Yes, with sealing to limit shedding | Durable, carries a lot of hair, cost-effective | Can feel bulkier and is harder to hide in fine hair |
| Genius weft | Thin machine-made seam without a return of hair at the top | Very thin, flat and flexible | Yes, designed to be cut to fit | Discreet, comfortable, customisable widths | Costs more than a classic machine weft |
| Butterfly weft | A newer, slim construction built to lie flat and stay light; design details vary by maker | Thin and soft | Generally yes; follow the product guidance | Natural movement and a flat, light seam | Ask your stylist whether their install method suits this weft |
| Hand-tied weft | Hair knotted by hand onto a fine thread | Very thin and flexible | Traditionally no, cutting can cause the knots to release | Delicate, flexible, lies close to the head | Usually more expensive and less forgiving if cut or handled roughly |
At Beautico we carry the Straight Machine Weft and Curly Machine Weft, the Straight Genius Weft and the Straight Butterfly Weft, all in 100g packs. You can see the full range in our weft hair extensions collection. We explain hand-tied wefts below so you can compare them honestly, even though they are not part of our current range.
The one question that decides most cases
If you take one thing from the table, let it be this: the thinner and more flexible the seam, the easier it is to hide and the more comfortable it tends to feel, but the more carefully it must be installed and handled. A sturdy machine weft forgives a lot. A delicate weft rewards precision. Your hair density, your stylist's experience, and how much daily tugging your hair goes through all point you toward one end of that range or the other.
Machine wefts in depth
The machine weft is the original and still the most widely used weft. Hair is laid out in a long sheet and stitched along the top with a sewing machine. On many machine wefts, a small amount of hair is folded back over the seam, which locks the hair in and adds strength. That fold is called the return, and it is one reason machine wefts are so durable.
Strengths of a machine weft
- Durability. The stitched seam is strong, which makes machine wefts tolerant of regular brushing, styling and reinstallation.
- Density. A machine weft can carry a lot of hair per row, so you get impact with fewer rows.
- Value. Because the construction is efficient, machine wefts usually cost less than more specialised wefts for the same weight of hair.
- Versatility. They can be sewn onto a braid, attached to a beaded row, or turned into clip-ins.
Limitations to know about
The same features that make machine wefts strong also make them thicker at the top. The return and stitching create a seam that you may feel against your head, and in fine hair it can show as a ridge if the hair above it is not dense enough to cover it. Machine wefts are also slightly stiffer, so they do not curve around the head quite as easily as thinner wefts.
Machine wefts can be cut to shorten a row, but cut ends can shed. Stylists usually seal the cut with a small amount of appropriate adhesive or by stitching the end before installing. If you plan to cut wefts yourself for a clip-in project, practise on the end of a row first and seal it before handling the hair.
Who a machine weft suits
Machine wefts are a great match for clients with medium to thick hair, clients who want maximum volume, and anyone who values durability and value. They are also a strong choice for curly and coily textures, because the hair above the row is usually dense enough to hide the seam completely. Our curly machine weft exists precisely for that reason.
Beautico machine weft pricing
Our Straight Machine Weft and Curly Machine Weft are sold in 100g packs, priced from $580 to $806 CAD depending on length. Lengths and colours vary by product, so check the product page for what is available, and remember that checkout shows the final price, including shipping calculated for your address in Canada or the United States.
Genius wefts in depth
The Genius weft is a newer style of machine-made weft designed to be thinner and more flexible than a classic machine weft. The key difference is that it has no folded return of hair at the top. Without that fold, the seam can be made much slimmer, which helps the weft lie flat against the head and disappear under your natural hair.
Why the thin seam matters
A thinner seam does three useful things. First, it is easier to hide, which is a big deal for clients with finer hair or clients who often wear their hair up. Second, it is more comfortable, because there is less bulk pressing on your scalp when you lie down or lean back. Third, it bends more easily, so the row follows the curve of your head instead of sitting like a stiff bar.
Cutting a Genius weft
One of the most practical features of the Genius weft is that it is designed to be cut to fit without the heavy shedding you can get when cutting a classic machine weft. That gives your stylist freedom to build rows of exactly the right width for your head, including short pieces near the temples or around the crown where a full-width row would be awkward. Even so, handle cut ends gently and follow your stylist's advice about whether they want to reinforce them.
The trade-offs
Genius wefts cost more than classic machine wefts for the same weight of hair, because the construction is more refined. They are also slightly less forgiving of rough handling than a heavy machine weft. In practice, most clients find the comfort and discretion are worth it, especially if they wear their hair in ponytails or have hair that is on the finer side of medium.
Who a Genius weft suits
A Genius weft is a strong choice if you want the efficiency of a weft but your hair is not thick enough to hide a bulky seam. It also suits clients who sleep on their back and notice pressure from a thicker row, and clients who want a very flat finish for sleek, straight styles. Our Straight Genius Weft is sold in 100g packs from $760 to $1,012 CAD depending on length.
Butterfly wefts in depth
The butterfly weft is one of the newest weft styles in the extension world. The name refers to a slim, lightweight construction that is designed to lie flat and keep the hair moving freely from the top of the weft. Different makers build butterfly wefts in slightly different ways, so the best source of detail on any specific product is its own description and your stylist's experience with it.
What clients notice about butterfly wefts
In general terms, clients and stylists choose a butterfly weft for a soft, light feel and a natural fall of hair right from the seam. A weft that lies flat and moves with your own hair is less likely to create a visible line when the wind catches your hair or when you tuck it behind your ear. That makes butterfly wefts appealing for clients who want something discreet but who also want the speed of a weft install.
How it fits into an install
Butterfly wefts can be attached with the same broad families of method as other wefts, most commonly beaded rows or a sewn foundation. Not every stylist uses every weft with every technique, so a good conversation before you buy is worth having. Tell your stylist which weft you are considering, ask whether they have installed it before, and ask how they like to secure the ends.
Who a butterfly weft suits
A butterfly weft can suit clients with fine to medium hair who want a light, flexible seam, as well as clients with thicker hair who simply prefer a softer feel. It sits at a mid-range price point in our collection. The Straight Butterfly Weft is sold in 100g packs from $626 to $850 CAD depending on length.
Machine, Genius or butterfly: a quick tie-breaker
If you are torn between these three, think about what bothers you most. If cost and durability matter most, a machine weft is hard to beat. If you want the flattest, most cuttable seam for a precise, customised install, a Genius weft is usually the answer. If you want a light, soft seam at a price between the two, a butterfly weft is worth a close look. All three can look beautiful; the difference is mostly in comfort, discretion and budget.
Hand-tied wefts and how they compare
Hand-tied wefts are made by knotting small groups of hair onto a fine thread by hand. Because there is no machine stitching and no return of hair at the top, the seam can be extremely thin and flexible. Hand-tied wefts are popular with clients who want a very delicate finish and with stylists who specialise in multi-row, hand-tied installs.
Strengths of hand-tied wefts
The main advantages are thinness and flexibility. A hand-tied weft bends easily with the head and can be very discreet when installed well. Clients with finer hair sometimes prefer the feel of a hand-tied row over a classic machine weft.
Limitations of hand-tied wefts
Hand-tied wefts take a lot of labour to make, so they are usually more expensive. Traditionally they should not be cut, because cutting through the knots can let the hair release from the thread. That means rows often have to be stacked or folded to fit narrower areas, which can add bulk. They can also be more delicate to handle during washing and brushing.
How hand-tied compares with Genius and butterfly wefts
Much of the recent interest in Genius and butterfly wefts comes from clients and stylists who wanted the thin, flexible feel of a hand-tied weft along with the ability to cut a weft to size. That is why many stylists now see these newer machine-made wefts as practical alternatives. Hand-tied wefts still have their loyal fans, and there is nothing wrong with them, but if cuttability and customisation matter to you, a Genius weft is often the more flexible option.
| Factor | Hand-tied weft | Genius weft |
|---|---|---|
| Seam | Hand-knotted, very thin | Machine-made, very thin, no return |
| Cutting to size | Generally avoided | Designed to be cut |
| Flexibility | Very flexible | Very flexible |
| Fitting narrow areas | Often folded or stacked | Cut to the exact width |
| Handling | Delicate | Fairly robust, still handle gently |
How weft hair extensions are installed
The weft is only half the story. How it is attached to your hair matters just as much for comfort, safety and how long your install lasts. There are three main approaches, and each one has its fans.
Beaded rows
In a beaded row install, your stylist creates a horizontal line of small, evenly spaced sections of your natural hair. Each section is threaded through a small bead, usually a silicone-lined micro bead, which is then closed with pliers. The weft is then sewn onto that line of beads with thread. The beads become the foundation that carries the weft.
Beaded rows avoid braiding your hair, which suits straight, wavy and many curly textures, and they spread the load across many small sections. The downside is that the beads must be moved up as your hair grows, and the install depends heavily on correctly sized sections. Too little hair in a bead and the weight is concentrated on too few strands.
Sewn wefts on a braid
The classic sew-in method braids a section of your natural hair flat against the scalp, usually as a horizontal cornrow, and the weft is then sewn onto that braid. This approach is very secure and has been used for generations, particularly on curly and coily hair. A braid that is too tight, however, can put real strain on the hairline and scalp, so braid tension is the single most important factor in a safe sew-in.
Beaded sewn wefts and hybrid methods
Many stylists combine the two, for example by placing a small number of beads along a row and sewing the weft to both the beads and the hair between them. Some techniques use a thin track of hair, sometimes called a micro track, instead of a full braid. The names of these methods vary by region and by training program, so ask your stylist to describe exactly what they will do rather than relying on a label.
What a typical weft appointment looks like
- Consultation. Your stylist checks your hair density, length, scalp health and colour, and agrees on the look you want. If you are visiting a salon for the first time, bring photos of your goal and of hair you do not like.
- Colour match and weight plan. You confirm the shade and how many grams are needed. If you are buying online, do this before the appointment so the hair is ready.
- Wash and dry. Your hair is cleansed to remove oils and product, then dried fully. Wefts should never be installed on damp hair.
- Sectioning. Your stylist creates clean, level partings where each row will sit, usually starting at the nape and leaving enough natural hair above each row to cover it.
- Building the foundation. Beads are placed or a braid or track is created along the parting, with attention to tension.
- Measuring and cutting the weft. The weft is measured against the row and, where the weft type allows, cut to size.
- Sewing the weft. The weft is stitched to the foundation from one end to the other and secured firmly at both ends.
- Repeating for each row. Additional rows are built higher on the head, typically one to three rows depending on your goals and your hair.
- Cutting and blending. Your stylist cuts your natural hair and the extensions together so the ends blend and the layers sit naturally.
- Styling and aftercare briefing. You leave with your hair styled and clear guidance on washing, brushing, sleeping and your next maintenance date.
A good stylist will also check comfort at the end. If anything pulls, stings or feels tight, say so before you leave. Small adjustments are easy in the chair and much harder later.
Can you install wefts yourself?
Semi-permanent weft installs are a professional service. Sectioning cleanly at the back of your own head, controlling bead or braid tension, and sewing evenly are very difficult to do on yourself, and mistakes can cause discomfort and damage. If you love the look of wefts but want to work on your own hair, a clip-in made from weft hair is the safer DIY option. Our Curly Clip-In is one example.
How much hair, how many rows, and cutting wefts
The amount of hair you need depends on three things: how thick your natural hair is, how long you want to go, and how much extra volume you want. Our detailed guide on how many grams of hair you need covers this thoroughly, but here is how it applies to wefts.
General gram guidance for wefts
| Goal | Typical starting point | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Subtle volume, similar length | About 50g to 100g | Often one row is enough for fine to medium hair |
| Noticeable volume and some length | About 100g to 150g | Usually one to two rows |
| Full transformation, long length | About 150g to 200g or more | Usually two to three rows, depending on your hair |
These are starting points, not rules. A stylist may recommend less hair if your natural hair is fine, because adding too much weight can strain the hair that carries it. Longer lengths also need more grams to look full at the ends, because the same weight is spread along a longer strand. If you are choosing between 20 and 26 inches, our guide on choosing hair extension length explains how length changes the look and the weight.
Why Slavic and double drawn hair changes the maths
Double drawn and super double drawn hair has more long hairs and fewer short ones, so the ends stay fuller. That means the same weight can look thicker at the bottom than single drawn hair. Slavic hair is naturally fine and soft, which blends beautifully with many European and North American hair types, and it can look denser per gram than you might expect. If you want the details, our article on Slavic vs Russian hair extensions explains the terms and what they mean for you.
How many rows is right?
Most weft installs use between one and three rows. More rows are not always better. Each row needs enough natural hair above it to hide the seam and enough hair in its foundation to carry the weight. Clients with finer hair often get the best result with one or two well-placed rows of a thin weft, rather than three rows that crowd the head and become hard to conceal.
How to cut a weft safely
If your stylist is fitting rows to your head, they will often cut wefts to length. If you are making your own clip-in pieces from weft hair, the same principles apply. Here is a careful approach:
- Lay the weft flat on a clean surface and measure the width you need against the area of your head.
- Mark the cutting point with a small clip rather than a pen, so you do not stain the hair.
- Check the product guidance. Genius wefts are designed to be cut. Classic machine wefts can be cut but may need sealing. Hand-tied wefts generally should not be cut.
- Cut straight through the seam with sharp scissors in a single clean motion.
- If the weft type needs it, seal the cut end as advised by your stylist or the product guidance.
- Run your fingers gently along the cut end to check for loose hairs before installing.
Never cut a weft while it is installed on the head, and never cut multiple layers at once if you are not confident. A careful cut keeps the hair you paid for on the weft instead of on your bathroom floor.
Which weft type suits you
Now that you know how each weft is built and installed, you can match them to your hair. Use this decision guide as a starting point for a conversation with your stylist, not as a final verdict.
If your hair is thick or coarse
Lucky you. Thick hair hides rows easily and spreads load well. A machine weft gives you the most hair for your money and the most durability. If you sleep on your back and dislike any pressure, consider a Genius weft for the top row.
If your hair is medium density
You have the widest choice. Machine wefts work well if you wear your hair down most of the time. Genius or butterfly wefts give you more freedom with half-up styles and ponytails, because the seam is easier to hide.
If your hair is fine
Fine hair can wear wefts, but placement and weight matter more. Choose a thin seam, such as a Genius or butterfly weft, and keep the total weight sensible. Ask your stylist about one row instead of two, and consider whether a strand method like nanotips might suit you better. Our guide to nano ring hair extensions explains that alternative in detail.
If your hair is curly or coily
Wefts are a classic choice for curly and coily hair, because the natural volume of the hair hides rows beautifully and sew-in foundations hold well. Match your curl pattern carefully. A curly machine weft is designed to blend with curly hair, and our guide to curly hair extensions covers curl matching step by step.
If your hair is short
Rows need enough natural hair above them to cover the seam, so very short hair can make wefts difficult to hide. Most stylists want at least several inches of length at the nape and over the row before they place a weft. Read our guide to hair extensions for short hair before you book.
If you are very active
Wefts handle gym sessions well, but sweat and heat at the scalp mean you need a good drying routine. If you swim regularly, ask your stylist how to protect the rows. Our workout and swimming guide has practical tips.
Decision summary
| Your situation | Usually a good first choice | Also consider |
|---|---|---|
| Thick hair, maximum volume, best value | Machine weft | Genius weft for the top row |
| Medium hair, wears hair up often | Genius weft | Butterfly weft |
| Fine hair, wants a weft | Genius or butterfly weft, lighter weight | Nanotips or tape-ins |
| Curly or coily hair | Curly machine weft | Curly clip-ins for occasional wear |
| Wants a delicate, uncut seam | Hand-tied weft | Genius weft |
Caring for weft hair extensions and staying safe
A good install deserves good aftercare. Weft hair extensions can stay beautiful for a long time when you treat the rows and the hair with respect. Most problems we see come from a handful of habits, which we cover in our guide to hair extension aftercare mistakes.
Brushing
Brush gently at least twice a day. Hold your hair at the base of the row with one hand to support it, then brush from the ends upward, a section at a time. Use a soft brush or an extension brush and avoid dragging bristles across the seam. The American Academy of Dermatology suggests starting detangling at the ends and working upward, and using a wide-tooth comb on wet hair, which is good advice for extension wearers too (see their tips for healthy hair).
Washing
Wash your hair in an upright position, ideally in the shower, rather than flipping it forward over a sink. Focus shampoo on the scalp and along the partings between rows, and let it rinse down the lengths. Apply conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends, keeping heavy products away from the seam and the beads. Rinse thoroughly, because product left in a row can cause build-up and itching. For a full routine, see our guide on how to wash human hair extensions.
Drying
Always dry the rows completely. Hair at the seam and around the beads holds water longer than the lengths, and damp rows can lead to matting and odour. Use a blow dryer on a low or medium setting and point the airflow at the roots and rows first. Never go to bed with damp wefts.
Heat styling
Your extension hair is human hair, so it can be curled and straightened, but it does not get new natural oils from your scalp. Use a heat protectant, keep tools on moderate settings, and avoid holding hot tools directly against the seam or beads. The AAD's healthy hair tips also recommend limiting heat and using low or medium settings. Our guide to heat styling hair extensions safely goes deeper.
Sleeping
Brush your hair before bed and tie it into a loose braid or low, soft ponytail. A silk or satin pillowcase reduces friction. Our guide to how to sleep with hair extensions has more ideas.
Maintenance appointments and move-ups
As your natural hair grows, the rows move down. That changes how they hang, can make them harder to hide, and shifts weight onto longer lengths of your own hair. Most stylists recommend a move-up every six to eight weeks, but your stylist will set the schedule based on how fast your hair grows and how the install is wearing.
At a move-up, your stylist typically removes the weft, opens or removes the beads or takes out the braid, brushes out any shed hair, washes and dries your hair, and reinstalls the weft closer to the scalp. Good-quality human hair wefts can often be reused across several installs, as long as the seam is intact and the hair is in good condition.
Weekly care routine
- Brush gently twice a day, supporting the rows.
- Wash one to three times a week, focusing on the scalp and partings.
- Condition the mid-lengths and ends only.
- Dry the rows fully, then the lengths.
- Check each row with your fingertips for matting or loose stitches.
- Apply a light leave-in or oil to the ends, avoiding the seam.
- Note your next move-up date and book it in advance.
Troubleshooting common weft problems
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Matting at the row | Damp rows, product build-up, or not brushing near the seam | Dry rows fully, brush more often, see your stylist if it does not loosen |
| Visible row | Hair has grown out, or the row is too close to the part | Book a move-up and discuss placement |
| Itchy scalp along the row | Residue, not rinsing well, or irritation | Rinse more thoroughly; if it persists, see a doctor or dermatologist |
| Shedding from the weft | Cut ends not sealed, or rough brushing | Brush more gently and have your stylist check the ends |
| Ends feeling dry | Heat, sun, chlorine or not enough conditioning | Condition, use a heat protectant, consider a professional gloss |
For a deeper look at tangling, see our guide on why hair extensions tangle and how to fix it.
Tension, weight and your scalp
Any extension method that pulls on the hair continuously can contribute to a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. The American Academy of Dermatology lists hair extensions and weaves among the styles that can cause it when they are worn too tightly, advises wearing them for shorter periods, and says to remove them immediately if they cause pain or irritate the scalp (AAD: hairstyles that pull can lead to hair loss). DermNet also lists hair extensions among the causes of traction alopecia (DermNet: traction alopecia).
Dermatologists have published reports specifically about wefts. A case report in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology described weft hair extensions causing a distinctive horseshoe pattern of traction alopecia (Ahdout and Mirmirani, 2012), and a 2009 report in the British Journal of Dermatology discussed hair extensions as a cause of hair disorders (Yang and colleagues, 2009). A 2018 review notes that the risk of traction alopecia increases with the extent and duration of pulling (Billero and Miteva, 2018).
That does not mean wefts are unsafe. It means tension, weight and maintenance matter. In practical terms:
- A fresh install may feel snug for a day or two, but it should never be painful.
- Stinging, tenderness, bumps or crusts along a row are signs to have the install checked or removed.
- Do not exceed the weight your hair can comfortably carry.
- Keep up with move-ups so the rows do not hang from long, weakened lengths.
- Give your hair a break between installs if your stylist recommends it.
If you notice thinning, broken hairs at the hairline, patches of hair loss or a scalp problem, see a dermatologist or doctor. We cover this topic in detail in our guide on whether hair extensions can cause hair loss.
When to replace your wefts
Even premium hair eventually reaches the end of its life. Signs include ends that stay dry after conditioning, thinning from shedding, and a seam that is fraying or losing hair. Our guide on signs it is time to replace your hair extensions walks you through what to look for.
Frequently asked questions
What are weft hair extensions?
Weft hair extensions are rows of hair held together by a seam at the top. A stylist attaches each row to your natural hair, usually with a line of beads or a braid, and sews the weft in place. They are an efficient way to add volume and length.
Which is better, a machine weft or a Genius weft?
Neither is better for everyone. A machine weft is durable, carries a lot of hair, and costs less. A Genius weft is thinner, flatter and designed to be cut, which makes it easier to hide and often more comfortable. Clients with thick hair often love machine wefts; clients with medium or finer hair often prefer Genius wefts.
Can you cut weft hair extensions?
It depends on the type. Genius wefts are designed to be cut. Classic machine wefts can be cut but may shed at the cut end unless it is sealed. Hand-tied wefts generally should not be cut, because the knots can release. Always follow the product guidance and your stylist's advice.
How long do weft extensions last?
An install typically needs a move-up every six to eight weeks as your hair grows. The hair itself can last much longer if you care for it well and it is high-quality human hair. Our article on how long double drawn Slavic extensions last explains what affects lifespan.
Do weft hair extensions damage your hair?
Wefts that are installed with the right tension, the right weight and regular maintenance are a reasonable choice for many people. Wefts that are too tight or too heavy, or that are left in too long, can contribute to traction alopecia, according to dermatology sources. If an install hurts, have it checked, and see a dermatologist about any hair loss.
Can I buy weft hair extensions online in Canada and the USA?
Yes. Beautico ships across Canada and the United States with FedEx tracking, and shipping rates are calculated at checkout. Many clients buy online and bring their hair to a trusted local stylist. Read our shipping policy and our returns and exchanges page before ordering, especially if you plan to have the hair cut or coloured.
How many wefts do I need for a full head?
Most full-head weft installs use one to three rows, often in the range of 100g to 200g, depending on your hair density and the length you want. Thick hair and longer lengths need more; fine hair needs less weight placed thoughtfully.
Can stylists buy Beautico wefts at trade pricing?
Licensed stylists and salons can apply for Beautico Pro, our trade program with wholesale pricing.
Your next steps
Weft hair extensions can give you the fullest, most effortless-looking hair of any method when the weft type, the weight and the install method all fit your hair. Start by deciding what matters most to you: volume and value, a flat and cuttable seam, or a light and soft feel. Then share that priority with your stylist and choose the weft that fits.
Browse our weft collection or the full Beautico range to compare lengths and colours, and use our colour matching guide before you order. If you have questions about which weft suits you, contact our team. If you are near Delta, British Columbia, you can also book a free extension consultation at our appointment-only salon.