What Is Weft Hair Extension? All You Need To Know

Can you believe wearing wigs was the only way to add hair extensions to natural hair? Yes, it was. There was nothing like weft hair extensions before 1950.

If you want to add length and volume to your hair, you are left with the option of wearing a wig. Wigs were not as sophisticated as they are now; in those days, they easily slipped off the head.

In 1950, Christina Jerkins invented the weft hair. It was a genius solution to help black women add length and volume to their natural hair without resorting to chemicals or wigs.

We now enjoy weft hair extensions in different forms (clip-ins, tape-ins, microbeads, etc.).

Wait a minute! Are you unsure about getting a weft hair extension? Let’s help you understand everything you need to know about weft hair extensions and why they might be a great option for you.

What is Weft Hair Extension?

A weft hair extension is a type of hair extension that allows people to attach external hair to their natural hair by adding hair strips. These hair extensions are made by taking strands of real human hair or synthetic hair and knitting them into a strip-like base that can be attached to your natural hair.

Weft hair extensions are a great way to add length, color, and volume to your natural hair. They are quick to achieve and can last for weeks and even months.

How is a Weft Hair Extension Constructed?

From the definition of the weft hair, you may be curious about its construction. Well, let’s take you through the structure and construction of a weft hair, considering the different parts.

The Weft

The weft is the track to which the strands of hair are woven. The weft can be made from different materials like nylon, polyester, and even hair. The machine and the hand-tied are the most common types of wefts.

The beard

The beard is the hair that is folded under the weft before sewing. In some hair bundles, you can see them away from the weft. The beard keeps the weft from unraveling; however, it shouldn’t be too long.

Long beards are often uncomfortable and might prevent the weft from sitting flat on the head (especially if you want to achieve a sleek look).

The hair

This is the most important aspect of the weft hair extension. The weft can be made from human or synthetic hair. These days, the human hair weft is more common and expensive. They are more expensive because some of  them are made from natural human hair, plus they look more natural.

Synthetic weft hair is a great option if you are working on a budget or if you are going for a hairstyle like braided ponytail or kinky hair afro hair.