Getting hair extensions put in is a standard beauty practice that is only growing in popularity.
There are numerous different styles and methods of application, and the best one for you can vary depending on your hair type and texture.
This is why it’s essential to conduct thorough research before booking an appointment for extension installation.
Two of the most popular styles of extensions include hand-tied and machine weft. Although the end result of getting these types of extensions may look similar, the hair’s appearance prior to application is actually quite different.
Hand-tied and machine-weft extensions both allow you to have a fuller, more voluminous head of hair. However, they do vary in multiple different areas- from how they’re produced to what types of hair types they’ll look most natural in once installed.
If you’re looking to get either one of these styles to add to your ‘do, it’s important to know which one your locks are better suited for!
Here, we’ll break down all of these different qualities and give you a final breakdown as to which style would work best for you!
Qualities Of Good Extensions
There are numerous factors to consider before making a final decision about your extensions. Here are some of the most important qualities that will play a part in your choice:
- How They’re Produced
- Affordability
- Compatible Hair Types
- Flexibility
- Density
We’ll break each of these elements down more deeply.
How They’re Produced
The production of each style of extension is the foundation for why these styles differ significantly from one another.
Hand-Tied Extensions
The hand-tied extension is named for the technique of application, but the way they’re manufactured is also more intimate than other production techniques.
This style of extensions consists of a collection of previously cut and sewn hair; however, the cutting and attachment of the extensions to the weft are done entirely by hand, not in a factory setting.
When produced by hand, it allows the manufacturer to maintain the thinnest possible style of weft, which cannot be replicated within a factory setting.
Though they may look similar to sewn-in hair extensions, hand-tied extensions are different in the sense that they are manually tied into the hair by hand rather than with a sewing needle.
Additionally, due to the thinness of the weft, they cannot be cut or trimmed to the required width for installation.
Machine-Weft
Machine-weft extensions, unlike hand-tied extensions, are named for how they’re made rather than how they’re installed.
These bundles of hair are almost always factory-produced and are sewn together using an industrial sewing machine.
Each collection of hair is sewn onto a weft, and it’s this quality that makes the most striking difference between a machine-weft extension and a hand-tied one.
To account for the space needed for the machine, the weft (or band) of this extension is significantly thicker than the former style, and as a result, it can be cut to the required length for installation.
Affordability
This is likely the most defining area of difference for people interested in getting extensions done.
It’s one of the pricier treatments available, and the cost can vary significantly depending on the method of installation and the style of extension.
Hand-Tied
Due to the amount of intimate care required in the production of hand-tied extensions, the cost per bundle is significantly higher than that of other styles. This type of treatment is certainly a significant investment.
When you get hand-tied extensions done in a salon, it will usually cost you an average of $1500-$2000. This cost encompasses the price of the extensions themselves, installation, and styling and cutting, once the desired thickness and volume of the hair are established.
Depending on the salon you visit and the number of wefts of hair installed, this price may vary.
Machine-Weft
Because machine-weft extensions are less labor-intensive in terms of production, they’ll cost significantly less than the former style we discussed.
Since machine-wefts can be installed from home, you may not need to go to a salon to get them in (though we definitely recommend it).
That being said, the cost can vary greatly — from $200 for just the extensions to upwards of $600 for the hair and installation.
This extension style is significantly more affordable and is widely considered the standard choice in the beauty community.
Compatible Hair Types
Affordability aside, it’s likely that the compatibility of the extension with your hair type is paramount to your final decision.
At the end of the day, you have full control over what style of extension you get installed, though it’s true that when it comes to these two styles, certain hair types may favor one over the other.
Hand-Tied
Since the weft of this extension is much slimmer, it will work more harmoniously with a slimmer or thinner hair type.
Fine hair, or strands with a little less density, require an extension that’s as lightweight and invisible as possible, as it will leave you with the most natural-looking set of extensions.
The thin weft will blend seamlessly with fine hair, and the weight of the extensions won’t pull on your roots (which are more susceptible to damage).
As for the texture of hair, hand-tied extensions are better suited for straight hair.
Machine-Weft
With a thicker band, this style of extension is ideal for thicker hair types.
If you have a lot of hair or your hair is on the denser side, picking a lighter or finer extension would leave you in the chair for much longer than necessary.
Machine-weft extensions are known for their sturdiness and bulkiness, so they’ll blend perfectly with hair that’s on the heavier side.
Since you have more hair to cover up the thicker weft, they’ll look just as seamless as hand-tied extensions do on finer hair. This extension style is also ideal for those with more textured hair types, as well as those with curly hair.
Flexibility
The flexibility of your hair extensions also determines how natural they’ll look when blended with your strands.
Hand-Tied
When it comes to flexibility, hand-tied extensions definitely take home the prize! Because they’re not inhibited by the thickness of the weft, they’re likely to move with your natural hair.
That being said, if your hair is on the lighter or finer side, you don’t have to worry about your extensions lying stationary while your natural locks move with the environment.
They can also be put up into more complex updos and hairstyles without looking conspicuous.
Machine-Weft
The thicker band on machine-weft extensions tends to inhibit the movement of the extensions, as they’re more securely sewn in. The weft won’t budge, so the hair extensions will only move as much as the weft allows them to.
With that in mind, heavier hair types will appreciate the extra security of a machine-weft extension. The only downside to consider is that if you opt for updos or more elaborate styles, the thickness of the band will be more noticeable.
Density
Weight could also be a deciding factor for extensions. For those who want a “barely there feel,” the heaviness of a set needs to be kept in mind.
Hand-Tied
The density of a hand-tied weft is one of its defining features.
Multiple bundles of hair make up a single row of hair, so each bundle is incredibly lightweight. Altogether, a single weft or row of hair will only weigh up to ½ oz.
Because they’re so light, you can switch up the density of your hair with ease, and without worry that the extensions are causing too much pressure on your natural hair.
Machine-Wefts
Because they’re industrially made, a single row of machine-weft extensions is continuous, long, and much heavier than a hand-tied extension.
Each weft will be around 3-4 oz, and depending on the desired volume, you may need a couple of sets to complete your look, which can leave your head feeling much heavier at the end of the installation.
Summary
Let’s break down each of these qualities into a concise table:
| Hand-Tied | Machine-Weft | |
| How They’re Made | Sewn and collected by hand, installed by hand | Industrially produced and machine-sewn, installed by hand |
| Affordability | $1500-2000 | $200-600 |
| Compatible Hair Types | Finer, thinner, straight hair | Denser, thicker, textured hair |
| Flexibility | More flexibility and movement | Less flexibility and movement |
| Density | ½ oz per weft | 3-4 oz per weft |
Again, though you have full control over what style of extension you get installed, you may find that your hair type favors one style over the other:
Hand-tied extensions are ideal for individuals with fine or thin hair, as well as those seeking greater flexibility. They’re also favorable for those who prefer a more natural feel and are willing to spend more on installation.
Machine-weft extensions, on the other hand, are better for those with thicker hair that sits more densely. They’re notably more affordable, but they do sit a bit heavier on the strands.
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