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Weft vs Weave Hair Extensions: What’s the Difference?
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Are “weft” and “weave” the same thing? The short answer is… not quite. A weft is the physical strip of hair, while weave is the everyday name people use for that strip or the sew-in method.
This guide covers the difference between these two commonly confused terms, the 5 application methods, who they suit, and our new Tape Weft option.
Weft vs Weave: What’s The Difference?
| Weft | Weave |
|---|---|
| The physical strip of hair sewn or bonded together along a thin base (lace, silicone, or tape) | The everyday name that people use for the same strip of hair, or for the sew-in application method |
So, the next time someone asks you, “what’s the distinction between weft vs weave?”, you can tell them “weft” is the technical word for the wide piece of hair itself, whereas “weave” is what most people actually say when they mean that product or the classic sewn-in technique.
Understandably, though, the two words are often used interchangeably, which is why you might hear someone talk about a “weft hair extension”, a “hair weave”, or even a “weft weave” when discussing a similar type of extension.
If you’re still a bit confused, you’ve always got the option of checking out our post explaining what are weft extensions.
What Are Hair Weft Extensions or Weaves?
A hair weft or weave is hair that has been woven carefully together onto one wide thin strip usually weighing between 110-130g. The width can fluctuate but it is typically around 4 feet. It can also vary depending on the length.
Wefts can be applied to natural hair in various methods including sewing, glueing, clipping, and micro-rings. However, the most popular application method is the LA Weave, which uses a combination of sewing and micro-rings.
There are two main weft types: lace wefts and flat weft hair extensions. At Cliphair, we stock both and each have their own advantages. Weave hair extensions are most suitable for those with average to thick hair and should be avoided by those with very thin or fine hair due to their weight.
Different Types of Weft Hair Extensions
In our Remy Royale professional hair extensions collection, all the products are made from 100% Remy, human, double drawn hair of an exceptional AAAAA grade quality with a general lifespan of 6-12 months according to correct care and maintenance.
Our Remy Royale Hair Weft is topped with a thin and comfortable lace seam to secure the hair weft and move flexibly on the scalp.
The Remy Royale Flat Track Weft is topped with a thinner, sturdier, silicone seam which is longer lasting and sits flatter to the head for extra discretion. Either of these weft types can be used for all application methods. For more information on the Flat Weft, see our dedicated blog.
To these wefts, we can now add a third type: the Tape Weft. Weighing 45-55g per pack, a tape weft is one wide weft with tape along the top, cut to each section as it’s fitted. That means the row follows your parting instead of running across it, with less bulk at the root than fixed tabs allow.
Click through to discover the new Remy Royale Tape Weft collection.
How Are Weft Hair Extensions Put In?
There are 5 application methods to apply weave hair extensions that use different tools, techniques and vary in the time it takes to finish them. We’ve listed them below in order of popularity.
- The LA Weave, also known as the Celebrity Weave
- The Micro Ring Weft
- The Sewn In Weave
- The Glued In Weave
- Bespoke Clip-Ins
What Is an LA Weave?
The LA Weave, also called Celebrity Weave is an improved, more discreet and secure version of the micro-ring weft system which uses a combination of sewing and clamping. A row of micro rings is clamped to the natural hair, and the hair weft is then neatly sewn into them, laying flatly on top of the rings to hide them underneath.
This has fast become the most favoured weave application method as it does not involve any intricate braiding or glue, making it far more comfortable for the wearer and faster for the stylist to apply. The LA Weave will need to be removed and refitted every 6-8 weeks for the best results.
For a more in-depth look into this method, check out our dedicated LA Weave blog.
What Is a Micro Ring Weft?
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In a Micro-Ring Weft application, the weave extensions are attached in rows to the head by threading a tiny piece of the weave with a tiny piece of the natural hair through a micro ring and clamping shut.
Unlike the LA Weave or Sew In Weave, the rings sit on top of the weft, which does make this method slightly less discreet. However, as it requires zero braiding or sewing, it is one of the fastest application methods.
After 6-8 weeks, the weft will need to be unclamped and pushed back up in a refitting appointment.
What Is a Sew in Weave?
Dating back to the 1950s, the Sew In Weave, created by the talented Christina Jenkins, is the most traditional weft application method. Sew-in hair extensions proved extremely popular amongst African American women at this time as it provided the freedom to explore different hairstyles.
The Sew In Weave is still commonly used today and is one of the most popular weave applications for this hair type. To learn more about the modern options that build on the heritage of these hair pieces, see our guide to weave extensions for black hair.
Tight, intricate braids or cornrows are created in the natural hair in horizontal rows, and the weft is then placed on top and neatly sewn into them.
This method keeps the extensions very secure and flat to the scalp for excellent discretion. The only downside to this system is that the tight braiding process can be a little painful and this type of braiding is a skill that not all hair extensionists are taught.
After 6-8 weeks, the braid and weave will need to be removed and reinstalled. Check out our top tips on sew-in hair extension maintenance for more information!
What Is a Glued in Weave?
The Glue In Weave is probably the least used system of applying a hair weft. Glue and heat tend to put a lot of people off when it comes to adding in extensions and we can understand why, as it’s trickier to remove and can get a little messy!
With so many newer, safer methods on the market today, we predict gluing hair extensions in will soon become a thing of the past.
But as promised, here’s how it’s done: the hair is divided into neat, horizontal sections and a thin layer of hair extension glue is then applied to the track on the weft and along the top of the section of the natural hair.
The Weft is then firmly pressed against the natural hair and held in place until dry. Sometimes, a hairdryer is used to increase the hold factor and speed up the drying.
After 6-8 weeks, the weft is removed using a wig glue remover. It will then need to be thoroughly washed and dried, as well as the natural hair, before reapplying the weave. The removal process is very similar to the removal of tape hair extensions, which also uses an adhesive method.
What Are Bespoke Clip-Ins?
If you’re the creative type and a dab hand with a needle and thread, you can actually create your own bespoke clip-in extensions from a hair weft. This is done simply by cutting the weft to your desired sizes and sewing small snap clips onto them.
You can also double or triple the weft over to make super thick one-piece clip-in extensions that perfectly fit your head shape and size, which can sometimes be an issue with premade one-pieces!
Are Hair Wefts Suitable For Very Thin Hair?
No, unfortunately weaves or wefts are not suitable for those with very thin or fine hair, as they are too heavy and difficult to hide.
Luckily, there are lots of other semi-permanent hair extension methods available that are specifically made to be safe to use on thin hair. Take a look at our expert guide to the best hair extensions for thin and fine hair for everything you need to know.
Weft & Weave Pros and Cons
Like any extension method, weft and weave hair extensions offer undeniable advantages, but also a few possible drawbacks to consider.
Understanding the key weft hair extensions pros and cons will help you decide whether they’ll suit your hair and the kind of result you’re seeking.
Pros
- Deliver noticeable volume and length
- Provide a natural-looking finish
- No heat or glue needed for most methods
Cons
- Not suitable for very thin or fine hair, due to the overly heavy and difficult-to-conceal wefts
- Require professional fitting, and then a salon refit every 6-8 weeks
Conclusion
Now that you’ve explored the many applications of a hair weft, why not have a browse through our human hair weft extensions collection here at Cliphair? Our goal is to provide confidence-boosting, affordable, and gorgeous hair extensions for all, no matter the hair type or concern.
We have a wide range of lengths and over 70 shades to choose from, including our signature Balayage colours! Oh, and don’t forget our new Remy Royale Tape Weft collection, too.
