Sew-in hair extensions have been around for years; however, due to their recent plunge into social media, weft extensions have begun to increase in the industry. However, the issue that comes alongside sew-in extensions is that many clients (and even some stylists) don’t realize that there are many differences between hand-tied and machine wefts. Clients often walk into a salon asking for hand-tied weft extensions but come out with machine wefts, which is typically due to a significant misunderstanding between the client and the stylist, or even the stylist. It’s essential to understand what a sew-in extension is and the differences between the two primary kinds: both hand-tied and machine. Once fully understood, it’s much easier to give your clients the exact type of weft extensions they’re looking for when they sit down in your chair.
I. Hand-tied Weft vs Machine Weft Extensions: Differences
There are plenty of key attributes that separate hand-tied and machine weft extensions, the primary reason being their manufacturing. Nonetheless, we’ll illuminate the most notable elements of each and explain specifically how and why they differ.
1. Hand-tied Weft vs Machine Weft: How To Create?
a. Hand-tied Weft Extensions
![](https://azhairvietnam.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hand-tied-weft-hair-extensions-2-1024x1024.jpeg)
Hand-tied refers to the formation of the extension itself. Hand-tied extensions are just what they describe: strands of hair tied together by hand, forming a weft. Hand-tied extensions have a weft that is typically 11”-12” wide. The hair is knotted by hand along with 2-3 threads to create a weft.
b. Machine Weft Extensions
![Hand-tied Vs. Machine Weft](https://azhairvietnam.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Weft-60-5-1-1024x1024.jpg)
Machine wefts are quite different from hand-tied. Their primary difference is that, as their name implies, machine wefts are tied using a sewing machine. Machine-made wefts are made with a special sewing machine that connects all the hair into one long weft. Most Machine tied wefts are 3-4 oz (28.35 gram) of hair and are one continuing weft.
2. The Hair Density
a. Machine Weft Extensions
![Hand-tied Weft Vs. Machine Weft](https://azhairvietnam.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Weft-60-6-1024x1024.jpg)
The sewing together of machine wefts requires enough hair to be caught and sewn by the machine. Because of the amount of hair needed, machine wefts are significantly thicker and can be two to three times denser than hand-tied wefts.
b. Hand-tied Weft Extensions
![Hand-tied Vs. Machine Weft](https://azhairvietnam.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/hand-tied.webp)
Hand-tied extensions are less dense, so you can layer multiple shades without a weft completely covering up the other. It is typically thin and requires more than one weft to make a row of hair that has enough thickness for most clients. Because hand-tied wefts are sewn together so meticulously, they end up being thinner and less noticeable compared to machine wefts. The method does not require a lot of hair, making for an invisible, seamless integration that many clients prefer.
3. Hand-tied Weft vs Machine Weft Extensions: Cuticles
Hand-tied hair is often more cuticle-processed. Hand-tied Weft extensions are made of human hair, in which the hair’s cuticles are still intact and all facing the same direction. This keeps the cuticles from interlocking and the hair from matting. When the track is being weaved, the roots of the hair face downward, also known as the return hair or mustache, and must be trimmed short to avoid matting at the top of the weft.
4. Pricing and Affordability
Hand-tied wefts cost more than machines because, with any artisan product, they are much more labor-intensive to make. It takes much more time for a person to produce the hair by hand than it does to feed hair into a machine. Machine wefts typically cost less because they are less time-consuming to make.
II. Hand-tied Weft vs Machine Weft Extensions: Which One is Better?
Like any type of extension, hand-tied and machine wefts certainly have their advantages.
1. Pros of Hand-tied Weft Extensions
![hand-tied weft extensions](https://azhairvietnam.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/hand-tied-hair-1-1024x1024.jpg)
Hand-tied wefts are well hidden after installation because of the little amount of hair required. Hand-tied wefts are undetectable on the head, even when hair is worn up. They also create a natural look, giving clients, particularly those with fine hair, much more volume. Aside from that, they are much more flexible than most other hair extensions on the market. They provide versatility and plenty of comforts. Not to mention, clients may treat hand-tied extensions like their natural hair, washing and styling them as usual without having to work around their presence.
2. Pros of Machine Weft Extensions
![Special-Highlighted-Machine-Weft-Hair-Extensions-100%-Vietnamese-Human-Hair](https://azhairvietnam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Special-Highlighted-Machine-Weft-Hair-Extensions-100-Vietnamese-Human-Hair_1_.jpg)
Machine wefts are typically more durable than hand-tied wefts. Because of their manufacturing, machine wefts can be sized and cut according to your client’s head, whereas hand-tied extensions cannot. Machine wefts also provide more thickness with fewer wefts due to their density.
3. So Which One Is Better?
Despite each of their appealing qualities, hand-tied extensions are typically the best option when it comes to sew-in wefts. Hand-tied wefts provide stylists and clients the flexibility that comes with a natural look. While either option is a useful solution, hand-tied wefts are much less bulky than machine wefts and can easily be layered, which leaves clients with less density and weight pulling on their hair. Hand-tied wefts are beneficial for any client and on any part of the head; they blend seamlessly and are barely visible. If well maintained, hand-tied extensions can also last up to 12 months or more.
III. How Do I Determine Which Weft to Use?
The varying types of hair extensions are designed to accommodate a diversity of hair. The same is true for hand-tied and machine-weft extensions; each serves a particular hair type better than the other. While both hand-tied and machine wefts can be chemically treated, hair texture doesn’t necessarily play a large part in deciding between the two.
- Hand-tied extensions are best suited for clients with fine and/or brittle hair. As mentioned before, hand-tied wefts are almost invisible. Finer hair types allow for hand-tied extensions because of their ability to lay flat, providing plenty of seamless, natural-looking volume. Hand-tied weft’s slim lining makes for the perfect extension without any bulk that may peek through thin hair.
- Machine wefts are typically best for clients with already thick or coarse hair that will easily hide the thicker lining. Additionally, machine wefts should avoid being worn on thin or fine hair because of their weight, making them a more dependable option for clients whose hair has the durability to handle their weight.
IV. Where Can I Buy Hand-tied Weft Extensions and Machine Weft Extensions?
Operating in the hair business for decades, AZ Hair Vietnam is one of the most professional and reputable Vietnamese organizations in hair manufacturers and trading premium Hand-tied Weft hair extensions, Machine Weft hair extensions, and Asian human hair extensions across the globe. We are proud to be the first Vietnamese hair company that has been verified by Alibaba.
With the strong renewal and production ability to satisfy a variety of quality requirements, AZ Hair is gradually building our prestige as a factory supplying a variety of qualified hair at reasonable prices. Through the years, we have succeeded in building the brand name for ourselves as well as our reputation in the international market. AZ Hair is always appreciated for genuine consumer feedback concerning high-quality hair and reasonable rates, clear policies (of payment, shipping, and returns, for example), a wide range of hair options, and excellent customer care services.
AZ Hair is always appreciated for genuine consumer feedback concerning high-quality hair and reasonable rates, clear policies (of payment, shipping, and returns, for example), a wide range of hair options, and excellent customer care services.
![What-Channel-NewAsia-Talk-About-AZ-Hair-Vietnam?](https://azhairvietnam.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Hair-Factory.jpg)
![The Biggest Wholesale Hair DIstributor in Vietnam](https://azhairvietnam.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Alibaba-Company-Intro-1024x576.jpg)
V. Conclusion
The difference between sew-in wefts truly comes down to their manufacturing. Hand-tied wefts are tied together by hand, while a sewing machine combines the hairs into machine wefts. Each certainly has its place in the spotlight, and as a stylist, it’s fundamental to recognize their key features to offer the most suitable weft to your clients.