Everything You Need To Know About Beaded Weft Hair Extensions

You guys, I did it. I finally got legit hair extensions. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I used to wear clip in extensions a lot of the time for added volume or a little extra length.

I wasn’t born with the hair of my dreams. For some reason, it just stops growing a few inches below my shoulders. Honestly, I don’t think anyone needs a reason or to justify wanting hair extensions. Sometimes it’s just nice to have longer, fuller strands of silky hair.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret… 99.9% of celebrities have hair extensions. Almost every time you see someone pop up on your Instagram feed with a long full mane or long elaborate french braid, they’ve got hair extensions helping them. Long flowy mermaid hair is primarily a result of a weave. So don’t get yourself down when you can’t figure out how to recreate their looks at home.

Whether you want to add a lot of length and volume or just a couple of inches, you don’t have to be Beyonce to rock a fierce set of extensions. I let you guys ask me all of your hair extension questions on Instagram and compiled them all here! Here is everything you need to know about hair extensions!

Everything You Need To Know About Getting Hair Extensions

+ What kind of hair extensions did you get?

I got beaded weft extensions. Basically, they’re the best of both hair extension worlds: they’re dense and have really full coverage like a sew-in weave, but with the durability of fusion extensions. There’s no glue, heat, chemicals or tape involved.

+ Why did you choose beaded weft hair extensions?

I did a TON of research and actually had a consultation for another type of hair extensions. I opted for beaded weft extensions for a few reasons:

• Since there is no glue, heat, tape or chemicals, your hair and the follicle aren’t damaged.
• The micro beads are durable and made of a lightweight silicone lining that minimized the weight on the hair follicle.
• There are various lengths, textures and colors to choose from.
• “Installation” is quick and easy, making the upkeep easy.
• They’re 100% authentic human hair, meaning you won’t end up with some weird plastic mess.
• They’re triple stitched, meaning they’re durable and will last a long time.
• Using a wefted hair track helps reduce the amount of hair that breaks or falls out.

+ Where can I get hair extensions done near me?

I recommend checking Yelp! It’s a great way to find a stylist near you and see photos/read reviews.

+ Are your extensions sewn in?

No they’re not! Kara separated my hair into sections, then clipped the weft (which is doubled up) in place. Then, she combined a small section of my hair and a small section of the weft hair. She slips a small bead (that matches your hair color) on and crimped it into place. Basically, combining your hair and the extension while fastening the strip into place.

+ How many wefts did you get?

I used two. You can get them in 16″ or 20″ options. Because my hair is medium length, I opted for the 16″ inch. I didn’t want my hair to look too long. If you get the 20″ (think extra mermaid), you might want to do 3 wefts so that it looks more natural.

+ What colors do they come in?

They come in various colors and textures. Your stylist will choose a color that matches your hair best. They can also be dyed to match your natural or colored hair.

+ What textures do they come in?

You can choose either straight, wavy or curly hair. I went with straight hair so that I had more versatility with styling.

+ Is washing or styling your hair more difficult with extensions?

Not really! When it comes to washing, you shampoo and condition like normal. I just make sure to scrub in between the wefts and pay a little extra attention to the extensions. I think styling is easier because I have more hair to work with, so it does what I want! It takes more time to dry my hair with extensions, but that’s because there’s more hair! I like to air dry mine, just to reduce the amount of heat I’m applying to them. But you can easily blow dry them and style them like normal hair.

+ How do you style your hair with extensions?

I let my hair air dry, then use my curling iron to do loose waves. Honestly, I like to separate my hair into three sections. I start by curling the bottom section of my hair with the bottom weft, so that it kind of blends together. Then, I section off a top portion of my hair. I curl the top weft and middle section of my hair. Then, finish it off by curling the top and face framing pieces.

+ Does it ruin your natural hair?

No! Beaded wefts are actually really gentle. I was surprised that they’re not super heavy and don’t feel like they’re pulling on my hair or scalp. When you remove the extensions, the beads are opened up and your natural hair slides out, without breaking or pulling it out.

+ How long do the hair extensions last?

A lot of the longevity of the extensions comes down to how you care for them. If you let your hair get matted and don’t treat it well, it won’t last as long. You need to get your hair extensions moved up every 6-8 weeks, depending on your natural hair growth. As your hair grows, the extensions grow out. When you’re ready for them to be moved up, your stylist can remove the extensions and put them back in. You don’t have to purchase new hair every time, as long as you take care of it! Some people’s extensions last 6 months, some last over a year.

+ How much does it cost?

This totally depends on your natural hair, goals for how you want it to look, how many wefts you get, the length, etc. You’ll pay for the hair as well as the cost for your stylist to put them in. When you return to get them moved up, the rate with be lower because you already own the extensions. That being said, they were one of the most reasonable types of extensions I looked into. They’re similar in price to clip in extensions, but with the additional cost of installation.

+ How does it feel?

Honestly, I barely notice them. They’re super lightweight. When I brush my hair, I just brush from the bottom up and then lightly brush over the beads. I find it easier to split my hair into sections when brushing it.

+ Is it weird sleeping with the extensions in?

The first night felt a little weird. My stylist recommended I sleep with my hair in a braid, low ponytail or bun. I couldn’t imagine the idea of sleeping with a giant bun, so I braided it. I don’t even notice it now. Also, I like that when I wake up in the morning my hair has a nice, natural wave to it from the braid!

+ How long does it take to put them in?

I dye the roots of my hair (because I have a couple of grays), so it took a little longer for me. If you dye your hair, they have to take the extensions out while your hair is colored. If you don’t color your hair, it takes about an hour. I was at the salon for about 2 hours for cut, color & extensions.

+ Will you keep getting extensions?

Honestly, I’m obsessed with them. I love how they look & feel. It takes me less time to get ready because I feel like they’re easier to style/they look the way I want my hair to look (if that makes sense).

+ What other extensions have you used?

These are my first actual hair extensions. In the past, I liked using Hidden Crown halo’s because they were easy to put in. I didn’t like having to take them in/out all the time, especially when traveling. I’ve also had various clip in extensions but hated that they took more time to put in, are hard to travel with & can be hard to hide in your hair.

+ What products do you recommend using with hair extensions?

Cura hair dryerI love my T3 Micro products! I use the and Singlepass Curl 1.25″ curling iron. I normally use the smooth paddle brush to brush my hair when its wet & dry. Then use the Volume 3 round brush when I blow dry. It’s also great for pony tails and buns.

I love ORIBE shampoo and conditioner. It’s really pricey but totally worth it. I use their shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair. A cheaper option that I also love is MOROCCANOIL, which I use when I travel.

Before I style my hair, I use Amika detangling primer, which is basically a leave in conditioner that makes it easier to brush through my hair. Before blow drying or curling, I use a heat protectant spray. I really like Drybar’s Hot Toddy Protectant Mix.

Sometimes I’ll use a bit of dry shampoo when in between washing my hair. I like using IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo because  it absorbs oil and eliminates odor with charcoal powder. It’s fairly heavy duty, so you can go longer in between washes and even after workouts, which keeps my hair extensions healthy.

If my hair is looking a little dull, I’ll use OUAI hair oil to fight frizz and add a little gloss. I don’t use hair spray very often because I feel like the extensions hold a curl really well. But if I do, I stick with TRESemme extra hold spray (and it’s under $4)!

A few other things I’ve found useful:

• Spiral Hair Ties – strong grip but super comfortable.
• Blow Dry Clips – these make it a lot easier to style hair and separate it into sections.
• Shower Cap – So helpful when you want to take a shower but keep your hair dry!
• Headbands – Helpful when you’re washing your face or working out.

Want more? Check out my favorite drugstore bronzers & drugstore moisturizers!

If you’re not ready to get beaded weft extensions, here are my favorite hair extensions from Amazon!

Shop the Look: