How to Apply and Care for Your Flat Weft Hair Extensions?
1. Preparation
- Gather Your Tools: You'll need a comb, hairpins, a sewing needle, thread (preferably a color that matches your extensions), and of course, your flat weft hair extensions. If you're using other application methods like clips or tape, have those ready as well.
- Section Your Hair: Start by dividing your natural hair into sections. Use hairpins to keep each section separate. This will make the application process more organized and ensure an even distribution of the extensions.
2. Sew - In Method
- Create a Braided Track: Begin by creating a cornrow - style braid close to your scalp. The braid should be tight and flat to provide a stable base for the extensions. Start from the nape of your neck and work your way up, creating horizontal braids.
- Attach the Weft: Thread your needle with the appropriate thread. Take the flat weft hair extension and start sewing it onto the braided track. Insert the needle through the weft and then through the braid, making small, secure stitches. Make sure to sew the weft close to the scalp for a natural look. Continue sewing the weft along the entire length of the braid, overlapping the wefts slightly to avoid any gaps.
3. Clip - In Method
- Sew on Clips: If your flat weft extensions don't already come with clips attached, you can sew small, sturdy hair clips onto the weft. Make sure the clips are evenly spaced along the weft.
- Attach to Your Hair: Section your hair again. Take a section of your natural hair, usually about an inch or two thick, and lift it up. Slide the clip - in weft underneath this section, close to the scalp. Open the clips and snap them shut, gripping your natural hair securely. Repeat this process for each weft, starting from the bottom layers of your hair and working your way up.
4. Tape - In Method
- Prepare the Tapes: If using tape - in extensions, peel off the protective backing from one side of the double - sided tape strip. Place the tape strip along the edge of the flat weft. Press down firmly to secure the tape to the weft.
- Attach to Your Hair: Section your hair. Take a thin section of your natural hair and place the tape - side of the weft against it, close to the scalp. Press down firmly to bond the tape to your natural hair. Then, take another thin section of hair from above and place it on top of the weft, sandwiching the weft between two layers of your natural hair. Press down again to secure the second side of the tape.
Caring for Your Flat Weft Hair Extensions
1. Washing
- Frequency: Wash your flat weft extensions every 5 - 7 days, depending on how much product you use and how dirty they get. Over - washing can cause the hair to dry out and become damaged.
- Use the Right Products: Choose a sulfate - free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Apply the shampoo gently to the lengths of the extensions, avoiding the roots where the extensions are attached. Massage the shampoo into the hair in a downward motion, being careful not to tangle the wefts. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Conditioning: Apply conditioner from the mid - shaft to the ends of the extensions. Leave the conditioner on for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid getting conditioner near the roots, as it can make the attachment points greasy and cause the extensions to slip.
2. Drying
- Air - Dry Whenever Possible: Letting your extensions air - dry is the gentlest option. Pat the hair dry with a soft towel to remove excess moisture, then allow it to air - dry naturally. If you're in a hurry, you can use a blow - dryer on the lowest heat setting. Keep the blow - dryer at least 6 - 8 inches away from the hair to avoid heat damage.
- Avoid Rubbing the Hair: When drying with a towel, don't rub the hair vigorously, as this can cause tangling. Instead, gently squeeze and blot the hair to remove moisture.
3. Styling
- Heat Protection: If you want to use heat styling tools like curling irons or straighteners on your extensions, always apply a heat protectant spray first. This will help shield the hair from the high temperatures and reduce the risk of damage. Limit the use of heat styling tools to once or twice a week to preserve the quality of the extensions.
- Brushing: Use a wide - tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for extensions to detangle your hair. Start from the ends and work your way up slowly, gently removing any knots or tangles. Avoid using a regular brush on wet hair, as this can cause breakage.
4. Nighttime Care
- Braid or Bunch Your Hair: Before going to bed, braid your extensions or gather them into a loose ponytail. This will prevent them from tangling while you sleep. You can also use a silk or satin pillowcase, which creates less friction than a cotton pillowcase and helps keep your extensions smooth.
- Avoid Sleeping on Wet Hair: Never go to sleep with wet extensions. Wet hair is more prone to tangling and can cause the wefts to become loose or damaged. Make sure your extensions are completely dry before going to bed.
5. Maintenance Checks
- Regularly Inspect the Attachments: Check the attachment points of your extensions regularly to make sure they are secure. If you notice any loose stitches, clips, or tapes, address the issue immediately. You may need to re - sew, re - clip, or re - tape the extensions to keep them in place.
- Visit a Professional: It's a good idea to visit a professional hair stylist every few weeks for a maintenance check. They can help you keep your extensions in top condition, trim the ends if needed, and provide additional advice on caring for your specific type of extensions.