5 Things You Must Know About Hand-Tied Extensions

It’s no wonder why hair extensions have been the go-to solution for many women looking to make their hair look the best.

Hair extensions are just too adaptable and versatile to be ignored. With it, you can change your hair length, color, style, and texture in a matter of seconds.

In addition to that, there are also different hair extension installation methods to choose from depending on what you want to achieve, your hair type, and what you’re comfortable with.

In the US and many other countries, for example, the most popular techniques are clip-ins and sew-ins, although hand-tied hair extensions are quickly gaining popularity and becoming the number one option for hair lovers and stylists due to the tremendous advantages it has over other types of extensions.

You may have heard or read about hand-tied hair extensions and the advantages it has over other techniques, and you’re looking to give them a try.

However, you’re unsure because so many questions in your head are left unanswered.

How much do quality hand-tied hair extensions cost? How long do they last?

How much does the installation cost, and how long should I expect to spend in the salon for an appointment?

Can I DIY the installation?

Relax. We’ve provided all the answers to 5 of the most asked questions in this article.

After reading the article to the end, you’ll be able to decide if a hand-tied extension is a right fit for you.

But first, let’s start by explaining what hand-tied extensions are.

What Are Hand-Tied Extensions?

If you’re familiar with the beaded weft technique, then you already have an idea of what hand-tied extensions are like.

Similar to the beaded weft technique, hand-tied extensions include a stylist attaching beads to a row of a client's natural hair.

The procedure is perfect for individuals who want to lengthen and add volume in a way that looks natural without overstretching their hair or scalp.

1. Do Hand-Tied Extensions Work Well With All Hair Types?

Yes, it does. From wavy to curly to thin to straight, and any other hair type, hand-tied extensions will work perfectly well.

Hand-tied is more suited for persons with straight to wavy hair textures since the beads will lay flatter against the scalp, and detangling may be done more closely to the root, right below the beads.

However, sometimes, tape-ins, clip-ins, or sew-ins may be more advisable depending on the state of your natural hair at that particular time and what is going to look more natural with it.

2. How Are They Installed?

Most people ask this question because they’d like to know if they can install hand-tied hair extensions themselves in the convenience of their home.

Well, the answer is YES, you can, but it’s advisable to leave it to professionals.

Unlike clip-ins, hand-tied extension installation can be a bit tricky. Doing it incorrectly may cause damage to your natural hair in the long term.

However, a stylist who is trained in this technique will know how to mix your hair correctly, how many wefts you'll need, and the ideal takedown technique.

Leaving it to the professionals to have them installed correctly will not only guarantee that they will look excellent and stay longer on your head, but it will also help you maintain the quality of your hair.

If you're interested in becoming a certified hand-tied extension installer yourself or for your team, you can check out and sign up for an industry recognized certification program here.

3. How Much Do They Cost To Install?

The price is not set in stone anywhere.

The installation fee will depend on your region, hair objectives, and what the salon you’re using perceives as the appropriate amount to charge.

However, the average starting price is $200 – excluding the cost of the hair.

As for the hair price, the price also varies by brand, with most brands setting their starting price between $145 to $399.

At first, that starting price may seem on the high side for some people, but it's suddenly perceived as fair when you consider the fact that the hair can be reused for up to six to eight months.

The major concern for most people is that most hand-tied extensions brands sell by the bundles, which may contain five or more wefts per bundle and a price tag of up to $500.

However, some brands like Foxtail Hand-Tied are solving these problems for customers by giving them the freedom to order by the weft in whatever color mixture they want, at a starting price of just $40 per weft and 50% off on all purchases for certified stylists.

This is so remarkable because it helps clients and stylists save more money and eliminates waste and unnecessary inventories that tie money down.

To illustrate further, consider a person with a volume objective. You may already have relatively voluminous hair, but you just want to increase the volume a little bit. 

In that case, you will only need about 2 to 3 wefts, and the remaining weft in a bundle of 5 may end up becoming unnecessary, go to waste or become unnecessary inventories that tie money down. 

The same goes for people with fine hair that may need up to 8 or 12 wefts to achieve their hair volume goal but are forced to buy more than needed.

4.   How Much Does Maintenance Cost?

The maintenance cost normally decreases with time. It costs $100 to push up (also known as tighten) one row, and the cost rises in proportion to the number of rows that require adjustment.

5. How Long Do They Last?

Typically, hand-tied extensions often need to be retightened or replaced after six to nine weeks.

That time will be majorly determined by how quickly your hair grows and how well you take care of it.

However, for the hand-tied hair extensions themselves, if properly maintained, they should last longer and may often be reused for six to eight months.

To ease the stress on the scalp, make sure you schedule the appropriate maintenance sessions. Your hair won't experience too much stress when it grows out if they are moved up and removed at the appropriate time.

It is also advisable to carry out adequate detangling, cleaning, and moisturizing of your hair even while wearing hand-tied extensions.

Avoid using sulfates and always remember to apply a heat protectant while heating up your hair to minimize damage to your extensions' split ends.

Now that you’ve known all of these, will you be giving hand-tied extensions a try?