If you are thinking about getting hand-tied hair extensions for the first time, you probably have many questions. 

Don't worry! In this article, we will answer the most common questions about hand-tied hair extensions.

What are hand-tied hair extensions?

Hand-tied hair extensions are made by manually attaching hair to an extension seam. They are installed by manually attaching them to small sections of your own hair using either a special kind of cotton thread or tiny silicone-lined beads. Hand-tied wefts are thinner than machine wefts, but they actually contain more hair and also look more natural and voluminous.

Can I have hand-tied hair extensions applied?

Hand-tied extensions are a good fit for all hair types, even fragile, breakage-prone hair, because the installation process involves no glue, no heat, no melting, and no harsh chemicals. So yes! You can have hand-tied extensions applied – but for the best results, your hair needs to be at least shoulder-length and straight.

What's the cost of installing hand-tied hair extensions?

The price of your hair extensions depends on the length and amount of hair to be installed. For example, a standard order, or eight bundles, of 18-inch Hairlaya hair will cost you $436. A typical order of 22-inch hair is $668. 

The total cost of installation, including the cost of the bundles, typically ranges from $1000 to $1500. 

Shall I have a consultation before applying?

Absolutely! During the initial consultation, your hairstylist will determine what colors & length of extensions would suit you best and how many bundles to install. They will also tell you everything you need to know about the installation process and the maintenance of your hand-tied extensions. Do not skip this crucial step!

Where can I find someone to do my hand-tied extensions?

Installing hand-tied extensions requires skill and experience, so make sure you choose a certified hairstylist. Use our handy salon locator tool to find the Hairlaya certified stylist nearest to you!

How are hand-tied hair extensions applied?

Hand-tied extensions are sewn on by hand using silicone beads that are attached to sections of your hair in a way that makes them look extremely natural and distributes the weight of the wefts optimally. 

How many hand-tied wefts will I need?

If you want to add volume to your hair, you will need about 3 rows of hand-tied extensions and about 1-4 wefts per row.  

If you have thin hair, 1-2 wefts will be enough for each row, so you will need a total of 3-6 wefts for a full head installation (which is roughly a pack of extensions).

You can add more volume to the middle row with 6-10 wefts if you have medium hair, so one and a half packs should give you great results.

 If you have thick hair, you can easily use 2 full packs of wefts because your hair will be able to support the extra weight.

How long does the application take?

The application process for a full head of hand-tied extensions can take anywhere between 2 to 3 hours.

How to care for your hand-tied extensions?

If you take good care of your hand-tied extensions, you will be able to reuse them repeatedly. Protect your investment (and your natural hair!) by brushing it before washing it with a sulfate-free shampoo. Be careful not to overwash, though: once or twice a week is more than enough. If you also put your hair in a protective style before bed and always blow dry it with a good heat protectant, you will significantly extend the wear of your extensions.

Can I swim with hand-tied extensions?

Yes, you can! However, pool water can damage your hand-tied extensions, so make sure you wear a silicone swim cap.

Can I exercise with hand-tied extensions?

Of course! You can do all types of exercise with hand-tied extensions, but you might want to put your hair in a protective style for your own comfort.

Got any more questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch, and our experts will tell you everything you want to know about hand-tied extensions! 

Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.

Read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Related posts

  • How to Match and Layer Hairlaya’s Rich, Dimensional Hair Colors

    Style Guide: How to Match and Layer Hairlaya’s Rich, Dimensional Hair Colors

    Hair color isn’t just about light or dark—it’s about dimension, depth, and natural contrast. At Hairlaya, our collection of dimensional shades is designed to help stylists create movement-rich, blended looks that elevate every client’s hair game.

    In this guide, we’re highlighting how to work with some of our most popular tones—#18 Chocolate Blonde, #613 Light Blonde, #P18/1001 Honey + Platinum Piano Blend, and #P2/8 Dark Brown + Dark Blonde Piano Blend—with pro techniques, matching advice, and trending style inspo.

  • How to Style and Match Ash-Toned Hair Extensions

    Cool, Chic, and Timeless: How to Style and Match Ash-Toned Hair Extensions

    Cool never goes out of style. Ash-toned hair continues to dominate the trends for its modern, elegant, and effortlessly fresh look. From muted blondes to soft browns and ethereal silvers, Hairlaya’s ash-tone extension collection helps stylists create dream hair with seamless blends and versatile finishes.

  • The Best Hair Extensions for Short Hair: How to Add Instant Length and Volume

    The Best Hair Extensions for Short Hair: How to Add Instant Length and Volume

    Short hair, don’t care? Until you’re dreaming of mermaid waves or a voluminous bob overnight. Whether you’re growing out your cut or just want more styling freedom, extensions are your secret weapon. In this guide, we’ll break down the best Hairlaya extensions for short hair—and how to blend them flawlessly for instant transformation.