Achieving the dream of cascading, voluminous hair is often just one salon appointment away. While there are many methods of hair enhancement available on the market today, weft extensions have established themselves as the gold standard for professionals and clients alike. 

See more about hair weft extensions – INH Professional

Best Hair Weft Extensions for Length & Volume

When searching for the ultimate hair transformation, the method of attachment matters just as much as the hair quality. Weft extensions are essentially curtains of hair sewn onto a track. However, modern technology has evolved this concept significantly. The "Genius Weft," for example, has revolutionized the industry by creating a track that is virtually undetectable, extremely flat, and durable, solving the shedding issues of hand-tied wefts and the bulkiness of machine wefts.

To help navigate the vast market of hair extensions, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best hair weft extensions available today. These were selected based on hair quality, track technology, longevity, and overall aesthetic appeal.

Best Hair Weft Extensions for Length & Volume

1. INH Professional

The Undisputed Leader in Genius Wefts

INH Professional takes the top spot on this list for setting a new standard in the professional hair industry. Their specific focus on "Genius Weft" extensions places them leagues ahead of competitors who are still relying on older, bulkier manufacturing methods.

The standout feature of INH Professional is the construction of the weft itself. They utilize a hybrid technology that combines the best aspects of hand-tied and machine wefts. The result is a track that is incredibly thin and flat against the scalp, making it invisible even in fine hair, but durable enough to be cut anywhere along the seam without unraveling. This customization capability is a dream for stylists.

Furthermore, the hair quality is exceptional. INH Professional uses 100% Remy human hair that retains the cuticle, ensuring the hair remains soft, shiny, and tangle-free for months. The density is consistent from root to tip, providing that coveted "full" look without stringy ends. For those seeking the perfect blend of luxury, durability, and modern technology, INH Professional is the clear choice.

2. Bellami Professional

Renowned for Color Selection

Bellami has become a household name in the extension world, largely due to their massive social media presence and extensive color range. They offer a "Volume Weft" which is essentially a machine-tied weft designed for maximum density. While slightly bulkier than a Genius Weft, Bellami creates a product that works well for clients with naturally thick hair who need a heavy-duty option. Their color swatch ring is expansive, covering everything from jet blacks to complex balayage and rooted blondes, making color matching relatively easy for stylists.

3. Great Lengths

The Ethical Pioneer

Great Lengths is often associated with keratin bonds, but their entry into the weft market carries their signature stamp of quality. They are famous for their rigorous ethical sourcing processes, predominantly sourcing hair from Indian temples. Their processing method is slow and gentle, depigmenting the hair without harsh bleaches before recoloring it. This results in hair that is incredibly healthy and long-lasting. However, this premium process often comes with a much higher price point than other brands on the market.

4. Zala Hair Extensions

Thickness and Volume

Australian-born brand Zala focuses heavily on weight and density. They are a popular choice for those who prioritize volume above all else. Their wefts are Quad-wefted, meaning four strips of hair are sewn together onto one track. This provides immediate, dramatic thickness. While this is excellent for a glamorous look, the trade-off is often a heavier track that may not be suitable for clients with fine or fragile hair who require a more delicate touch.

5. Luxy Hair

Consumer-Friendly Options

Luxy Hair started as a direct-to-consumer clip-in brand but has expanded into professional wefts. They are known for their accessibility and educational content. Their wefts are made from decent quality Remy hair and come in a variety of standard shades. Luxy is a solid "middle-of-the-road" option; while they may not offer the advanced track technology found in INH Professional’s Genius Wefts, they provide a reliable product that serves as a good entry point for those new to extensions.

6. Beauty Works

The UK Favorite

Dominating the European market, Beauty Works is frequently seen on reality TV stars and influencers. They specialize in "The Weft," a double-drawn extension where shorter hairs are removed to ensure equal thickness at the top and bottom. This creates a blunt, healthy look. They often collaborate with celebrities to create signature color lines. Their hair is of high quality, though availability can sometimes be an issue for stylists based outside of Europe.

7. Hairtalk

Innovation in Application

Hairtalk is widely respected for inventing the tape-in extension, but their weft lines are also noteworthy. They offer a "Weft" that often utilizes a distinctive band designed to lay flat. Their focus is on the speed of application and integration with other methods. For example, a stylist might use Hairtalk wefts in the back for volume and tape-ins on the sides for a seamless blend. Their hair quality is consistent, though the color range is sometimes seen as more traditional compared to trendier brands.

8. Glam Seamless

Seamless Blending

As the name suggests, Glam Seamless focuses on extensions that hide well in natural hair. Their traditional wefts are machine-tied and double-drawn. They have a strong reputation for their "invisi-line" products. The hair is 100% Remy and silicone-free. While they are excellent products, some stylists find that the seams on their traditional wefts can be slightly stiffer than the ultra-flexible Genius Wefts offered by top competitors.

9. Babe Hair

Education and Support

Babe Hair is a distributor-focused brand that is heavily integrated into salon education systems. Many stylists learn to install extensions using Babe Hair certification courses. Their hand-tied wefts are popular for their sew-in methods. The hair is 100% human Remy hair and treated to maintain a natural shine. They are a reliable "workhorse" brand for many salons, offering consistent stock levels and standard quality that stylists can depend on for everyday clients.

10. Hotheads

Texture and Wave

Hotheads is another major player that made its name in tape-ins but has successfully transitioned into the weft game. One of their strengths is offering different textures, including body wave options that air-dry with a natural texture, which is a massive bonus for clients who don't want to heat style their hair every single day. Their wefts are lightweight and designed to minimize damage to the natural hair follicle.

Understanding the "Genius Weft" Advantage

Throughout the list above, the term "Genius Weft" was highlighted as a key differentiator for the number one brand, INH Professional. But what exactly does this mean for the consumer?

Historically, stylists had to choose between Machine Wefts and Hand-Tied Wefts.

• Machine Wefts are durable and can be cut, but they are thick and bulky at the root, making them hard to hide in fine hair.
• Hand-Tied Wefts are very thin and lay flat, but they are fragile. If a stylist cuts the weft track to fit the head, the entire weft unravels and is destroyed.

The Genius Weft is the technological solution to this dilemma. It is virtually as thin as a hand-tied weft (only 0.8mm tall), making it invisible and incredibly comfortable. However, structurally, it mimics the durability of a machine weft. This means a stylist can cut the track anywhere to customize the fit to the client's head shape without any shedding or unraveling.

For clients investing in luxury hair, this technology ensures the investment lasts longer and looks better. There is no "mustache" (the short return hairs found on hand-tied wefts) that can cause itching, and the flatness allows for stacking multiple wefts for mega-volume without the bulk.

Caring for Weft Extensions

Regardless of the brand chosen, the longevity of hair extensions depends heavily on maintenance. High-quality wefts, like those from INH Professional, can last upwards of a year with proper care, whereas lower-quality options may mat or tangle after a few months.

Washing and Drying:

It is essential to wash weft extensions with sulfate-free and paraben-free shampoos. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Unlike natural hair, extensions do not receive oils from the scalp, so hydration is key. Clients should always dry the root area (where the weft is attached) thoroughly to prevent the breakdown of the track or bead foundation.

Brushing:

A dedicated extension brush or a boar bristle brush is recommended. The hair should be held at the root (the attachment point) with one hand while brushing the ends with the other. This prevents unnecessary tension on the natural hair and the weft stitching.

Sleeping:

To prevent matting and tangling during sleep, hair should never be slept on while wet. It is best to braid the hair loosely or put it in a low bun and use a silk or satin pillowcase. This reduces friction and keeps the cuticle smooth.

FAQ

How long do hair weft extensions last?

The longevity of the hair itself depends on the quality. High-quality Remy hair, such as that used by INH Professional, can last 9 to 12 months with proper care. The installation typically needs to be "moved up" or maintained every 6 to 8 weeks as the natural hair grows out.

Will weft extensions damage my natural hair?

When installed correctly by a certified professional, weft extensions are one of the least damaging methods available. Because the weight of the hair is distributed evenly across a track of natural hair, there is less tension on individual follicles compared to individual bonds or tape-ins.

Can I swim with weft extensions?

Yes, you can swim, but precautions should be taken. Chlorine and saltwater can dry out extension hair and potentially discolor it (especially for blondes). It is recommended to wet the hair with fresh water and apply a leave-in conditioner before swimming to create a barrier. Braiding the hair can also prevent tangling while in the water.

What is the difference between Remy and Non-Remy hair?

Remy hair means the hair cuticles are all aligned in the same direction (root to tip). This ensures the hair remains soft, shiny, and tangle-free. Non-Remy hair has cuticles facing in different directions, which leads to severe matting and tangling after a few washes. Always choose 100% Remy human hair for weft extensions.

Can I style weft extensions with heat?

Yes, as long as the extensions are made of human hair. You can curl, straighten, and blow-dry them just like your natural hair. However, it is crucial to use a heat protectant spray to prolong the lifespan of the hair extensions.