Hand Tied Extensions: A Complete Guide Before You Book
Hand tied extensions are rows of human hair wefts sewn by hand onto a secure row in your own hair. You choose one, two or three rows, and your stylist removes and reinstalls them about every eight to ten weeks. They suit guests who want fullness or length every day, color blended and shaped to match their own hair.
Key takeaways
- One row adds fullness, two rows add length and volume, and three rows are for a big change.
- We use Orah, Muse and IBE One hair: ethically sourced, double drawn, cuticle intact human hair.
- Your first reinstall comes at about eight weeks, then usually every eight to ten weeks.
- Every extension journey starts with our online extension form and a consultation.
How do hand tied extensions actually work?
Your stylist builds a secure row in your natural hair, then sews thin wefts of extension hair onto it by hand. The weight spreads along the whole row instead of sitting on tiny sections, which is why the method is gentle on your scalp. Your own hair falls over the row and hides it.
We work with the Invisible Bead Extensions method, a hand tied approach built around the health of your hair and scalp. We find it comfortable, flexible and hard to spot. As your hair grows, the row moves down, so your stylist takes it out and reinstalls it close to your scalp again. Learn more on our hand tied extensions page.
How many rows will I need?
The number of rows depends on how much change you want and how thick your hair is now. One row is mostly about fullness, with a little length. Two rows add noticeable length and volume. Three rows are for mermaid length goals, thick hair or a full transformation.
Your specialist confirms the right number at your consultation after checking your density. Thicker hair often needs more rows to blend at the ends, while fine hair may do best with fewer.
| Rows | What it adds | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|
| One row | Density, plus one to two inches of length | Thicker, fuller hair |
| Two rows | Three to four inches of length, with volume | Noticeable length |
| Three rows | Mermaid length and major volume | Thick hair or a full transformation |
What kind of hair do you use?
We use luxury extension hair from Orah, Muse and IBE One. We chose these brands for quality and longevity. The hair is ethically sourced, double drawn, silicone free and cuticle intact, and it's all human hair. Double drawn means the ends are nearly as thick as the top, so your hair doesn't look thin at the bottom.
You can pick eighteen or twenty two inch lengths, in straight or wavy and curly textures. Our shade collection covers dimensional blondes, soft brondes and rich brunettes, and colors can be custom mixed. At install, your stylist color blends the extensions into your own dimension.
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What happens between my first question and install day?
You fill out a form, meet with a specialist, then come back for your install. It starts with the online extension form, which tells us your goals before we meet. Your extension consultation covers your hair, scalp, shade and plan, and it's credited toward your service when you move forward that day.
Your custom hair is chosen at the consultation, so install day is a separate visit. The steps below show the full path.
Your path to hand tied extensions
- Fill out the extension form Share your goals online so we can prepare ideas for your hair.
- Meet your specialist At your consultation, we check your hair and scalp, match shades and build your plan.
- Install day Relax while your rows go in, then your stylist color blends, shapes and styles.
- First reinstall At about eight weeks, we move your rows up and set your maintenance schedule.
- Ongoing care Most guests return every eight to ten weeks, depending on growth and home care.
How long will my extension hair last?
With gentle home care and recommended products, extension hair typically lasts eight to twelve months. Blonde hair is more delicate and usually lasts six to nine months. The same hair is removed and reinstalled at every maintenance visit, so most guests add new hair only once or twice a year.
Home care makes the biggest difference. Brushing with support at the base, daily oil on dry ends and never sleeping on wet hair all stretch the life of your hair. Our guide to caring for hand tied extensions walks through every habit.
Are hand tied extensions a good fit for me?
They're a good fit if you want fuller or longer hair every day and can keep up with regular reinstalls. They're built to stay in day and night. If you'd rather take your extensions off when you want, a halo may suit you better. We compare the two in halo vs hand tied extensions.
Your price depends on rows, length, texture and your specialist, and it includes the hair, install, shaping, styling and a home care guide. See our Service Menu for current pricing.
Questions guests ask about hand tied extensions
Do hand tied extensions feel heavy?
Most guests adjust within a few days. Because the hair is spread along a row instead of bunched in small bonds, the weight sits evenly. The first night can feel different, so plan a loose braid for sleep. If anything pulls or feels sore after that, text the salon so we can take a look.
Can people see where the rows are?
Not when they're placed and blended well. Rows sit under a section of your own hair, and your stylist blends and shapes the extension hair into your cut. Your hair needs to cover the row, which is one reason the consultation checks your density and how you part your hair.
Can I wear my hair up with hand tied extensions?
Often, yes. Low ponytails, braids and loose buns usually work well. High, tight styles can show a row or add tension, depending on your density and where your rows sit. Ask your stylist to show you which styles suit your install before you leave.
Can I heat style hand tied extensions?
Yes, with a heat protectant and moderate heat. It's human hair, so curling and straightening work the way they do on your own hair. High heat dries it out faster and shortens its life, so turn your tools down and use salon recommended products.
What happens to my extension hair at each reinstall?
Your stylist removes the rows, then reinstalls the same hair higher, close to your scalp again. That hair goes back in until it's worn out and ready to replace. Reinstall visits include curl styling. Please arrive with clean hair so the row can go in snug and secure.
Ready to start?
Fill out our online extension form, and our team will guide you from there. Questions first? Text the salon anytime.