I'm new to hair extensions and would like to put some in.  I can't afford to have it done at a salon so my friend (who usually cuts my hair but isn't a stylist by any formal training) is going to try and put them in for me.  First time for her and first time for me.  We were going to try the weave method as it seems to be the least expensive and lasts the longest (from what I've read).  I've been trying to find out ways on how to do this online but I haven't found any HOW-TO videos or directions.  Can anyone direct me to a site or give me directions with photos on how to do this?  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

:)  I'm so excited.  I've always wanted long hair and now maybe I will be able to get some.

Here are a couple pictures of a client I did. Hopefully they will give you a general idea.

Most people will do 2-3 rows. Above is an example of one row. This client wanted 2 rows total so this was the first row I put in.

Start at the temple and make a tiny french braided cornrow(an inside out french braid) to the center back of the head and then rubber band it. Next, do the same from the other side. Both braids should meet in the back and then a third rubber band is used to band the two braids together. Now sew your wefts on to it. I usually double up on the wefts per row so there are actually two strips of hair sewed on to each row. For some clients with really thick hair I'll even do three rows of wefts on the bottom row.

After I finished this row I did one more about 1 1/2" above this row.

If you were to do 3 rows, the row shown above would likely be the middle row and the first one would be below it.

Make sure you get quality hair and I suggest getting a C-shaped weaving needle and weaving thread which I sell in my online shop for under $2

You can also glue the wefts in if this seems like too much for you. I suggest using Liquid Gold for that method.

~Kristin

Kristin - that seems like a really cool method with minimal damage.  How long does it normally last for?  Are you restricted in terms of hairstyles you can wear (i.e. ponytails)?  What is the cost?  Thanks!

K

Hi there,

This client has extremely thick hair so the little rubberbanded area in the back is probably a little bigger than the average. You sew the hair right over the little ponytail. It will lay down a lot flatter after 2-3 washes.

This method takes me about 35-45min per row, but it took me 1 hour per row when I was still learning. The rows last for a good amount of time, typically 4-8 weeks. I've had this method on myself many times with no damage what so ever.

As for style restrictions, It's similar to any glued in wefts and some individual instally. I can still wear my hair in a ponytail but not a high one. Usually the middle back of my head is as high as my ponytails get no matter which method I have in.

I charge my clients $50 per row to have the hair installed and then they need to buy the hair. All of my clients buy the Bohyme hair from me and they'll keep reusing it. I have one girl that has had the same Bohyme hair for about a 9 months now. Typiclly my clients will only need new hair if they change their hair color or if they have trimmed it shorter and they wish to go long again. Costs for the stylist are $2 and you can do a many heads for that.

~Kristin

http://www.drlocks.net - www.drlocks.net  has a video that will show you how to weave the extensions. I think it is like 30 bucks.

http://drlocks.net/cart/doctored-locks-video-series-weaves-p-92.html - http://drlocks.net/cart/doctored-locks-video-series-weaves-p -92.html  

it shows 2 extension techniques and shows how to cornrow.

Hi Kristin,

Thank you so much for the photo/illustration and step by step instructions.  Very very helpful!  We were looking at it, and it just might be doable.  Just a few questions.  What kind of sewing pattern did you use?  Such an elementary question but I'm just not sure how to do the sewing?  How do you know when you're done sewing, when it's tightly attached?  And how much hair did you use for one row?  I guess I don't know how much hair to order?  If it comes in 4 oz sizes...how many do I need for each row?

So all I really need is the needle, hair, and thread right? 

P.S.  Wish you lived closer to Illinois so I can get my hair done by you.  Those photos on your webpage look great!

Aseya: Awe thanks I'm flattered   I've never had any troubles or heard of anyone having troubles washing, drying, or keeping them smelling nice. When I shower I wash as usual and when I get out I pin up all the hair above the bottom row, brush out the bottom row and any of your own hair that's under it. Then I bring down the next row and do the same, continue until everything is dry. Most of the time I air dry my hair though, I brush out the rows one at a tip and then I'm ready to go. I Have more pictures but I'll need to look them up, I'll get back to you on that. They look beautiful when done correctly and don't differ too much from individuals.

Green:

Depending on the look you are going for you will probably need 4-6oz of hair If you have very thick hair you may want 5-6oz. I typically do all of my clients with one pack of hair (4oz). You can mix the colors too. If I have a client with weaved color I get two colors of hair and use one strip of each per row. How much hair you use per row depends on how long your braid is, no one is the same. Just use some clips and pin it around your head before you cut it or sew it. Just start sewing on one side and end at the other, that's it.

I use the "blanket stich" to sew it on. Here's a picture I found online:

*edit* the picture didn't show up. Just search blanke stich on yahoo or google. 

Just imagine the top of the weft is in the middle of that picture.

~Kristin