Anyone else ever look at celebrities with their thick, cascading locks and think – “my hair could NEVER”?

So not all of us are born blessed with gorgeous disney-princess hair *sigh* but that doesn’t mean we can’t get it! It’s the 21st century girl – long, thick and glamorous hair is for EVERYONE.
If you were born with hair that won’t seem to grow, or lacks volume and thickness, the answer is hair extensions!

But with so many different styles, forms and lengths of hair extensions, it can be really overwhelming to choose the best type for you. That’s what we are here for, so let us walk you through the basics, focusing on weft extensions, so you can pick your perfect match!

Weft Hair Extensions: Everything You Need to Know

100% without a doubt, the absolute best hair extensions you can get your hands on are human hair extensions. Why? They are the longest lasting, they blend with your own hair better in texture and movement, and, well, we could go on and on, but trust us (and the world’s leading hair extension specialists).

And among the vast variety of human hair extensions, weft extensions are a super popular choice. What are weft hair extensions? Weft extensions are made from real human hair (Zala ensures this is sourced ethically), sewn by hand or by machine onto a weft – which is a horizontal stripe.

Now, these do need to be applied by a hair extension specialist and there are a number of different ways this can be done. The most popular style of weft hair extension application is a weave!

This is where the specialist will create small braided rows of their client’s natural hair along the back of the head, or create “tracks” with small microbeads, and sew the weft into the track or braid. While it is quite a tedious process, it is completely painless to the client. Yes, we know the sewing needle and thread can look a little scary if you don’t know the process!

These weft extensions can last you for 3-6+ months. But you have to visit your stylist every six to eight weeks to have them moved up a bit, depending on your hair’s natural growth rate. The specialist may also need to trim them a little with each application to keep them looking healthy and full.

The best part is that weft extensions keep your hair tangle-free, unlike some other hair extension types. They stay in your hair and don’t need to be removed or applied each morning. This can save you an ample amount of time on hairstyling.

Also, since the wefts are installed with the help of tiny beads, you can rest assured that the extensions will blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Make sure to choose a color that matches your own hair’s shade for perfect blending, or have your hair extension specialist do this for you. You can also purchase a colour match wheel from the Zala website to see the shades in real-life. OR take advantage of our complimentary colour match service! You’ll also receive $5 off your order just for using the service!

Colour Wheel: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-colour-wheel-sample-all-17-zala-shades.html 

Colour match service: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/color-match-service 

If you’re wondering how to take care of your extensions, including weft extensions, the answer is simple: you must care for your extensions just like you care for your natural hair with a couple of minor differences. Minimize heat styling, and always use a protective product to reduce damage when you do heat style. As for washing, we recommend using the Zala products, which are designed specifically for getting the most out of your Zala Hair Extensions!

Grab your products here girl: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-care-products/hair-extension-brushes 

Other Hair Extension Types

Let’s take a little peek at some other types of hair extensions, so you can understand how they differ from weft extensions:

Clip-in Extensions

Clip-ins are the most popular hair extensions because they are easy to apply and remove and don’t damage your natural hair. This extension is best for women looking for a temporary fix. 

Like all other hair extensions, clip-ins come in many different lengths, volume, thickness, and color options. These hair extensions come in pieces of wefts that vary in width. You have the choice to buy ready-made clip-in hair extensions or have a set specifically customized to match your hair and preferences. 

As the name suggests, these extensions come with tiny clips that you can clip onto your hair’s roots to transform your look in a matter of minutes. 

Pros: These extensions are excellent for newbies looking to experiment with their hair without a permanent commitment. You can clip these reusable hair extensions in and out whenever you want. 

Cons: When applied to fine or very short hair, clip-in extensions could damage your natural hair if applied incorrectly or if you choose to apply too many for your hair to support.

Shop Clip-In Extensions here: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-extensions/ 

Tape-in Hair Extensions

Tape-in hair extensions come with adhesive tape on the strip. These also need to be applied by a hair extension specialist/hairdresser – so be sure your professional can provide the service before purchasing. It is crucial to align the wefts with your own hair’s roots as perfectly as possible to get the best results. 

It’s always a good idea to have the tape-in wefts installed by a professional because improper installation or removal could result in damage to your natural hair. 

Pros: Tape-ins are great for women committed to a specific hairstyle. With proper care, these semi-permanent wefts can last you around eight to ten weeks. 

Cons: Unlike clip-in extensions, you cannot reapply tape-in extensions more than two or three times. 

Shop Tape-In Extensions here: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-extensions/tape-hair-extensions/ 

Sew-in Extensions/Weaves

Weaves, or sew-in hair extensions, are applied by braiding your own hair into cornrows and then having them sewn into your hair with a needle and thread. Unlike clip-in extensions, you cannot install these extensions by yourself. You’ll have to go to your stylist to install sew-in weft extensions. The installation process is quite long, but the results are worth it!

Pros: A weave is excellent for you if you’re looking for a permanent hair solution. The extension will stay in its place until it wears out or unless you choose to take it out.

Cons: Weaves can damage your natural hair if they are applied incorrectly, or your natural hair cannot support the weight of them. Choosing your specialist carefully will help you avoid this. An experienced specialist will never compromise the health of your  natural hair. They will assess how much hair is suitable to achieve the look you desire, and advise you on the best way to make it happen!

Benefits of Weft Hair Extensions

While weft extensions are not the perfect solution for everyone, they offer many benefits for the right candidates. These include:

1. Flawless, natural-looking, and fabulous hair
2. Multiple thickness levels and lengths to choose from
3. Minimal damage to your natural hair if your hair length is medium or long
4. The liberty to experiment with different colours without settling for a permanent solution

Do not choose weft extensions if your natural hair is especially delicate and weak because it can cause further damage to your hair. Depending on your hair’s condition and hair goals, you may be better off with clip-in, halo, or other sorts of extensions. Consult your stylist for an expert opinion!

PUBLISHED 13TH OCTOBER 2021

There are many considerations to bear in mind when choosing your hair extensions. You need to think about what kind of extensions you want, the volume, the color, and the quality—and of course, the length. In fact, length is hugely important, as it makes a big difference to the end result.

Measure Your Natural Hair

You’ll receive the best results if you choose extensions that are no more than four inches longer than your natural hair since this will produce the most natural results. To measure your hair, place a measuring tape next to the middle of your ear (this is the level where you’ll install the extensions) and pull the tape to the end of your hair. If you have curly or wavy hair, you’ll need to pull your hair as straight as possible to gain an accurate measurement. Asking someone to help you can be useful!

Of course, if your hair is relatively short and you’ve been dreaming of extra-long extensions, this is still an option. Just know that your hair may not look quite as natural as when you stay within four inches of your current length. In this case, an alternative way to measure the length is to place the tape measure at the middle of your ear and mark the place where you want your hair extensions to reach.

Consider Your Height

Extensions of the same length can look quite different on two people of different heights. If you’re shorter than average, you’ll probably want to stick with extensions of between 12 and 16 inches. If you’re around average height, 20 to 24 inches is ideal. If you’re taller than average, consider 24 to 30 inches.

How You’ll Style the Extensions

The way you want to style your extensions will also impact the length you should choose. If you intend to keep extensions straight and just trim the ends at most, you’ll gain the full length of the extensions. However, if you want to layer or curl the extensions, add two inches — four inches for tight curls — as you’ll lose that much when you style the extensions.

Your Lifestyle

If you’ve always had short to medium-length hair, it may come as a surprise how much extra work having long hair is. You may find adding just a small amount of length is much more manageable. The exception to this is if you choose temporary or semi-permanent extensions and only use them on occasions. Clip-in and halo extensions are particularly quick and easy to remove, allowing you to go back to shorter hair.

Check the Before-and-After Pictures

You’ve probably seen plenty of pictures of people using hair extensions, but this doesn’t give you much idea of what the transformation is like. A better approach is to look for photos of the length you’re interested in. For instance, if you’re considering 18 inches, search for 18-inch hair extensions before-and-after images. If you think you’d like 14 inches, check 14-inch hair extensions before-and-after photos — and so on.

Choosing Length for Increasing Volume

Many people use hair extensions to increase the volume of thin hair rather than to gain length. If this is the case for you, it’s best to choose extensions that are just two inches longer than your natural hair. In addition, only add a few wefts or use low-volume extensions — adding too much volume will look unnatural.

Your Budget

If this is your first time purchasing hair extensions, you may feel like you should practice caution and opt for the shorter length you’re considering. This will allow you to save money since extensions are more expensive the longer you choose. On the flip side, it’s better to go too long than too short, as you can always trim extensions shorter, but there’s no way of gaining extra length. If there’s not much cost difference, it could be better to go with the longer option you’re considering.

Some brands of hair extensions only come in a limited number of lengths. That’s not the case at ZALA! Our hair extensions are available in seven different lengths, starting at 12 inches and going all the way to 30 inches. This allows you to achieve the exact look you want with the type of extensions you prefer. Plus, you don’t need to worry about purchasing the wrong length — our extensions come with a money-back guarantee. If you realize you need a different length when the extensions arrive, just send them back to us without removing the seal, and we’ll ship you the right length.

PUBLISHED 8TH OCTOBER 2021

Never have I ever cut my hair short and instantly regretted it… *90% of girls sip*

Ahh, it’s such a huge decision to make on an impulse, but we still do it. You wake up and decide “today is the day, I’m tired of my hair”, chop it off, and then BANG instant regret. If only growing your hair long again happened as quickly as you can say “I miss my long hair”, because chances are you’ll be saying those exact words for the next 8-12 months.

OR maybe you love your new short hair – you just want to switch it up from time to time. The right hair can make or break a cute outfit, so a gals gotta have OPTIONS.

Um, hi it’s Zala – did someone say they needed options? We’ve got them sis!

While you’re giving your hair the time (and let’s face it, the break) it needs to grow, we’ve got all the length and volume you need to serve looks all day, and you can get it instantly. Clip-in hair extensions are perfect for the babe who needs flexibility in their life. The best part is that you can experiment with so many different hairstyles with extensions for short hair! The key here is to ensure you blend the hair with your own hair!

But how long does your hair need to be for extensions? We’ll be honest – it can be pretty tough to hide the clips/bonds if you have a pixie cut, but if you have at least 6-7 inches of hair, your clip-ins can blend perfectly. And you still have the flexibility to try different styles.

Here’re our tips for applying hair extensions to short hair:

Use Thick Hair Extensions

To seamlessly transition from shorter layers to longer layers, it’s always a good idea to use thicker extensions. Remember that you will need more hair to keep those short layers from peeking through. If you have extensions with fine hair, you might want to use multiple sets to achieve your hairstyle goals. But we recommend you use one thick set of wefts, which should be enough to perfectly camouflage your short hair. 

Hide the Short Hair Peeking Out at the Back of Your Neck

The short hair peeking out at the back of your neck is a big giveaway that you’re wearing extensions. Even if your wefts and natural hair have blended to the point of perfection, some people can still tell by those baby hair strands that you have extensions in. The good news is that we’ve got a simple fix for this problem: comb out a small section at the back of your neck and pin the small hair up. You could even spray a little hairspray to keep those little hairs at bay. Also, that’s where you should put in your first extension.

Use Different Colors

You know that dyeing your natural hair in multiple colors gives it more depth. And highlights are always on trend. The best thing about human hair extensions is that they are available in multiple shades. It’s a good idea to use different colored sets and mix and match them to add more dimension to your hair, and to perfectly blend them with your own. No one’s natural hair is really just a flat colour (which is why you’ll find Zala’s extensions have a beautiful dimension to their colour). You can even create a gorgeous balayage without ever needing to bleach your hair! By doing so, you’ll also avoid the damage that otherwise comes with dyeing your hair.

If you’ve already dyed your short hair, using multiple colored wefts becomes a necessity. Be sure to pick weft sets that match the different colors in your hair and blend them together by clipping them in alternately. You’ll be amazed by the outcome!

Tease the Roots for Enhanced Hold

If your hair is on the more delicate side, it may become difficult for the clip-ins to stay attached, or the hold of the clips will be weak. It might even pull at your hair a bit.. You can fix this problem by teasing the roots a bit with a comb, then spraying a little bit of hairspray on the teased section. You don’t need to tease the entire way along your roots, just the small section that the clip will attach to. This will create a better hold, and your extensions will stay securely in place. 

Clip Them Higher Up

When wearing long extensions with short hair, you’d want to conceal the shorter layers as much as possible. One way to do this is by having the extensions sit higher on your head. This is totally perfect and helps cover your short hair layers. The long wefts, when applied higher up, will also hide the clips perfectly. So, when applying long extensions to short hair, be sure to start from the base of your neck and go up to the top of your head instead of stopping midway.

Pro Tip: Make sure the clips/bonds are still hidden, the hair on the top of the hair is typically finer (as it gets more damage from the sun). Once you’ve applied your extensions, take some photos of the back of your head (or get someone else to take them), so you can make sure those clips are hidden girl!

Add Face-Framing Layers

To blend the shorter layers of your own hair into your extensions more naturally, try using some wefts with shorter strands. While you can cut human hair wefts at home as you would do with your own hair, we recommend you go to your stylist for professional cutting. The shorter wefts will merge more seamlessly with your natural hair, creating a perfect face frame. It will also add a bit of flair to your hairstyle.

Throw in Some Curls

With straight hair, the shorter strands of your natural hair are more likely to be visible than if they were curled into each other. Straight hair is the most challenging to blend with extensions, particularly if you are going out for the night and your hair may become frizzier than the extensions!

For this reason, it’s a good idea to curl your extensions before placing them. And after clipping them on, gently curl your hair along with the wefts so they can merge together seamlessly. You can curl the top layer to make the transition look smooth and natural.

PRO TIP: You can curl the extensions BEFORE you clip them in, just clip them securely onto a coat hanger and get curling, you can also hang them back up on the hanger after wearing them, to keep the curls nice for next time.

With straight hair, the shorter strands of your natural hair are more likely to be visible than if they were curled into each other. For this reason, it’s a good idea to curl your extensions before placing them. And after clipping them on, gently curl your hair along with the wefts so they can merge together seamlessly. You can curl the top layer to make the transition look smooth and natural. 

PUBLISHED 5TH OCTOBER 2021

Whether you’re planning to buy a new car or just a tube of lipgloss, you want your investment to be worthwhile. Hair extensions are no different. If you’re spending your hard-earned money on a set of extensions, you expect them to last long enough to get your money’s worth.

So, how long do extensions last? Different kinds of extensions have different lifespans. But the good news is that you can extend your wefts’ lifespan by giving them attention and using them with care. Synthetic extensions are less likely to last as long as natural ones, but they too require care and maintenance.

Let’s have a look at how long each type of extension lasts.

Tape-In Extensions

Tape-in extensions are exactly as they sound. You have to tape them on either side of your hair by using special adhesive tape. And because they don’t use heat for attachment, they won’t damage your natural hair.

So, how long do tape-in extensions last? Typically, they’ll last anywhere between four to eight weeks. And like other extensions, the actual life expectancy of human hair tape-in extensions depends on how well you care for them.

They can last more than eight weeks with proper care, and you can reapply the same wefts up to three times! If the tape peels off, you can have them reattached by using double-sided tape.

Be sure not to brush or comb tape-in extensions when they’re wet because doing so can damage them and reduce their lifespan.

Clip-In Hair Extensions

Clip-ins are the least damaging extensions available out there. You can easily clip them into your hair and remove them whenever you want. And as stated for other sorts of extensions, clip-ins also require proper care to last longer. With good care and daily use, these extensions can last up to a year or more. But rough use can reduce their lifespan to three to six months.

Since you may not be using them every day, they can last much longer than other extension types that are usually attached to your hair until they wear out. Ideally, you should wash clip-in extensions after every 30 wears. But be careful not to brush them when they are wet, or they can break and wear out faster than they otherwise would.

Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions

Pre-bonded extensions are attached to your natural hair at the roots by a tool similar to a hot glue gun. Because they are bonded to your natural hair, you can’t just remove them every day like you could some other types. But they do look more natural.

These extensions can last up to three to four months, depending on the level of care they receive. How and how often you wash, brush, and style them will also determine their life expectancy.

Since these wefts are bonded, they have a higher maintenance cost. Also, you would need to adjust and reposition pre-bonded hair extensions from time to time since the roots of your hair will grow out.

Sew-In Extensions

Sew-in extensions work well for women with thicker hair. They are installed by braiding your natural hair into cornrows and then sewing the extensions onto the braids. Sew-ins are pretty permanent, so you cannot remove them. They can last between six to eight weeks.

Ideally, it would be best if you didn’t keep sew-in extensions for more than four months. That is because they can prevent your natural hair from growing. Make sure to moisturize your scalp and the wefts’ edges once a week to extend the extensions’ lifespan and keep them looking natural.

Micro Loop Hair Extensions

Micro loop hair extensions, also known as micro links, are installed by taking small segments of your hair and connecting tiny wefts to the roots. Though micro links may look similar to pre-bonded extensions, they don’t use heat or glue for application. Instead, they’re attached to your natural hair with tiny beads.

These extensions can last up to three to four months, depending on the level of care they get. But since the strands are attached to your hair’s roots, it is vital to use only natural products to prevent damage and increase their lifespan.

Every one of us wants extensions that last the longest. That makes sense since it is a significant investment, especially when it comes to human hair extensions. No matter which type you ultimately choose, giving your wefts extra attention and using them with care will help to ensure they last as long as possible.

PUBLISHED 28TH SEPTEMBER 2021

Girl! Life is WAY too short to wish time away waiting for your hair to GROW! It can take years (and years and years) for you to grow your hair to the length you want. Plus, if you are a little impulsive, don’t worry you’re not alone there, you may even self-sabotage and decide to cut your hair, meaning you have to start the growing process allll over again.

BUT you can have the gorgeous, flowing locks your banging personality deserves… like right now. You don’t have to wait for it sis, we’ve got you. The solution is hair extensions. And they have honestly never been easier or more accessible!

They allow you to have the length you are obsessing over at the moment, plus you can switch it up as much as you want. Long hair can be drool-worthy, but it can also be a pain in the backside – so you can have a little Hannah Montanna moment and get the best of both worlds with Zala.

Ok you’re sold, wanna know more about how they work? Read on!

Who Can Use Hair Extensions?

Virtually anyone can wear extensions! You don’t need to be an insta model, or a celebrity hair stylist, you don’t even need to be particularly skilled at styling your own hair! There are soo many types of hair extensions – some you can install yourself at home, others you take to your hairdresser to put in for you. For most types, all you need is natural hair that is long enough to attach the extensions (ie. longer than 4-5 cm). Once you have those extensions in, your hair will be instantly longer, thicker and look healthier too!

What Are the Different Types of Hair Extensions?

Alrighty, it’s decision time! With so much choice on the Zala Website – how do you know exactly which type of hair extension is right for you? Some are semi-permanent, some are temporary! The right choice for you really depends on whether you want to wear them every single day, most days, or just occasionally.

Tape-In

The most popular type of permanent hair extensions are tape-in extensions! You can purchase these beauties from our online store and take them to your hairdresser or a hair extension specialist for installation. They use tape tabs, so no heat required, and are less damaging for your hair than extensions that are glued onto your hair – which is why they are becoming super popular.

They also attach further down your hair, rather than to your roots. This means they grow out with your hair, and you’ll need to have them rebalanced/retaped every 6-8 weeks. The same extensions are used to do this, and can be reused for up to 9+ months if cared for correctly.

Tape Extensions can be purchased here: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-extensions/tape-hair-extensions 

Clip-In

Attached by a removable clip to your natural hair, clip-in extensions also prevent damage to your hair. They are slightly more versatile than tape-in extensions, as you can take them out quickly whenever you want. Clip-in extensions can last anywhere from three months to more than twelve months, depending on how often you use and care for them.

Clip in extensions can be purchased here: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-extensions/ 

Halo

The most versatile type of extensions of all are halo extensions. These are attached to an invisible wire that you place on top of your head. You can keep using the same hair extensions for about three to twelve months — perhaps more if you only wear them on occasions.

Halo extensions can be purchased here: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-extensions/halo-hair-extensions-zala-human-remy 

Microlinks

Extensions with microlinks use tiny metal tubes that attach wefts to your natural hair. They last between three and four months.

Sew-In/Weave

As the name suggests, sew-in extensions involve using a needle and thread to braid wefts into your natural hair. Once installed, they last six to eight weeks. As your hair grows, the braid will sit lower and lower on your head, making it difficult to style your hair. You will need to go back to your hairdresser to have them removed and put back in.

Flat Track

The flat track application is actually the same as a weave application, except instead of using a braid in your natural hair, microbeads are used to form a “track” and the weft is sewn into this. A flat track will sit a little flatter than a weave, as no bulky braids are used. You will still need to return to your hairdresser to have them removed and put back in after six to eight weeks.

Wefts for these options can be purchased here: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/hair-extensions/weft-bundles-weave-in-extensions 

How to Put in Hair Extensions

The process of installing hair extensions depends on the type you choose. Halo extensions are the easiest of all, taking mere seconds. Clip-in and tape-in extensions are also easy to install yourself — it’s just a matter of attaching wefts to the right place in your natural hair. If you choose fusion, pre-bonded, sew-in, or micro-link hair extensions, though, you’ll need to go to a professional hairdresser to have them applied properly. Sew-in extensions take the longest of all — sometimes as much as several hours.

Choosing the Right Hair Extensions

In addition to the type of hair extensions you want, there are a few more considerations to bear in mind to make sure you choose the right extensions.

Remy Hair

The best quality hair extensions are made from Remy human hair. They have a superior texture and appearance compared to other types of extensions. Remy means all the cuticles are facing the same way, like your natural hair cuticles do.

Volume

Always follow the recommendations about how many wefts you need. The wrong volume can make your hair look unnaturally thick or too sparse. Your hairdresser will select the right amount of tapes/weave in extensions. The beauty of clip-ins is you can use as many or as little as you need!

Color Match

Ask a professional what color extensions would match your natural hair. While some can be colored, many have already undergone coloring processes and you won’t want to overprocess the strands.

Did you know Zala has a complimentary colour match service? Get yours done now for FREE girl, PLUS you’ll get $5 off your order if you choose to make one: https://www.zalacliphairextensions.com.au/color-match-service 

Reviews

Read the reviews left by other customers before you buy. You need to be sure the company is selling high-quality extensions in the colors they promise.

The hair extensions from ZALA are made from 100% Remy human hair and come in a range of lengths and volumes, allowing you to achieve the exact look you want. To ensure you choose the same color as your natural hair, take advantage of our free color matching service before you buy.

PUBLISHED 21ST SEPTEMBER 2021