Sometimes choosing between hair extension types feels like standing in front of two beautiful, but very different, doors. Which one opens to longer-lasting results? Which one is best for your client’s hair type—or your wholesale line?
Tape-in extensions offer quicker installs and flexibility, while weft hair extensions deliver stronger hold and longer wear—but each has its pros and cons.
Whether you’re a salon owner, wholesaler, or pro stylist deciding on your next product line, this article will give you the clarity to make the right call.
What Are Weft Hair Extensions?
When your clients need durable, luxurious length, wefts are a top-tier choice. But that doesn’t mean they’re right for every situation.
Weft extensions are horizontal tracks of hair sewn or sealed together at the top, typically applied using sewing (braided), beading, or gluing methods.
Understanding the Weft Category
Let’s break it down into more detail, because not all wefts are created equal:
Types of Weft Extensions
| Weft Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Weft | Thick seam, highly durable, best for double-row installations | Coarse or dense hair |
| Hand-Tied Weft | Ultra-thin, tied by hand, lays flat against the scalp | Fine to medium hair, invisible results |
| Genius Weft | Cuttable, seamless, no return hair | Clients with sensitive scalps or fine hair |
| Flat Weft | Hybrid between machine and hand-tied | Stylists who want flexibility and ease |
Wefts are versatile. They allow custom installations, from full head volume to spot-coverage for thickness.
What Are the Cons of Weft Extensions?
While they’re strong and durable, wefts are not always beginner-friendly:
- Installation takes longer. Especially hand-sewn techniques.
- Some tension risk. If applied incorrectly, they may stress the scalp.
- Not ideal for ultra-fine hair. May slip or be too heavy without proper anchoring.
- Maintenance requires skill. Regular tightening and check-ins are a must.
How Much Do Wefts Typically Cost?
For salons and professionals, cost is a strategic factor:
- Wholesale: $200–$300 per 100g of full cuticle weft hair, depending on the length and grade.
- Retail: $300–$600+ installed (including stylist service fees).
- Reusability: About 1 year with proper care (full cuticle quality like Hibiscus Hair offers longer reuse).
When budgeting, don’t just think about purchase price—consider lifespan, reusability, and client satisfaction.
What Are Tape In Hair Extensions?
If speed and flexibility matter most in your service flow, tape-ins deserve your attention.
Tape-in extensions use pre-taped hair strips installed using a “sandwich” method—one piece above and one below the natural hair strand.
Why Stylists Love Them
- Install in less than an hour
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Perfect for clients who want temporary length or volume
- Easy to re-tape and reapply
Popular Tape-In Types
| Tape-In Type | Features | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Tape | Widely used, affordable, reusable | General salon services |
| Invisible/Injection | Hair injected into PU for scalp-like appearance | Hairline areas or discreet installs |
| Wide Tape | Stronger hold, more hair per section | Quick installs and long-lasting wear |
What Are the Cons of Tape-In Extensions?
Every system has trade-offs. With tape-ins, keep these in mind:
- Tapes can slip if not installed on clean, dry hair
- Avoid heavy oils. Oils and serums near the tape degrade the bond
- Shorter lifespan. Typically last 6–8 weeks per install, even with great care
- May show under thin hair. Unless you choose invisible tape types
How Much Do Tape-Ins Typically Cost?
- Wholesale: $200–$300per 100g for full cuticle tape-in sets.
- Retail: $250–$500+ installed
- Maintenance: Every 6–8 weeks move-up, re-tape every 2–3 uses
In markets like the USA, where stylists charge for service and hair separately, tape-ins offer attractive margins for salons and online stores.
Are Tape or Weft Extensions Better?
Let’s break down the wefts vs tape-ins question by comparing the key factors that matter to professionals like you.
Comparison Table: Weft vs Tape In Hair Extensions
| Factor | Weft Extensions | Tape-In Extensions |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Time | 1.5–3 hours | 45–60 minutes |
| Skill Level | Intermediate to advanced | Beginner to intermediate |
| Longevity | 6–10 weeks per install, reusable up to 2 years | 6–8 weeks per install, reusable 2–3 times |
| Comfort | Seam can be bulky if not placed correctly | Lays flat and light on the scalp |
| Hair Type Fit | Best for medium to thick hair | Works well for most types, esp. fine hair |
| Reusability | Very high with full cuticle quality | Moderate; tape weakens after reuse |
Which One Should U Choose?
- Salon owners: Wefts offer professional value, perfect for branding owners.
- Mobile stylists or newer techs: Tape-ins provide speed and simplicity.
- Wholesalers and brands: Offer both to serve different segments. Tape-ins sell better online. Wefts shine in salon settings.
Do the Kardashians Use Tape In Extensions?
Yes, and more. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian often use a mix of extension types—tape-ins for fullness around the face and wefts or keratin tips for long-term density. The key is blending methods for the perfect red carpet look.
Are Tape-Ins Cheaper Than Wefts?
On same quality hair, yes. Tape-ins are cheaper upfront,because of the fast installation. But wefts need longer time to install and move up, so the labor cost is higher than tape in hair.
Are Wefts Bad for Thin Hair?
Not necessarily—but it depends on the installation method. Hand-tied wefts or genius wefts work well on fine hair when applied with care. Machine wefts, on the other hand, may be too bulky or cause traction stress.
Who Should Choose What?
| Client Type | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Fine Hair Client | Tape-ins or hand-tied wefts |
| Thick Hair Client | Machine wefts or genius wefts |
| Temporary Glam Client | Tape-ins or halo extensions |
| Long-Term Wear Client | Sewn-in wefts or keratin tips |
| Online Buyers (No stylist) | Tape-ins or clip-ins |
| Salon Owner Offering Volume | Full weft catalog + tape-in starter sets |
FAQs
Q: Can I sleep with tape-in extensions?
A: Yes, just tie your hair in a loose braid to avoid tangling.
Q: How often should I move up my wefts?
A: Every 6–8 weeks depending on your client’s hair growth.
Q: Are full cuticle wefts really better?
A: Absolutely. They reduce tangling, hold color better, and can be reused for up to 1 year.
Q: Do I need heat to install tape-ins?
A: No, they’re pre-taped and require no heat tools—just clean prep and proper pressure.
Q: Is wide tape better than regular tape?
A: Wide tape offers a stronger hold and faster installs. It’s ideal for thicker or longer wear clients.
My Opinion
We’ve produced with both systems for hundreds of wholesalers and get feedbacks. If you’re building a professional brand, I recommend starting with hand-tied or genius wefts for luxury and longevity, especially when sourcing full cuticle hair from factories like ours. But tape-ins remain a strong performer in e-commerce and quick-service salon models.
At Hibiscus Hair, we manufacture both systems using 100% full cuticle, single-donor hair, meaning both types can serve different markets without compromising quality. If your business targets loyal salon clients, build with wefts. If you’re growing retail or online, tape-ins are your low-barrier entry product.
Conclusion
Both wefts and tape-ins have their place. The best choice depends on your business model, target clients, and technical expertise. Choose wisely—and always choose quality.
Hibiscus Hair Manufacturer has been dedicated to producing high-quality hair extensions for 25 years and is a recognized leader in the industry. If you are interested in finding a reliable hair extensions supplier and wholesale for your brand, please visit our website for more information:
HAIR WEFT
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