My Experience with Natural Beaded Weft Hair Extensions

Hello everyone!

So, it’s no secret that I have not been blessed by the hair gods. I have very fine hair and not very much of it, so having long, amazing hair has always been my dream. After taking what seems like millions of Biotin pills and my hair growing longer but not thicker, I decided to try extensions.

Initially, I tried the individual beads hair extension technique and I really loved it. However, when I started losing my hair after having Diego, I decided to take them out and give my hair a break. After a couple of sad months without having extensions, I met Tara, the owner of Hainsworth and Co, an AZ-based salon. She started doing my hair and we decided to put extensions in using a new technique that would not be hard on my hair. She specializes in natural beaded weft extensions, so I decided to give them a try and have been in love ever since!

Take a look at the video below to find out how the process works, how long it takes, and how to properly take care of your extensions. I also had Tara answer a couple of common questions about the process in an interview below the video. Check it out!

Q+A with Tara of Hainsworth and Co

If you’re anything like me, I like to do my research before starting any new beauty treatment, haha! So to help you out, I’ve asked Tara to answer some common questions regarding hair extensions.


What are hair extensions?

Hair extensions extend your natural length and create fullness in your hair by adding hair to your hair. There are many different types of hair (ex. 100% human hair, Remy hair, synthetic hair, wigs, I-tips, wefts, hand-tied wefts etc.) and many different methods to be used when adding it to your hair (ex. hand-tied, natural beaded wefts, tape ins, keratin bonded etc.)


Why are they safe to use?

They CAN be … there are many things you need to consider before choosing the method you want to try, as well as the stylist you want to have install them and help you care for them. The method needs to be a good fit for your type of hair… something that will cause the least amount of stress to your hair. But I can not stress to you enough that the stylist you hire to install them needs to be an even better fit. Someone who will teach you how to care for them and be safe with the hair that’s attached to them.


Who are hair extensions for?

  • Someone who is looking to invest in their hair
  • Someone looking for more length and fullness
  • Someone who may want to elevate their color
  • Someone who is willing and capable of listening to instructions
  • Someone who is willing to put a little extra time into their hair

What’s the best way to care for your hair extensions? Is it safe to use heat on them?

There are SO many tricks. To name a few:

  • Only do heat styling ONCE a wash cycle
  • Sleeping with your hair in a loose braid
  • Sleeping on a silk pillowcase
  • Regularly check in with your stylists as well as never miss a tightening appointment

What brand of hair extensions is the best?

There are many brands. Honestly, quality is everything. I never recommend going cheap for this service/hair. Whoever you choose to hire for your extensions will make sure to use a type of hair that they trust. If you trust them then you should trust the hair they use. (Never bring your own hair from Sally’s). If they have you buy your own hair, I’d be inclined to encourage you to find a new stylist. (That’s my personal opinion though). Just remember it’s more about the stylist than the hair itself.


What are some products you’d recommend to use with these extensions?

I’m obsessed with UNITE, it’s all I use in the salon and our customers are so happy with the help they provide. 7 Seconds Leave in Detangler, Smooth & Shine, U-Oil. These are the 3 products I send my extension customers home with. They are key and a must.

You can shop Tara’s favorite products in the picture below.

P.S. If you have tried any other techniques that you love, let me know in the comments below!

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8 Comments

  1. Jade
    August 21, 2018 / 11:25 am

    I’m curious to know what brand of extensions you are using and where I might find quality natural beaded wefts?

    Thank you!

    • August 21, 2018 / 1:01 pm

      Hi!!! I am not sure what brand Tara uses but you can reach out to her on Instagram @thetarahair !

      Thank you for stopping by the blog!

  2. Jessica Siegel Tamis
    October 5, 2018 / 4:14 am

    I am Just reading your eyelash blog and that is totally me, but I also did clip on extensions and lost my hair. I heard braided ones u lose your hair as well. I love hair extensions but I have just lost so much hair and they are clips and I use only 1x a week. So between this and eyelashes I am taking a big break!

    • October 5, 2018 / 5:31 pm

      Hi!!!! i completely understand what you are saying! My hair is so fine that I get traumatized everytime I lose some! However this type of extensions has not damaged my fine hair. I got them after I started losing a lot of hair after having my son and I still have them and love them so much!

  3. Kasey
    December 31, 2018 / 2:04 pm

    Just stumbled across this… what are your thoughts on beaded extensions and using hot air brushes for styling? Dangerous for the wefts? Useless in general?
    Also… dry shampoo and beaded extensions—yes? No?
    Thank you so much!

    • Tara Hainsworth
      January 1, 2019 / 3:35 pm

      Hi Kasey! Tara here, I wanted to get some info to you about this question, when it comes to heat styling extension hair its completely fine, however (just like your own hair) be sure to use heat protection products both while you hair is wet as well as when using a second form of heat on dry hair like curling irons etc… constant professional quality heat protection products are key to helping your hair last the full amount of time as well are protect your hair in the mix.

      And as far as dry shampoo, that’s fine as well just be sure not to use too much. Dry shampoo is known for drying out your scalp and soaking up too many of the natural oils you need to naturally moisturize your hair.

      My recommendations for the products I mentioned above,
      UNITE 7 Seconds Detangling spray (wet heat protectant)
      UNITE 7 Seconds Glossing Spray (dry heat protectant)
      UNITE 7 Seconds Refreshing Spray (dry shampoo)

      Hope this helps. 🙂

      • Nikki
        February 28, 2019 / 9:37 pm

        Tara,
        I’ve been tossing around extensions for a while now and my hair dresser has just told me about the beaded weft but some videos I’ve watched they are sewn in, this video does not look like you are doing any sew in, is that correct and what brand do you use? I’m so scared of damaging my hair.

  4. Cassi
    March 19, 2019 / 5:24 pm

    Hi! Do you know about much hair you had put in? As in weight as well as how many wefts? I have super fine hair as well, but I am wondering if 2 (I’m mixing colors) half wefts (3 pieces and 60gs each…so 6 pieces- 120g total) will be ok….or not enough…. or too much.

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