Machine Sewn Weft vs Genius Weft : Which Hair Extension is Right for You?

Let’s be real—navigating the world of hair extensions can feel like decoding a foreign language. If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram or sitting in your Melbourne salon chair, hearing terms like machine sewn weft and genius weft (also known as skinny or slim weft), and wondering, “What’s the actual difference?”—you’re in the right place.

Grab a coffee, get comfy, and let’s chat about it. 💬

☕ The Lowdown on Machine Sewn Wefts

Machine sewn wefts are the tried-and-true OGs of hair extensions. They’re created by stitching hair together using—you guessed it—a sewing machine. The result? A thick, sturdy seam that holds a generous amount of hair.

These wefts are the extension world’s workhorse. Strong. Durable. Reliable. They’ve been used for decades by stylists around the world, including right here in Melbourne salons like ours.

Key Features of Machine Sewn Wefts:

• Thicker top seam – More structure, but more bulk too.

• Lots of volume – Adds fullness fast with fewer rows.

• Durability – Built to last through multiple reinstalls.

• Best for medium to thick hair – If your natural hair has a bit of body already, these will blend beautifully.

💡 Heads up: Because of the thicker seam, they can be a little bulky and might not be ideal if your hair is super fine, or if you love tossing your hair into high ponytails or messy buns on the regular.

💡 So, What’s a Genius Weft (a.k.a. Skinny Weft)?

Now let’s talk about the new kid on the block—genius wefts. These are a game-changer. Picture everything you love about hair extensions (length, volume, glam), minus the bulk.

Also called skinny wefts or slim wefts, genius wefts are ultra-thin, hand-crafted extensions designed for the most seamless, undetectable finish possible.

Why Genius Wefts Are Stealing the Show:

• Paper-thin seam – So discreet, it practically melts into your natural hair.

• No return hair – That means no itchy little hairs sticking up from the base. Zero fluff, zero discomfort.

• Flexible AF – Moves like your real hair, feels feather-light.

• Ideal for fine hair babes – Especially if you're looking for fullness without that heavy, “I’m-wearing-extensions” feel.

They’re sleek, modern, and—let’s be honest—pretty genius.

🧠 Let’s Compare: Machine Sewn vs Genius Weft

🎯 Which Weft Is Best for You?

Here’s the truth: There’s no one-size-fits-all.

If you’re rocking thicker natural hair and you’re all about volume and drama, machine wefts might be your match. They bring the fullness and stand the test of time.

But if you’ve got fine or delicate hair, or you’re all about that barely-there feel and ultra-discreet finish? Genius wefts are going to be your new best friend.

And if you’re still not sure? That’s where we come in.

🧡 Let’s Find Your Perfect Weft in Melbourne

At our Melbourne salon, we specialise in premium hair extensions tailored to you. We offer both machine sewn wefts and genius wefts because every head of hair is unique—and your extensions should be too.

We’ll sit down with you, talk hair goals, and create a custom plan that suits your hair type, lifestyle, and vibe.

Whether you’re dreaming of mermaid waves or that full-bodied "just stepped out of a shampoo ad" look, we’ve got you covered.

💌 Ready for Hair You’ll Obsess Over?

Slide into our DMs, book your free consultation.

We’re here to answer all your weft questions—and help you fall in love with your hair all over again.

Because when your hair looks good, everything else just hits different.

Machine sewn wefts vs genius wefts—now you know the difference. Next step? Let’s get those dream locks on your head. ✨

 Some frequently asked questions about hair extensions

why do my hair extensions get tangled?

Human hair extensions are usually longer and thicker than your natural hair, therefore they are more prone to tangles. Regular brushing and correct use of the recommended products should help to control this. Hair extensions are also more dry than natural hair as they have been cut and formed into hair extensions, therefore they no longer have a source of nutrition or moisture. You will need to use moisturising products and leave-in treatments to replenish your hair extensions and keep them soft. 

why do my hair extensions get matted?

If hair extensions are not brushed regularly and cared for correctly then tangles can quickly escalate into matting, especially after sleeping or activities such as exercise and swimming. Correct aftercare advise should be followed in regards to brushing and use of recommended products.

how to store hair extensions?

If you have removed hair extensions and wish to store them from future use make sure they are clean and dry before storing them.  They should stored in a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.  Make sure that they are clean, dry, smooth and detangled before storing them. Tie all of the tops together with a covered hair elastic and maybe even loosely plait them to keep the bundle together. If you have the original packing then it is a good idea to store them in that. Otherwise you could use a large zip-lock bag or a spare (clean) make up case, pencil case etc.

how to stop my extensions from falling out?

It is common to lose a few hair extensions (especially if your hair is oily) do not be alarmed. Keep any lost extensions safe for re-use at your next maintenance appointment or contact your hair extensions professional to arrange to have them re-applied.

If you are losing higher numbers extensions then you may need to look changing your aftercare regime or products which you are using.

Brushing too roughly, and with the wrong technique can cause extensions to fall out. Always follow aftercare advise and the correct brushing technique. Always start at the ends, work up the length of the hair to the roots and then back down to ends. Separate your extensions from natural hair and brush both thoroughly to avoid matting. You should always support the top of your hair extensions at the roots whilst brushing to avoid tugging at the bonds and roots of your own hair.

Some hair products are not suitable for use with human hair extensions and may cause the bonds to slip and you could lose hair extensions because of this. Do not use any products that are oil based or contain protein.  If you are unsure then contact your hair extensions professional for tailored advice.

what hair styles can I wear with hair extensions?

If you have the right method of hair extensions for your hair type, and they have been applied correctly then your should be able to wear most hair styles without any problems. Often when hair extensions are showing it is caused my using too many hair extensions for the clients hair or putting them too close to the edges of the hair line or parting.

 can I swim with hair extensions?

Yes you can still enjoy swimming whilst wearing human hair extensions. Prior to swimming apply leave in conditioner and tie hair back in a loose plait/ponytail. Immediately afterwards untie hair, rinse thoroughly with clean water, gently squeeze towel dry and apply a leave in conditioner. Do not leave hair to dry in bun or plait. Regular exposure to salt water and chlorine can be drying on hair extensions. Always following up with a deep conditioning treatment to replenish hair extensions.

can I exercise with hair extensions?

Yes you can still enjoy regular exercise whilst wearing hair extensions. Hair should be tied in a ponytail or plait, avoid wearing in a messy bun. Brush hair thoroughly as directed before and after activities and apply leave in conditioner. To avoid build up of sweat alway ensure that your thoroughly shampoo your hair roots and hair extensions.

are hair extensions suitable for my hair?

It is important to have a face-to-face consultation with a professional trained in hair extensions to determine if your hair is suitable. But generally most people are suitable for hair extensions if the correct method is used. The natural hair must be in a reasonably good condition and over a certain length. It is not recommended to get hair extension in very damaged hair as further damage could be caused.

what is the best kind of extensions for fine hair?

Contrary to popular belief hair extensions are still suitable for fine hair. The client must ensure that aftercare advice is followed strictly and they must attend for regular check-up and maintenance appointment to avoid damage tot he natural hair.  The main focus when using hair extensions in fine hair is not too add too much weight (ie, not too many hair extensions) to avoid unnecessary stress on the hair.

can I use heat styling on hair extensions?

Heated styling tools (hair dryers curlers, straighteners etc.) can be used on safely on human hair extensions. You should exercise with the same care you would use with your natural hair. Always use a heat protection product.  Avoid using heat directly on the extension bonds.

what is the difference between synthetic hair and human hair extensions?

Human hair extensions are a natural product which has been sourced from another human being and processed into hair extensions. Synthetic hair extensions are man-made fibres manufactured to too like human hair.

Human hair extensions are usually better quality and are more expensive.  They are preferable because they look more natural and blend better than synthetic hair extensions.  Also human hair extensions can be styled in the same way as natural hair, using heated tools such as hair dryers, straighteners and curlers etc. Most synthetic hair extensions cannot be heat treated. Synthetic hair extensions have a much shorter short life and will be more prone to tangling.

how to tell the difference between human and synthetic hair

Often synthetic hair extensions will look ‘plastic’ and be very glossy and false looking (imagine Barbie doll hair).  When heated most synthetic hair hair extensions will melt, if you burn them they will melt into black lumps. If you heat human hair extensions nothing should happen, if you burn human hair extensions they will singe into ash.

what is remy hair?

Remy or remi refers to human hair extensions where all of the hair strands have been maintained in the same direction, so the tops and the ends are facing the correct way when the hair extensions are applied. This is beneficial because it reduces friction and tangling.

can I colour my hair extensions?

If is difficult to offer advice when it come to colouring human hair extensions is it varies on a case by case basis. Because each manufacturer uses difference techniques and chemicals on their hair extensions  during the manufacturing process it is difficult to predict the reaction to hair dyes. Before colouring hair extensions a strand test is highly recommended. 

can I colour my hair with extensions in?

Hair colouring should be carried out before extensions are applied. Hair colour can cause hair extensions to slip out. Also hair extensions can react differently to hair dye to natural hair. For predictable results, avoid colouring hair extensions. Root touch ups can be done (very carefully) around hair extensions if the bonds and hair extensions are avoided.

How to care for hair extensions?

When searching for tips, advice and information on how to care for human hair extensions, there is so much advice out there, it’s hard to know which advice is right for you.
This article is designed to help you better understand how to care for hair extensions and the options available to you.

how often should you maintain hair extensions?

To maintain your natural hair and human hair extensions in the best possible condition, it is important that you follow the following advice and procedures. It is very important to get regular check-up and maintenance appointments.  We recommend that you need to get your hair extensions maintained (also known as  pushed-up or moved-up) every -8 weeks.  If left longer that this between maintenance then the natural hair and hair extensions may start to tangle and matt together.

how do you brush hair extensions?

You should brush hair extensions at least twice daily. Always start at the ends, work up the length of the hair to the roots and then back down to ends. Separate your extensions from natural hair and brush both thoroughly to avoid matting. You should always support the top of your hair extensions at the roots whilst brushing to avoid tugging at the bonds and roots of your own hair. Do not backcomb your roots or hair extensions.

what is the best brush for hair extensions?

There are a few different hair brushes you can use to care for your human hair extensions. A wide-tooth comb is best used first to gently remove large tangles from hair extensions. This can be followed by a loop brush or tangle remover brush. These brushes are designed so you can brush close to the roots of your hair and over the hair extension bonds. A loop brush has looped bristles instead of straight ones like a standard hair brush. A tangle remover has light flexible bristles which bend slightly. Both of these allow the brushes to slide over the hair extension attachments without pulling. Finally you can use a natural bristle brush, it is good for the finishing touch of your hair extensions, it will effectively remove small ranges and smoothen and de-frizz your hair extensions.

can I brush wet hair extensions?

Like real hair, human hair extensions are most fragile when wet. It is not advisable to brush them when they are wet. Also your hair extensions are attached to your natural hair, which will also be wet and fragile, so it is best to avoid brushing wet extensions because they will pull on your natural hair. 

how to dry hair extensions?

Towel dry hair gently without rubbing. Squeeze hair with towel to remove excess water. We recommend drying the roots and mid lengths of your hair on a medium heat and in a downward motion until it is 80% dry and then combing through with a wide tooth comb. After this you can blow dry as normal. Always dry hair thoroughly. It is recommended that leave in conditioner is applied.

how often should you wash hair extensions?

It is important not to over wash hair extensions as hot showers and heat styling will dry out and damage your hair extensions. However, it is also important to keep your human hair extensions clean, and stop the build up of dirt, oils and products. We recommend washing 1 - 2 times weekly (more frequently for oily hair) using recommended products and procedures. To extend time in-between hair washing we recommend using a dry shampoo.

how do you wash hair extensions?

Before washing hair extensions brush as directed above. How to shampoo human hair extensions: Wet hair thoroughly, add recommended shampoo and massage your scalp under the extensions.  Then squeeze shampoo through hair from roots to ends. Do not rub hair extensions - only squeeze the product through. Rinse thoroughly using clean running water and squeeze gently to remove excess. How to condition human hair extensions: apply recommended conditioner to the mid lengths and ends. Rinse again thoroughly using clean running water and squeeze gently to remove excess water. Do not massage or rub hair lengths when using products otherwise matting  and tangles may occur, only squeeze hair to distribute products.  Wrap in a towel, do not rub dry. An additional deep conditioning treatment is recommended every few washes to maintain softness and condition of hair extensions. After washing separate the individual extensions before drying, this will prevent them naturally falling or matting. Always dry hair thoroughly. It is recommended that leave in conditioner is applied. 

what to wash hair extensions with?

Sulphate and protein free products are recommended for human hair extensions. Any products containing protein should be avoided. Oil based products should also be avoided.

what products do you need to use on hair extensions?

We recommend a leave in conditioner to be used twice daily.  Do not use any products that are oil based or contain protein. These may cause your human hair extensions to slip.  Shampoo and conditioner should be designed for extensions. If not then it is best to use moisturising products designed for dry hair.

If hair oil is required, it is only to be used sparingly on the very ends of the hair.

how to care for hair extensions at night?

Brush as directed above, apply leave in conditioner and tie in a loose plait before sleeping. Consider a silk satin pillowcase to reduce friction. In the morning release plait, apply leave in conditioner and brush through as previously directed. Make sure that hair is alway dry. Do not sleep with wet hair extensions.

how to maintain hair extensions on holiday? 

Prior to swimming or sunbathing apply leave in conditioner and tie hair back in a loose plait/ponytail. Immediately afterwards untie hair, rinse thoroughly with clean water, gently squeeze towel dry and apply a leave in conditioner. Dry as directed previously. Do not leave hair to dry in bun or plait.

how to maintain hair extensions when exercising?

Hair should be tied in a ponytail or plait, avoid wearing in a messy bun. Brush hair thoroughly as directed before and after activities and apply leave in conditioner.

how to remove hair extensions?

Please contact a professional should you wish to have your hair extensions removed. Trying to remove them at home may result in damage to the natural hair.