As you walk down the street, you see a beautiful lady with long, thick, and stylish hair. You looked up to the sky and took a deep breath ‘wish I had hair like her.’
Let us interrupt you. Who told you that you can’t have such beautiful hair. There are over a hundred different types of hair extensions you can choose from. And who knows, the lady from the subway might have hair extensions on her hair.
Let’s dig deeper into the different types of hair extensions.
Temporary (1 to 7 Days)
There are two types of hair extensions, temporary and semi-permanent. You might ask, what about permanent? Well, permanent hair is what you have got on your head.
Temporary hair extensions are popular among teens because it’s cheap and easy to put on. Below are 4 types of temporary hair extensions that you can buy and try on right now.
Halos Hair Extensions
What is it?
As the name states, Halo hair extensions are a type of extension that is worn in the hair like a “halo.” It’s a one-piece hair extension. It has a thin nylon wire that goes on top of your head almost like a headband.
How does it attach?
- Put the extension on your hair letting the nylon wire rest at the top of your head.
- Pull your natural hair on top of the extension to fully cover the Halo extension.
- Put on some style.
How long does it last before you have to replace it?
Halo extensions are a temporary type of extensions. How long it lasts depends on how much you use it. Though halo extensions are made of human hair they still have silicon coating on them. Once the silicone coating wears off (after 2 to 3 wash) the hair starts to look dull and lifeless.
PROS CONS
Easy to put on Not suitable for all types of styling
You can add instant length and thickness Not suitable for all activities such as swimming and intense sports
Need low to no maintenance You can’t sleep with it on
Zero damage to your natural hair Not suitable for extremely short hair
Suitable for beginner to advance
Comfortable to wear
Clip-in Hair Extensions
What is it?
Clip-in hair extension is a type of extension that has a clip base. You use the clip to attach the extension to your natural hair. Similar to the Halo extension, you can put it in and take it out on the same day.
How does it attach?
- Divide your hair into two sections.
- Place the hair extension between the two divided hair sections and gently push to snap the clips.
- Release the top section. Done!
- If you want to add more sections, divide your hair in any area into two and add the extension. You can add as many extensions as you like.
How long does it last before you have to replace it?
Similar to Halo extension, this type of extension also depends on how you used it, how often you used it and what hair product you use. Generally, the clip lasts anywhere from 6 months to 1 year with mild maintenance.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Easy to install and wear | Not suitable for short hair |
| Comfortable | Not suitable in dance class |
| Perfect for all event and occasions | |
| Suitable for swimming and other sports | |
| Suitable for beginner to advance |
Wigs & Hair Pieces
What is it?
Wigs are types of hair extensions that are made to cover your entire head. Wigs in general are a replacement for your hair.
Whereas hairpieces are hair bun, ponytail, or hair tie which you can place on top of your hair. You can use hairpieces to make your hair super long, super thick, or full ponytail.
How does it attach?
You don’t attach a wig, you just place it on top of your natural hair. Whereas hairpieces need specific types of attachments such as clip-in, glue-in, or tap-in.
How long does it last before you have to replace it?
Wigs and Hairpieces come in two forms a) Real hair and b)Synthetic hair. Real wigs and hairpieces might last over one year if you take good care of them. But the synthetic type doesn’t last long. It might last from 1 to 3 months.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Real hair wigs and hairpieces give a natural and realistic look | Real hair wigs and hairpieces are a bit expensive |
| Easy to put on | Looks bulky |
| Easy to maintain | Has to be styled |
| Comfortable to wear | Could come off |
| Can be dye | Can get hot |
| Last longer | Require proper care |
| Synthetic Hair wigs are good for a temporary option | Synthetic Wigs and hairpieces don’t last long |
| Easy and ready to wear | Frizzes over time |
| Cheaper than real hair | Can be damaged by heat |
| Doesn’t need conditioning | Looks unnatural |
Always use sulfate-free shampoos to wash hair extensions. And condition it from time to time. As much as you care about your natural hair, you should give the same importance to it. If you want it to last longer.
These are some temporary types of hair extensions you can try. If you are looking for extensions that are more durable and which you can wear for a longer period. Keep reading.
Semi-Permanent (worn for 6-8 weeks)
Most people prefer semi-permanent types of hair extensions because once it’s put on it lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
Here are 5 types of commonly preferred hair extensions.
Tape-In Hair Extensions
What is it?
Tape-in is a type of extension where the tape is used to join an extension to your hair. The extension has a pre-taped base which needs to be heated in some cases for it to attach to your hair.
How does it attach?
- Divide your hair into two parts or section it anywhere you wish to attach the extension.
- Attach the bottom extension under the thin portion of hair. Remove the strip covering the adhesive on the bottom extension.
- After removing the adhesive tape covering that extension, press on top of your strand of hair. The top and bottom extension should stick together. Then press them together with pliers for a few seconds to secure them.
- If you want to add more extensions repeat the process.
How long does it last before you have to replace it?
As it is a semi-permanent type of extension and could last anywhere from 4 – 8 weeks before you remove and reapply them. Like any other extension tape-in, it also needs to be taken care of as it lasts longer and gives the same shine as when you first purchase it. You can get tape-in extensions applied to your hair at Alter’d Culture in Louisville, KY.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| One of the safest method of hair extension | Can’t wash your hair for 24 to 48 hours after application of tape in extension |
| Quick to install when it comes to semi-permanent extensions | Some companies tape could be messy during application |
| Reusable | The use of any silicone or oil-based products directly on the adhesive may cause the panels to slip. |
| Most natural-looking extension | |
| Most comfortable extension |
Microlink Hair Extensions
What is it?
Microlink hair which is also known as micro bead hair extensions or micro loop hair extensions is a type of extension where tiny wefts of hair are applied to natural hair with a small silicone-lined bead. Then, a special tool is used to secure the bead to the hair and tightened to hold it in place.
How long does it last before you have to replace it?
Microlink hair extensions are considered semi-permanent and they generally last up to 2 months before needing to be repositioned.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Easy to keep and maintain | Sometimes bonds are not clear and can be seen through the hair. |
| Most versatile extension method | Synthetic tape extension doesn’t give the natural look |
Sew-In/Weave Hair Extensions
What is it?
Sew in is also known as weave or weft hair extension. In this type of extension, natural hair is braided into cornrows, or a foundation is made up of hair in a natural fall position with beads first, then using a needle and thread to sew the weave into the brainless foundation, braid, or cornrow.
How does it attach?
- Create a layout for the extension. The best option is to divide your hair into subsections from the crown to the occipital bone.
- Create a foundation of either hair in natural fall with beads or cornrows. Sew weft onto foundation using nylon thread and a curved needle.
- Secure the ends, secure the weft together and make the stitch.
How long does it last before you have to replace it?
These types of hair extensions should last 6 to 8 weeks but you can reuse it again. The maximum amount of time you can have a full weave in your hair is 4 months. If you exceed the given time it will start affecting your natural hair growth.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Largely available in the market: colors, length, and hair type | Applicable ideally for medium and long hair |
| Adds lots of volume and length to your hair | When braids are made too tightly they may hurt |
| No noticeable extension | Hair fall |
| Time-consuming |
Fusion & Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
What is it?
Fusion hair extensions are also known as bonding or pre-bonded extensions. For this extension, glue or adhesives are used to fuse natural hair and extensions. These types of hair extensions might not be suitable for some people because it is expensive and not reusable.
How long does it last before you have to replace it?
Fusion extension is also a semi-permanent type of extension so it will last up to 4 months depending on your hair type and how fast it grows.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Fusion hair extension last for a long time | It required the use of adhesive |
| Gives you a natural look | Only expert can install the extension |
| The hair extension adhere easily to your natural hair | Fusion hair extension is not reusable |
| Options for all hair densities | |
| Best way to get longer hair |
Wefts Extension
What is it?
Wefts are types of hair extensions where the extension is stripped into the natural hair by attaching very small portions of the extension’s strands with small pieces of the natural strands and securing it with a bead near the roots at natural fall.
How does it attach?
- Section the hair to create a foundation.
- Attach beads or braids to create the foundation
- Measure and cut the hair weft so that the piece fits the length of the entire foundation you created. Attach the ends of the weft using a needle and thread to prevent the hair from dropping from the weft.
- Then thread a curved needle and gently sew the hair weft through the entire length of the foundation.
- Thoroughly secure the ends of the weft.
How long does it last before you have to replace it?
Weft hair extension can last up to a year before being taken out depending on your hair type and how fast it grows. You will have to move up every 6 – 8 weeks as your hair keeps growing.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Less tangling | Takes time to install |
| Last long | Need professionals |
| Easier maintenance | |
| Easy styling |
Semi-permanent hair extensions need professional care. If you try doing it on your own you might mess up and damage your hair. Reach out to our stylists at our salon in Louisville, KY for your next round of volume weft hair extensions.
FAQs about Hair Extensions
This is very dependent on the type of extension, brand of extension, and the amount of hair that is needed. Consult an extensionologist for more details.
As long as your hair is 6-7 inches long, which is around shoulder length, most extensions will blend.
The best extension is the one that suits your hair, budget, and lifestyle best. Consultation is key in determining the best consultation for you.
How Long is Your Hair? Do You Need An Extension?
There are so many types of hair extensions in the market it can be hard to pick the right one. Going to a salon that offers hair extensions is a great place to start.
The number one goal of all types of hair extensions is to make the individual feel confident. If you would like more information about hair extension, please reach out to us at Alter’d Culture today!
