We all have been mesmerized by those long perfect hairstyles that we wish we had at some point in our lives. But hair growth issues won’t allow our hair to grow beyond a certain point. Not anymore, now your dream of flaunting longer, voluminous hair could come true, no matter what your current hair length is. So let’s check out the Types of Hair Extensions guide from here now.
Luckily, Hair Extensions instantly equip us with long, fuller hair without spending months growing them. However, while there are so many Types of Hair Extensions available on the market today, it might be pretty challenging to find the one that best matches your “Long Hair Goals.”
Let us simplify the different Types of Hair Extensions and their pros and cons for you to choose from.
Types of Hair Extensions
Primarily, Hair Extensions could be classified into three categories:-
1. Based on Material:
There are two options – Synthetic and Natural Hair Extensions in this category. Natural Hair Extensions are manufactured from real human hairs, whereas Synthetic Hairs are made from fibers manufactured to mirror natural human hairs.
TEXTURE & FEEL
Natural Hair Extensions would look more natural and blend well with your hair. On the other hand, Synthetic types are stiff and do not mix well. They also have a rough texture. Natural types feel real and could be treated as one.
STYLING & DYEING
Natural Hair Extensions could be easily straightened, curled, styled, dyed, or colored. Everything is safe as long as nothing is overdone. Synthetic types will become damaged if hot styling tools or colors are used. Other agents like sun, complex hair products, etc., could also severely destroy Synthetic Hair Extensions.
LIFETIME & COST
Natural Hair Extensions come with many benefits, so they are definitely on the higher side of the price. Synthetic types are cheaper, but they do not last as long as Natural Hair types. Synthetic Hair Types stay for a month or two, whereas Natural ones could easily last for 10 to 12 months if taken good care of.
2. Based on Usage:
Depending on the duration you want to carry the Types of Hair Extensions on your head, the Extensions could be divided into three types :
PERMANENT
Permanent types could stay in your hair for several months. These are Natural Hair Extensions and would not become harmful if they are well taken care of. However, a professional hairstylist is a must; Permanent Hair Extensions might require a visit to hair experts every six months. Using hair products and executing hair care tips are essential.
SEMI-PERMANENT
Semi-Permanent Extensions are not permanent but are used for 5-6 months. With that being said, there are a lot of factors like the quality of Hair Extensions used, the way they are cared for, etc., which affect the duration of usage. In addition, these types might also require hair professionals for installation and additional hair care products.
TEMPORARY
Temporary Hair Extensions are easy to attach and remove. They require no expert skills to be worn, and they are your best bet if you don’t want to hold Extensions for a longer duration. Also, they are pretty light on the pocket and come in handy, making them the standard choice for most people going for Hair Extensions for the first time.
3. Based on the Method of Application:
CLIP-IN
Clip-In is the fastest, easiest, and do-it-yourself type to get long and full hairs. Clip-In types offer many benefits, making them the prime choice.
Clip-Ins do not require any hairstylist or additional maintenance; you can install them within seconds. Being temporary, they are your best pick if you don’t want to commit to one hairstyle. Very safe to use, making them last longer. Other Types of Hair Extensions might require glue, sewing, or application methods that may damage your hair.
Lastly, Clip-In types are budget-friendly, making them ideal if you are a complete beginner.
TAPE-IN
Ideal for thin or fine hair, Tape-In Hair Extensions are very similar to Clip-Ins. However, these come in small wefts which do not require thick hair to hide them. Each weft has double-sided, or single-sided polyurethane tape taped close to your scalp; it’s good to get them installed through a hairstylist.
Tape-In types not only make our hair long and voluminous but also give a natural look comfortably. With no application of any heating elements or rigid adhesives, these are very safe to have over 1-2 months.
There are a few things to be careful about while choosing Tape-Ins. First, if you aim for a different hairstyle like a ponytail, these Types of Hair Extensions could get in the way. Also, as your hair grows, these types need to be reinstalled as the tape tends to start moving down. Lastly, in Tape-In Hair Extensions, you have to be extra cautious about maintenance and the hair care routine your hair expert gives to avoid any damage.
MICRO LINK
Micro Link, aka ‘micro-loops,’ is another excellent alternative for natural-looking, colored Types of Hair Extensions after Clip-Ins and Tape-Ins. Micro Links are tiny beads of silicon or metal that attach to small individual strands of your natural hairs.
Micro links could easily give you a natural appearance for about 4 months, but the beads are tightened and secured every 3 to 4 weeks. Though these types do not require any adhesive to attach, they sometimes damage your natural hair. For instance, if the bead is attached too tightly to your hair strand, it might weaken your roots and cause the hair to fall.
Micro Links are also cost-effective and could easily last longer than you expected if chosen of high quality.
SEW-IN
Also called Weave Hair Extensions, Sew In types are slightly more complex than Clip-Ins or Micro Links. You would need a professional hairstylist or someone experienced to install them.
Sew In requires creating a horizontal cornrow in your hair from both sides, starting from behind your ear. After that, they are sewn through the cornrow using the standard sewing machine. Installation is done using thick strands of your natural hair to prevent any damage to thin strands.
These are semi-permanent or permanent; if you are ready to commit for the long term, it’s an option to consider. Sew In Hair Extensions are light on the pocket but require proper maintenance, care, a long time to install, and expert support.
FUSION
Also known as ‘Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions,’ these are fused closed to your scalp using heat. Fusion types are semi-permanent Types of Hair Extensions installed using keratin glue or a heating iron and take about 6 hours to install.
Fusion Hair Extensions are nonreusable types that have to be reinstalled ‘new’ each time your natural hair grows or your extensions get damaged.
The life of these Types of Hair Extensions is usually 4-5 months, but they could easily last for 6 months if you care well and use quality pieces. However, the adhesives could cause damage to your natural hair, such as hair fall or the weakening of roots.
A routine health checkup with your professional hairstylist every 2-3 months is essential for repositioning in these types.
Final Verdict:
Choosing the correct Types of Hair Extensions for yourself is not that tricky; you need to set your priorities as Quality, Price, and Natural Hair type.
Having those colorful, luxurious hair is not impossible in today’s world for anyone interested. Getting Clip-Ins and Tape-Ins Types of Hair Extensions is straightforward and fast but sustaining them with proper care while washing them, sticking to your expert’s advice, and daily combing and detangling would make all the difference.
