THE BEST HAIR EXTENSION METHOD FOR YOU
Whether you’re looking for the best hair extensions brand, what type of hair extensions are best, or you just want to know what the best type of hair extensions are for your hair, we’ve put together a guide on the different types of hair extensions to choose from so you can find the best hair extensions method for you.
If you’ve never had extensions before, it’s easy to be confused about the many different methods available. And even if you’re an unashamed, full-blown hair extension addict and have tried out everything from clip-ins to synthetic hairpieces, there may still be a few gaps in your knowledge about the new hair extension methods out there.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAIR EXTENSIONS?
There are three main groups of hair extension techniques:
- Temporary methods including clip-in pieces, wefts and weaves where large pieces of hair are added that you can easily take in and out each day
- Semi-Permanent hair extensions that include tape-in pieces that last around 6-8 weeks
- Permanent methods including micro-rings that are attached strand-by-strand and are usually worn continuously for many months
Clip In Hair Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions, also known as clip-in wefts, can easily be attached to your natural hair. You can even do this by yourself at home. Each weft will be made of fabric or silicone with clips attached to it, which you can attach to the toot area of your hair.
Out of the various hair extension options, clip-ins are the least permanent. You can remove them when necessary and attach them again whenever you like. As such, they’re also quick, easy to use, and a great hair extension choice for someone who wants to lengthen or thicken the natural hair at home for a special night out.
How long clip-in hair last will depend on how well you take care of them, as well as the original quality of the product you choose. If you’re able to handle your extensions with sufficient care and maintenance, you could make your clip-in extensions last for years.
Tape In Hair Extensions
Tape hair extensions are a popular choice with our clients, and It involves the taping (or attaching) of hair extensions to your natural hair. Unlike clip-in extensions, tape-ins need to be performed by a skilled professional hairdresser or hair technician who can make sure the correct amount of hair is taken and the tape is attached to the hair safely and comfortably. The hair added then needs to be cut and blended into the natural hair to give the required style to the client.
Tape-ins do not damage the hair at all when they are applied and removed correctly. In many instances we find the client’s natural hair improves greatly as less styling is needed to make the hair look full and great when wearing this type of extensions. When it comes to getting great length, volume, and keeping your real hair healthy, they’re the best! In addition, the hair is reusable with this method when a good product is used.
Pre Bonded Hair Extensions
Pre-bonded or Fusion hair extensions are actually fused with your natural hair using various adhesive products. This will require something like a hot glue gun or heat clamp, which will essentially glue individual strands of your natural hair with your chosen hair extension product.
While this method will achieve some strong results aesthetically and offer cohesion between your natural hair and the hair extensions, over long periods of wear over the years, you will defiantly see some deterioration in your natural hair. This is due to the way the method works so it is strongly advised that you seek the help of a professional hair extensionist as it is by far one of the most skilled methods.
This method can take anywhere between 1 to 4 hours to apply, depending on the speed and experience of your hair extensionist; this hair extension method can last for up to 4 months, depending on your level of care and hair type.
Micro Ring Extensions
Micro-ring extensions, also known as micro-beads, this method is applied by attaching tiny pieces of pre-bonded hair to specific sections of your natural hair using a bead or a metal ring. Usually made from silicone or metal, this bead will need to be attached using a special tool to actually secure the bead or ring in place.
While this won’t cause heat or adhesive damage to your hair, it will still require a professional hairdresser to install the extension successfully. Otherwise, this can lead to damage through the traction of the links on your individual strands, which will, in turn, pull your hair away from your scalp.
This method can last up to 8 weeks, and then you have the product removed and moved up the hair, but will vary significantly based on the quality of the products used, the level of care you use to maintain your extensions and the professional services that you use to install your extensions in the first place. This method allows you to reuse the hair.
Sew In Hair Extensions
Sew-in extensions sometimes referred to as ‘weave hair’, involve braiding your natural hair and then sewing wefts of hair into it. Using a needle and thread, your hair extensions are then sewn into the actual braid or cornrow of your natural hair.
This process generally takes quite a long time compared to the previous two methods. This is because a professional hairdresser will need to diligently weave your hair and attach your extensions through careful sewing.
This method can be quite damaging to very fine hair as the weight of the wefts, and the tightness of the small cornrows are not great on natural hair. You can expect your sew-in extensions to last up to 4 to 6 weeks and they will then need to be moved up, but as always, this will depend on how fast your natural hair grows.
About Us
The highest quality hair extensions combined with Louise’s expert knowledge, application, blending and cutting skills make her one of the UK’s leading hair extension specialists.