Want the look of long, luxurious hair but don’t want to wait for your hair to grow? Hair extensions allow you to add instant volume and length to create a fabulous new ‘do.
But before your rush out to buy a few new inches, there are a few things you should know. With different types, daily maintenance, and styling tips, wearing hair extensions is a full-time commitment.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here is your complete guide to wearing hair extensions to keep you looking fabulous.
Choosing a Hair Extension Type
One of the first decisions you will have to make about hair extensions is what type you want to wear. Beyond the variety of colors, styles, and textures is a range of methods to install hair extensions.
The key to hair extensions that seamlessly blend in with your natural hair isn’t always about matching the color and texture but choosing the right type of extension for your hair.
It’s also important to remember the kind of maintenance you’re willing to put in, as that can help determine which hair extension type is best for you and your lifestyle.
The variety of options can be overwhelming, especially for new extension-wearers. It might be best to consult an expert, certified installer, or a credible hair extension store to determine which type of extension is best for you.
Here is a mini-guide on the most common types of hair extensions.
Clip-In
Clip-in hair extensions are a temporary method that can be installed and removed when the user wants. This style is great if you want an easy way of getting longer hair but don’t want to commit to a more permanent method.
These extensions don’t require heat, glue, or chemicals to install, so the user can put them in at home without the help of a professional
To maintain these extensions, you should brush gently and regularly and wash them when needed. Place them on a hair extension hanger to dry.
It’s also recommended to remove them when sleeping or doing physical activity like sports and exercise.
Sew-In
More commonly known as “weaves”, sew-in extensions involve taking long wefts of hair sewing them into the natural hair using a specialized needle and thread.
For this method, the natural hair is braided, and the stitches attach the hair extensions to the head. Sew-in extensions allow you to mimic natural hairstyles like ponytails and half-up styles.
While this is a common and popular method for extensions, sew-ins are best done on thick or textured hair. These extensions can cause tension on fine or damaged hair, which may lead to further breakage.
Tape-In
Tape-in extensions are like the semi-permanent version of clip-ins. They are just as easy to quick to install; however, unlike clip-ins, tape-in extensions should only be installed and removed by a professional.
They adhere to the natural hair using special glue. This style doesn’t cause the kind of tension and breakage as more permanent methods.
You must be careful with maintenance to brush gently and to not use oil-based hair products that might loosen the adhesive, causing the extensions to slip.
Fusion and Bonded
This method is one that’s more permanent. Fusion and bonded extensions are attached to small sections of hair strands at the root. They seamlessly blend with your natural hair and offer you the flexibility of multiple styles.
There is a cold-fusion method that uses nanobeads or micro rings that clamp onto the hair. Cold fusion doesn’t use any heat or adhesive to attach the extensions.
The other method is hot-fusion extensions. These use heated beads of keratin to bond to the hair strands.
Both of these methods require certified professionals to install and remove to avoid damage to your hair.
Human vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions
Extensions are either made of human or synthetic hair. Synthetic hair is made from an artificial material like acrylic or nylon, while human hair extensions are cut from someone’s head.
Synthetic hair can’t be dyed, bleached, or use heat to maintain the style; however, human hair can. Because of this difference, human hair extensions cost more.
Though you can find quality synthetic hair, human hair tends to look more natural and blends better as extensions.
Your Natural Hair Length
How long should your hair be before you get extensions? It may seem counterproductive to grow your hair out before adding extensions, but if you want them to look natural, you should.
Luckily, it doesn’t need to be too long—about six or seven inches—to blend naturally with most types of extensions. Some styles like a sew-in where your hair would be braided could work with shorter hair lengths.
Daily Maintenance and Styling
Though your extensions may look natural, you can’t treat them like your own hair. Extensions will require you to take a few extra care steps to maintain and style.
First, you don’t want to wash your hair every day as that can loosen or weaken the bonds of your extensions. You also want to be careful about the products you use, as oil-based products can loosen extensions.
You should also take care to brush and detangle gently, starting from the ends and working your way up. If you use heat to style, remember to apply a heat protectant so as not to burn or damage your extensions.
How Long Can You Wear Hair Extensions
How long you keep your extensions in depends on the kind you get. Clip-in extensions you can install in the morning and remove before going to bed. However, the other methods can last anywhere between four and eight weeks.
You will need to go into the salon to have your extensions either repositioned or removed and replaced. The length of time between salon visits can depend on the extensions themselves as well as how fast your hair grows.
Your Go-To Guide Before Hair Transformation
If you’ve been pining over a stunning longer hairstyle, then you don’t have to wait to grow out a few inches. You can get an instant hair transformation by adding hair extensions.
But because hair extensions are a lot of maintenance, you should know the kind of care you’re about to get into. Follow the tips in this guide and your hair extensions are sure to look healthy and luscious for as long as you wear them.
Looking for more hair and beauty tips? Check out more articles on our blog today!
