Are you confused about what type of hair extensions to get? You are not alone. There are many options on the market right now and it is difficult to pick. I am not going to tell you which one to get as that is a personal choice and multiple variables play a role in the decision such as hair texture and thickness, but I can try to describe each type for you.
Clip
Clip hair extensions are attached using a clip at the root. They come in different lengths to put in various sections of the head. Clip ins are an easy way to dip your foot into the hair extension world. You can put them in by yourself at home and then remove at the end of the day. Not a problem to change your mind at the last minute as they are literally attached to your hair with just a clip. There are many color, texture, and length options available on the market. https://healthy-hair-doc.square.site/shop/clip-ins/7?page=1&limit=60&sort_by=category_order&sort_order=asc
Pros
- Easy to install at home.
- Can re-use clips multiple times with ease.
- Not a long term commitment and can easily remove when ready to take out.
- Can adjust the amount of hair clips added easily.
Cons
- Has to be installed on a daily basis.
- Clips can be uncomfortable if not placed correctly.
Tape
Tape hair has adhesive at the roots of the hair to attach to natural hair. It is the semi-permanent installation with the fastest learning curve. Relatively straightforward method and cost of hair is more affordable than other semi-permanent options. Would recommend that a stylist install hair even though some will even try to install on their own. Can be budget friendly option for those looking for more semi-permanent as the hair and installation are not as expensive. https://healthy-hair-doc.square.site/shop/tape-ins/9?page=1&limit=60&sort_by=category_order&sort_order=asc
Pros
- Most affordable semi-permanent option.
- Short installation time (<60 minutes).
- May have more stylist options as installation method relatively simple.
- Not a long term commitment (removal at 6-8 weeks for installation).
Cons
- Difficult to remove adhesive can get stuck in the hair.
- Can cause damage to the hair if not properly removed.
- Does not blend as well as individual strand methods and limits the number of hairstyles that can be worn without tape showing (especially for fine/thin hair).
- Requires removal at 6-8 weeks.
Wefts
Weft extensions are made by attaching hair to a thin cloth either machine or hand tied. Wefts can be sewn in or glued down. Wefts are sometimes referred to as tracks, bundles, or weaves. Wefts can add quite a bit of volume without feeling too heavy. It can be a beautiful method and last quite a long time with proper maintenance. Another advantage of wefts is that they can serve a protective style and allow your hair to grow if installed and cared for. As you can tell, this is by far my favorite extension method. https://healthy-hair-doc.square.site/shop/hair-bundles/4?page=1&limit=60&sort_by=category_order&sort_order=asc
Pros
- Great way to add both volume and length (be careful not to add too much to avoid the hair being too heavy on the natural hair).
- Can be protective (natural hair can grow without being damaged). Hair can be attached using beads or hair can be braided underneath.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Wefts can be heavy on natural hair.
- Limited parting (wefts can show).
- Regular maintenance every 6-8 weeks.
Single Strand (I-tips/Nano-tips/K-tips)
There are multiple ways to attach single strand hair extensions. The hair can be attached with a bead using I-tips or nano tips (difference between the two is the size of the beads used for attachment). The hair could also be attached using keratin K-tips where the keratin is melted into the natural hair using heat. This method tends to be more tedious as you have to attach hair to individually sectioned hair.
Pros
- Can last up to 6 months with minimal maintenance.
- Versatile (can wear hair in multiple hairstyles).
- Blends well with natural hair.
- Easy to use a variety of highlight colors with different strands.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Expensive. Can be >$1000.
- Can take multiple hours to install.
- Can damage the hair if not properly installed and removed.
I hope you found this article helpful. Hair extensions are an investment and you should take your time to find what fits your needs and lifestyle best.
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