Hair extensions are strands of either synthetic or human hair that can be easily attached close to the scalp using various methods, adding length and thickness to your natural hair. When a professional stylist perfectly matches the extensions to your natural hair in terms of texture and color, they’ll blend seamlessly—so much so that no one will even notice you’re wearing them.
Some extensions can be worn continuously for up to 3 months before needing maintenance. Crafted from either human or synthetic hair, they serve daily beauty and grooming needs or address specific issues like covering hair loss.
Human hair extensions have a more natural look and feel than synthetic ones. They’re generally pricier, but with proper care, they can last a long time. You can treat them just like your natural hair—straightening, dyeing, and blow-drying them with ease. Synthetic hair extensions, however, require careful application to maintain their durability. They often need special care, such as using heat tools with temperature controls to prevent burning. That said, they’re more affordable than human hair extensions.
Types of Hair Extensions
There are five main types of hair extensions:
Tape-In Hair Extensions
Tape-in extensions come with plenty of benefits. They’re much easier to apply, taking no more than 30 minutes, and just as easy to remove. They can be reused and allow for experimenting with different placement positions, helping you achieve a more natural look. Compared to other types like glue-in, sew-in, or bonded extensions, tape-in ones are less damaging. In most cases, they’re also more affordable because of their simple application. They work well for anyone wanting longer or fuller hair but aren’t recommended for those with thick, curly hair.
Pros:
- Application time is much shorter than with other types.
- Blend effortlessly with natural hair.
- Hard to notice, thanks to the flat tape placed close to the scalp.
- Cause less damage to hair.
- Their easy installation means they don’t stress your natural hair strands or scalp.
Weft Hair Extensions
Weft human hair extensions are a popular method of adding length, volume, and thickness to natural hair. These extensions are typically made from high-quality, 100% real human hair, which makes them more natural-looking and versatile than synthetic options.
The "weft" refers to the way the hair is sewn or bonded together, creating a long, continuous strip of hair. Wefts can be either hand-tied or machine-tied:
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Hand-Tied Wefts: These are made by hand-sewing individual strands of hair onto a thin strip of lace or fabric. They are lightweight, flexible, and can be customized for a more natural, seamless blend with your own hair. Hand-tied wefts usually lie flatter against the scalp, making them less detectable.
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Machine-Tied Wefts: These are made by stitching hair onto a thicker, more durable strip using a machine. While they can be heavier than hand-tied wefts, they are often more affordable and can be easier to apply, especially for beginners.
Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
Pre-bonded extensions, also known as fusion bonded extensions, get their name from the keratin at the top of each hair strand. They’re applied using a heat gun to melt the keratin, which is then rolled between the stylist’s fingertips to cool and form a strong bond with your natural hair.
Pros:
- Easily customizable to match your natural hair color or enhance your overall look.
- Add volume and length to natural hair.
- Can last for about 4–6 months.
- Require less maintenance than some other types of extensions.
Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions can quickly transform your look by adding fullness and length. They’re temporary and easy to apply, with pressure-sensitive clips that won’t damage your natural hair—unlike permanent attachment methods, which can have adverse effects.
Pros:
- Lower maintenance costs compared to permanent methods.