Hair extensions have become increasingly popular for those seeking to enhance their hair's length, volume, or overall style. With a myriad of options available, understanding the different types of hair extensions and their application methods is crucial for making an informed decision. This article delves into the world of hair extensions, focusing on real hair options and providing a comprehensive overview to guide you through the selection process.
Before exploring the various application methods, it's essential to understand the fundamental difference between real human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions.
According to Rauchet, there are several types of hair extensions, each with its unique application method, texture, and longevity. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular options:
Clip-in extensions are temporary hair extensions that can be easily attached and removed at home in minutes. They consist of wefts of hair with small metal clips sewn onto the base. These clips allow you to secure the extensions to your natural hair.
Foxy Locks offers high-quality Remy human hair clip-in extensions designed for durability. Their signature designs feature discreet, flat-laying wefts for a natural finish that's comfortable and secure all day.
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Tape-in extensions are semi-permanent extensions that are applied using double-sided tape. They come in wefts with a pre-taped adhesive strip at the top. A professional stylist applies them by sandwiching sections of your natural hair between two extensions.
Weave extensions, also known as sew-in extensions, are applied by braiding the natural hair into cornrows and then using a needle and thread to sew the extension wefts into the braids. Ottalaus Salon offers two weave methods:
Beaded Weft Method: Wefts of hair are sewn around beads strategically placed on the natural hair in rows.
Traditional Sew-In: The natural hair is braided, and the extension is sewn onto the braids.
Application: This method is typically performed by an experienced hairdresser and can take several hours.
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Benefits: Weave extensions are a popular choice for many hair types and can last for several months.
Maintenance: Moisturize the scalp, nape, and edges of the hair at least once a week and use deep conditioning products.
Longevity: It is recommended to remove the weave every 6-8 weeks, especially if you are trying to grow your own hair.
Fusion hair extensions, also known as bonding or pre-bonded extensions, are fused to individual strands of natural hair using adhesives like glue or keratin.
Micro-link hair extensions, also known as micro-bead or micro-loop extensions, are applied by attaching tiny wefts of hair to small sections of the natural hair with small silicone-lined beads.
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At Bronde Blvd Salon, their preference for hair extensions is microlink extensions which they sew directly onto existing hair. Using their own brand of hair extensions, these microbead extensions are sewn directly into your existing hair resulting in the least amount of potential damage to your real hair. The application is also less detectable than something like tape-in extensions.
Versatile and simple to apply and remove, flip-in hair extensions are a popular choice among wearers looking for a quick way to change up their look. The extensions feature an invisible wire at the crown of the head. The wearer pulls their natural hair over the top of the hairpiece to conceal the wire. No tapes or clips are involved, making them a convenient option for occasional extension wearers. However, they are less secure than other types of extensions and wearers may need to adjust them throughout the course of the day.
These easy-to-style, invisible hair extensions are perfect for those who are super low-maintenance. What makes them convenient is the single weft (hair strands sewn onto a super-thin cloth strip) row is secured by a barely visible thread that lays on the head’s natural curve. “This is a great option for someone who is curious about extensions but not ready to commit to a more permanent application,” says Rauchet of halo hair extensions, which can last three to five years, and take two to three hours to apply if the extensions are being fitted to the whole head.
Wigs and hair pieces come in different forms and are applied to hair topically. Long, full wigs are made to cover your entire head. Hair pieces are a little different and often come in the shape of a bun, ponytail, or hair tie so you can just place it on top of your own hair. Wigs and hair pieces can be a little challenging to wash, and depending on whether they are real or synthetic you have to be very careful. It depends on whether they are real or synthetic and once again the way you take care of them greatly affects their lifespan as well. Typically, real human full wigs can last for up to one year if you take good care of them.
Pricing varies by hair extension type. Bonded hair extensions (aka keratin bond extensions) are easily the most expensive, starting at $2000 for the application. Meanwhile, halo hair extensions come in as the most affordable option, starting at around $200 for the application, but you can also find options that are a lot less expensive online.
Like your natural grown hair, hair extensions require proper care to ensure they last for as long as possible, and look as healthy as possible. A rule of thumb that applies to all types of hair extensions: Keep them dry after washing your hair (which shouldn’t happen as often if they’re not the removable kind) and always brush your ends first and work your way up from there to eliminate tugging and further breakage when detangling. And as is the case for natural hair, submerging your extensions in chlorine and salt water (i.e. the pool and the ocean) should be avoided. It’s important to refrain from air-drying after getting your bonded or taped-in extensions wet. This may look like using a microfiber towel to blot your hair dry or using a blowdryer on low heat. Whatever you choose, it’s vital to keep your hair from being soaking wet. “If you skip this step,” Rauchet warns, “There is a chance that the bonds and tape will wither down and not last up to their full time lapse.” As for using styling tools, heading towards the roots is a big no-no. “Everything from the earlobe down is safe,” she says, adding, “It’s a good vantage point.”
While clip-ins, wefts, and halos are either hand tied or machine-made, human hair extensions-Rauchut’s preference-are carefully sorted. Before being cut from one’s head, the hair must be cleaned. It’s then pulled back and put in a tight ponytail, before being cleanly cut at the nape. From there, the soon-to-be human hair extensions undergo a sterilization and color bathing process before getting distributed. An interesting note: Most human hair that is used for extensions come from India and China. Even hair extensions that are labeled as hailing from Brazil may boast a small percentage that originated from China.
The "best" choice of hair extension will depend on individual preferences, lifestyle, and hair type, as well as the desired length, volume, and texture.
Rauchet prefers keratin bond extensions because she loves the feel of the bonds because they are almost undetectable.
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