The Various Types of Hair Extensions Commonly Used

Every lady out there usually wants to have great hair that looks luscious but unfortunately not every lady is endowed with natural hair that grows to great lengths.

On the flip side is that you don’t actually have to be genetically endowed to be able to have long and beautiful hair. You can always turn to hair extensions to get that little extra help to achieve long hair.

Perhaps you have heard about terms that are generally used in context of hair extensions such as tape-in, weave-ins, and clip-ins, pre-bonded, fusion and micro-link and don’t know what they are all about. From this you can easily get confused due to the overwhelming that is currently being used to describe various styles of hair extensions.

Thus, with so many options available in the markets, how do you even know the best hair extensions for you?

In this article, we take you through the journey of differentiating the various types of hair extensions that are in existence today. We are also going to discuss the most commonly used hair extensions, so keep reading to find out more.

• Bonded or fusion hair extensions
• The weave or sew-in extension
• Tape-in hair extensions
• Wigs and Hair Pieces
• Micro-beard/Micro-Ring Hair Extension
• Clip-in extensions

Let’s check these types of hair extensions one by one: 

Bonded or fusion hair extensions

The bonded or fusion hair extensions are commonly preferred by some ladies. Mostly they are individual strands of human hair that is bonded or fused to the hair.  A special kind of glue or keratin is often used to bond or fuse the extensions to the hair of the wearer. When they are well cared for, they are known to last very long and give a very natural look. It is advisable however to avoid applying oil, conditioners, or any other hair products to the parts that’s bonded. Such above mentioned products can work to dissolve the bond that holds the extension to the hair.

It must be borne in mind that once the bonded or fusion hair extensions are used they cannot be re-used. So it means you will have to buy a new set of extension when you want a re-application. Even though this type of hair extension generally takes long in order to be applied but still they are known to last longer than any other hair extension type.

This hair extension type is best for you if you have medium to thick hair.

The weave or sew-in extension

The weave-in hair extensions usually require that certain parts of the hair are braided in rows towards the ears. After this, wefts of hair will then be weaved into the braids with a needle and a thread. In this kind of hair extension, there is no glue or heat that will be use.With sew-in or weave-in hair extensions unlike the bonded or fusion hair extensions they can often be re-used. Thus you need not to re-purchase these hair extensions and these can be used several times.

 When you have weave or sew in hair extensions, you will have to keep visiting the salon at least once every month to get them tightened. Thus with weave or sew-in extension, salon cost may increase. It is also advisable not to style them too much in order to prevent the loosening of the braids where they are attached.

As these weave/sew-in extensions will be weaved into your hair so you are only supposed to go for this hair extension when you have strong hair capable of holding them properly in place because they are usually heavy and can really pull!

Tape-in hair extensions

These are just wefts of hair that are usually attached to sections of hair of the person wearing them. A double or single-sided tape is often used to attach the extensions to the hair. This type of hair extension is great for you if your type of hair is either fine or thin as this will make it absolutely difficult to detect. When you have this type of hair extension, it is best to avoid using oil or silicone based products at the root of your hair as this will prevent the tape used from slipping. The advantage of these types of extension is that applying them is quite easy and they can always be re-used. Thus these Tape-in hair extensions are very useful for quick use.

Wigs and Hair Pieces

These come in a variety of forms and are usually applied topically to the hair of the wearer. Basically, long full wigs are designed to cover all of your head thus acting a replacement to your natural hair. They come in handy for those who have problems such as hair loss, balding, and simply a way to change a person’s look. Wigs and hair pieces are extremely easy and convenient to use.

Micro-beard/Micro-Ring Hair Extension

These are almost similar to fusion hair extensions in the sense that single strand hair extensions are usually attached to a small section of the natural hair. The difference with them is that instead of being glued they are stamped on the hair and as such no chemical or heat is used. They are not ideal for you if your hair type is very thin or fine because when they are applied, the bonds can visibly be seen via the hair. Just like the fusion hair extensions, if you have micro-beard extensions, you should avoid silicone or oil products application on the roots of the hair to prevent slippage. This hair extension type is ideal for you if you got medium to thick hair type.

 Clip-in extensions

These are wefts of hair that have pressure clips which are latched onto the wearer’s hair. Applying them can be quite tricky but once they are put on your hair, they usually look very impressive. They are most commonly used just as a temporary fix for special occasions or events such as weddings of other related parties. They can often be removed when you are going to sleep to prevent the possibility of damaging your natural hair. You could also use clip-in hair extensions as a means of testing to see if extensions can be right for you. They are perfect for you if you got medium density hair.

Facts about hair extensions you ought to know

If you choose to have hair extensions on you there are some hair extensions tips that you ought to know. These are:

• Hair extensions are usually heavy meaning they can put stress on your hair and sometimes even cause breakage. When you choosing hair extensions to use on your hair be sure to match the density of your hair. If your hair is fine, it is best for you to buy extensions that are lightweight. This will help in preventing you from losing hair due to breakage or damage. If you are the kind of person with thick hair, you can always buy heavier extensions to blend with your hair texture.
• It is best to follow the maintenance instructions offered by your hair dresser. This will help you prevent losing your hair occasioned by damage caused for not following the instructions of your hair stylist.

How long will my extensions last?

You might be wondering about the life span of these hair extensions. Well, your extensions will last long depending on how well you take good care of them. Caring for them boils down to the kind of products you use on them and your hair and also how regularly you put them on.

For clip-ins, you should expect them to last from between 3 to 6 months and sometimes they can even last for up to one year! It depends on how best that you are caring for them. Please note that hair extensions that are well taken of look very natural on your hair for them to be mistaken for your real hair!