What are the different types of hair extensions?
Hair extensions help to give the illusion of fuller, healthier and longer hair, but choosing the right type from the many different options can get a bit overwhelming if you are new to the concept. There are many things to consider, including time and money. So what are the different types of hair extensions? Take a peek at our overview of the most popular ones before you make any decisions.
Human v synthetic hair extensions
Before you think about the specific type of extensions you might want, you need to decide whether you are going to go for human or synthetic hair. Here is a quick rundown of the main differences between the two.
Human hair
The smoothness and silkiness of human hair extensions make them the most popular type. They can be styled in whatever way you want without worrying about damaging them in any way. Being made wholly of real human hair, which has been donated specifically for the purpose, it blends in much more seamlessly with your natural hair than synthetic extensions and doesn’t depreciate in quality over its lifetime. It is obviously more expensive as a result, however.
Synthetic hair
Synthetic hair extensions are fine, plastic fibres that are made to imitate real hair. The main attraction with them is the price, as they tend to be more affordable than human hair. Some of the better quality synthetic extensions closely resemble human hair, but even they will feel slightly coarser and thicker. They don't move in exactly the same way as human hair and therefore don’t blend in quite as well. It is not advisable to use heat stylers or chemicals on synthetic hair, as it can cause damage.
Clip-ins/Wefts
Wefts are extensions that are clipped into your natural hair and are an ideal way to add length to medium or thick hair. They are considered to be the easiest and safest type of extension - the ideal choice if you are wanting a temporary change of style. Wefts require little maintenance and can be fitted quickly and easily in the comfort of your own home, making it the most affordable type of hair extension. They can be used around 15 -20 times and washed and styled to your liking every time.
Benefits
- No glue or heat is required
- Commitment free and reusable - remove whenever you want
- Affordable
Tape-ins
Tape extensions are applied by sandwiching a thin strand of hair (about ⅛ inch) between two pieces of extension and binding them together with adhesive strips at the roots. They lie flat against the scalp and are particularly good for people with thin or fine hair. It takes around 45 minutes to fit them, making them the quickest semi-permanent extensions to install. Extra care should be taken when washing and styling them and it is advised to use sulphate free and oil free products to avoid loosening the adhesive.
Benefits
- Nearly invisible at the root
- Fast installation
- Durable - 6 - 8 weeks
- Comfortable
Sew-ins - Weaves
Sew-ins are the most popular type of hair extensions for people with thick hair.
A professional will braid your hair into cornrows and then stitch the extensions into the braids. This takes around two hours or longer, however the resulting fit is extra secure, lasting around 8 weeks. It is recommended that you use moisturising products with sew-ins, such as deep conditioners and masks, ensuring that you also moisturise your scalp, edges and the nape of your neck at least once a week. Weaves don’t work as well with fine hair due to their weight.
Benefits
- Very durable
- Very secure fit
- Wash and style as normal
Keratin tips - fusion bonds
Fusion bond extensions are special keratin tips that are applied directly over your natural hair, using a heated clamp to melt the glue and keep the extension in place. Installation takes around 2 - 4 hours to complete, meaning that they can be quite expensive. Keratin tips are suitable for any type of hair but they are particularly good for people who have fine or thinning hair or uneven density, filling out sparse areas and enabling them to create any style they want without it being obvious that they have had extensions.
Benefits
- A durable method for fine or thinning hair - increases density
- Low maintenance and upkeep
- Can be styled as you please
I-tip (microbeads)
I-tips are tiny, long lasting extensions that are applied to hair strands with a bead, using small pliers to clamp them into position, and typically take around 2 - 4 hours to fit. They are low maintenance and don’t require either heat or glue to install. This method is really good for customising the look you want and the extensions are usually matched to your natural colour for seamless blending, although they are a great way to add a different colour to your hair without dyeing it. Particular care should be taken when washing, brushing and styling.
Benefits
- No glue or heat required
- Virtually invisible and comfortable
- Create highlighted looks without lightener
- Easily reusable
- Durable - up to four months
