Hair Extension Comparison Guide - Choosing the Perfect Type
Ever dreamt of Rapunzel locks but felt stuck with your natural hair? Hair extensions are a popular solution for adding length, volume, pops of color or color transformations without commitment. With so many application methods available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide will compare some of the most popular types to help you find a method that may suit your lifestyle!
Hair extensions come in a variety of styles and application techniques. Here's a quick rundown of some of the most common methods:
Keratin Bond Extensions: We discussed these in detail in our previous post. Briefly, this method uses heated keratin bonds to attach hair strands to your natural hair. They offer long-lasting volume and length without tape, glue, adhesive, or time consuming in-salon maintenance.
Weft Extensions: Large hairpieces sewn onto beaded tracks or rows on your scalp, weft extensions offer significant volume and length. This method is semi-permanent and requires less time than keratin bonds. They do require maintenance appointments every 6-8 weeks
Tape-in Extensions: Similar to clip-in extensions, tape-in weft hairpieces sandwich your natural hair between two adhesive strips for a more secure attachment. They last longer than clip-in extensions but still require salon visits for adjustments every 6-8 weeks. This is one of the least safest methods I’ve come across. The amount of extension hair holding onto a thin slice of natural hair is dangerous no matter how well it’s installed.
Clip-in Extensions: These are pre-wefted hairpieces with clips that allow for easy attachment and removal at home. Perfect for temporary wear or special occasions, they are a great option for beginners. With professional customization and education, they can be your best accessory!
As a hair artist, I’m a visual person. Here’s a really simplified visual breakdown:
Finding Your Perfect Match
As you can see, each extension type has its own set of pros and cons. The best choice for you depends on your desired results, lifestyle, and hair type.
For long-lasting length and volume with minimal upkeep and, keratin bonds might be your best bet. Truthfully, the only person that may not be a candidate for keratin bonds is someone experiencing excessive hair shed. If you have concerns about the heat tool used to melt the bonds, your hair may be too weak to withstand a couple seconds of it.
Clip-in extensions are perfect for temporary wear or adding occasional highlights. They're a budget-friendly option for those who want to experiment with extensions without a big investment
Tape-in extensions offer a good balance between convenience and longevity. They're more secure than clip-in extensions but they aren’t necessarily safe, honestly. While I don’t offer tapes (because I haven’t met a kind I find to be safe) they should only be installed on someone that can bear to loose some hair
Weft extensions are ideal for those seeking dramatic volume and length. However, the attachment method might not be suitable for everyone, and proper maintenance is crucial to avoid scalp irritation.
Remember, consulting with a hairstylist is vital for choosing the most suitable extension type for your hair and achieving your desired look.
It’s extremely important to find an artist that can assess your scalp and hair health, recommend the best application method based on your individual situation, and provide personalized aftercare advice.
I would much rather tell someone “no” than cause more (or any sort of) damage. The health of your natural hair and scalp is my main concern
Don't hesitate to ask questions and explore your options! With the right extensions, you can unlock a world of hairstyling possibilities and achieve a dream-worthy look in no time (more like a few hours, in most cases)!
Have questions about hair extensions or specific hair types? Leave a comment below, or contact the salon for personalized answers!