Hair Extensions 101: Beginner Guide To Extensions Type

Hair extensions offer instant and diverse solutions to refresh looks by adding length and volume to natural hair. And with more innovations in hair extensions and pre-styles invented in the hair market, people can experience many different types with flexibility, ranging from clip-in hair, tape-in hair, sew-in hair, etc.

Though there are many types of hair extensions, not all of them will work their magic considering your natural hair. So for those who are new to hair extensions, Velvet Hair is here to help you opt for the best type of hair extensions and offer some tips to the most common questions about hair extensions.

Types Of Hair Extensions

When it comes to hair extension materials, there are usually two main types of hair extensions: human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions.

According To Materials Of Hair Extensions

Human Hair

Human hair extensions are made of real human hair. The hair vendors collect hair from donors in many countries, types such as Brazilian hair, Indian hair, Malaysian hair, Peruvian hair, etc.

This type of hair extension can have the same natural textures, feels, or colors sometimes, just like your own hair. So the best part about human hair extensions is that you can blend well with your natural hair. And the hair usually lasts longer but costs more compared with synthetic hair extensions. The human hair extension can be your best option if you want a natural look and no need to worry about the price tag.

Synthetic Hair

Synthetic hair extensions are made of artificial fibers instead of real hair. This artificial hair extension is cheaper than human hair ones. And it has more colors and textures. Unlike human hair extensions, most types of synthetic hair are not heat-tolerant and can not be dyed, so it means that you will be stuck with the original colors and styles. But it is not problematic if you are fine with the pre-styles. So if you want short-term and budget-friendly extensions hair, synthetic hair extension is your best choice.

According To Different Install Methods

There are mainly 5 popular extension types categorized by installing methods available in the market, Sew In, Clip in, Tape in, Micro link, and fusion extensions.

Sew In Hair Extensions

Sew in hair extension, some people also call it hair weave or bundles. For using sew-in hair, natural hair should be braided into cornrows first, then use curve needles and threads to sew extensions into the braids.

Pros: This type of hair extension requires thicker natural hair because of creating the braids for the installment. So it would be the best way for people with thicker hair to add more volume. By using sew-ins, you can protect your natural hair from styling with heat and colors. So it would be helpful for natural hair growth.

Cons: With braiding your natural hair into cornrows, your natural hair and scalp will be under pressure from pulling, so it is important to install the hair correctly and give it a rest once in a while. We suggest finding a professional hairstylist help you achieve the look.

How Long do sew-in hair extensions last?

The sew-in hair extensions can last up to 8 weeks according to your hair care routine.

Clip In Hair Extensions

With just clips and the hair weft, the clip-in hair extension is considered to be the most popular type favored by its easy installment. To install the extensions, you need to section your hair into rows and stall from lower sections to the upper areas.

Pros: You can easily install the extensions or take them off in minutes depending on how many pieces you need to install. This type is more of a temporary method to experience hair extensions with less commitment.

Cons: There is a downside of clip-ins, such as falling out if attach incorrectly or wearing it too long. And it is not a great option for short hair to use, because of the risk of showing the clips.

How Long do clip-in hair extensions last?

Clip-in hair extensions can last up to 1 year, depending on hair quality and how much do you commit to hair care.

Tape-In Hair Extensions

This type of hair weft attaches to your natural hair with adhesive tapes or glues.

Pros: This method is friendly for thin hair to add more volume and length. And it offers a seamless look.

Cons: But it can cause damage to your natural since the tapes and glues will be applied to your natural hair. And Taking it off also needs heat to melt the adhesive so that the hair extensions can remove smoothly.

How Long does tape in hair extensions last?

Using shampoo and conditioner containing heavy oil can have the tapes to slip off. So we suggest avoiding washing, conditioning, or styling the hair root that has tapes or glues.

Tape-in hair extensions can last two months if take good care of them.

Micro Link Hair Extensions / I Tip Hair Extensions

Different from hair wefts, micro-link hair extensions use only strands of hair. The hair extension latches onto natural hair with microbeads.

Pros: Unlike other methods of installing, micro link hair extensions require no heat, braids, glue, etc. So it is friendly for natural hair health. And you can wash and style the hair just like your real hair if you use human hair extensions.

Cons: But I tip hair extensions need natural hair to create a full look, so it is not a protective style. It needs you to check out the attachment due to the growth of natural hair. And it is better left for professionals to install and remove the extensions, in other words, extra service fees.

How Long do micro-link hair extensions last?

The micro links can offer up to two months' look varying from the quality and care routine.

Fusion Hair Extensions / U-Tip Hair Extensions

These hair extensions are installed by using heat tools to melt keratin bonds and then using fingers to reshape them around the strands of natural hair to fix the extensions.

Pros: The obvious advantage of this method is that it can last longer, wear it comfortably, and is sturdy.

Cons: It needs heat to install (the possibility of damaging your natural hair and scalp), and the removal also needs a lot of work. So this type of hair extension usually can not be achieved at home.

How Long do fusion hair extensions last?

Fusion hair extensions can last up to six months with proper care.

With all of these types of hair extensions and some inside tips, we hope you can find the right method to achieve your looks.

With all of these types of hair extensions and some inside tips, we hope you can find the right method to achieve your looks.

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With all of these types of hair extensions and some inside tips, we hope you can find the right method to achieve your looks.

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With all of these types of hair extensions and some inside tips, we hope you can find the right method to achieve your looks.

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