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Hair extensions come in many different forms, including tape-ins, weaves, micro rings, and loose extensions. The different types of hair extensions to suit your needs will depend on your hair type, length, and budget — as well as what look you’re going for. Here are the most common types of hair extensions and tips on how to choose the best one for you.
Clip-in Hair Extensions
These pieces have clips at one end that grip your hair while they blend into your existing strands with wefts or tracks at their tips. Clip-in hair extensions, which typically include a clip sewn onto a base weft, require the least amount of commitment from a client. If you want to foster the health of your natural hair, clip-ins are the best kind of hair extension. They are a quick and easy way to add volume, length, or color without making a drastic change to your hairstyle. They can be clipped in within minutes but you’ll need help from someone else to remove them when you want to go back to your natural style.
Micro Rings
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An increasingly popular option is micro rings. These look like a series of beads on a string and can be clipped, pinched, or glued into your hair. They tend to be the least damaging to your natural hair but the most expensive. Another downside is that they require regular maintenance as the extensions will come out with brushing or combing if you do not apply them correctly. The upside is that it does not require any damage to your natural hair at all because there are no chemicals used in the process. It also allows you to try out different colors or styles without changing anything about your natural hair!
Tape-in Hair Extensions
Tape-in hair extensions—also known as wefted or sewn in—are affixed using a special adhesive that can be attached to your natural hair using a roller or wand applicator that’s meant to help blend them seamlessly into your hair without damaging it. They come in different lengths, textures, and colors, so you’re able to match your hair exactly. They are one of the best types of hair extensions because they are easy to apply and remove, require little maintenance, and are less expensive than other methods. The downside is that they don’t last as long as some other methods and can only be styled with heat from time to time. They also may not work well with coarse or frizzy hair since the heat from styling can cause the glue to lose its hold.
Semi-permanent Clip ons
This is an easy, cost-effective way to add length and volume to your hair. Clip-on extensions are semi-permanent, meaning they can last anywhere from 1 week to 4 months. This type of extension will usually match your natural hair color and texture, making it super easy to maintain. Just clip them in! The only downside to this type of extension is that you can’t wear anything with a tight headband because the clips will pop out. If you’re looking for something more permanent or if you’re growing out your hair, these might not be the best option for you.
Individual Wefts
If you’re a busy woman, you might want to consider individual wefts. Wefts are thin pieces of hair attached to a piece of tape that can be easily installed at home. This type is good for an everyday updo because it blends in well with your existing hair, but it doesn’t hold up well if you decide to wear your hair down or in more elaborate styles. Individual wefts are ideal if you have thin or fine hair. They are also useful for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time styling their hair daily. On the other hand, these extensions are not the best choice if you enjoy wearing your hair down or in voluminous hairstyles.
Lace Frontal Closures
Lace frontals are made with a hairpiece sewn into a lace material that matches your natural hair texture. It’s quick, easy, and looks completely natural. Since you have your hair in front of it, lace-frontal closures give you an added lift and volume at the crown. Closures cost between $100-$300 per bundle, but most women need 2-3 bundles to fill their heads. The more bundles you purchase, the cheaper each one will be. Expect to spend about $250-$350 on each bundle.
Wig Sets
Wigs are ready-made pieces that you wear as they are. Wig sets come with a hair cap, which is used to help secure them to your head. Wig sets can be parted on either side or in the middle. If you have thinning hair, it’s often easier to choose a full wig over using extensions since they don’t require blending into your hair. All you have to do is put them on! There are many different types of wig sets, so find one that matches your natural hair color. Some people even like to change their hairstyle by wearing different wig set styles from time to time.
Natural Looking Synthetic Wigs
Synthetic wigs are probably not what comes to mind when you think of hair extensions, but they should. Synthetic wigs look more natural than synthetic and can be styled with heat tools. This makes them a popular option among women who want to color their hair or add length but don’t want to bother with frequent visits to a salon. Another plus? They’re much cheaper than human hair extensions! The downside is that the lifespan of a synthetic wig isn’t as long as it would be with human hair. For some people, this may not matter because they only wear their wig for six months out of the year before changing styles. However, if you’re looking for something that will last longer, then go for human hair instead.
