The Secret To Beautiful Hair Extensions

Last updated on : June 16 2021

Hair Extensions Can Change Your Look

Growing long hair takes time, and it's possible you won't achieve the length you want even after waiting months. However, with a choice of hair extensions, you can solve your problems.

Hair extensions come in a variety of colors and sizes. And because they are so personal to you, making the right choices requires extra care.

Yes, high-notch extensions last longer and look more natural than low-quality extensions. However, this is not your only consideration.

How To Choose Hair Extensions That Suit You

Before buying extensions for yourself, consider how long you want your hair to be, and how much volume you want to show off.

Extensions put a strain on your scalp. So better to choose those that match with your hair volume. If your natural hair is lighter in size, then your extensions' density should be lighter too.

Additionally, ensure you get the right color match and quality - real hair extensions are almost always better than synthetic.

And lastly, choose extensions that suit your lifestyle. Longer and permanent extensions require a lot more daily maintenance than shorter or clip-in versions.

Read More - How To Get Perfect Summer Hair With Balayage?

Clip-In Or Permanent Extensions

Hair extensions require proper care and a little bit of extra time to get them adjusted and fitted correctly. So it is worth taking your time deciding on the right ones.

Permanent Extensions

Permanent extensions should be professionally fitted and do need ongoing care to ensure they stay neat and perfect. However, they are sturdier and provide a continuous longer and more voluminous look.

You can also engage in extra activities like jogging, hiking, swimming, salsa, and skiing, etc. with permanent extensions.

Clip-In Extensions

On the other hand, clip-in hair extensions don't require too much extra care.

They are quick and easy for those who want to add more volume without spending too much time or money on more permanent hair extensions.

Clip-ins are easily attached to your hair and can be hidden quite well, even in more sparse hair. There is no need for regular visits to hair stylists or salons. Take the wefts and clip them to your hair yourself. No professional help is needed.

However, clip-ins are not as robust as permanent solutions, so you are limited to what you can do when wearing them.

See below for a fuller analysis of permanent and clip-in extensions.

Match Your Color & Texture

If your hair extensions don't match your natural hair texture and color, then they will not look real and may appear peculiar with your hair. Perfectly matched hair extensions mean natural looks and a perfect appearance.

There is a wide variety of colors available so take the time to ensure you have a proper match. A professional stylist might apply test extensions to make sure you get the right look and feel.

Otherwise, do your research before buying and consult with a friend if necessary.

And don't buy during nighttime shopping. Choose your desired color and texture in the daylight so you can distinguish shades correctly and see different textures.

If you have blended hairs, then you can also find multi-blended hair extensions in the market for a better match.

Never try to bleach your extensions to achieve a better match, because bleaching will damage them and make them frizz.

Real vs. Synthetic Hair

Remember to choose natural hair extensions because they sustain dry heat appliances better and are easier to style the way you want. With natural extensions, you can keep your hair straight or make curly styles.

Hair extensions made with 100% human hair collected from donors are the best choices because they are long-lasting and are the best quality available in the market.

Remy Hair

Remy hair is the most exceptional quality of human hair extensions. Unlike other extensions, the cuticles are kept intact, with the hair strands aligned in their natural growth direction.

It survives harsh weather and looks as natural as your original hair. You can apply hair straighteners to it, style it, hair dry, and manage it the same way you treat your natural hair.

Synthetic hair

Synthetic hair is made from various synthetic, blended fibers and contains no human hair. These fibers are usually fine, plastic fibers designed to imitate real human hair, although generally, they are stiffer and move differently. As a result, synthetic hair might not blend well with your natural hair. They also don't last as long as human hair and are easily damaged by heat.

Buyer Beware

To ensure you are getting entirely natural hair, make sure you choose a reputable brand and check the product description in detail.

Not kind to say, but some companies claim their extensions are from human hair when they're a fusion of synthetic and real hair. The problem with synthetic hair is that it is extra shiny and doesn't flow like natural hair, and it gets dull over time.

So make sure you are buying the real deal.

Cost

Real hair, especially Remy hair, is pricier than synthetic hair. However, it is definitely worth your money.

You can expect synthetic hair extensions to cost you from $80 - $90 and human hair extensions to range from $100 - $500.

How To Attach & Style Your Extensions

If you are unsure which extensions to buy and put them on correctly, it is better to set up an appointment with your hairstylist. He or she will help you choose and will also style them correctly.

Applying hair extensions may require 2 to 3 hours of your time. Your hairstylist will first attach test extensions to let you know which ones suit you best. Though their services are expensive, a stylist will help you find a good match, and the result is likely to look superb on you.

Additionally, we recommend buying hair extensions that are longer. Longer extensions allow you to cut and style your end look easier than shorter ones.

And we suggest you apply extensions where you have more strength of natural hair, avoiding areas where your hair is more flimsy like in the back of your neck.

With the right extensions, you can apply gel on your extensions just like your natural hair.

Also, you can create braids and heavier styles, particularly if you have thick hair. But be careful not to put too much strain on your scalp if you tighten the extensions too much.

Read More - How to Choose the Best Hair Straightener for Your Hair?

Taking Care Of Your Hair Extensions

Take care of your hair extensions in the same way as you do your natural hair. Apply hair products from well-renowned brands to nourish your natural hair and maintain your extensions' extensions' health.

Wash your scalp with shampoo and apply conditioner from halfway to the ends of your hair. Ensure the water is not too cold or too hot and flowing correctly from the top to the bottom of your hair. Use products that are best for your extensions - organic herbal products are ideal, as are alcohol-free.

Note that your real hair gets nourished naturally, but it is not so for your extensions. So remember to moisturize your extensions to reduce roughness and dryness - using the right products for extensions.

Gently brush your extensions removing any jumble and knots without creating any strain. Use a hairbrush designed for hair extensions - these have bristles that are wider apart, softer, and avoid static. It is optimal to brush your hair before washing and also before going to sleep.

Make sure you don't place any strain on your extensions while you are sleeping. Create a braid or bun that will prevent the extensions from tangling and knotting when rubbed against your bedsheet or pillows.

Types of Hair Extensions

Here's a list of the different types of hair extensions, how they are fitted, whether they damage your hair, and how to care for them.

Clip-In Hair Extension

Clip-in hair extensions have ready-made strands of contoured hair attached at the base with either fabric or silicone. Clips are attached to this base and come ready to use. All you have to do is clip the pieces to your natural hair.

Each clip snaps open and closes with ease, allowing you to fit and remove the extensions quickly - it usually takes around 5 to 15 minutes to attach them at home.

The process doesn't involve any particular application of heat, pressure, or chemicals, as some other extensions do. As a result, clip-ins are the least damaging to your natural hair.

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-in hair extensions have strands of contoured hair pre-taped at their base. To fit, an experienced hairdresser will use the tape to wrap around your natural hair, sometimes with heat and glue.

It's best to get them professionally attached or removed by a hairdresser because you need to align them with the roots of your natural hair.

The process usually takes approximately 40 minutes – 1 hour. It can also cause some damage because of the application of heat and glue to your natural hair. You might also need to use a special shampoo, conditioner, or other styling products to prevent the tape-ins from sliding off or the glue from melting.

Tape-ins are semi-permanent and last around 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how well you look after them and how fast your hair grows. If the extensions are in good condition, you can reuse them.

Sew-In Hair Extensions

To fit these extensions, an experienced hairdresser will first braid your natural hair into cornrows, then use a needle and thread to sew the extension into the braid. The fitting process can take several hours, and you can choose between wefts or a wig form.

You need thicker and robust hair to wear sew-ins because the application is tight and can strain your natural hair and scalp. It can also feel bulky and uncomfortable.

However, sew-ins are popular because they are the most permanent and robust - the hair is sewn into your hair and cannot come off. However, we recommend you remove the extension every 6 to 8 weeks. And wear them no longer than a maximum of three months because they can affect your natural hair growth.

Pre-bonded hair extensions

Pre-bonded or fusion hair extensions use an adhesive to bond to your natural hair. The process needs a hairdresser as it is quite specialized. It can take as long as 3 to 4 hours to complete with individual hair strands glued together with a specialized glue gun or clamping tool.

As you might expect, the application is very damaging to your natural hair and can cause hair loss and scalp irritation. The upside is that the extensions can last up to four months, depending on your natural hair growth and how well you look after them. Unlike tape-ins, you can use the same hair care products you usually use.

Microbead hair extensions

Microbead or micro link or loop hair extensions use a silicone-lined bead to attach small wefts of hair to your natural hair. A professional hairdresser will use a specialized tool to secure and tighten the bead so that the extension holds firmly in place.

The process doesn't use heat or glue, but it does need an experienced professional to avoid damage to your hair - caused by too tight fastening or pulling at the roots on removal. The application typically takes around 2 to 4 hours.

Microbead extensions last up to 4 months, again, depending on your natural hair growth and how well you look after them. You can use your usual hair care products.

Wigs and hairpieces

Wigs are not extensions or fitted to your natural hair. Instead, they act as a replacement for your natural hair, often covering your entire scalp. Typically you use them if you suffer from hair loss or balding or because you want to change your whole look temporarily.

Hairpieces are more decorative and usually come in the shape of a bun, ponytail, or hair tie placed on top of your hair and secured with a hair clip.

Final Words

The secret behind celebrities' gorgeous hair is likely a hair extension. Hair extensions add volume and length to your hair and make you look like a princess from your favorite Disney movie.

However:

Look for reputable stores to buy hair extensions and try to go for all-natural or Remy hair.

If you are going to a hairstylist for your hair extensions, then go to an expert. A professional stylist will help you select the correct extensions and fit them correctly to your hair. If the extension doesn't match your natural hair, then they are not worth buying.

Temporary hair extensions are excellent if you're wearing them occasionally but don't try to put them on for more extended periods.

You can use permanent hair extensions for many years if you are careful in looking after them. If you plan to remove them, don't try it yourself, go to your stylist, and let them perform the job for you.

Don't Don't wear extensions if you are facing an issue of gradual hair loss.

Our Professional

In writing this article, we consulted heavily with Rami Jabali. Rami is a passionate fashionista and a certified beautician who runs a modern state of the art salon in Abu Dhabi. Over the years, Rami Jabali has earned his reputation as one of Dubai's Dubai's most respectable beauty experts. He loves his job and offering the best possible services to his customers.

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