There are many brands and types of hair extensions which can make choosing the right hair extension for you a challenge. With an ever-growing range of available products, you really have to do your research and consider several important factors before making an informed decision for hair styling.
In this blog, we will help you to weigh the different factors and give you some tips on how to choose hair extension types.
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How to Choose Hair Extension Types?
There are many factors you have to consider to make the right choice for you. Here are some of the most important aspects that you will have to look at to find the right hair extension.
Material
One of the biggest factors you have to consider is which material you want to go with, natural human hair or synthetic hair extensions. While human hair is generally more expensive than synthetic material, it has some distinct advantages. For one, it will last longer and also can be treated like your natural hair. You are, for example, not able to use heat to treat synthetic hair, which rules out tools such as hair dryers or straighteners. Natural hair can be curled or straightened, or styled in other ways.
Quality
Make sure to be on the lookout for high quality. Hair extensions made from human hair will give the best quality, not only because they can be styled just like your own natural hair but also because they can last up to a full year if they are taken care of well.
On the other hand, synthetic hair extensions are the cheaper alternative. However, they will only last one or two months, again, if they are taken care of well.
Shopping for hair extensions online vs in-store
These days, when you can buy virtually anything online, hair extensions are no different. There are lots of companies out there that offer hair extensions, and it can be very convenient to check out their catalogues and order your extensions with a few mouse clicks. While several of these sites have informational videos available, and the pricing can be very appealing, they come with some significant downsides.
A good, professional hair stylist will be able to choose the best type, material, shade and more. Especially the colour/shade can be a significant factor to consider, as photos rarely do the actual colour justice, and you could end up with the wrong shade for your hair. This being said, you should still do research online before coming to a salon, as you will have a better idea of what to look for.
Types of hair extensions
There are many different types of hair extensions that you can choose from, which have different advantages and disadvantages.
- Clip-In Extensions: They are the easiest and most popular style and also are the quickest to apply. They also are the least damaging style.
- Tape-In Extensions: These extensions are pre-taped and then taped or glued together on either side of your natural hair. They are more complex due to the style. They have the potential to cause some damage to your hair.
- Sew-In Extensions: These are the most permanent extension types because they get sewn into your natural hair. They also are the most complex to apply and can take several hours.
- Fusion and Pre-Bonded Extensions: These are fused to your natural hair with adhesives, making them semi-permanent as well, but due to the hot glue, there is the potential for damage to your hair.
Steps to Find the Right Hair Extension
Have a look at the below steps to find the right hair extension.
Step 1: Choose the type of hair extensions you need
As you can see above, there are many different types of hair extensions, clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins and fusion/pre-bonded extensions. Do some research online to get an idea of which of these would best fit your needs and budget. You can find some details here on hair extension types and how long they last.
Step 2: Identify your hair colour
It is crucial to identify the right hair colour. Now, your hair colour can differ between the roots and the ends, so when trying to identify the right colour, which is especially important if you are looking online, you should look at the colour of your hair from the middle to the ends because that’s where the extensions will attach to. Also, make sure to check your hair colour under natural light, so it is more accurate.
Step 3: Find the specifics of your hair colour
Once you have identified the colour of your hair, you should apply this information to see which colour family and level your colour falls under. This means if it belongs to the coppers, blondes, browns, greys, or blacks and if it is dark, medium or light.
9 Tips for Choosing the Best Hair Extensions
Looking for some tips to choose the best hair extensions? Below we have listed 9 tips for choosing the best hair extensions.
1)Length And Weight Of Your Natural Hair
Consider the length and weight of your hair. This will help you choose the type and weight of extensions, for example, if you have short or fine hair, then it is recommended to go with a lighter-weight extension.
2) Heed Your Hair Stylist’s Advice
It is recommended to choose a licensed hairstylist. They have the experience and expertise to advise you on the different types and styles of extensions and also have the training to work with all the different kinds of extensions and can professionally apply them.
3) The Color Of Your Hair
Check for your hair colour, as mentioned above, in natural light. This way, you can be sure that your extensions will blend in seamlessly with your natural hair.
4) How Long Do You Want Them To Last?
Depending on the hair extension style, they can last from short-term to long-term. Clip-in extensions can be easily put on and off, while sew-ins will be semipermanent.
5) Consider Your Budget
This could be a significant factor in your choice of hair extension. Clip-ins are not just the easiest but also the most affordable option, while sew-in extensions, while lasting the longest, also are the most expensive.
6) How Often You Will Wear Them
If you are looking for a permanent look, then sew-in extensions are the best options. However, if you intend to wear them only on certain occasions, clip-ins are likely the best alternative.
7) Consider Your Lifestyle
If you engage in a lot of physical activity and are very active overall, it is important to note that clip-ins or bonding extensions can disengage during physical activity.
8) Consider How Much Time You Have
Sew-in and fusion extensions can take sessions that are several hours long. If you can’t afford to spend this much time, then clip-ins or tape-ins are better options for you.
9) Consider Your Personality
Tied in with your lifestyle, you also should consider your own personality when looking at hair extensions, such as if you are looking for a more permanent option or prefer to change your look more often.
Conclusion
There are many factors you have to take into consideration when choosing the best hair extension type for you, but these tips can make it a bit less challenging.
VIP Hair Salon is a professional full-service hair salon located in Boca Raton, FL. We offer professional hair extension services to help you achieve your dream hair. Whatever look you’re going for, there’s a hair extension type that’s right for you.
Contact us today at (561) 808-2788 to find out how we can help you!
FAQs
Clip-in extensions are the least damaging to your natural hair as they do not require glue or heat to be applied.
Your hair colour can differ between the roots and the ends, so when trying to identify the right colour, you should look at the colour of your hair from the middle to the ends because that’s where the extensions will attach to. Also, make sure to check your hair colour under natural light, so it is more accurate.
For beginners, clip-in hair extensions are generally the best option. They are quick, easy and least damaging, and you can apply them by yourself and don’t require a professional hair stylist.
