Have you ever heard about fusion, micro-links, pre-bonded, weaves, and tape-ins? There are so many types of hair extensions that beginners can get confused by hearing the terms for the first time. In this guide, we are going to explore the types of hair extensions as well as the difference between human hair weaves and synthetic ones.
Human Hair Extensions and Synthetic Hair Extensions
The popularly used hair extensions are human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions. Just like the name suggests, human hair extensions are created using the natural hair of real people. Generally, people store their hair instead of throwing it to sell it. These hairs generally remain smooth and silky because there are fewer chances of tangling when the chemicals are not used.
Manufacturers use blended fibers to create synthetic hair without including any real human hair. Generally, these fibers are made of fine plastic material that is manufactured to look exactly like natural hair.
Look and Feel of different types of hair extensions
There is a difference in the styles, form, and color in both synthetic and real human hair. Although the quality of synthetic fibers will depend on the manufacturer, these items will be stiffer and give a coarse feeling compared to natural human hair.
Most people choose real human hair extensions because it looks, feels, and blends naturally. When you wear these extensions, no one will be able to guess these are not real hair.
Coloring and Styling
You can treat human hair extensions like real hair that needs combing, oiling, and shampooing to stay smooth and shiny. Moreover, there won’t be any issues in coloring, blow-drying, and straightening the extensions. Those who choose synthetic hair won’t be able to color them because most dyes include bleach or ammonia that can damage the extensions.
You also can’t style, these extensions are like real and natural hair. Hairstyling products like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can melt and damage the extensions beyond repair. Unlike synthetic extensions, you can use hair care and styling products on human hair extensions.
How long do different types of hair extensions last?
Although synthetic hair extensions are a comparatively cheaper option, you don’t get similar benefits that come with human hair weaves. Extensions made of synthetic fibers don’t last for more than a few months and can easily get damaged. If you take proper care of human hair extensions, then they can be used for more than a year.
Different types of extensions
1. Clip-in Hair Extensions
You will find clip-in hair extensions in a strand of contoured pieces that are fixed at the base with silicone or fabric. Clips can be used instantly and you are required to clip those pieces with real hair. These clips are easy to open and close. One of the least permanent types of hair extensions is the clip-in ones because they can be removed and attached instantly.
Compared to all other types of extensions, clip-ins generally take less time to apply. Furthermore, these extensions don’t damage the natural hair because you don’t have to use pressure, heat, or chemicals in the installation process. Even though there are different types of hair extensions available in the market, you will find clip-in extensions the best one.
2. Tape-in Hair Extensions
Tape-in hair extensions are pre-taped. In the installation process, you have to tape or glue it together on both sides of the natural hair. Generally, tape-ins is applied by a hairdresser because it has to be aligned with the roots.
The hairdresser applies for the extensions by heating the glue with a heated tool. Moreover, you should use a glue remover before removing them. Obviously, when heat is applied to your roots, including the glue, there are high chances of severely damaging the natural hair. If the extensions are in the best condition, you can apply them within 40 minutes.
3. Sew-in hair extensions
You have to braid cornrows before applying the weave hair using a needle and thread for sewing them into the braid. Since they are applied using a unique method, these hair weaves are only created for women with thicker hair.
Normally, you have to go through a long weave application process that can last for several hours. Most women feel extremely uncomfortable and heavy because the application process puts a strain on the scalp. If you have thin or lighter hair, then choosing sew-in hair extensions is not a good decision.
Experienced hairdressers are hired to apply for sewn-in extensions because these are extremely difficult to install. Compared to separate wefts, sew-in extensions come in only one piece. Since these types of extensions are seamless and permanent, many women have selected them as the best alternative. After sewing-in, these extensions cannot come off unless the natural hair grows long enough or you cut them off.
4. Fusion and Pre-bonded hair extensions
Hairdressers use glue or other adhesive to fuse the pre-bonded extensions to the natural hair. Normally, the application process takes more than 3 hours. Since these types of extensions can cause hair damage, some women with already damaged and weak hair should avoid choosing the fusion ones.
Various hairdressers advise that there are better alternatives than this method. For the application process, you have to use a hot glue gun that can glue the extensions to individual strands of real hair.
5. Micro link Hair Extensions
Other common names of these extensions include micro loop and micro bead hair extensions. In natural hair, you have to find small sections to attach tiny wefts of hair with a small silicone-lined bead. To secure the bead to the hair, you have to use a special tool and tighten the hold of the extensions.
Even though heat and glue are not used in the installation process, these types of extensions can damage the hair by causing pressure and pulling at the roots. Normally, the application process takes more than 2 hours.
Conclusion
We hope now you understand what the different types of hair extensions are. You should remember the application process and chances of hair damage before investing in a hair extension. Generally, human hair extensions are best and can be used for more than a year.
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