What you need to know about Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are a great way of adding length and volume to your existing hair and opening up a whole new world of styling possibilities.

However, diving into the world of hair extensions can be a little overwhelming. There are different hair types, different styles of hair extensions, different application and styling methods and more to consider. Buying the wrong extensions can mean spending substantial money on a product that isn’t right for your hair.

So before you start shopping around for hair extensions, let’s have a look at a few things you need to know to make the most informed purchase.

Hair Types

• Remy hair

Remy hair extensions are made of real human hair. Human hair offers a number of benefits but also comes with a more hefty price tag.

Remy hair extensions are a much higher quality than most synthetic alternatives. They are soft, smooth, silky and last for a long time. Premium quality Remy hair is known as Remy virgin hair. This is hair that has never been treated or coloured.

Remy hair can withstand heat, which means it can be styled more easily as it can be hair dried, straightened or curled. Essentially, anything that you can do with your real hair, you can do with Remy hair.

• Synthetic hair

Synthetic hair will not last as long as remy hair, but it does have some advantages.

Synthetic extensions are much more affordable than human hair. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of extensions, synthetic hair might be a good start. There are synthetic products out there that look pretty decent considering the price point.

Synthetic extensions are generally quick and easy to use as they are designed for short-term use.

On the downside, some synthetic extensions don’t handle heat well, which means they may not be suitable for styling. Synthetic hair also generally doesn’t have the precise look and feel of natural human hair.

Extension types

• Tape-in

Tape-in extensions attach to your natural hair via an adhesive tape system. Due to its simple attachment method, it can fit most hair types.

To install tape-ins, your natural hair needs to be pulled up. The horizontal adhesive tape is then attached to the back of your head and under your real hair. It is recommended that the tape sits as close to the scalp as possible. Then, your natural hair will be let down, covering the adhesives. For a fee, most hair extension providers or salons will install them for you.

If you’re worried about the adhesive damaging your hair, don’t worry. The adhesives used in these extensions are safe for human use and won’t damage your hair or leave a residue on your hair or skin.

• I-tip

I-tips use small beads to attach to individual strands. They are usually designed for those with medium-length hair.

These extensions are relatively cheap and can last for a while if you take care of them. They can be easily attached or removed. This means you won’t have to commit to them like you would like weft or tape-in extensions.

Also, because they are attached to individual hairs, you can easily run your fingers through it.

• Weft

Weft extensions are large sections of hair that get sewn or beaded in place. Weft extensions can protect your real hair that lies underneath. It can prevent breakage, heat damage and tensions. Additionally, you can use sewn-in wefts while you wait for your hair to grow out.

Due to the weight of these extensions, they are recommended for those with thicker hair.

• Clip-in

Clip-ins hair extensions can be attached or removed whenever you want. It is a very quick way of adding volume and length to your hair.

One of the biggest advantages of clip-ins is the flexibility. You can choose to wear it one night and remove it the next day. You don’t have to spend time maintaining it like you would with tape-in extensions. It’s a good way of quickly adding length or volume without having to commit to a length application process.

Matching colours

Before you choose a colour, you need to know what you’re trying to do with your hair. For example, do you want to have highlights or do you want it to have one solid colour?

Once you’ve decided, you can then find the right tone of hair. For a colour reference, it’s best to use the ends of your natural hair. If you refer to the hair near your scalp, you can end up buying the wrong colour.

It’s best to consult with hair extension specialists for advice. They will help you achieve the look that you want and address any concerns that you might have.

High-quality human hair extensions can also be dyed to match your hair colour. Consult your stylist for more information on this process.

Finding a store

Finally, do some research on the hair extension stores near you. There are also plenty of high-quality online providers as well.

When looking for a store, the key things to look out for are the stock, additional services and, of course, customer reviews. If you’re unsure about anything, you can always send an email or give their team a ring.

When looking online, make sure you buy from a trustworthy hair extension provider. Some stores will boast cheap prices, but their products will not be up to par. Here are some tips to follow while buying perfect hair extensions. Be careful and make sure to do enough research before deciding on a store.

Now that you’ve finished our hair extensions crash course, you’re ready to go out and buy one. Just keep the key pointers above in mind and you’ll be flicking your hair with confidence in no time.