Have you ever fantasized about rocking waist-length hair or ponytails but couldn’t because of your short hair? Hair extensions can help make that dream a reality. They make styling your hair ten times easier but are they great for your hair? Let’s find out. Contained in this article is all you need to know about hair extensions.
What are Hair Extensions?
Hair extensions help you enhance the length and look of your hair. You can slot in a few to add volume to your entire hair. They are also great for ladies suffering from hair loss; they help cover up the bald patches.
What Types of Hair Extensions Are Available?
Hair extensions have evolved past the dreadful-looking things they were a decade ago. They used to be bonded by glue and were notorious for causing balding. Now, you have options of what type of hair extension to choose from.
1. Clip-in Extensions
Clip-in extensions are great for women that want the extra length and volume without having to endure the hours of salon time. These extensions are pretty common and come with mini hair clips to easily attach the hair to your locks.
To get the best out of these extensions, we advise that you take them out before you go to bed. This will prevent them from tangling or pulling your natural hair harshly.
2. Tape-in Extensions
Tape-in extensions come in two strips with adhesive bonds that allow you to affix them to your natural hair easily. Flat pieces of tape cover the adhesive bonds, and you have to pull these tapes off to get the sticky end.
Taking care of your tape-in extensions are quite complex. But with great care, you can enjoy your extensions for up to eight weeks. You can book a salon appointment for a professional stylist to help cleanse the extensions properly.
3. Sew-Ins
Sew-in extensions are perfect for ladies that want to enjoy all of the benefits of extensions but without the nasty hair loss. We consider these types of extensions to be a great protective style option. Leave a small portion of your front hair out and braid the other parts down to rock sew-in extensions. We advise that you go for smaller braids as they give a more natural finish.
Starting from the nape of your neck, sew in the weft of the extensions down neatly and work your way to the front. Avoid sewing down the wefts with too much tension, or you may wind up with headaches and end up with hair breakage.
With proper care, sew-in extensions can last for six to eight weeks.
4. Micro Link Extension
Micro-link extensions come in wefts and have micro silicone beads that allow you to attach them to your natural hair. First, blow out your hair to stretch it out, then divide your hair into small sections. Attach these extensions to your hair one at a time and secure them firmly to your hair with a metal plier.
With micro-link extensions, you get a very natural look that can last you between six to eight weeks. However, we advise that you visit the salon once a month for maintenance. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with us at Glamcode for home service.
5. Wigs
Wigs are hair extensions that have made lots of progress in terms of texture through the years. Now, you have the option of synthetic wigs or human hair wigs. Then again, half wigs allow you to leave part of your real hair out on top, and lace wigs cover your entire head.
Whichever style of wig you opt for, you can be sure that you will get a fresh look that you can switch up easily. You can clip them on or tape them to your hair via the adhesive.
Wigs are well worth their cost and can last for as long as eight years. You can remove them anytime you want and wear them back when you need to. Just maintain them properly.
Which Type of Hair Extension Should You Choose?
Now that you know the types of hair extensions available, we are confident that you can decide for yourself. The best choice for you is dependent on your needs and the look you want to achieve.
If you want something you can put in quickly and take out every night, then clip-in extensions are the best choice for you. They are convenient and easy to style. Alternatively, you can opt for semi-permanent sew-in extensions. You can rock them without worries; you can take them out at the end of the month.
Tape-in extensions look very natural and don’t give you any form of stress as long as you take care of them well. One wrong wash session and you can destroy the adhesive tapes permanently.
How Long Can You Wear Your Hair Extensions for?
You can wear your hair extensions anywhere from six weeks to six months, provided you care for them properly. We advise that you book a cleaning session with your hairstylist once a month to ensure your scalp and extensions are clean.
How to Take Care of Your Hair Extensions?
How you care for your extensions significantly impacts how long they will last. To help, we have compiled easy ways you can take care of your extensions.
Store them properly: it only takes a few seconds to stash your hair extensions, but those seconds make all the difference to their lifespan. Make sure the clips in your extension are closed, then brush the hair gently before you stash them in a wig bag.
Use the Right Products: the wrong hair products can cause your extensions to tangle up and become unmanageable. Go for products that do not have sulfate in any form, alcohol or propanol.
Brush Them Properly: be gentle with your extensions. Brush them from tip to roots, ensuring that you get out all the knots gently. Only brush your hair extensions when they are dry because wet extensions are more susceptible to breakage.
Conclusion
Hair extensions allow you to step up your style game easily. They come in two broad categories; temporary and permanent extensions. Whichever type of hair extension you choose, be sure to take care of them properly.