Different Types of Hair Extensions?
There are so many different styles of extensions and terms, it can get enormous especially if you are new to the world of hair extensions and hair in general. This article is going to do the breaking down the different types of extensions to help clear up some confusion.
The following article will provide clarity and help you make the best choice for your hair. So get comfortable, tie your hair back, and let’s get right into it.
(a). Tape-In Hair Extensions
Description:
Tape hair extensions are exactly what they sound like. The extensions are pre-taped and then taped/glued together on either side of your hair. Typically a hairdresser would apply tape-ins for you because you need to align them with the roots and they are applied with a heated tool that heats the glue. Additionally, you would need to have them removed (with glue remover) and then reinstalled. Naturally, when you apply heat to your roots and any adhesive product such as tape or glue, this can damage your hair. This process usually takes approximately 40 minutes – 1 hour to apply and if the extensions are in good condition, they can be re-used.
TREATMENT
With tape-in extensions, you have to be very careful when using conditioners or hair products because this can cause the tape to come loose or slip off. This is a very common issue with tape-ins, where the hair simply slides off. Because of this, hairdressers usually recommend you use special shampoo or conditioner and styling products that are less harsh and not as oily to ensure the glue continues to stick to your hair. You can style them any way you want because they are made with human hair, but you need to watch out for the roots where the glue or tape is.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
Tape-ins are considered semi-permanent. Typically, Tape-In Hair Extensions last 4 – 8 weeks before you need to remove and re-apply them. Just like any other hair, however, it depends on how well you take care of them and on how quickly your hair grows.
(b). Clip-in Hair Extensions
Description?
Clip-in wefts, also known as clip-in hair extensions come in a strand of contoured pieces, 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 all on your own! Each clip snaps open and close with ease—see here for how to clip them in.
Clip-in hair extensions are the least permanent style of extensions because you can quickly remove them and put them back on whenever you want. Unlike some of the other hair extension applications mentioned above, clip-ins usually take 5 – 15 minutes to apply at home. Clip-in hair extensions are also the least damaging because they don’t involve any chemicals, heat, pressure, or other installation methods mentioned above—they simply clip onto your hair with ease so there is zero damage to your natural hair. This is one of the many reasons why it’s one of the most popular hair extension types.
TREATMENT
The same synthetic vs. real hair rules apply when it comes to treatment of clip-in hair extensions just as with any hair extensions. We’ll focus more on the human hair extensions since that’s what we recommend.
Simply put, human hair extensions are very low maintenance and only need to be washed every 15-20 wears, or if there is a lot of product buildup to the point that they become unmanageable. Just like your natural hair, you simply brush, shampoo and condition the hair and let them air dry! See here for step by step instructions and tips on how to wash and care for your clip-in hair extensions. In terms of styling, human hair clip in extensions can be styled just like your own natural hair. They can be curled, straightened, and colored, however, it is always best to use a lower heat setting when heat styling the hair, and to use a heat protectant prior to heat styling.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
Once again, this depends on how well you take care of them, what products you use and how often you wear them. With proper care and regular wear, clip-ins last anywhere from 3 – 6 months, up to a year and sometimes even longer.
More in our next episode........ Watch out!
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