The Truth About Hair Extensions Everybody Should Know

Maybe you just had an unflattering cut and cannot imagine how long it will take to grow everything back or your hair lost its youthful luster and full body. It could be just time to completely revamp and reimagine your look. 

In all cases hair extensions are definitely something to consider adding to your beauty repertoire.

If considering possibilities of using hair extensions makes you think of another unflattering celebrity article and cringe, read on! 

Properly selected and applied hair extensions could be a hair-game changer – in a good way!

What are hair extensions, anyway?

There are 3 main types of hair extensions:
  • Temporary hair extensions (take them out daily)
  • Semi-Permanent hair extensions (wear them for 6-8 weeks)
  • Permanent hair extensions (wear them for several months)

Temporary Hair Extensions

Temporary extensions are clip-in hair extension pieces and strands. They are fairly easy to put in and take out and after some practice can be done on your own.

If you are considering hair extensions for the first time the temporary hair extensions are a good choice especially if you would like to change up your look for a short time.

If you are concerned about the possibility of hair damage by permanent hair extensions, temporary extensions are for you. 

Here is a short video that shows how temporary extensions work. 

How much do temporary extensions cost? 

The average cost of a Human Hair clip-in extensions is between $200 and $400 for a set of 6-9 clip-ins and will last 1-2 years. Synthetic clip-in extensions are a less expensive alternative range from $10 to $30. 

How to take care of temporary extensions?

For clip-in extensions to last longer, it is recommended to take them out each night, wash and condition with with sulfate-free hair care products. After washing let them air-dry flat.

What are the latest trends in temporary hair extensions?

One of the newer design is “halo” extensions that are offered by Chic Magnifique:
Hair (synthetic or human) is attached to a transparent wire, which you simply tie around your head underneath your own hair. 

Semi-Permanent Hair Extensions

After you have given temporary extensions a try and want to make a longer commitment to a fuller mane without having to take extensions in and out every night, semi-permanent extensions could be a great solution.

Tape-in extensions are considered the golden standard of semi-permanent extensions. 

High quality semi-permanent  hair extensions are reusable, they last 5-8 weeks and are not detectable if applied by a specialist. 

When picking the best extensions, choose the ones with sew lines to avoid hair shedding. Also pay attention to hair extension tape material. Go for hypoallergenic regular tape adhesive. Gel-based adhesive could make it difficult to remove the extensions thereby causing hair damage. 

For tape-ins to last longer, stylists recommend not washing hair all that often and opt-in for dry shampoo when possible. If you are using regular shampoo and water, use sulfate-free hair care products. 

This short video shows how semi-permanent tape-in extensions work.

How much do semi-permanent extensions cost?

The average cost of tape-in extensions is between $60 and $100 per approximately 10 pieces of human hair. Synthetic hair tape-in extensions are less expensive and cost between $20 and $40.

For tape-ins to last longer, stylists recommend not washing hair all that often and opt-in for dry shampoo when possible. If you are using regular shampoo and water, use sulfate-free hair care products. 

Permanent Hair Extensions

Permanent Hair Extensions are attached to hair near the scalp in a permanent way, they should only be installed and removed by a certified professional. It takes between 6 and 8 hours to apply.

How to apply the permanent extensions?

  • Hot fusion or keratin bond extensions. In this method hair is placed between a U-Tip and sealed to the keratin bond with a hot extensions tool.
  • Micro link extensions. Accomplished by feeding a strand of the hair through bead or lock and then clamping it with a special tool.
  • Glue in hair extensions. Achieved by individual hair strands of hair being glued into natural hair.
  • Braided hair extensions. Completed by braiding hair and then sewing extensions into the braided hair.

Application methods described above provide long term solutions but they have some drawbacks. 

Hot fusion and glue-in methods require heat and/or glue, which can damage hair. 

Micro links and braiding can peek through natural thin hair. They are also responsible for tight hair feeling for quite some time after application and require some time adjustment.

How much do permanent extensions cost?

Permanent hair extensions can get pricey as application itself could cost between $300 and $800 and this is not including the cost of hair. 

Here is great video that describes permanent hair extensions:

Now that we’ve figured out types of extensions let us point out most reputable brands that offer great products!

Luxy Hair specializes in clip-in hair extensions.

Bellami Hair specializes in clip-in & tape-in hair extensions.

Mayvenn offers sew-in hair extensions plus service for the price of one.

PRARVI Hair Extensions is manufacturer and distributor of original human Virgin Remy Unprocessed temple donated Indian hair.

Babe's 100% Human hair is being used by salons and stylists all over the world for its ability to maintain a radiant and smooth texture without using synthetic coatings like silicone. Equally important to stylists is the attachment method. No heat, glue, or chemicals means no mess or damage to the client's hair.

Hotheads® Hair Extensions are human hair, adhesive weft extensions that are applied without the need for tools or heat. Their goal was to create a product for the salon professional that was simple…. fast…. and extraordinary.

Donna Bella Hair is an industry leader providing professional 100% Remy human hair extensions. All hair extensions are handcrafted with the cuticle intact by trained experts.

As one of the top hair extension brands, each of their Glam Seamless extension collections are made with double drawn, 100% high-quality Remy human hair that lasts up to a year.

 

Finally, let us answer questions frequently asked by clients considering extensions for the 1st time.

Can I perm hair extensions?

Perming – you can perm human hair extensions. This would be the same as perming your own hair. It is not advisable to perm extensions that have been treated with relaxers or dyed with metallic dye the same way as you would not subject your natural hair to such harsh treatments. Synthetic hair extensions cannot be permed because they are made of special synthetic materials.

Can I curl hair extensions?

 Curling – you can curl human extensions. When curling, ensure not to exceed the temperature of 350F. If you decide to curl synthetic extensions, make sure they are heat resistant and do not exceed temperature recommended by manufacturer, otherwise you will end up with melted extensions. 

Can I dye hair extensions?

Dyeing – you can dye human hair extensions the same way as you would your own hair. As far as synthetic hair, because they are made of different materials, they can be dyed but using different coloring agents. Extensions experts do not recommend coloring synthetic extensions, but buying instead the color you need initially.

Do hair extensions look real?

You can get a great set of extensions that in fact looks real and greatly improves the appearance of your own hair. 

To achieve best results consider working with a hair stylist certified in hair extensions installations. Go for tape-in or hot fusion / keratin human hair extensions. Create depth with low-lights and high-lights. Do not go for super long hair to still keep your look realistic.

How to choose hair extensions length?

Professional hair stylists recommend choosing length of extensions based on your own initial hair length. If your own hair falls above or right to the shoulders, choose 20-22 inches long extensions. If your hair is longer than shoulder length you can choose longer extensions. This way it is going to look more realistic. 

What are some tips for the maintenance of hair extensions?

Hair professionals recommend washing hair extensions once a week, twice if necessary. 

Try using dry hair shampoo in-between regular hair washing. 

Washing too often dries hair out and increases shedding. 

When washing & conditioning your hair hair, use sulfate-free products. 

Use a wet brush for easy and pain-free combing now that your hair volume has increased. Finally, braid your hair for the night to avoid tangling.

Can I get hair extensions with short hair?

Hair stylists recommend having 3-4 inch length hair to install extensions successfully. 

The very minimal length quoted is 2.3 inches. 

Better option for short hair would be tape-in semi-permanent extensions. Since tape is very thin it will not be noticeable through your own hair. 

You can always add extensions to the top of your head for volume rather than length. 

What do guys think of their women wearing hair extensions?

After researching men’s opinion on hair extensions, surveys showed that the majority of men did not care if a woman was wearing them or not. As long as the extensions looked real and there were no clips or tapes peeking through. 

Human hair extensions were  therefore preferred to synthetic extensions.

Professional installation was preferred over DIY.

Here you have it! All the details about hair extensions, from extension types, to pricing, to care requirements. Hope you give them a try 🙂