Hair extensions are a very popular way for people to alter the length and/or fullness of their hair.  Hair extensions come in many varieties, and last for varying amounts of time, depending on which type is chosen and how well the extensions are cared for.  The come in clip-on or clip-in form, two different glue-in forms, sew-in form, and braid-in form.

The easiest, fastest, least permanent and probably most popular hair extensions are those that clip into or onto the hair.  They are made by many reputable companies, such as Revlon, or the ever popular “Paris Hilton” extensions. 

The extensions that clip onto the hair require that the wearer put her own hair into a pony tail and simply clip the hair over her own.  Some styles even have a pouch for the wearer’s natural hair to sit in.  They can look like anything from a dressy pony tail to a mild up-do, and they come in many colors, so most women should be able to find a color that closely resembles her own.  These are ideal for ladies that stay busy, as they take just seconds to apply and can be reused daily for quite some time if they are properly cared for.  The hair pieces are made from synthetic hair, which allows them to keep their style for a long time.  Because of this, maintenance is very low – brushing is usually not necessary, heated appliances such as curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers will destroy the piece, and hair products are not recommended.  There are products available that are specifically designed for synthetic hair and if the wearer desires, these products are acceptable for use.  If the piece is kept for a long time, or if product is used on it, the synthetic hair may become brittle and dry.  This can be corrected by washing in a synthetic-safe cleanser and using a conditioner designed for use on synthetic hair.  The cost on these types of hair extensions can range from $10 to $40.  Estimated lifespan of these extensions, depending on usage, is between three and six months.

The extensions that clip into the hair are typically a bit more expensive, but they are made from real hair, and offer a wider array of styling options.  The hair extension is hair on a track, and snap clips are sewn to the tracks – typically there are three snap clips on each of the crowns, which are the larger pieces that wrap around the head, and one snap clip on each of the smaller pieces used around the temple area.  Usually, 8-10 pieces will come in a set, and to obtain the most realistic thickness, two sets are often required.  The wearer’s own hair is parted in horizontal sections, starting about three inches from the nape of the neck.  The snap clips on the extensions are opened and slipped into the wearer’s hair, as close to the scalp as possible.  Starting in the middle, the snap clips are snapped shut, securing the extension to the natural hair.  The hair is then parted horizontally an inch or two above the last part, and the process is repeated.  There are usually pieces that are an inch to an inch and a half wide – these pieces are installed in the same manner around the ears and temples.  Once the extensions are in the wearer’s hair, they can be styled using any typical styling method, taking care not to catch the track, as this can be a bit uncomfortable to mildly painful.  These extensions are taken out after each wearing.  Recommended care is to condition daily with a spray on, leave-in conditioner, and to wash them carefully after product has been used in them.  Avoid crumpling the hair while washing, and lay it out as flat as possible on a towel to dry, being sure to apply leave-in conditioner liberally.  These extensions can cost between $60 and $300 per pack, and estimated lifespan, depending on usage and care, is between three and six months.

The same track hair that is used in the clip in extensions can be also be glued or sewn into the wearer’s hair instead of sewing the clips to the tracks.  To glue the hair in, specialized hair glue which comes in dark and light, depending on the color of the hair, is used to glue the track to the hair close to the scalp.  Typically there will be a track every inch or so, depending on the desired fullness of the hair.  Another option is to have small braids braided horizontally around the wearer’s head about an inch apart, and the tracks can then be sewn to the braids using a curved needle and thick, specialized thread.  This should be done by a qualified professional to avoid damaging the hair or scalp.  Track hair can cost $6 - $30 per pack, and one to two packs may be needed to achieve the desired fullness.  These types of extensions should be cared for the same as the wearer would normally care for her hair, taking care around the tracks while styling and brushing the hair.  This type of hair extension can be expected to last for about one month.

Another type of extension is braided into the hair vertically.  If desired, the entire head of hair can be braided and the extension hair, which comes loose instead of on a track, can then be braided into the end of the braid, thus lengthening the hair.  This is used primarily by women, but may also be used by men.  It can be done by a qualified professional or by someone who knows the process.  For this purpose, synthetic or natural hair may be used, and two to three packs are usually necessary.  The synthetic hair typically used in this process costs about $.99 per pack, while the natural hair can cost $6 - $30 per pack.  If done in a salon, expect to pay $75 - $200.  Lifespan of this method depends on the individual and how well the braids stay in his or her hair, usually about a month. 

It is also possible to braid only small sections of the hair, integrating the extension into the small braid.  Often, the braids are reinforced with the same type of thread that is used in sewing track extensions in.  If done in this fashion, the miniature braids are not visible when the hair is styled, and the hair used should be natural hair.  This is a very time consuming process, often taking 2-4 hours, depending on the wearer’s natural hair and the desired appearance.  Maintenance of the extensions is the same as the wearer’s natural hair, once again taking care around the braids while brushing and styling.  This is one of the most natural-looking forms of wearing hair extensions.  It is most commonly done by a qualified professional, but it is possible to find someone who knows the process outside of a beauty salon.  The cost can range from $6 - $100 per pack of hair, depending on the type, length, and quality.  If done in a salon, expect to pay $200 - $800.  Lifespan of this type of extension is usually two to three months.

The latest and greatest in hair extension technology is a process called “micro fusion.”  This is the most natural-looking form of extension, as well as the most time consuming process, and it should only be done by a qualified professional.  The hair is separated into groups of several strands at a time and then the extension is attached to the hair near the scalp using one of three processes.  Keratin glue, which is glue made of the same protein hair is made up of may be applied via a specialized glue gun or glue pot.  Alternatively, “fusion links” which are tiny metal circles may be used to join the client’s real hair with the extension hair.  Caring for this type of extension is the same as caring for natural hair, taking care near the roots when styling and brushing.  Expect to pay at least $400 for this service, and the extensions can be expected to last three to six months.