What are the Different Kinds of Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions enable you to try different hairstyles by adding length to your hair. So if you don’t have long hair but need it for an elaborate hairstyle, then you can always use hair extensions.

There are different kinds of hair extensions on the market today. Here is a list of the most popular ones that you can find, along with a small description. You can choose the one best suited to your personality and your needs, not to mention your budget!

Clip in hair extensions are very popular today because they are comparatively cheap and convenient to use. As the name suggests, these hair extensions can be attached to your natural hair with a clip. You do not need to visit a salon to attach them or remove them- they can be attached at home with minimum fuss. There are no chemicals involved in the attachment process, and they do not damage your natural hair. The only drawback of using clip in hair extensions is that they have to be removed before you have a bath, or before you go to bed. They are popular for a onetime special occasion use. Clip in hair extensions can last for 6 months, depending on the quality of hair used. Ask for a quality guarantee before you purchase them – this advice applies for all types of hair extensions anyway.

These extensions can be attached to your hair using warmed glue or wax. It is best that you don’t try this at home and visit a salon. This type of extension is more permanent than clip in hair extensions. Because of the chemicals involved in the bonding process, these hair extensions can damage your hair and scalp though. Seek advice from your hair expert before going in for them. Also if the bonding process is wax based, it might be difficult for you to blow dry your hair or use the curling iron on them as the wax may melt. These hair extensions are plaited in after partitioning your hair in sections.

Weaves are far less damaging than heat bonded hair extensions and more permanent than clip in hair extensions, but also more uncomfortable as they create tension on your scalp. Weaves are braids that are woven into your natural hair braids- they form the support for the extensions. Weaves are popular amongst the younger lot, mostly because you need thick natural hair to support the weaves.

Microbeads are small metal beads (small cylinders) that are threaded through your natural hair. A little gap is left for hair extensions, which means that one end of the hair extension is threaded through this bead alongside the natural hair and the bead is clamped over both the natural hair as well as the threaded hair extension. Many beads can be attached, depending on the amount of hair you want. This is a natural and safe way to use hair extensions, but it should not be used for a complete head hair extension as it can create tension on the scalp.

Cold fusion hair extensions are similar to heat fusion hair extensions, except that there is no heat involved in the bonding process. Hair is attached to the natural hair by using an ultrasound device to bond it in place. This technique is gentler on the hair and lasts for as long as six months before it has to be redone. This technique is becoming very popular as it is relatively safe and can be used for a complete hair extension procedure on the whole head.