The Ultimate Hair Extensions Guide – Nalu Salon
Do you ever wish there was a quicker way to attain your long hair goals where you could skip all the time and efforts involved? Then you’re in the right place. Today we are going to talk about how you can fulfil your wish using a hair extension.
This article is the ultimate guide that will answer all the questions you might have regarding hair extensions. Here we will cover the most common types of hair extensions, their pros and cons and much more so you can make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
What are hair extensions made of?
Before moving on to the types of hair extensions let us understand what hair extensions are made of. Primarily the hair extensions are made either using real human hair or using various synthetic materials like finely blended plastic fibers that look very similar to real human hair.
Now the question arises, should I opt for real human hair or synthetic hair extensions? The answer, like always, depends on your needs. The following table compares the difference between human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions:
| Feature | Human Hair Extensions | Synthetic Hair Extensions |
|---|---|---|
| Look and Feel | Looks and feels natural because they are natural. | Varies but mostly not as natural as human hair. |
| Styling | Can be easily straightened, curled, styled like your own hair. | Cannot be styled. More prone to damage from sun and harsh hair products. |
| Hair Coloring | Can also be colored with your favorite shades just like you do with your own hair. | Coloring is not at all an option. Trying to do so will only result in more damage. |
| Life Span | Usually lasts for a year with good care. | Generally lasts for a few months. |
| Cost | Because human hair cannot be manufactured and due to all the pros mentioned above, they carry a premium price tag. | Thanks to mass production, synthetic hair extensions are quite affordable compared to real human hair extensions. |
Hair extension types
Now that you know what extensions are made of, let’s discuss the main types of hair extensions and what are their pros and cons.
1. Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-in extensions are the most popular type of hair extensions due to their easy-to-apply form factor, affordable price, and non-permanent nature. Applying it takes just a few seconds. Just place the clip part on your hair and press gently to snap it.
Another pro is, unlike permanent extensions that require chemical or heat to apply, clip-ins do not require anything to apply, making them the safest hair extension option out there.
The downsides of clip-ins are: you can’t sleep with extensions on. Secondly, they are not suitable for people with thin hair.
2. Sew-In Hair Extensions
As the name suggests, these types of extensions are sewn securely on the existing hair. These are also known as weaves and are loved by people with thick hair. When applied by experts at the salon, they can safely stay in place for up to 3 months. Comparing it with clip-ins, these are quite safe as well because there is no glue or heating involved.
The two cons of sew-in hair extensions are: the application process requires you to sit in place for hours. Also, it can create a level of tension on your scalp which can result in hair loss.
3. Tape-In Hair Extensions
Tape-ins are a type of semi-permanent hair extension that lays flat against your scalp. A set of tape-in extensions extension consists of around 20 small pieces. These are taped closely to your scalp using a hair adhesive strip which results in a seamless look. The installation process takes around an hour.
Tape-in extensions are preferred by people with fine, thin hair and who don’t mind sleeping with extensions on. The good part is, you can still use your favorite shampoo and conditioner and can style your hair as usual. The bad part is, the extensions need to be reapplied every 2 months and you cannot use hair products that have alcohol infused in them.
4. Pre-bonded Hair Extensions
These extensions consist of strands that have a keratin bond on its tips. During application, the keratin ends are melted and fused to the root of the natural hair using a heat clamp/ heat connector. In the end, the extensions are pretty much undetectable.
These extensions look natural, securely stay in place and depending on how well you maintain them, can last for 6 months or longer. The only downside we have seen with pre-bonded/fusion hair extensions is that the heat used in the application process may lead to hair damage, hair loss.
5. Micro Link Hair Extensions
Micro links are also known as micro-rings or microbeads. In this method the color-matched silicone beads are used to clamp the extensions with the strands of your own hair using special pliers. Once the process is completed, the results can last for 3-4 months. There is a maintenance involved wherein the attachment needs to be tightened every 3-4 weeks in order to adjust it with the hair growth.
They are considered quite safe as they do not require any tape, adhesive or sewing and lasts longer than other types of extensions. The application process is quite lengthy and can take somewhere between 3-6 hours, so keep that in mind before booking an appointment. You also need to take extra care during styling when using micro-ring extensions.
Hair Wigs
How can we forget wigs when talking about hair extensions? Most of you already know about wigs, but just for context, think of a wig like your favorite hat. You can pick any hat according to your mood and drop it off whenever you feel like it.
This can be a good option for people who don’t want to commit to the long-term option, i.e. a hair extension. It completely changes the look of the person wearing it, especially for people without any hair. Another plus point about wigs is, they are quite affordable and have a long lifespan.
The drawback wigs have is they cannot be styled and you cannot wear it during shower or sleep, which means you will have to put it on and off everyday if you are planning to have consistent look year-around.
FAQs
How much do hair extensions cost?
The price of hair extensions varies depending on the extension type, quality and if it uses natural human hair or synthetic hair. Still, to give you a rough idea, synthetic hair extensions range from $60-$100 and the ones that use human hair are available between $120-$500.
Can I wear hair extensions on curly hair?
The short answer is, Yes you can. There are certain types of curly extensions that will easily blend with your curly hair, but the process needs to be done by the experts. This tip also applies to people that have
Can I style hair extensions?
Yes, you can style hair extensions just like you do with your real hair. You can also color them to change things up once in a while. But remember, this is only possible with extensions made from real human hair. Be careful about the source you’re getting the human hair from.
Halocouture is one such ethical source that provides genuine Remy hair (real human hair of the highest quality). Our clients love how long they last and how easy they are to work with in terms of brushing, styling and coloring.
That brings us to the end of our ultimate guide on hair extensions. We have tried to answer all the commonly asked questions that people have during their hair extensions research, but if there is something you think we have missed, let us know in the comments.
If you are planning to try extensions and want to get replies directly from the experts at our salon, or if you want to book an appointment with the best hair extension specialists in the Birmingham, MI area, connect with us using the contact us page.
You can also reach out to us using the details below:
Nalu Salon
887 E. Maple Rd
Birmingham, MI 48009.
248-566-3900
