Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (2024)

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (1)

Material

Real Hair

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (2) When you buy extensions made with real hair, you will enjoy that your extensions have the same feel, texture, and shade as your natural hair.

It’s possible to get extensions made from real human hair that will perfectly match your existing hair and blend in naturally. These extensions can generally be used for up to 6 months before they become so damaged that they must be replaced.

Because you can use your normal hair care products on your real hair extensions and style them without worrying about the heat of your curling iron or blow dryer damaging them, it’s easy to make them look like they are part of your natural hair.

Real extensions will act like natural hair, so you may have to fight frizz, deal with flat locks if they get wet because of the weather, and style them daily with the rest of your hair.

One added benefit of these extensions is that if you do not like the color of your hair and want to dye it, you can easily treat your extensions, and they will take the color just like your natural hair will.

However, if you are buying extensions made from real hair, you need to ensure that you have a large enough budget, as they will be much more expensive than those made from synthetic hair. Example: Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (3)

Synthetic Hair

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (4) Synthetic hair extensions respond very differently to care than ones made of real hairdo, but they are still a great option for many people.

Synthetic hair will not match natural hair like extensions made from real hair will. This means they will generally have a different color, and the texture will not be perfectly matched.

Additionally, when you buy synthetic extensions, you must ensure you are buying high-quality ones, or you will be dealing with brittle, obviously fake, and difficult to take care of.

No matter how well you care for synthetic hair extensions, they will not last as long a lifespan as real hair extensions.

They will begin to frizz and fray after you have washed them a few times, and they can’t be washed and treated with the same hair products as your natural hair, which means that taking care of them is more time-consuming.

These hair extensions are much harder to style, as you can’t apply heat without damaging them.

This means that you are unable to use a straightener, curling iron, or blow dryer to get the extensions styled the way you want them.

Additionally, they can’t be colored, so the type of extension that you choose is what you are going to be wearing.

However, due to the way that they are made, you can wear your new synthetic hair extensions right away without having to worry about styling them when you first get them.

They are made to retain wave, curl, and volume without falling flat, no matter the weather.

Taking care of your synthetic hair extensions takes a lot more time and effort, and you need to make sure that you use the right products when caring for them, such as a very soft-bristled brush so that you do not accidentally damage them. Example: Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (5)

Natural Collagen Extensions

Natural collagen hair extensions are a healthier alternative to more traditional hair extensions as they have all the qualities of human hair. They are made from 100 percent natural collagen protein, as opposed to the keratin protein composition of natural hair.

Natural collagen extensions contain all the qualities of human hair without the maintenance required by human hair.

Natural collagen extensions can be washed, blown dry, brushed, combed, curled and styled without tangling, breakage, or possible hair loss, plus they are affordable and have the look and feel of natural hair.

Some questions and answers can be about cancer-related extensions accessed from the following site, which gives a good rundown on extensions made from collagenprotein.

By Construction

Strand by Strand

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (6) This type of hair extension will have between 20 and 40 strands in each extension that will be attached to your hair.

They are attached to very small sections of natural hair by a few different methods.

These hair extensions tend to be very expensive because of how they are attached to the natural hair, as well as how long they take to apply.

They are great for people with very coarse or thick hair, and the extensions can last a very long time if properly maintained.

Not only do they take a long time to attach to your hair, but they also take a long time to remove and can be very painful if you do not work with a skilled and reputable hairstylist.

The attachment points in your hair are often uncomfortable, which can take some getting used to. Additionally, the hair is generally not reusable, which will add to the overall expense of this type of hair extension.

Correct maintenance is required so that the strands do not clump together, which can create a very unattractive appearance and require the extensions to be removed and replaced by a professional.

Wefted Panels

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (7) applied in several different ways, including taped, sewn-in, or glued.

While they are not as durable and long-lasting as strand-by-strand extensions, they will last for a long time when they are cared for properly, and many people prefer them because they are not such a huge commitment, as they can be easily removed.

Some wefted panels need to be attached to your hair by a professional. In contrast, others, like clip-ins, can be done at home, which is a great way to add length and volume to your hair if you need to be able to style it for a special event but don’t want to commit to having expensive extensions put in.

Types of Wefts

Machine Made

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (8) Machine made wefts have the obvious advantage over hand tied wefts in that they can be cut to any length without falling apart and unraveling.

This means you will have complete flexibility and control over how much hair you add to your natural hair, allowing you to customize your look.

Because they are not made by hand, these types of wefts will generally be much less expensive, which is great if you are on a budget or looking to purchase many wefts for a complete look.

These extensions will be a lot thicker and sturdier, which is great if you are worried about your extensions falling apart before it is time to have them replaced.

One problem many people experience when they opt for machine-made wefts is that they tend to be much thicker and bulkier than hand-tied ones.

If not attached correctly or used in thinner hair, they will be more obvious and significantly more difficult to hide as a natural look.

Unfortunately, this means that there are some people who simply can’t use this type of weft due to the type of natural hair that they have.

Additionally, machine-made wefts are notorious for shredding, which can be unsightly.

Hand-Tied

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (9) These wefts are seams that have all of the ends of the hair together and then are manually woven together by hand to ensure that the hair strands do not fall out.

One of the main reasons they are so popular is that the wefts are generally much slimmer than ones made on a machine, making them significantly easier to hide in the hair.

People who are very worried about their extensions showing or have thinner hair will benefit from this type of weft, as it will not be as obvious when attached correctly.

Additionally, the strands will be more firmly attached to the weft itself, which means that the weft will not shred or fall apart as quickly as the ones made on machines tend to do.

Unfortunately, the weft can’t be cut with this type of weft.

This means that if it is too long for the area where it will be attached, then the end needs to be folded over and attached on top of itself, as cutting the weft will cause it to unravel.

While some experts can cut a hand-tied weft and seal the end with a special glue, this is very difficult and will often fail, causing the weft to fall apart.

Another thing to consider when opting for hand-tied wefts is that because they are so slim, they generally need to be sewn, not glued, into the hair so that it is not messy and will look as neat as possible.

Injection Molded

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (10) Unlike hand-tied and machine-made hair extensions, injection molded ones are perfect for when you need extensions that will not be very visible, if at all.

They can attach very securely to the hair without adding a lot of bulk due to how they are made, which makes them perfect if you have thin hair and are worried about your extensions being obvious.

The injection-molded wefts are generally taped and will blend seamlessly with the hair included on the extension and your natural hair.

The wefts will be very lightweight, which means they will be comfortable to wear for a long period, and the wefts can usually be reused several times simply by applying more tape or glue to the weft itself.

Attachment Method

Clip In

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (11) Pros

  • It is fast and easy to use
  • You can use them as frequently as possible
  • There are a variety of colors from which you can select

Cons

  • It should be used for a short time
  • You should remove clip the hair extension by bedtime
  • They are very cheap. Hence, their quality is relatively low

As much as we want to look like our celebrities, these hair extensions are expensive.

Regardless of the type of hair extensions, they are not cheap, and it is even worse if you want to incur monthly maintenance or consult a stylist.

Hair extension prices are affected by factors such as the length, thickness, and quality of the hair extensions.

These hair extensions are quite expensive because not only do you pay for them but also for maintenance, and they range from $ 99 to $ 250. There are a variety of hair extensions that you can select from.

With the above overview, judge which one you think can be rated as the best made.

This is one of the fastest and easiest hair extensions to use, especially if you want to change up your hairstyle on your own without going and having a professional work on your hair.

The extensions come with a silicone or fabric base where the strands of hair are gathered together and attached to a clip.

This clip makes it easy to attach the extension itself to your natural hair, and they are very easy to open and close on your own.

This type of hair extension is not permanent; you can easily remove them and put them back in your hair whenever you want.

While some types of hair extensions take a very long time to put in and need to be completed by a professional, which will increase your time commitment and your overall cost for your new hair, clip-in hair extensions can be put in at home and generally only take about 10 minutes to do on your own.

They don’t cause any damage to your hair, which makes them very popular with people who are worried about damaging their hair or committing fully to a style they aren’t sure they will like in the future.

Depending on how well you take care of these extensions, they can last for months without needing to be replaced.

They only need to be washed when the product has built up in them, which can be around every 15 wears, which will help extend their life.

Another reason they tend to last so long is that they are not always worn every day, but they are a great option if you want to style your hair for a special event and need more length or volume.Example: Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (12)

Tape In or Glue In

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (13) These extensions have the hair gathered together at the base of the extension and then attached.

The base may have an area that is pre-taped so that you can easily attach them to your roots, while others need to have a bit of glue added to the weft for correct attachment.

Generally, it is a good idea to visit a stylist who has experience with tape-in extensions, as they need to ensure that the extensions align perfectly with your hair’s roots.

The tape or glue is then heated with a special tool that will activate the tape so that the extensions do not fall out of your hair.

When you are ready to have your extensions removed, then it is important to see a professional, as they will be able to use a glue remover to remove the extensions for you without you accidentally damaging your hair trying to get them out.

The process can take around an hour to have your extensions put in or removed.

As your hair grows, your extensions must be placed up by the roots again for the best possible appearance.

As long as your extensions remain in good condition, you should be able to use them more than once.

You must be very careful with your tape in extensions, as any hair products can cause the tape to slip off of your hair.

For this reason, you will be given a special shampoo and will have to use different styling products that won’t be as harsh on your hair as tape to keep the extensions in place.

They generally will last between 4 and 8 weeks before they need to be removed and adjusted, but people who have hair that grows significantly faster may need to move them earlier than that to keep their hairstyle looking the best that it can.

Some small strips of hair, commonly known as weft, are tapped at the end of your natural hair. It should be perfectly intact for up to 5 months.

It is the best type to use, especially if you are blonde.

Pros

  • When it comes to application, it is swift and easy.
  • Strains are minimal because they extend to the broad area of your head.
  • Heat is not required while fixing this type of hair.
  • Nobody could differentiate it from your hair because of how natural it is.

Cons

  • It is not advisable to fix this extension if you enjoy singing.
  • Sadly, you cannot use this hair extension with any product.
  • Tying this hair into a bun is difficult as it requires a lot of work.

Sew-in Hair Extension

This hair extension is practically woven. One more difficult and permanent hair extension is sewn into your existing hair.

Before these extensions can be attached to your hair, your natural hair needs to be braided into cornrows, as this will give your hairstylist a place to attach the extensions.

These types of extensions are generally ideal for people who have significantly thicker hair because the hair has to be braided first for correct attachment, and people who have thinner hair will not have enough hair to look great.

This application process can take several hours and is often very uncomfortable for the person getting the extensions due to how tight the cornrows will be braided.

This is another reason people with thinner hair don’t generally opt for this treatment, as the hair can easily be damaged during the braided process.

After the natural hair has been braided into cornrows, the extensions will be sewn into the cornrows with a needle.

This is a very time-consuming process, and because you want to ensure that your extensions will look amazing, you need to trust only a professional to complete it.

Your new extensions can’t fall out of your hair because of how they are sewn in, making this a permanent option that is seamless and looks very natural.

Unfortunately, they can affect your hair’s growth, so removing and replacing your extensions after a while is important, especially if you are attempting to grow out your hair.

Make sure you use a special shampoo packed with protein to minimize the damage you will cause to your real hair and that you use deep conditioning products to keep your natural hair as healthy as possible.

These extensions generally are only made of human hair due to how long they are left in.

Pros

  • This type of hair extension works well if you have short hair.
  • You do not need heat or glue while fixing this hair extension.
  • You can apply hair products
  • It makes your hair gain volume and makes it look stunning.
  • This type of hair can stay for more than three months.

Cons

  • Removing this hair extension is tough, especially because it requires a professional.
  • You don’t have to use this if your hair is in perfect shape.
  • To avoid any bacterial infection, you need to wash it thoroughly.

Micro Links

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (15)

These extensions are applied to natural hair by looping natural hair through a small bead that has the extensions attached to it and then clamping it shut with pliers.

If you opt for this type of extension, you will want to ensure that you work with a reputable company, as some of the beads are lower quality than others and can damage your hair.

It’s a good idea only to use beadslined with silicone, as this will help prevent your hair from breaking while you have extensions.

This is a very expensive type of extension to have added to your hair, as the extensions are all individual strands that need to be attached. Still, since it results in such a natural look, it is a very popular option for some people.

An experienced hair stylist can easily readjust any extensions that slide down the hair instead of staying in place, and harsh glues or heat won’t damage your natural hair.

If you opt for this type of hair extension, you must be prepared to do it for a long time, as the application can take a few hours.

People with thicker hair are better suited for this type of extensions, as the beads can show through thinner hair.

If the beads are not placed correctly, then not only will they be uncomfortable for the wearer to sleep on, but they can damage the hair due to the sharp edges they have when they are not closed perfectly.

Blonded Hair Extension

These hair extensions are also known as fusion hair extensions because they are bonded and attached to the natural hair.

Different adhesives can be used, so having a professional complete the work is important, as they can choose the right one for you.

It can take around four hours to have bonded hair extensions applied to your hair. While they create a natural look, these extensions are not ideal for everyone because they can easily damage natural hair.

Using a machine that looks similar to a hot glue gun, the hairstylist will glue the extensions to single strands of hair.

Another option for having these extensions attached to your hair involves using extensions clamped to the natural hair, allowing the glue to melt and attach the natural hair and the extension.

These semi-permanent options will stay in the hair for around four months.

It’s important to note that you may have to have your extensions redone sooner than that, depending on how quickly your hair grows.

Pros

  • It can last more than six months if you handle it carefully.
  • This hair extension joins in uniquely with your hair by leaving no traces of any attachment.

Cons

  • You may experience certain types of discomfort, especially headaches or itching.
  • It is costly in that you cannot reuse it again.
  • This hair extension cannot be fixed by somebody who is not a professional.

Cold Fusion Extension

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (17)

It is similar to the latter; the only difference is that no heat application is needed.

Pros

  • As much as fixing it is tiresome, it can give you service for about three months.
  • It looks supernatural and is set as close to the root as possible.
  • It is unlikely to damage your hair since it does not require heat while fixing it.

Cons

  • This type of extension is costly in that it cannot be reused.
  • Another disadvantage is that you can experience hair loss because of the clamping tool.
  • It is very uncomfortable because one may experience headaches or itching on the scalp.

Hair Halo Extensions

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (18) Halo Hair Extensions are a new method of extending hair.

Most hair extensions are designed to make the hair appear thicker and longer and are attached directly to a person’s hair, but a halo extension does not require the same attachment method.

This kind of alternative extension is applied through an invisible and comfortable wire device that goes around the crown of the head.

Surrounding hair is pulled over the wire, which covers the extension with a person’s natural hair. The final look is one of thick, long hair mixed with an individual’s hair.

Since this extension doesn’t directly attach to the hair, the surrounding hair can remain healthy andmanageable.

Clip-in Bangs

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (19) Clip-in bangs are an efficient way to quickly change the look of a hairstyle, plus they are a good alternative to extensions without the hassle of cutting hair to create a bang effect.

There is no risk with clip-in bangs, and it is a fun way to change a hairstyle without transforming a whole head of hair and regretting possible cutting mistakes.

All that is necessary to use clip-in bangs is to match hair color and a style choice. Most clip-in bangs are available in both synthetic and natural hair.

They are easily removed to create a more sophisticated style or swept to the side of the face to create a more layered look.

Hair Blending Extensions

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (20) Hair Blending Extensions are another alternative to all types of hair extensions.

They are handcrafted from superior natural hair and cut above beauty salon extensions, clip-ins, wire extensions, taping, gluing bonding, and sewing.

Hair blending extensions are not detectable in the hair and are not damaging to the hair and scalp.

They require no anchoring other than through their visfiber base, allowing the hair extension to go over the entire head easily.

The base enables the user to take underlying hair or hair from the side, front, or back and blend it in or glide it through the extension hair.

Once the blending is completed, styling can be done quickly and efficiently. Any balding, hair thinning or open scalp areas are covered with little to no worries about a see-through catastrophe or other problems.

Colors are custom-blended to enhance a person’s complexion and natural hair color; other styles are easily achievable.

Of all extension alternatives, hair blending enhancements are some of the most realistic and comfortable of any extension.

They are secure, cannot be blown off in the windiest conditions, and cannot swim. This extension doesn’t deter other outdoor activities.

No salon maintenance is necessary; customizing allows for a superb appearance and a firm yet comfortable fit and feel.

Micro Ring Loop Hair Extensions

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (21) Micro ring loop hair extensions are designed for users who want a quick and easy alternative to a more time-involved extension.

This extension type is easy to use and less costly than other extensions.

It is a do-it-yourself type of extension that is usually made of human hair and is available in several hair colors, styles, and lengths. They are luxurious yet easily placed and styled.

A hairstylist is not required; the attachment phase only requires about 10 minutes.

They are attached through a cold fusion process, which means that a strand of hair is separated and it is pulled through the microbead which is clamped.

Once the clamping process is completed, the extensions are there and will not detach themselves; plus, the beads are invisible, so no one can see them or realize that a person is wearing them.

This extension lasts, is easily maintained, and can be worn for a few months without removal.

An Alternative… a Wig

Wigs have almost always been the go-to alternatives to hair extensions as their versatility is endless.

Since wigs have been around for centuries, their quality and functionality have only improved over time, as have their availability and affordability to almost anyone, and they have become even more popular as a means for immediate hairstyle changes.

They are a great alternative to hair extensions as they can do much more than lengthen or thicken hair.

A wig can address thickness, texture, color, and length and instantly adjust to accommodate face and head shape.

In comparison to an extension, a wig totally covers the hair and scalp and can conceal and camouflage hair loss or any other cosmetic flaws or health-related conditions.

A wig can also be easier to maneuver, particularly if it has its own interwoven cap, making placement and adjustment fast and easy.

Whether natural or synthetic, wigs are an immediate solution to any hair-related complications.

Here are the 16 Different Types of Hair Extensions (So Many) – Headcurve (2024)
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