Type of Hair Extensions

For today’s women, options for styling hair knows no limits. They can curl, perm, straighten hair or even color hair using the various hair coloring ideas that are available. However, all this is done with the natural length and volume of hair. What if one could make her tresses look like they were longer and fuller? The various types of hair extensions grant this wish for those who want to experiment with their haircut styles and ideas.

What are Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions are strands of hair that are simply attached to one’s normal hair to add length and volume. There are a number of hair extension techniques that allows one to wear various hair extension styles. The most common one is weaving the hair extension to one’s natural hair. Besides this, various glues and clips are used to add these to the existing hair. Hair extensions are a great choice for those who want to try different coloring techniques and hairstyles that they don’t want to be permanent.

Types of Hair Extensions

Depending on the material used for the hair extension there are two hair extension types:

Natural Hair Extensions: Natural hair extensions refer to those that are made from human hair. They come in various varieties and have the most natural look. These hair extensions are more expensive than synthetic ones. Natural hair extensions are available in different qualities which decides their price. Asian hair is the least expensive. However, due to its coarse texture, Asian hair extensions are not suitable for everyone. European hair extensions are of the finest quality, and hence the most expensive among natural hair extension types.

The main advantage of natural hair is that it can be treated and maintained like one’s own hair. Hence, it is recommended for those who want to have a full head of hair extensions. However, if not cared for properly, they tend to matt together. It is important to use high quality hair care products for natural hair extensions. These hair extensions are more durable and can be styled in a number of different ways as compared to synthetic hair extensions.

Synthetic Hair Extensions: These are made of hair that is man-made. These are less expensive than natural hair extensions but they have their disadvantages. Though they are more readily available as compared to natural hair extensions, it is very difficult to get synthetic hair extensions that match one’s hair perfectly. They also tend to matt excessively, specially if shampooed. Hence, these should be clipped while applying shampoo to the hair. It is difficult to heat style synthetic hair extensions as excess heat tend to singe them causing them to fizz. Clipping them out of the way when blow drying one’s hair is the only remedy. This type of hair extension is not recommended for those who want to have full head hair extensions. Despite its drawbacks, synthetic hair extensions are a great choice for experimenting with different hairstyles without spending too much money.

Depending on the way the hair extensions are attached to the hair there are the following types of hair extensions:

Clip in Hair Extensions:

Clip in hair extensions are the easiest way to add length and volume to hair. These type of hair extensions are clipped to the natural hair. Just part your hair and start from the nape of the neck, working your way up. These hair extensions can be easily removed before going off to bed. Hence, clip in hair extensions are the best choice for special events or occasions.

Weaved Hair Extensions: In this type, the hair extension is weaved into natural hair with the help of threads. The threads create a track along which the hair extensions are sewn.

Sealed Hair Extensions: These hair extensions are bonded or sealed with one’s natural hair. The hair is sectioned and the hair extensions are plaited in. They are then painted with a bonding solution that seal the hair extensions around the natural hair.

Besides these main types of hair extensions, there are the glued hair extensions in which the extensions are attached to one’s natural hair using different types of glue. Sometimes heated resin, wax, and small cylinders are also used to wear hair extensions.