INTRODUCTION

Extensions are a fantastic way to instantly revamp your look, whether you’re aiming for extra length, volume, or a completely new style—without making a permanent commitment. However, if you’re just starting, navigating the extension world can feel overwhelming. To help, we chatted with celebrity hairsty Florian Hurel and Nishtha Malik, the brains behind Beaux Hair Extensions. They broke down the two most popular extension types and shared essential tips for keeping them in top shape. When we talk about extensions one question is always in our mind Why Choose Human Hair Extensions Over Synthetic?.

Hair extensions were once a secret of celebrities and their teams, letting them quickly change their hair length and color. They could go from short hair to long waves or from blonde to blue to brown without damaging their hair. Although more people are now using extensions, they can be confusing because of the many styles, types, and installation methods. To help, we asked hair experts Shawntá Johns and Mel Moss for advice on how to add length and volume to your hair easily. Check out our detailed guide on hair extensions.

Types of Hair Used in Extensions

Before we dive into how to install hair extensions, it’s crucial to understand the different types of hair used for them. Johns highlights that extensions range from synthetic fibers to human hair, including premium, cuticle-intact, unprocessed varieties. Moss notes that the main divide is between synthetic and human hair. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on your natural hair and the style you’re going for.

Moss also underscores the importance of ethical sourcing. “Quality is crucial, but knowing where the hair comes from is even more important,” she explains. “The hair extension industry has a shadowy side with unethical practices. It’s essential to ensure that the hair is sourced from willing donors, rather than from cadavers or stolen from people without their consent.”

There are a lot of technical terms used to describe the quality of hair for extensions. Fortunately, our experts have simplified the basics for us.

Synthetic Hair

Synthetic hair is an excellent choice for those new to extensions, particularly for clip-ins used from time to time. Made from plastic, synthetic hair can’t handle heat styling, but it’s the most budget-friendly option, says Moss. “Synthetic hair is often found in lower-end wigs and clip-ins,” she explains. While you might picture a cheap Halloween costume wig, keep in mind that synthetic extensions, wigs, and clip-ins have improved significantly and their quality can vary with the price.

Human Hair

Human hair varies widely in quality and source, so it’s essential to understand the lingo if you’re buying it yourself. Moss notes that top-quality human hair is usually called Remy (or Remi) or Cuticle Intact. “This means the hair is either virgin (untreated) or as healthy as possible, with all the cuticles facing the same direction,” she explains.

Most human hair comes from China and India, and while the hair from these regions differs, both can be excellent depending on how well they match your natural hair.

Here are some terms to know:

Natural Hair: This generally means human hair but might not be as high-quality as Remy’s. It could be processed or dyed.

Remy Hair: Known as the premium choice for extensions, Remy hair is healthy and untreated, with all cuticles aligned in one direction. This keeps it smooth and shiny. Be careful, as the term can be misused; make sure to verify you’re getting genuine Remy hair.

Single-Drawn: This refers to extensions where the lengths of the strands are no more than 2 inches apart, giving a more uniform appearance.

Double-Drawn: These extensions feature strands that are nearly all the same length, resulting in a thicker, fuller look with minimal tapering at the ends.

According to Moss, there are countless extension methods, which can make finding the right one feel incredibly overwhelming. Johns agrees, adding that the extension market is so broad and constantly changing that keeping up with all the new techniques is tough.

Moss also notes that these broad categories of methods have many subcategories and variations. For instance, different names like beaded row extensions, beaded wefts, brainless sew-ins, LA weave, and double wefts often refer to similar installation techniques, as Johns explains.

Both experts advise consulting a professional to find the best extension method for your hair. As Moss points out, any method can be either safe or damaging, depending on the expertise of the installer and how well you care for the extensions between salon visits.

Below are the most popular types of extensions. 

Clip-Ins

Clip-ins are a fantastic choice for a quick hair transformation. Available in styles like clip-in bangs, ponytails, and buns, they offer versatility with minimal commitment. “Clip-ins are great for those who want a temporary change,” says Johns. “You can pop them in for a day or special event and take them out when you’re done. With proper care, they can last a long time.”

Wigs

Wigs are one of the easiest options for a quick and dramatic hair change. Johns says wigs are perfect if you want to try out different colors, textures, lengths, and styles. “Like clip-ins, wigs offer flexibility,” Johns explains. “But with wigs, especially lace-front ones, you can also have them installed for a longer period.”

Sew-in/Weave

 

A sew-in, or weave, is a classic choice for those seeking longer-term extensions. This method involves sewing the extensions into your hair after it has been braided into cornrows. It’s not ideal for thin hair since the extensions need a strong base to stay in place. Sew-ins can be heavy and may cause discomfort or strain on the scalp.

Tape-ins

Tape-in hair extensions are just what they sound like—extensions that are taped or glued into your hair. The extensions are attached near the roots and need to be removed by a stylist to avoid damaging your hair. With proper care, the extensions can be reattached after removal.

Moss notes that tape-ins aren’t great for those who like to air-dry their hair or have very moist hair/scalp because the adhesive can break down faster. This might cause the extensions to slip or fall out, requiring more frequent reinstallation.

Beaded Rows

Beaded row extensions are Moss’s top pick. They don’t require heat or glue, use only a small amount of your natural hair in the beads, are quick to install, and are easy to maintain. This makes them one of the safest options for your natural hair.

Beaded rows add more fullness and work well for thicker hair, says Johns. You can also choose to hide the beads or show them, and adjust the length and density of the rows. They also allow for blending different hair colors.

Halo

Halo hair extensions are ideal for those who want a hassle-free option without frequent upkeep, says Moss. This style involves placing a “halo” of hair around the crown of your head and blending it with your natural hair. “You’ll need a brief salon appointment to get the halo cut and blended with your hair. After that, you can wear it as often as you want for years, provided you care for it properly,” Moss explains. “They’re also perfect for special events and cause less damage than clip-ins.

5 Major Reasons To Wear Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are great for adding length to your natural hair. They come in different lengths, so you can choose based on your style. Keep in mind that extensions are usually applied just below the crown of your head, so they will look a bit longer than their actual length.

Another big advantage of hair extensions is the extra volume they provide. They can be especially helpful for people with fine hair or those dealing with thinning or hair loss, helping them regain some of their lost volume and feel fabulous again!

1. Low Maintenance

Hair extensions are an excellent, low-maintenance alternative if you have little time to try a different hairstyle every day. You can apply pre-styled artificial hair extensions or natural hair extensions to add flexibility and glamour to your daily look.

You can also use weave hair extensions to create the ideal vacation hairstyle. These extensions are great options that can help you save time that would otherwise be wasted on hairstyling. With beautiful hair, you can also wear the weave on your own and relax

2. Change Your Look

Most people stick with their regular hairstyles and only change them for special occasions like parties, events, or weddings.

If you have dark hair and want to add highlights without using bleach, hair extensions are a quick way to get the look you want. You can easily remove them after the event.

Extensions are also great for color changes since the chemicals don’t touch your natural hair. Plus, having some extra volume ready to go can be a lifesaver if you’re running late. Clip-in extensions are perfect for these last-minute fixes.

3. Thick Hair

Extensions are perfect for thin hair because they blend in smoothly and look natural. They’re light and won’t weigh your hair down. Small extensions can be attached in sections, so they match your natural thickness and blend well.

Clip-in extensions are great for adding volume to fine hair. If your hair is thin, pick the right extensions for the best look.

For those with thicker hair who want extra volume, extensions can still be a good choice. Just make sure to choose extensions that match your hair’s thickness to keep everything looking natural and avoid too much weight. Check out our blog for tips on choosing the right thickness of extensions for medium to thick hair.

4. Covering a Bad Haircut

Even the best salon can sometimes give you a haircut that’s far from what you expected. If that happens, hair extensions are a fantastic fix. They’re perfect for getting ready for an event or hanging out with friends, ensuring you avoid any hair disasters.

Extensions let you achieve any style you want and completely transform your look. So, even if your haircut didn’t turn out right, great extensions can turn it into a stunning, polished style.

5. Different Hairstyles

If you love trying out different hairstyles but don’t have the length you want or are worried about damaging your hair, hair extensions are the answer.

With hair extensions, you can finally achieve the hairstyle you’ve always wanted—without waiting for your hair to grow or worrying about damage from dyes and straightening tools.

Extensions give you endless styling options. You can switch from short hair today to long, curly hair next week. They let you try many different looks.

Human hair extensions look and feel like natural hair. No one will be able to tell that you’re wearing extensions, whether you’re meeting new people or attending an event. They make it easy to get a fuller braid or bun.

Using extensions can boost your confidence and make you feel and look amazing. They’re perfect for quickly achieving a fabulous look.

Extensions come in many styles and prices. Just be sure to choose a reputable salon for fitting them, as going to an inexperienced or unlicensed salon could damage your hair.

Conclusion

Hair extensions are a fun and easy way to change your look. Whether you want longer hair, more volume, or a different style, there’s an option for you. There are different types, like clip-ins for temporary changes or sew-ins for longer-term wear. Understanding the basics of synthetic versus human hair and choosing a good-quality option will help you get the best results. With proper care, extensions can help you achieve a beautiful look quickly and boost your confidence.