What are the Types of Human Hair Extensions?

Human Hair Extensions vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions

What do clip-in hair extensions, tape-ins, weaving, ponytail extensions, fusion, and micro-link mean? If you’re new to the world of hair extensions, there are so many various styles and words that it might be intimidating.  To clear up some misunderstandings, we’re going to break down the various types of extensions.

Before we get into the many sorts of hair extension application procedures, it’s important to understand that hair extension are available in two categories: synthetic hair extensions and real human hair extensions. So, what’s the distinction between the two?

How are human hair extensions produced?


Human hair extensions are precisely what they seem as. From top to bottom, they’re made of actual human hair gathered from a volunteer. At the moment of collection, all of the cuticles (the outer covering of the hair) are undamaged and flowing in the same direction. This almost eliminates tangling and guarantees that the extensions stay smooth and silky for the duration of their use.

In conclusion, human hair extensions may be handled and groomed in the same way as your own, and it will seem and feel the most authentic. It will integrate in seamlessly with your natural hair and stay far longer than synthetic hair. Artificial hair, while less expensive than genuine hair, does not appear as natural, cannot be shaped with heat devices, and therefore does not last as much.

Now, let’s see what are the different types of human hair extensions and how to apply them:

1. Clip-in hair extensions

Clip-in wefts, commonly defined as clip-in hair extensions, are made up of a strand of shaped pieces that are held together by fabric or silicone at the bottom. These extensions have clips attached to it that are ready to be mounted. All you should do is clip the pieces onto your own natural hair! Each clip easily opens and closes—for instructions on how to clip them in, go here.

Clip-in hair extensions are the less permanent type of extensions since they can be taken off and put back on at any time. Clip-ins, unlike many of the other hair extension methods described above, take around 5 to 15 minutes to install at home.

Clip-in hair extensions are also the least harmful since they don’t require any of the above-mentioned substances, heating, tension, or other installation methods—they just clip into your hair with ease, causing no damage to your original hair. One of the main reasons it’s among the most popular hair extension varieties is this.

2. Ponytail Extensions

Lacking enough hair length and volume to accomplish your desired hairstyle, including the traditional ponytail, is one of the most feared beauty difficulties of all time. Fortunately, the availability of human hair extensions saved us from being drama queens due to hair issues.

Aside from becoming the perfect ponytail saver, clip-in ponytail hair extensions are also quite simple to use. It enables you to create one-of-a-kind hairstyles, updos, twists, and much more! When it comes to creating alternative appearances, this item is very flexible.

Ponytail extensions are also easy to coordinate with any dress or event you’ll be joining. So don’t be concerned if you were born with naturally thin hair or if your length is too short to pull off the long ponytail appearance.

Ponytail extensions are also quite comfy and simple to style. Simply pull your existing hair into a ponytail and twist the ponytail extensions around it, and you’re done! You’re all set for the day ahead. The nicest aspect about using this extension is that it is so wearable that you can use it all day without stressing about the extra weight putting strain on your neck and head.

3. Tape-in Hair Extensions

Hair extensions that are taped in are precisely what they seem like. On each side of your very own hair, the extensions are pre-taped and afterwards glued together. Tape-ins are often done by a hairstylist since they must be aligned with the root and are placed using a heated instrument that warms up the adhesive. You’d also have to get them cleaned (with a glue remover) and then rebuilt. Naturally, applying heat to your roots, as well as any sticky substance like tape or glue, can cause harm to your hair. This procedure takes around 40 minutes to an hour to complete, and the extensions can be reused provided they are in excellent shape.

4. Sew-in Hair Extensions

Braided hair is performed by braiding the natural hair into dreadlocks first, then sewing the weave into the braid or dreadlock using a needle and thread. Because of the manner, they are put, stitch hair extensions are most commonly utilized on persons with thicker hair. In general, weaving is a highly time-consuming operation (usually several hours.) The tight application method frequently strains the scalp and might feel heavy or unpleasant, which is why it does not work well with fine or lighter hair.

This procedure is used by a skilled hairstylist since it is a very sophisticated and demanding application that must be stitched in by a specialist. Sew-ins are also available in wig shape, which is stitched into cornrows in the same manner as sew-ins, but the hair comes in one piece rather as individual wefts. That’s the most popular form of hair extension since it is the most lasting and flawless, as the hair is essentially stitched into your own hair and cannot be removed.

5. Pre-bonded Hair Extensions

Hybrid hair extensions (also referred to as a bond or pre-bonded) are attached to real hair using various chemicals such as glue. Pre-bonded hair extensions take about 3-4 hours to install and are also done by a stylist. Fusion extensions may not be suited for all customers because this procedure is highly destructive to your original hair, and your hairstylist may even advise against this. The treatment employs a device that resembles a heat gun and glues the hair to specific strands of real hair. Another method for applying pre-bonded hair extensions is to use a heat clip to melt the glue into the natural hair.

6. Microlink Hair Extensions

Microbead hair extensions and micro loop hair extensions are other names for micro link hair extensions. These are placed by using a small silicone-lined bead to connect tiny wefts of hair too small pieces of natural hair. The bead is then secured to the hair using a specific tool and adjusted to keep it in place. Even though this procedure does not involve heat or adhesive, micro link hair extensions can be harmful to the hair if not put correctly by an expert. The bead may be overtightened, putting pressure and tugging on the roots, and if not carefully removed, the hair may be yanked out. This procedure takes between 2 and 4 hours to complete.

That should do it! We hope we’ve provided you with enough info to make an informed choice on which sort of hair extensions are best for you, your type of hair, and your hair objectives.

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