How Do Hair Extensions Work?

Have you ever dreamt of long, luscious locks or voluminous hair that turns heads? Hair extensions can make your dream a reality! They are a fantastic way to transform your hair without commitment. Whether you want to add length, volume, or simply conceal thinning hair, hair extensions offer a versatile solution. 

So, how do hair extensions work? The answer is that it really depends on the type of hair extensions. Because each of them attaches to your hair in a different way. Clip-ins use little clips, tape-ins have adhesive strips, and fusions actually bond to your hair. 

Let’s explore the most popular types of hair extensions and know how they’re applied. This will help you figure out which ones will best transform your look!

How Do Hair Extensions Work? 5 Popular Types

Let’s dive into the 5 most common types of hair extensions and see how they work to choose the most suitable for you. 

How Do Clip-in Hair Extensions Work?

Clip-in extensions offer a temporary and easy solution for transforming your hair, as they come with small clips attached to the hair wefts. The wefts themselves can be made from either synthetic or real human hair. To apply, you simply open the clips, position them near your roots, and snap them closed.  Blending your natural hair with the extensions using a brush is the finishing touch!

Clip-ins are popular because they’re fast, require no salon visits, and can be taken out whenever you want. This makes them versatile and affordable. Most importantly, clip-ins won’t damage your hair like some permanent extension methods can.

How Do Tape-in Hair Extensions Work?

Tape-in extensions have a thin layer of adhesive tape on the weft. The hairstylist will place a small section of your hair between two pieces of tape with extensions, sandwiching your hair. The tape is then pressed together to create a secure bond.

The glue used in tape-in extensions is designed to be hair-safe and won’t cause damage – but only if they’re installed and removed by a professional. So, it’s crucial to have a hairstylist manage this process, as they have the experience and tools to do it without harming your hair.

Tape-in extensions will naturally move further from your scalp as your hair grows, meaning they’ll need to be readjusted.  This involves a hairstylist heating the glue to loosen it, gently removing the extensions, and then reapplying them with fresh tape closer to your roots. Most of the time, the extension hair itself can be reused.

How Do I-tip Hair Extensions Work?

When applying I-tip extensions or micro-links, your stylist will begin by carefully dividing your hair into small, precise sections. A single strand of I-tip extension hair is then threaded, along with a section of your natural hair, through a small metal bead (or micro-link).

Next, specialized pliers are used to compress the micro-link, which molds the keratin bond around your natural hair, creating a secure connection that requires no glue or heat.

This process is meticulously repeated across your head, with strategic placement of I-tips to achieve your desired length, volume, or color effects.

View more I Tip Extensions Installation Guide here: I Tip Extensions Install

How Do Fusion Hair Extensions Work?

Fusion or bonding extensions attach to your natural hair using a keratin adhesive bond.  The ends of the hair extensions have a pre-hardened keratin bond that resembles a “V,”  “U,” or flat shape. This bond melts or softens when heated with a specialized tool. 

Your hairstylist will select small sections of your hair and bond them to the softened keratin tips. When the keratin cools, it re-hardens, creating a secure connection between your natural hair and the extension.

This method provides a very natural-looking blend, but because it involves heat tools, it’s essential to have fusion extensions applied and removed by a qualified professional.

How Do Halo Hair Extensions Work?

Halo hair extensions provide a remarkably simple and commitment-free way to instantly transform your hair.  They utilize a single, circular weft of hair attached to a thin, transparent wire.  You can easily apply Halo extensions yourself without needing a salon visit.

The application process starts with positioning the Halo extension at the crown of your head, so the wire sits a few inches from your hairline.

Then, you gently pull sections of your natural hair over the wire using a comb or the tail of a styling tool, completely concealing it.

Most Halo extensions have small clips near the ends of the weft for added security. You simply open these clips and fasten them into your natural hair.

The weight of your hair rests on top of the weft, helping it to blend seamlessly, and giving you instant length and volume. Moreover, halos don’t use glue, heat, or any techniques that could stress your natural hair.

Here is the table to summarize how 5 most popular types of hair extensions are attached to your natural hair

5 Tips for Choosing Perfect Hair Extensions

After the guide on how do hair extensions work, this blog will give you 5 tips to pick the best hair extensions for your hair type. 

Opt for Remy Human Hair

Choose extensions made with high-quality Remy hair. These extensions have intact cuticles, making them smoother, less prone to tangling (matting), and more likely to blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Avoid non-Remy hair as it’s more likely to shed and look unnatural.

Get the Right Amount

Before buying, consult a salon professional or online guides to determine the ideal weight and length of extensions based on your hair type and desired outcome. This helps avoid buying too much bulk hair or ending up with extensions that are too short.

Color Matching is Key

Perfect color matching is essential for a natural look. Examine your hair in natural light, and if unsure, get expert advice from a salon or trusted brand’s customer service.

Trust the Reviews

Look for extensions with positive customer reviews. These offer honest feedback on how the extensions look, feel, and hold up over time, giving you invaluable insights.

Protect Your Natural Hair

While extensions offer amazing transformations, prioritize your hair’s health. Consider less damaging options like clip-ins, ponytail extensions, or weaves installed by a trained stylist.

In A Nutshell

Now that you have a better understanding of “how do hair extensions work“, you’re ready to explore the exciting world of transforming your look. Remember, your hair extensions journey doesn’t stop here! To explore detailed instructions and professional tips for how to do different hair extensions, search for guides on our blog Luxshinehair.com

If you’re unsure about whether to find high-quality remy hair extensions, contact Luxshine Hair – one the most reliable Vietnamese hair supplier. Our experts are here to support you 24/7!