The diversity of all types of hair extensions

The versatility of hair extensions means they are an ideal styling option for people. With just a few bundles of hair, you can instantly transform your length, volume, and color into a dreamlike hairstyle. But how do you choose the best types of hair extensions that suit your lifestyle? For a comprehensive analysis of common extension methods like installation procedures, maintenance tips, and wear times, read on for the following combinations that provide clarity and enhance your natural-looking hair.

Real human hair extensions vs synthetic hair extensions

Before knowing the different types of hair extensions, the first thing you need to know about hair extensions is that they are real hair extensions (human hair) or synthetic hair. So what is the difference between them?

How hair extension is made

Real human hair extensions are exactly what they sound like. They are made from real hair, top to bottom, collected from a donor. Remy Hair means all cuticles (outer layer of hair) are still intact, running in the same direction at the time of collection. This allows for virtually no tangle and ensures that extensions remain smooth and soft throughout the entire duration of use.

Synthetic hair, on the other hand, is made from a variety of synthetic fibers, blends, and does not contain human hair. These fibers are usually very fine, plastic fibers produced to mimic real human hair.

Look and feel

Both synthetic and real extensions come in a variety of styles, colors, and application forms. The quality of synthetic fibers can vary but in general, they are stiff and move differently from human hair. Therefore, they do not blend well with your natural hair. They sometimes feel wrinkled or rough to the touch. Real hair extension looks and feels real, thus blends in with your hair more naturally.

Color and style

Human hair extensions can be treated just like your natural hair. You can straighten, curl, blow-dry, color, and apply hair products. With synthetic hair, you cannot dye your hair because most dyes contain ammonia or bleach, which will destroy synthetic hair. Also, you cannot style synthetic hairs like real hair because heat can damage them so curling irons, straighteners, and hair dryers are not recommended, as they will melt or damage the hair seriously. Other factors such as sun exposure, friction, or harsh hair products can also damage the synthetic hair extensions.

Quality & hair longevity

Synthetic hair is cheaper than real hair extension but of course, it comes with trade-offs. Because they are made from synthetic fibers, they do not last as long as human hair because they can be easily damaged by the factors mentioned above (sun, heat, etc.) In general, synthetic hair extensions last for several months while human extensions can last up to a year if they are well cared for. Luxshine Hair Remy extension does the average natural hair extensions for about a year.

Now that we have a real and synthetic understanding, let’s take a look at the diversity of all types of hair extensions!

Types of hair extensions are sought and used by many women

Clip-in hair extensions

Clip-ins, also known as clip-in hair extensions that have hair strands attached to a fabric base. All you have to do is clip the hairpieces yourself into the natural hair! Each clip can be opened and closed easily.

The clip-in hair is the least permanent extension because you can quickly remove and re-insert it whenever you want. Unlike some of the other hair extensions, the clip-ins usually take 5 – 15 minutes to apply at home. Clip-in hair items are also the least damaging as they do not involve any of the chemicals, heat, pressure, or other installation methods mentioned above. They simply clip into your hair with ease. So do not harm your natural hair. This is one of the many reasons why it is one of the most popular hair extensions. If you want to own long hair extensions, this type of hair is a good option to choose from. Our clip-in hair extensions for short hair are available when buying hair products at Luxshine. Pick up the best hair now!

Treatment

The same rules of synthesis and real hair apply when treating a clip-in hair extension just like with any part of the hair. We will be focusing more on human hair extensions as that is what we recommend.

To put it simply, human hair extensions are very low maintenance and only need to be washed after 15-20 wearing times. Just like natural hair, just brush, wash and condition it and let it dry! In terms of styling, the human clip-in hair extension can be styled to resemble your own natural hair. They can be curled, straightened, and colored, however, it is best to use a lower heat setting when styling your hair with heat and using a heat protector before styling your hair with heat.

How long do they last?

Again, this depends on how well you take care of them, what product you use, and how often you wear them. With proper care and regular wear, clip-ins last from 3 – 6 months, up to a year, and sometimes even longer. 

Tape-in hair extensions

Tape-in hair exactly as its name. The hair extensions are pre-glued and then glued/taped together on either side of your own hair. Usually, a hairdresser will apply tape-ins to you because you need to align them with the roots and they are glued with a heater to heat the glue. In addition, you will need to remove them (with glue remover) and then reattach. Naturally, when you apply heat to the roots and any adhesive products such as tape or glue, this can damage your hair. This usually takes about 40 minutes to 1 hour to apply. If the extensions are in good condition, they can be reused. Tape-in hair extensions suit those who want to same hair color, for example, when your hair is black hue, you need black hair extensions to match.

Treatment

With tape extensions, you have to be very careful when using conditioner or hair products as this may cause the tape to loosen or slip off. This is a very common problem with this tape hair extension when the hair simply slips out. Therefore, hairstylists often recommend using special shampoos or conditioners and styling products that are less extreme and less oily to ensure the glue continues to stick to your hair. You can style it any way you want as they are made from human hair but you need to pay attention to the base of the glue or tape.

How long do they last?

Tape-in hair extension is considered semi-permanent. Typically, it lasts 4-8 weeks before you need to remove and reapply them. However, just like any other hair type, it depends on how well you take care of them and how fast your hair is growing.

Sew-in hair extensions/weave

Weave hair is applied by braiding the natural hair into a cornrow first, then using needles and threads to stitch the weave into a braid or cornrow. Weave hair extensions are mainly used for people with thicker hair because of the way they are applied. In general, weave application is a very long process (usually a few hours.) The tightly applied method often puts stress on the scalp and can feel very heavy or uncomfortable, which is why it does not work well with thinner or lighter hair.

This is a very difficult application and requires the technique to be performed by a professional. Sew-in hair also comes in the form of a wig, which is sewn into the same strands of hair, however, hair is in the form of a piece, not separate strands. This is a popular hairstyle because it is the most permanent and seamless extension, as the hair is literally attached to your hair and cannot come out.

Treatment

If you buy sew-in hair extensions, you need to moisturize your scalp, nape, and edge at least once a week and make sure you are using deep conditioning products. Another popular recommendation for this hair extension is washing hair with a special protein product to minimize hair damage and weakness. When it comes to styling, the same rules apply to real hair compared to synthetic hair. Weaves will resemble real hair because of how long they are kept-in.

How long do they last?

It is recommended to remove the weave hair every 6-8 weeks, especially if you are looking to grow your own hair. The maximum time you should have full weave hair is 6 months as it will affect the natural hair growth.

Keratin hair extensions

Fusion hair extensions (also known as bonding/keratin hair or pre-bonded) are fused to the natural hair using different adhesives. The application of the hair extensions takes about 3-4 hours to apply and is also applied by the hairdresser. Keratin hair extensions may not be suitable for all customers as this type of application is very damaging to your natural hair so your hairdresser may even advise against using this method. This application involves a machine that looks like a hot glue gun, essentially gluing hair into strands of natural hair. Another type of application to the hair extensions is using a heat clip to melt the glue into the natural hair.

Treatment

The pre-bonded hair application is managed and treated like your real hair. You can use the same products you use normally, however, the extensions need to be repositioned every 2-3 months as the hair grows naturally. Besides, due to the abundance of chemicals in the glue, this method can cause hair loss, breakage, and scalp irritation.

How long do they last?

Keratin hair extensions are considered semi-permanent as they stay in your hair for up to 4 months. However, like all hair extensions, this varies based on the type of hair and your own development.

Wigs 

Hair wigs come in different shapes and are used to apply to the hair. Long and full wigs are made to cover your entire head. Wig acts as a replacement for your own hair and covers your entire head. Wigs can be used for a variety of reasons like hair loss, baldness, or simply to change your appearance.

Treatment

Wig can be a bit difficult to wash, and depending on whether they are real or synthetic, be very careful. Since finished parts of your hair are often attached to plastic or other materials, you must modify the way your hair is washed and handled.

How Long Do They Last?

It depends on whether they are real or synthetic and again the way you take care of them greatly affects their lifespan. Usually, complete human wigs can last up to a year if you take good care of them.

If you need further information, contact Luxshine Hair, a trustworthy Vietnam hair vendor to get assistance! We are always ready to support you!