So You Wanna Wear Hair Extensions?
Have you been considering wearing hair extensions but aren’t sure where to start? Or maybe you're curious about how to choose the best type for your hair? Well, you're in the right place! Today, we're diving into everything you need to know about extensions—from clip-ins to wigs and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a temporary style boost or a long-term solution, I’ve got you covered.
Highlights:
Understanding Hair Extensions: A breakdown of clip-ins, tape-ins, weaves, pre-bonded, fusion, micro-link, wigs, and hairpieces—discover the pros, cons, and best options for you.
The Importance of Quality: Why investing in high-quality extensions matters, and how to avoid falling for marketing buzzwords in an unregulated industry.
Synthetic vs. Human Hair: Learn the differences between synthetic and human hair extensions, and why synthetic hair is great for short-term use but not for long-term wear.
Steam-Treated Hair Explained: Understand how most curly or wavy extensions achieve their texture through steam treatment, and why it’s important to know this when choosing hair extensions.
Hair Origin Matters: Explore how extensions from regions like Cambodia, India, and the Philippines can better match your natural hair texture, and why sourcing is crucial.
Maintenance and Longevity Tips: Get expert advice on how to properly maintain your extensions for long-lasting results, from protecting your natural hair to caring for your wigs and weaves.
Why I’m Qualified to Talk About Hair Extensions
I’ve been wearing natural-looking hair extensions since college, and through the years, I’ve gained extensive experience not only as a user but also from working for a hair extension company.
2012 in college wearing my favorite u-part wig. People thougth this was my real hair…I fooled everybody lol
As a former hair extension specialist, I’ve learned the ins and outs of sourcing, manufacturing, and styling, and as a working professional hairstylist for television and film, I understand how important it is to protect natural hair while achieving a desired look.
I also deal with seborrheic dermatitis, which is an extreme form of yeast production that causes excessive dandruff. It’s a condition that many people suffer from but aren’t properly diagnosed with. This means I’ve had to access my scalp weekly for treatments. When I first started wearing sewn-in extensions, I loved the style, but the need for regular scalp care led me to switch to clip-ins. While they gave me volume and length, I found that my natural hair was too exposed and not well protected.
That’s when I transitioned to U-part wigs, which gave me more coverage but still left a portion of my natural hair exposed. Over time, the hair at the top began to break off, while the protected hair underneath grew long.
Wig designed by Aramis Tylise
I eventually switched to full wigs, and since then, my natural hair has never been healthier.
Although I still love all forms of hair extensions and rotate between them, I’ve experienced firsthand the benefits and challenges each type brings. I want to share these insights with you today. Every time I post about hair extensions on Instagram, I receive so many questions, so let’s dive deeper.
The Difference Between Raw Human Hair and Synthetic Hair
When investing in hair extensions, it’s important to make an educated purchase. There’s a big difference between raw human hair and synthetic hair, and understanding this can help you decide what’s best for your needs.
Raw Human Hair
This is untreated, high-quality hair that can last up to 10 years with proper care. If you plan to style or color your extensions frequently, raw human hair is your best option. However, make sure you’re buying from a reputable supplier since the term "human hair" isn’t always regulated. Cheap "human hair" may be mixed with synthetic fibers, which will affect the quality and lifespan of the extensions.
When it comes to hair extensions, remember that the best quality isn't expensive—it's an investment. Like anything of high quality, you pay for durability and longevity.
High-quality hair extensions may have a higher upfront cost, but with proper care, they can last for years, making them worth every penny in the long run. The cost-per-wear is practically infinite.
Think of it this way: you're not just buying hair, you're investing in a product that elevates your look for YEARS to come.
Synthetic Hair
Now, synthetic hair isn’t the devil—it’s a great option if you’re not looking for longevity or don’t want to spend a lot upfront. Just understand that synthetic hair has its limitations. This also means you can’t color synthetic extensions since the plastic doesn’t take to dye. If you’re looking for a quick style change for a short-term look, synthetic hair can be a good, affordable option. But for long-term wear, human hair is the better investment.
Where Your Hair Extensions Come From? And Why It Matters
Understanding where your extensions come from is key to choosing the right hair for your texture and styling needs. When selecting hair extensions, it’s not just about the look—it’s about choosing hair that’s healthy for your scalp and blends well with your natural hair texture.
Photo courtesy of Emma Tarlo, BBC Women in Myanmar painstakingly sort hair in to bunches of similar lengths
Different regions of the world specialize in certain types of hair, and knowing these differences can help you achieve the best blend with your natural hair:
Cambodia and the Philippines: Most of my extensions come from these regions because their hair matches my texture best—slightly coarser and ideal for natural-looking volume.
Slavic Regions of Europe: Represent the third-largest exporter of extension hair in the world. Countries like Ukraine, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Russia are key sources of some of the finest hair extensions on the market. Slavic hair is known for its soft, fine texture and is often sought after for those with thinner or silkier natural hair.
Chinese and Indian Hair: Indian hair is incredibly popular for those seeking a silkier texture. It is affordable compared to other hair but thats about the only advantage. Poor quality control is very common in this region. I’m not saying all hair from India or China is bad but I personally avoid hair from these regions due to my natural course texture, the limited regulation, and unsanitary sourcing practices.
Photo courtesy of Emma Tarlo, BBC Women after their hair is shaved in a Hindu ceremony in India
For more info, check out:
Untangling Where Your Hair Extensions Really Come From." BBC News, 1 November 2016, www.bbc.com/news/magazine-37833263.
Watch this cool mini-documentary:
The Truth About Where Hair Extensions Come From | Shady | Refinery29
The Construction and Manufacturing of Hair Extensions
Having great-quality hair is only part of the equation. Poorly ventilated wigs or extensions that aren’t securely wefted can lead to excessive shedding or tangling.
One key feature to look for is that all the cuticles of the hair should run in the same direction. This prevents tangling, matting, and makes the hair more durable over time.
The way the extensions are constructed plays a huge role in how they wear over time.
Properly constructed wigs and extensions will hold up much better and blend more seamlessly into your natural hair, creating a longer-lasting, hassle-free experience.
You Should Avoid Buzzword Marketing and These Red Flags:
Avoid marketing buzzwords: Since the hair extension industry is unregulated, terms like "Virgin," "Remy," "Brazilian," and "Malaysian" are often used loosely to describe texture or style, not the hair's actual origin or quality. To ensure you're getting what you pay for, it's essential to buy from trusted, reputable sources and be an informed buyer.
Research: Always check the reputation of the supplier or brand.
Ask Questions: Inquire about how the hair was sourced, and whether it's been processed or mixed with synthetic fibers.
Price as an Indicator: While not always the case, very low-priced hair is always a ‘red flag”
The Truth About Your “Wavy” Hair: Steam-Treated Hair Extensions
If you’ve ever wondered why some hair extensions have perfectly uniform curls or waves, it’s likely because they’ve been steam-treated. The process of steam-treating involves using heat and moisture to shape the hair into a specific texture, whether it’s wavy, curly, or even straight. This is completely normal and widely used in the industry to create consistent patterns that are appealing to customers.
Steam-Treated Hair: Most of the curly or wavy hair you see in the market has been steam-treated to maintain its shape. While this method is great for achieving a consistent look, it’s important to know that these curls aren’t always natural. On rare occasions, you may come across coarse, wavy, or curly hair that is completely natural, but this is less common. If the extensions you’re looking at have a very uniform wave or curl pattern, it’s more than likely steam-treated to hold that shape.
Marketing Buzzwords: You’ve probably heard terms like "Brazilian wavy" or "Peruvian curly." These terms sound luxurious, but in reality, they’re often just marketing buzzwords. In most cases, they don’t refer to the actual origin of the hair but are used to describe the texture or style. The hair extension industry is not regulated, so it’s important to be an informed buyer. The name doesn’t always reflect the quality or origin of the hair.
Which Type of Hair Extension Is Right For You?
The hair extension business is huge—it’s a multi-billion dollar industry. In fact, the global hair extensions and wigs market was valued at approximately $6.13 billion in 2020 and is projected to continue growing.
Let’s chat now about the different types of extensions so you can make an educated purchase and decide which is best for you.
Clip-Ins
What They Are: Clip-ins are temporary extensions that can be easily clipped in and removed from your natural hair. They come in strips or wefts of hair attached to small clips.
Good For: Someone who wants flexibility and the option to add volume or length temporarily without the commitment of semi-permanent extensions. Great for beginners or those who prefer non-permanent styles.
Pros:
Super easy to apply and remove without professional help.
Perfect for short-term wear, like a night out or a special event.
No long-term commitment and very gentle on your natural hair when worn properly.
Cons:
Can cause breakage or tension if not applied or removed properly.
Not ideal for long-term or everyday use.
Tape-Ins
What They Are: Tape-ins consist of thin, flat strips of hair attached to a sticky, adhesive tape. They are applied by sandwiching sections of your natural hair between two tape-in wefts.
Good For: Someone with fine or medium hair who wants a natural, semi-permanent extension solution. Ideal for people who are okay with routine maintenance but want a more lightweight option.
Pros:
Lightweight and lie flat against the scalp, making them less detectable.
Installation is quicker compared to other semi-permanent extensions (1-2 hours).
Ideal for fine to medium hair types.
Cons:
Must be applied and removed by a professional to avoid damaging your natural hair.
Oil-based hair products can weaken the adhesive, leading to slippage.
Requires regular maintenance every 6-8 weeks.
Weaves (Sewn-In)
What They Are: Weaves are extensions that are sewn into cornrowed sections of your natural hair. The extensions are secured with a needle and thread, creating a durable and long-lasting style.
Good For: Those with thicker, coarser hair textures looking for a long-term style that protects their natural hair while allowing them to experiment with different looks. Best for people who want a fuller, more voluminous look.
Pros:
Great for people with thick or textured hair.
Can be a protective style, giving your natural hair a break from daily styling.
Offers a lot of versatility in terms of styling, length, and volume.
Cons:
Can cause tension and damage to your scalp if the braids are too tight.
Requires a longer application process (2-4 hours).
Needs consistent maintenance to keep the scalp clean and moisturized.
Pre-Bonded Extensions
What They Are: Pre-bonded extensions use keratin or another adhesive that is melted and fused to small sections of your natural hair using a heat tool.
Good For: People looking for a longer-term extension option that blends seamlessly with their natural hair. Ideal for those willing to invest in professional upkeep and prioritize a natural look.
Pros:
Long-lasting (3-6 months), giving you a semi-permanent solution for length and volume.
Less visible bonds for a more natural look.
Allows for versatile styling without worrying about slipping or movement.
Cons:
Requires professional installation and removal.
Time-consuming to install (up to 4 hours).
The heat used during installation can damage your natural hair if not done carefully.
Fusion / Micro Link Extensions
What They Are: Fusion extensions are similar to pre-bonded extensions but use a more advanced bonding technique where each strand is individually fused to your hair with keratin glue or heat.
Good For: Someone looking for the most natural-looking extensions with minimal visibility. Great for long-term wear and those willing to invest time and money into a high-quality installation.
Pros:
Lasts 4-6 months with proper care.
The most seamless and natural look since individual strands blend perfectly with your hair.
Offers versatility in styling and can be worn long-term.
Cons:
Installation can take up to 6-8 hours.
Can cause damage to your hair if not applied or maintained properly.
Expensive due to the time and precision required for application.
Partial Wigs & Hairpieces
What They Are: Hairpieces are smaller, partial wigs or extensions used to enhance specific areas of your hair, such as ponytails, buns, or bangs.
Good For: People who want to add volume or length to a particular area, like creating a fuller ponytail or bun. Ideal for quick fixes or special occasions where you need an extra boost to your hairstyle
Pros:
Quick and easy to apply for instant volume or styling enhancements.
Versatile for creating updos or adding length in specific areas.
Cons:
May not blend seamlessly with natural hair if the texture or color match isn’t perfect.
Can move or shift during wear if not secured properly.
Wigs
What They Are: Wigs are hairpieces that cover the entire head, providing the wearer with a completely new look in terms of length, texture, or color. Wigs can be made from human or synthetic hair.
Good For: Anyone seeking a protective style, or someone who wants to experiment with different hairstyles and textures without altering their natural hair. Wigs are especially beneficial for people dealing with hair loss or thinning hair.
Pros:
Provides complete protection for your natural hair, allowing it to grow and stay healthy underneath.
Offers the most versatility in changing your look—from color to texture and style.
No risk of damage to your natural hair as wigs don’t require adhesives or tension.
Cons:
Can be heavy and uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
Needs proper storage and maintenance to keep looking good.
General Tips for the Best-Looking Extensions
Never Compromise the Health of Your Natural Hair: Make sure to care for your natural hair underneath extensions to prevent damage.
Match Color, Luster, and Texture: For the most natural look, ensure that your extensions blend seamlessly with your natural hair. This means matching not only the color but also the shine and texture.
Protective Styling: The less tension on your natural hair, the better. Consider styles that are kind to your hair and scalp, especially if your natural hair is fine or prone to breakage.
Regular Maintenance: Clean and care for both your natural hair and extensions. Tangling and buildup can damage both your natural hair and the extensions themselves.
Beauty and Brains: Looking Your Best While Being Informed
Hair extensions offer an incredible opportunity to enhance your natural beauty, add volume or length, and switch up your style without long-term commitments. Whether you're looking for something temporary like clip-ins or a more permanent solution like fusion or weaves, there’s an option for everyone. It's all about finding the right type of extension that suits your lifestyle, hair texture, and personal preferences.
Remember, the key to flawless extensions lies in making informed decisions. Be sure to consider the health of your natural hair, invest in quality hair from reputable sources, and match the texture and color to create the most natural blend. And whether you're wearing wigs, hairpieces, or pre-bonded extensions, proper maintenance will ensure your extensions last longer and stay looking their best.
Hair extensions have been a big part of my personal and professional journey, and I hope this guide gives you the insight you need to start or enhance your own journey with extensions. If you still have questions or want to dive deeper into any specific type of extension, feel free to reach out—I'm always here to help!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
— Maya Angelou
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Velvet Wig Band: My velvet wig band is a game-changer! It secures my wig perfectly in place while staying super comfortable and, most importantly, it protects my edges from damage.
