For many women, they look to human hair extensions to get the length, volume and thickness that they are otherwise unable to achieve. This is partly helped by the fact that so many celebrities and influencers openly wear them as well, which, in turn, has completely normalized the use of extensions.
With that said, there are many different types of hair extensions which can be daunting to say the least. How are they installed? What kind of use are they for? Which ones are easiest to install? For many of us, we are still very new to the world of hair extensions and have next to no idea. That is why in this post, we will be looking at some of the different types of hair extensions so you will not only have a better idea about them in general, but also know which one is most suitable for you to try out.
The Different Types Of Hair Extensions Explained & How To Install Them – YouTube
Clip-in hair extensions
For many beginners, they opt to use clip-ins first. These are hair extensions that get clipped onto your natural hair before it is concealed by another layer of your natural hair. As for how to install them, simply brush and part a portion of your hair up first. Next, clip the middle part of the clip-in onto the hair near your parting line. Finally, clip the other sides and repeat for the rest of your clip-ins before letting down the parted hair to conceal them. And that’s it!
This process should only take around 15 minutes at most which is very ideal given that it is one of the few extension types where the wearer — in this case, you — can install them by themselves! Clip-in extensions are also meant for daily use which makes them great for special occasions while you’re also meant to take them off at the end of the day.
Tape-in hair extensions
Among the most popular extensions include tape-ins. Tape-In hair extensions are extensions that are applied to your hair using tape as the adhesive. Just remove the tape tabs and apply one part of the tape-ins on your natural hair at the back before sandwiching it with the other part of the tape-in. Repeat the process until all the tape-ins are installed.
Like clip-ins, tape-ins can be installed by the wearer, though it takes a bit longer with the process sometimes taking upto an hour. However, tape-ins can be worn on a semi-permanent basis and you do not need to remove them everyday until your hair grows out that it needs to be reinstalled.
U-tip hair extensions
U-tip hair extensions are a more complex and expensive type of extension. These are pre bonded hair extensions that are u-shaped or nail-shaped and suitable for those with thick, coarse hair. A hot fusion tool is used for the application process as this melts the bond and helps fuse the nail tip with the wearer’s hair.
U-tips (also known as nail tips or hot fusion extensions) are very natural looking and durable as a whole. However, the application process can take a couple of hours as it is done strand by strand and will require the assistance of a salon or professional which can add on to the price. They will need to be replaced as your natural hair grows out.
Difference Between I-Tip and U-Tip Hair Extensions – YouTube
I-tip hair extensions
I-tip hair extensions are another kind of complex and rather expensive type of extension. When it comes to installing them, you just take a strand of your natural hair, pull it through a pulley before grabbing a bead and pulling the hair through it. You then take your i-tip and attach it inside the bead before bonding the two together with a plier.
Like u-tips, they are very natural looking, durable and suited for thick, coarse hair. That said, they will need to be maintained every couple of weeks as your hair grows as it can pull down on the extensions. Additionally, they can take some time to install and require a salon or professional. However, the big benefit is that these extensions (also known as stick tips, cold fusion or micro link extensions) do not require any heat or adhesives during the application process.
Halo hair extensions
We’ve saved the best one for last. Halo extensions are one of the newest extensions and arguably the most practical and ideal. They are essentially wefted hair extensions that come with a thin, invisible wire used to secure it on your head. You just section your hair up into a bun, place the halo over the bun with the wire wrapped around the bun, and then unwrap the bun so it conceals the extensions! It’s important to brush and style your hair afterwards so that it blends with the extensions to look natural.
Like clip-ins, you can install them by yourself and it probably takes even less time to install as well. However, like clip-ins, you will need to take them off by the end of the day.
