Different Types of Hair Extensions!

What are Weft Extensions

There are three types of wefts available, machine made, hand-tied or injection molded.  Wefts vary in size from 1″ to 60″ but can be any length and are applied to the hair as panels in rows rather than as individual strands.  Wefts can be applied using tape, clips, glue, or sewn-in/braided method, or micro links/beads. 

Clip Ins

Clip in hair extensions is a temporary hair extension method, where wefts of hair are applied using small pressure sensitive clips.  These are a great option for those who are not ready to commit to wearing extensions on a daily basis. 

Most suitable for special occasions or events as the extensions can and will need to be removed before bedtime.  If you prefer to not wear clip-ins, there are also hairpieces available that are attached using an undetectable wire.  These clip-less extensions are often referred to as halo hair extensions. 

The cost for clip in extensions depends on the type of hair, the brand the length and the weight of the hair. 

• Greater versatility by having the option to apply and remove the hair on a daily basis. 
• Non-commitment means you have the ability to change your hair color or style often. 
• Hair can be taken in and out by the hair wearer, without having to go to a licensed cosmetologist. 

• Clip in hair extensions cannot be worn by hair wearers for long periods of time and must be removed before bedtime.
• Clips clipped in the same place repetitively for extended periods of time can lead to hair loss.
• Not ideal for thin, fine hair as clips and base could be too bulky or heavy for the hair wearer.
• Unless used with proper care and maintenance, hair only lasts for a few months.

Wash hair extensions only when needed and apply a deep conditioner if the hair becomes dry or dull.  Use a wide tooth comb or Loop brush to comb extensions.  Brush before storing and store in a dark place, as prolonged exposure to light will fade the color. 

Different Types of Permanent Hair Extensions

Tape in Extensions:

Tape in hair extensions are the newest method of extensions available.   Small wefts/panels with double sided tape attached ranging between 1″ – 4″ long is applied on either side of the wearer’s hair “sandwiching” the user’s hair between two panels.

The cost for tape in extension can vary depending on the brand, quality of hair, stylist’s application fee and the number of boxes or panels of hair. 

• Safe method of hair extensions as the weight of the panels is spread over a larger area causing no damage to the client’s hair.
• Fast method of application. Volume applications take 10-30 minutes and full-length application 40-60 minutes.
• Reusable and the hair can be worn for up to 6-8 weeks per application, fitting into your salon visit cycle.
• Reusable method of extensions lasts between 6-8 weeks which fits into your salon visit cycle.
• Very natural looking hair extension method.
• Very comfortable method of hair extensions.
• No heat or tools required for an application.
• Easy method for hairdressers to learn which increases the likelihood of customer satisfaction.

• You can’t wash your hair or excessively sweat for 24-48 hours after application as the bond needs time to cure and adhere properly to the hair.
• The use of any silicone or oil-based products directly on the adhesive may cause the panels to slip. 
• Some companies tape can be very tacky and messy during reapplication.  

Avoid any silicone or oil-based products at the root of the hair.  Brush hair daily from root to tip.  Style hair as normal.

Hand-Tied Extensions:

Hand-tied hair extensions are ideal for people with thick and/or coarse hair. This method includes multiple rows of “hand-tied” wefts sewn to beaded attachment points which incorporate string/cotton yarn.

The cost depends on the cost of the hair and stylist’s application fee.

• Natural looking and lightweight.
• Comfortable and undetectable.
• Most suitable for thick, coarse hair.
• Can use oil-based products on the scalp.
• No heat or glue is required for an application.

• Can be damaging for women with thin fine hair and/or a shallow follicular funnel.
• Not suitable for women experiencing active hair loss.
• Can be a difficult system to learn as it involves sewing and application can take several hours.
• If the hair extensions are not washed regularly, bacteria can build up and cause infection.
• Extensions can be uncomfortable, tight, and cause headaches after an application.

Wash hair regularly. Avoid over styling, as this can cause the braids to come loose.  Shampoo, blow-dry, curl or straighten as you would with your normal hair for best results. Maintenance appointment for a move up every 4 – 8 weeks.

Sew-in or braided:

Commonly known as a weave, sew-in or braided extensions are ideal for coarse or thick hair.  The client’s hair is braided to create a base for the extensions, and then wefts are sewn into the braids using a needle and thread.

The cost for sew in or braided extensions depends on the cost of the hair and stylist’s application fee.

• Oil or silicone-based products may be used at the scalp as slipping will not occur unless the braids become loose. 
• Most suitable for thick, coarse hair. 
• No heat or glue is required for an application. 

• Tight braids can cause hair loss from tension or traction alopecia.
• The application can be time consuming.
• If the hair extensions are not washed regularly, bacteria can build up and cause infection.
• Extensions may be uncomfortable and cause headaches after an application.
• Limited hair styling options.

Wash hair regularly. Avoid over styling, as this can cause the braids to come loose.  Shampoo, blow-dry curl or straighten as you would with your normal hair for best results.

Micro Bead/link:

Micro bead/link hair extensions are ideal for people with all types of hair. This method includes multiple rows of wefts attachment to the natural hair using small beads.

The cost depends on the cost of the hair and stylist’s application fee.

• Natural looking and lightweight.
• Comfortable and undetectable.
• Most suitable for all hair types.
• Can use oil-based products on the scalp.
• No heat or glue is required for an application.

• Can be damaging for women with thin fine hair if left in too long. Maintenance appointment for a move up every 4 – 8 weeks.
• Not suitable for women experiencing active hair loss.
• Can be a difficult system to learn.
• Extensions can be uncomfortable if not installed correctly or too tight, and cause headaches after an application.

Wash hair regularly.  Shampoo, blow-dry, curl or straighten as you would with your normal hair for best results. Maintenance appointment for a move up every 4 – 8 weeks.

Glue-in:  

Short-term hair extension method, where glue is applied to the base of the weft and attached to the hair.  Wefts will only stay in the hair for a month and can be removed using an oil-based solvent.

The cost for glue in extensions depends on the cost of the hair and stylist’s application fee.

• Suitable for someone looking to have extensions for a short amount of time without having to take the extensions in and out before bedtime. 
• inexpensive form of hair extensions.

• Glue can cause damage to the hair if applied or removed incorrectly. 
• The weight of thick wefts can cause headaches or tension alopecia. 
• If the glue is applied to the scalp during application, the hair follicles can clog and cause bacterial scalp infections. 
• Can only be used temporarily. 
•  Limited styling options. 

Hair must be reapplied atleast once a month.