The Hair Extension Guide for First-Time Buyers

January 30, 2019

Almost every minute of every day, you see artists slaying their fresh, bouncy, long, and flawless hair and you wonder, how can you have gorgeous hair like theirs?

You have probably known the secrets hair extensions!

But then, more questions might come up in your mind that will help you get the best hair extensions:

Are they expensive?

Do they damage my hair or my scalp?

Do I really need one?

Which one should I get?

We understand your concerns and we are going to get to the bottom of hair extensions in this post.

CHAPTER 1
Learning the Basics
CHAPTER 2
How Are Hair
Extensions Made
CHAPTER 3
What Are the Types of
Hair Extensions
CHAPTER 4
What Are the Things to
Consider When Buying
Hair Extensions
CHAPTER 5
Where to Get Your Hair Extensions
CHAPTER 6
How to Apply Hair
Extensions
CHAPTER 7
Frequently Asked
Questions
CONCLUSION

CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1
Learning the Basics

1.1 What Are Hair Extensions?

A hair extension or a hair weave is a human or artificial hair utilized for the integration with one’s natural hair. It can change one’s appearance for a long or short period of time. It can be simply added to one’s natural hair or used as a cover for the whole hair. Hair extensions can enhance one’s hair by adding volume, length, and color without damaging the hair with chemicals.

There are actually two types of hair extensions, synthetic hair extensions which are made of fibers, and human hair extensions composed of 100% human hair. These hair extensions can be applied to different methods which are further discussed in the next chapters below.

1.2 When Do You Need Hair Extensions?

There are so many types of hair extensions available today. According to the market research store concentrated in USA, China, Europe, Japan, and Africa last 2016, the global consumer market is valued at 2 billion USD. There are many reasons why hair extensions are gaining a whole lot more attention now than ever before and you must be familiar with one or more of them

Getting A New Hairstyle then Failing It

Every girl is hesitant when it comes to cutting their hair short when they no longer feel like it. Also, how many times have you regretted of getting it done right after the haircut?

Sometimes, you would love to get your long hair back in just a matter of minutes which is an impossible thing to do. This is the reason why hair extensions are becoming more popular now than ever before.

With the use of hair extensions, you can try new hairstyles without risking!

Amazing Hair Look Usually Damages Your Hair

The hair is every woman’s crowning glory that’s why the demand of having great hairstyles for every event are rampant. However, these various hairstyles also demand a lot of heating and dyeing which greatly damage the hair.

But if you are wearing hair extensions, you can still style it like your own hair, but damages at all, hair extensions will save your hair from those!

Suffering from Hair Loss

Many girls are more or less experiencing hair loss or alopecia. Hair loss or thinning hair is no longer a new hair problem to all, may it be for boys or girls. Hair loss affects a person, physically as well as psychologically, but the use of hair extension helps to add charm to a person's look and natural hair.

With all these hair problems, hair extensions have always been a hero to many.

CHAPTER 2

Chapter 2
How Are Hair Extensions Made?

As mentioned above, there are actually two kinds of extensions, synthetic and human hair. These type of hair extensions are very different from each other with regards to the materials used and the processes undergone before they are produced in the market.

Synthetic Hair Extensions

Synthetic hair is made to resemble human hair. It is made out of fibers such as acrylic, polyester, or polyfilament and goes through a lot of chemical process before production.

Chinese and Indian hair companies are the most well-known manufacturers of synthetic extensions that mimic the look and feel of real hair. This type of hair extension cost less than human hair extensions.

However, synthetic wigs are getting better and better. With the use of today’s technology, they now have advanced features that could hardly determine their difference with human hair extensions.

Human Hair Extensions

Human hair extensions are made up of real human hair mostly from the people of India and China. In India, the people there tend to shave or cut their hair for a religious sacrifice which later on used as a donation.

After cutting the human hair from its owner, it still needs to be untangled. Next would be the checking and picking of lies and dandruff if there is any. If it gets cleaned, washing through the use of chemicals, drying, and dyeing comes next.

The hair donated is considered to be the one most close to white women’s hair texture. You have to be budget-ready upon purchasing this hair extension as they cost a lot more than synthetic hair extensions. If you want to know more about the differences of synthetic hair extensions and human hair extensions, you can check this post.

CHAPTER 3

Chapter 3
What Are the Types of Hair Extensions?

x3.1 Different Types of Hair Extensions

Clip-In Hair Extensions

If you want a long hair extension that can add fullness and length to your hair, giving you a beautiful, sophisticated look, you will surely find the clip-in extensions that can let you explore the benefits of its advanced features and popularity.

Clip-in wefts, also known as clip-in hair extensions are easy to attach and can be perfectly matched with your hair. It also comes in a strand of contoured pieces, attached at the base with either fabric or silicone. Clips are attached to this base and come ready to use. All you have to do is clip the pieces to your natural hair all on your own! Each clip snaps open and closes with ease.

Clip-in hair extensions are the least permanent style of extensions because you can quickly remove them and put them back on whenever you want. Unlike some of the other hair extension applications mentioned above, clip-ins usually take 5 – 15 minutes to apply at home. Clip-in hair extensions are also the least damaging because they don’t involve any chemicals, heat, pressure, or other installation methods mentioned above—they simply clip onto your hair with ease, so there is zero damage to your natural hair. This is one of the many reasons why it’s one of the most popular hair extension types.

Tape-In Hair Extensions

If you’re an on-the-go person who wants to do your hair in just a short a time and don’t have the time to them out before bedtime, then the in-demand tape-in extension on the market since 2015 is the right one for you. From the word tape-in, the extensions can be taped or glued together at any side of your hair.

Its application is also called “sticker hair” where your own hair is “sandwiched” between two strips of tape with the adhesive tape glued together. For finer hair, you can use a single sided tape application. The best way to ensure natural-looking extensions is to make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout your hair.

Tape-in extensions are perfect for adding length, color effects, and volume in less than an hour. These are undetectable for they are thin, nearly invisible hair extensions that move with your hair and appear natural even for outdoor and water activities. The application can be done without the use of any tools, but it requires glue remover to have them removed and can last up to three months. This hair is reusable if the extensions are in excellent condition! It takes less than an hour to apply an entire head. With this application, a tape extension and a single-sided adhesive tape are glued together with your own hair in between.

Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions

If you are meticulous of how hair extensions should blend in your hair strand by strand, then you should consider purchasing pre-bonded solutions. This type of hair extension can only be applied by a hairdresser and will take up to 3-4 hours. Applying pre-bonded hair extensions can take four or more hours of sitting in a hair salon chair, but they are permanent for six months if desired. It can also be customized to match the client’s natural hair color by mixing colors good to add highlights and lowlights. With pre-bonded hair extensions, the keratin tip has been applied hair strand in the hair extension factory as a one size fits all. The keratin is also heated again for application by the specialist. Due to double heating, it can cause premature keratin breakdown causing shedding.

Pre-bonded Extensions or otherwise known as nail-tip, u-tip, and flat tip are fused to natural hair using different adhesives such as glue. Fusion extensions might not be suitable for all clients as this type of application is very damaging to your natural hair, so your hairdresser may even advise against this method. The application involves a machine that looks like a heat gun, which melts the small keratin bond to a section of the hair to individual strands of the natural hair. Another type of application for pre-bonded hair extensions uses a heat clamp to melt the glue to the natural hair.

Micro Ring Hair Extensions

If you are looking for superior quality real hair extensions but at the same time don’t want to damage your hair, the effect of micro ring extensions will make it look more beautiful and natural. Micro ring hair extensions are considered to be one of the safest methods available. You can instantly style your hair as to how you wish them to be, may it be curly or straight. These hair extensions are applied by looping the extensions through natural hair and clamping it down with a pair of pliers and a metal bead to finish.

These hair extensions use a tiny aluminum ring, lined with silicone and finished in matching hair colors to gently grip your hair, meaning there is no glue, heat or braiding used to fix them in place. This makes these some of the safest methods of applying for real hair extensions. A special tool is used to secure the bead to the hair and tightened to hold it in place. Although this method does not use heat or glue, if not installed correctly by a professional, micro link hair extensions can be damaging on the hair. The bead may be tightened too much, causing pressure and pulling at the roots, and if not removed properly, the hair can be pulled out. This method takes approximately 2 – 4 hours to apply.

Weave Hair Extensions

Do you want to add a new hair color? Or see how you look with naturally kinky locks? How about trying an ultra-short cut without having to cut your long natural hair? Weave extensions are popular for its permanent and steady feature that can only be applied or literally sewn for more extended hours by a hairdresser to ensure that the hair extension will have 0% chance of falling. This extension can last for 2 to 3 months if properly maintained with no visible gaps, which makes it look super natural. It is ideal for people with short hair and thick hair because it adds more volume.

Weave hair is applied by braiding the natural hair into cornrows first, then sewing your hair extension into it with the help of a needle and cotton thread. What’s great about weave hair extensions is that they cater to all hair types. It’s merely attached to the same amount of hair that is on the strand to make it fall naturally for a flawlessly full look. This is the method used where every bundle of your hair is sewn ensuring all your strands are of the same quality. It does not require heat or glue for application, thus reducing the damage to your hair. However, if they are applied too tight, they can put a strain on your scalp and sometimes can feel really heavy.

Halo Hair Extensions

In addition to all the hair extensions mentioned above, there is a new hair extension method that provides length and volume hair called halo hair extensions. It does use not clips, glue, or tape for application. The beautiful thing about this hair extension is that they are thicker and it matches almost any hair color and type. Halo hair extensions sit on your head, gently wedged on with a secret wire. The wire used for attachment is lightweight, virtually undetectable, and don’t require any heating procedure which makes it the best alternative hair extension. You can wear it and remove it in less than 1 minute which makes it time-efficient for your everyday needs.

Halo extension is available with a variety of colors and styles where one single halo has over 100 grams of 100% Remy human hair. The use of Remy human hair will ensure you to get all the volume and length you need to add thick, rich body and style instantly. There is no complicated process and comfortable enough providing no damage to your hair. This halo extension can last up to 4 months and can be quickly customized to fit your head in just a few short minutes. It is one of the quickest to wear hair extension in the market today that is truly easy to apply with the same satisfying results as others.

3.2 Summarizing & Comparing Each Extension

Types of Hair Extensions	Clip-In	Tape-In	Pre-Bonded	Weave	Halo	Micro Ring
How Long Does It Take To Attach?	5 to 10 minutes	30 minutes to 1-hour	5 to 6 hours	2 to 3 hours	1 to 10 minutes	2 to 3 hours
How Long Does It Stay In?	It can last up to a year.	It can last for about 6-8 weeks.	Stays up to 4-6 months.	Stays up to 2-3 months.	Stays up to 3 to 6 months.	Stays up to 2-3 months.
Pros	You can quickly put them in and take them out on a daily basis. Cheapest price range. Will cause minimal or no damage to hair.	Doesn’t require any heat or glue to apply. The extensions are undetectable as they lie flat against the head. The price of tape-ins starts around $60.	Since it uses keratin, you can be sure that it is attached well and perfectly blends with your natural hair.	No glue or heat needed. Since it uses sewn application, it will have no visible gaps. Its application price starts at $100 – $400.	It is reusable. Applying without the help of a professional hairdresser. No heat or glue needed.	It only uses beads and does not require heat or glue. It is easy to wash and can be reused.
Cons	You can’t wear them for a long period of time. Since it uses a clip to apply, it might not be suitable for thin hair.	You can’t wash your hair with this extension within the first 48 hours. You can’t use oil-based shampoos and products as it may cause the extension to slip.	It is not reusable. You need to pay extra for the hairdresser. The heat application takes a lot of time and can damage your hair. .	They are heavy. Needs a hairdresser. Needs proper maintenance.	Its price starts at $200 – $300.	Since it uses beads, it is not recommended for thin and short hair. Needs a hairdresser. Price ranges from $400 – $1500.

CHAPTER 4

Chapter 4
What Are the Things to Consider When Buying Hair Extensions?

4.1 Find the Right Hairstyle for Your Hair

Now for the hairstyle of the hair extension, you must decide to wear the ones that will complement to the shape of your face or you can also simply ask for the assistance of a hairdresser. However, you are the one that knows what look best on yourself so whether you aim for a long silky, curly and kinky hair, or any other hairstyle that you like to have most, get it.

4.2 Choose Your Desired Color

For best results, you should also include the colors and styles that you want to add to your hair extension. You can check and choose the best colors for any lowlights and highlights as well as the styles such as curly, wavy, and straight before purchasing them.

4.3 Choose the Right Volume and Length

With regards to volume, you can purchase hair extensions that are suitable for your hair, whether it is thin or thick. You should never get hair extensions that are thick when you know that your hair is thick already, so with thin hair extensions for thin hair. It would be best if you always chose the opposite volume recommended for your natural hair.

Now for the length of the hair extension, you must measure or calculate the length needed for your hair. It is also recommended to ask your stylist for a length recommendation before making a purchase to ensure the right length required.

4.4 Choose the Hair Extension That’s Right for Your Budget

As much as you want to buy the most expensive and of the high-quality hair extensions, you still need to consider and think of your budget. The price range of hair extensions mainly depends on the quality of hair extension used, the method of application, and its lifespan.

Admittedly, it would be best if you spent more because an expert hairdresser must only do hair extensions that need proper attachment.

CHAPTER 5

Chapter 5
Where to Get Your Hair Extensions?

5.1 Buying in Local Shops

You can easily get your hair extensions in your local shops and salons. It has a big advantage for you to check the hair extensions’ features whether it is a good match for your hair color and texture. It will also allow you to get the right volume and length needed.

Salons are the best shops where you can possibly get the perfect hair extension for you. You will get the chance of getting suggestions from professional hairdressers about the hair extensions that they have as they can quickly determine the best quality that matches your hair.

Additionally, it’s a great choice to consider of getting your hair extensions’ application done by a yourself (DIY tutorials listed below, make sure you check them out!), you just need to add some cost of labor.

5.2 Buying from Online Shops

The cheapest hair extensions are mostly available online. This is where you can find the hair extensions that are right for your budget. Online shops mostly give a lot of discounted prices.

However, you need to remember to check the features twice, as well as the reviews made by previous buyers of the said online shop to ensure the credibility of the shop and the hair extensions they sell.

5.3 Buying in Bulk

If you are a professional hairdresser look to buy hair extensions in bulk, you can look into those manufacturers who can customize the hair colors or packages for you. To make sure the quality of the hair extensions, you can even request samples.

CHAPTER 6

Chapter 6
How to Apply Hair Extensions?

For different hair extensions, there are many ways of applying hair extensions that you can see on different DIY tutorials listed on youtube. Some can be applied by you while there are some that need proper installation from experts. Some can be time-efficient while others take a lot of time. Check out the steps intended for the application of every type of hair extensions below.

Clip-In Hair Extensions

Step 1: Simply use your fingers to part your hair horizontally starting near the base of your neck.

Step 2: Make horizontal sections from one side to the other as straight as possible then taking the smallest clip in, place it against the parting and clip it into your hair.

Step 3: Part another section of your hair about one inch above that piece of clip weave and comb the hair overtop to blend.

Step 4: Repeat the parting and clipping process.

For further steps, you can check out this video below.

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Step 1: Section the hair where you are applying the “sandwich” to, against the extension.

Step 2: Measure the section to determine how many pieces of the extension you’ll need to add along that section of hair.

Step 3: Attach the extension underneath the section of hair you.

Step 4: If you want to keep the maintenance down on this install be sure to get the taped weft as close to your root as possible or press them together with pliers for a few seconds to secure them.

Step 5: Grab another piece of extension and repeat the process mentioned above.

For further steps, you can check out this video below.

Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions

Always remember that a professional hairdresser can only make the application of this. However, you will notice that upon installation, each strand is tipped with a protein called keratin that is heated to form a glue-like substance. In the end, the hair is brushed lightly to blend so harmoniously with the natural hair extensions. For further steps, you can check out this video below.

For further steps, you can check out this video below.

Micro Ring Hair Extensions

Step 1: Gather a strand of your hair between the thumb and forefinger of one hand and insert the strands into the tip of the hooking device.

Step 2: Slide the micro loop extension up the stem of the hooking device and onto the hair strands.

Step 3: Pull the plastic loop so that the natural hair begins threading through the micro ring.

Step 4: Place pinchers of the clamping tool around the micro loop and squeeze firmly to secure the extension to the natural hair.

Step 5: Repeat extension application through the rest of the row.

Step 6: Comb hair evenly and trim the extensions to blend with the natural hair.

For further steps, you can check out this video below.

Weave Hair Extensions

Just like pre-bonded extensions, weave extensions are only advisable to be installed by a professional hairdresser. Remember that this hair extension includes weaving, which is also tedious and crucial to apply to undamaged your hair.

The process of this extension involves hair sewn using a needle and thread to the braids in a zigzag, back-and-forth or circular motion depending on the final style.

To further see how your hairdresser applies this hair extension, you can check out the link below.

Halo Hair Extensions

Step 1: Secure the top section of your hair up into a bun.

Step 2: Place the wire of the halo extension around the bun and make sure that it fits there naturally and comfortably.

Step 3: Undo or remove your bun and let your hair down.

Step 4: Work on your desired hairstyle.

For further steps, you can check out this video below.

CHAPTER 7

Chapter 7
Frequently Asked Questions

7.1 Do Hair Extensions Damage Your Hair?

The damage of the hair extensions might depend on the type of hair extension you chose. Some are safer and cause less damage because they are applied or installed without the use of heat. There are also hair extensions that can cause damage to your hair because of its tedious attachment.

Clip-In Hair Extensions	Tape-In Hair Extensions	Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions	Micro Ring Hair Extensions	Weave Hair Extensions	Halo Hair Extensions
Since clip-in hair extensions use the clip as an attachment to your natural hair, it can be heavy and create a strain into the hair they’re clipped to.	Since tape-in extensions use tape as an attachment to your natural hair, your scalp can be itchy when you sweat.	If the extensions are not placed in the right place, the glue can damage your real hair, and during the removal process some hair can get caught and pulled out.	Depending on the number of strands you have added to your hair they can put a great deal of weight and strain on the hair and scalp.	Since it involves threading, they can put a massive strain on the scalp which if repeated can lead to thinning and balding around the weave.	It is merely like a halo but can be too heavy when used for a long time or repeatedly.

However, overall, if you are going to consult a professional hairdresser, you inevitably not experience any hair damage because you will be given the right application and maintenance of your hair extension.

7.2 Do Hair Extensions Hurt?

It absolutely depends on what type of hair extensions you want to use, its application, and volume. It is expected that you should not purchase the hair extension that is heavier than your natural hair because doing so will hurt you and make you feel uncomfortable.

In addition, when hair extensions are installed and applied by an expert, it is guaranteed that you won’t get the chance to fear the process. These professional hairdressers will take a good look at the whole process, including the maintenance of the hair extensions. So there is probably no point of being afraid of getting hair extensions.

7.3 Is It Worth My Time and Money to Have Hair Extensions?

Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Purchasing hair extensions means you are financially ready as they are obviously pricey, but if spending more means you get to have the look and hair that you want, then money should be then set aside on this matter.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly hair extensions have become one of the most important beauty products that can boost a woman’s confidence.

With the overwhelming amount of hair extension types and vendors online and in your local shops, it could be frustrating to find the one that’s genuinely right for your look and budget, especially for those first-time buyers. We hope this hair extension buying guide can help you save some trouble in buying your first hair extensions.

If you have still have more questions, please do not hesitate to comment below! If you are a hairdresser who’s looking for a reliable hair extension manufacturer who can help you customize hair colors and packaging, you might want take Youngraceful into consideration.