Shopping for the right hair extensions can be overwhelming if you’re new to the trend. There are many factors to consider depending on the look and feel you’re after, and just as many options available on the market. Whether you’re looking to add length to your hair, a pop of colour, or more volume, it’s important to do your research so you find the best hair extensions for your hair type.
Choosing The Best Hair Extensions
Before you dive in and start shopping around, it’s best to have a clear idea in mind of what you want. This will help you narrow down your choices and find the best fit for your needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What look do I want? If you want to add length, work out where you want the hair extensions to sit, as this will determine how many inches you need. If volume is what you’re after, then you’ll want the best match for your natural hair. On the other hand, if you’re seeking some natural highlights, consider going one or two shades lighter than your natural hair. For example, blonde hair extension clips come in a number of different shades and tones.
- What’s my budget? Not all hair extensions are created equal. You’ll want extensions that will last a while and also blend in seamlessly with your existing hair. Human hair extensions are often the best choice and are worth the higher price point.
- Do I want temporary or permanent? Are you looking for hair extensions you can pop in and take out as you like, or are you after something that’s more permanent? Depending on your needs, there are different options available.
Types of Hair Extensions
Now that you’ve pinpointed your basic needs, you’ll want to find the perfect hair extensions for your hair type. Here are the choices you have:
Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-in extensions are one of the most well-known and diverse options out there. You can pop them in as you like, achieving the freedom to style your hair differently each day. The clip-in hair extensions come in wefts that you secure easily to add volume and length to your hair. They come in a huge range of styles and are easy to blend with your natural hair. For instance, from blonde to black, clip-in hair extensions are available in a broad array of shades. You can also choose how many to put in depending on the look you’re after.
Watch how to apply clip-in hair extensions (step by step) –
Halo Extensions
These are a brand new innovative idea that mimic clip-in hair extensions but are even quicker. Halo human hair extensions are sewn into a transparent thread that offers significant volume. All you need to do is separate your hair just above your ears and attach the thread.
Tape-In Extensions
This type of extensions has grown significantly in popularity in recent years. With such a simple application, it’s easy to install these yourself at home. Each panel is about 2 inches wide, and can be simply applied to small pieces of hair. They can be reused up to two times, and each time you pop them in, they can stay there for about 10 weeks. Due to the medical-grade bonding, you can wash and style your hair without any worries.
Watch how to Apply Tape Hair Extensions –
Weft Extensions
These extensions are a longer-term option which don’t require much maintenance. They are held on your hair with little copper tubes. These offer a more permanent option that requires a trip to the hairdressers to set in place. The good news is they stay in your hair for up to two months, and therefore require very little effort to maintain.
Microbead Extensions
As the name suggests, this type of extensions uses small beads which are attached to the hair. As they are small in size, they disappear into your hair and go unnoticed. You can even mix and match with different colours to add some unique flair to your hair.
Keratin Fusion Extensions
This is one of the most natural options, in which small pieces of keratin-bonded hair are attached to your natural strands. Since they’re so small, they’re near impossible to detect. Yet, they do take longer to apply as a result. These are a more permanent option than other styles but require more of an initial investment of time and money.