18th Oct 2020

TYPES OF HAIR EXTENSIONS AND HOW LONG THEY LAST

TYPES OF HAIR EXTENSIONS AND HOW LONG THEY LAST

Reading Time: 5 mins 

Hair extensions are ideal for switching up your hairstyle in minutes. Wearing extensions is a great option when you’re struggling with hair growth or thinning hair, dealing with a bad haircut, interested in exploring other hairstyles without cutting or bleaching your natural locks, or upgrading your look for a special occasion.

Some natural hair extensions can be expensive, especially those of the highest quality. They are considered an investment; since they can cost you your hard-earned cash, it’s important to get your money’s worth.

If you want to change your look without having to commit to a haircut and colour, hair extensions are your best bet. They come in different colours, lengths and types, allowing you to find the perfect tone that fits your style and personality.

Thankfully, there are natural hair extensions in the market today, such as Foxy Locks, that boast of excellent quality, making your hair extensions blend beautifully with your natural hair and give that added volume, boost and glamour that you need.

Because there are many types to choose from, here are some types of hair extensions you need to know to find one that’s best for you. Besides that, we’ll dive into ways you can have them treated and how long they can last. Let’s begin!

1. Tape-in hair extensions

Tape-in hair extensions are fastened to either side of your natural locks using an adhesive weft tape. They protect your crowning glory from damage since they let your natural hair grow out and don’t require any heat for installation.

Tape or tape-in hair extensions are some of the most popular methods of getting hair extensions when you have them applied by a professional. It can usually take time to get used to when you’re putting them by yourself since so much requires third-person vision to ensure the tape is secured to your hair and seamlessly blended in.

When fully applied, tape hair extensions look uncannily natural and feel comfortable to wear throughout the day, so long as there isn’t any sweating involved. It can also be relatively easy to style, curl and store away for multiple uses.

Treatment and lifespan

This type of hair extension usually lasts up to 4-8 weeks. Remember that they can get split ends and look damaged due to excessive styling, so be sure to take good care of them and avoid combing or brushing them when wet, as doing so can damage them prematurely.

2. Fusion or pre-bonded hair extensions

Pre-bonded or fusion hair extensions are attached to the roots of your hair using a heat gun. This bond is made from a safe, natural bonding agent called keratin, so you don’t have to worry about hair damage resulting from the process. The hair is also attached to the individual strands of your natural hair, giving you fuller, voluminous locks. When you apply pre-bonded hair extensions, it could take about 3-4 hours to apply and should be done by a hairdresser.

Fusion or pre-bonded hair extensions are a very particular method since they require hot glue to stick on hair extensions with your natural hair. Unlike with some hair extensions, using fusion hair extensions can require a lot more commitment and care.

Treatment and lifespan

You’ll be surprised to know that the way to treat fusion or pre-bonded hair is the same way you would manage and maintain natural and real hair. You can even use the same products you use daily. However, you should know that fusion extensions may need to be repositioned every 2-3 months as your hair grows.

Fusion hair extensions are considered semi-permanent and could stay in your hair for 4 months. However, this will still vary on your hair type and speed of growth. Since these are fastened to the root of your natural hair, you must reposition them every 2-3 months and take care of them properly to prolong their lifespan. Use the right hairbrush and style only with heating tools when needed.

3. Clip-in hair extensions

If you’re new to hair extensions, then clip-in alternatives are your best option. They are the easiest to use, minimally damaging, and the least permanent type of hair extension. Their strands come with clips attached to their base for a hassle-free and simple installation to your natural roots.

Clip-in hair extensions are also infamous and suitable for newbies just getting started on wearing hair extensions. The extension comprises a weft that’s connected to a clip. That clasp has usually attached a layer of your hair.

Because clip-in hair extensions are essentially thin pins, they are as temporary as hairpieces go. They are a breeze to apply, and you can remove them as you please. Adjust and use a lot at once for added thickness to your natural hair.

Treatment and lifespan

Clip-in hair extensions can last up to 3-6 months and even more than a year if you take good care of them. To give them proper cleaning and maintenance, wash them with natural hair products after 30 wears. Make sure to dry them well before brushing them to avoid damage and breakage.

4. Microlink extensions

Microlink, micro bead or micro loop hair extensions are applied by joining tiny wefts of hair to small sections of your natural hair using a small silicone-lined bead. Afterwards, a unique tool is used to secure the bead into your hair, tightening and holding it in place.

Fortunately, this type of hair extension doesn’t need to use glue to stick to your hair. However, a professional must do this to avoid any hair damage. This is because if you don’t do it properly, the beads may be too tight and might cause pressure on your hair and roots.

Micro-ring or micro-bead hair extensions can provide a stunning result, but they’re intricate and need a precise set of hands. These hair extensions are connected to a small silicone bead or metal ring that needs separate tools to install to your natural hair.

Treatment and lifespan

Just like your natural hair, you can wash and use the same products for this as well. And just like fusion hair extensions, you’ll need to reposition your wefts every 2-3 months and they can last up to 4 months with proper maintenance.

5. Wigs and hairpieces

Wigs are made to cover your entire head and can act as a replacement for your hair. This is most commonly used for those experiencing immense hair loss, balding or if you want to change up your look completely. On the other hand, hairpieces can come in a bun, ponytail extensions or hair tie so you can place them easily on top of your hair.

Treatment and lifespan

Wigs and hairpieces are quite tricky to manage, so you must only purchase high-quality and natural hair extensions so that maintenance will be more forgiving. Besides that, natural wigs and extensions can last up to a year with proper treatment and care.

Conclusion

A question often asked about people who get 20-inch hair extensions (and any length, in general) is how long the extensions will last in the first place. At the bare minimum, human hair extensions have a lifespan that is entirely dependent on you. How will you care for them throughout your usage? What kind of products will you be using on them? If you have clip-in extensions, there’s also the added question of just how often you end up wearing them.

To sum it up, all hair extensions can last you long enough, but only if you take care of them well. Make the most out of them by following the care tips stated above and investing in quality hair extensions like ours.Shop at Foxy Locks for good hair extensions in the UK. We supply a premium range of Remy hair extensions in varying natural shades, lengths, and volumes. Place your order today!

Comments are closed here.