Whether you use them for added volume, length, or color, hair extensions give you complete freedom to customize your style. But when it comes to hair extensions, there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, many varieties exist, and each comes with pros and cons. Here’s “mostly,” what you need to know.
Clip-In Extensions
Clip-in extensions are some of the easiest and most accessible hair extension options: They are removable, reusable, and attach to your hair with pressure clips. They blend in nicely with your natural hair and come in various lengths, styles, and colors. Plus, you don’t need to visit a salon to attach them, and you can remove them at any time. If properly cared for, clip-in extensions have a lifespan of anywhere from three months to a few years.
Halo Extensions
The currently trendy Halo hair extensions are similar to clip-ins: They cause minimal damage and have a similar lifespan. The difference lies in how they attach. While clip-in extensions require the placement and locking of several small clips, Halo extensions sit in one piece on an “invisible” cord, so you just set them on your head and cover the cord with your natural hair. Halo extensions are best for thin to medium-bodied hair that’s at least shoulder length (the extensions may appear stringy with thicker hair).
Tape-In Extensions
If you’re looking for extensions that you don’t have to install and remove often, tape-ins are a good option since they stay in place for one to two months. Here’s the catch: You probably can’t install them yourself. They need to be applied with a medical-grade adhesive. When the extensions grow out, you need to return to the salon to have them removed with a special solution to avoid pain and damage.
Microbead Extensions
A slightly more permanent option, microbead extensions are small strands that attach to your real hair using a crimped bead. These extensions add volume and length for up to six months and typically cause minimal damage. However, they require special care and should only be installed and removed by a trained stylist.
Have you tried any of the above types of hair extensions? Share your experience with us in the comments below!