Are you someone who loves styling their hair to suit their every mood but hates making long-term changes? If so, hair extensions might be precisely what you want. These hair accessories are available in various styles and colours, perfect for adding that extra oomph to your looks in minutes. The only issue is that although these are very popular and have been around for a long time, many people need help correctly using them. In this article, we simplify that for you.
Types Of Hair Extensions
Before we explore how to use hair extensions correctly to revamp your style, we must know the various types of extensions available in the market. Understanding the differences between them is vital to understanding the different methods of using them. Each of the following categories of extensions is connected with hair differently, impacting how easy or challenging it can be to use them.
- Tape-In Extensions: Tape-in extensions are semi-permanent extensions for hair that are attached by bonding the sections of extensions with a double-sided tape. As a result, these super hairpieces blend in seamlessly, not budging out of the scalp, providing a natural look. This makes these extensions perfect for everyday wear. With proper care, such extensions can last between 6 to 8 weeks, and even after that, they can be effectively reused by simply repositioning the tape.
- Clip-In Extensions: Superhairpieces Clip-in hair extensions are another type of commonly used extensions chosen by women for their simple application procedure. These are temporary and reusable extensions, perfect for putting on whenever you want to modify your look. As the name indicates, these are extensions where the hair wefts are built with a clip which can be easily attached to and removed from the hair. Another advantage of these is that they do not cause any damage, can be done by oneself, and are easily managed.
- Weave Extensions: Weave-type extensions for hair, also known as sew-in extensions, are another option suitable for a distinctive hairstyle. These are typically applied to cornrows and require weaving the extension sections into one’s braids. Similar to tape-in extensions, these are semi-permanent extensions ideal for enhancing volume and thickness, and they must be done professionally or with someone’s help.
- Bonded Extensions: Bonded extensions need professional supervision when attached to one’s hair. They involve attaching wefts to the natural hair using a keratin-based adhesive and heat. When cared for properly, these can last months. They offer a smooth appearance without looking unnatural and are perfect for adding length and volume to the hair.
How to Apply Hair Extensions
The procedure for applying hair extensions varies depending on the kind you choose. For options such as tape-in, bonded, or sew-in extensions, you will need help from someone else, preferably a professional, whereas someone on their own can easily apply clip-in extensions. The following are the essential methods for successfully wearing extensions in your hair.
- Tape-In Hair Extensions: To successfully apply tape-in hair extensions to your hair, you need to ensure that your hair is clean and free from any kind of product. A shampooed head of hair is perfect for this. Once you have cleaned your hair, you must create sections to identify the spots where the wefts would be attached. Make sure the sections where you would attach the wefts are small. Divide one section into two parts and sandwich the weft between the layers. After that, press on the section firmly to ensure a durable bond.
- Clip-In Extensions: To seamlessly apply clip-in hair extensions to your hair, start with a clean head free from any products or oily residue. Shampoo and dry your hair before you start putting in the clip-ins. When that is done, you need to part your hair into horizontal sections where you will be attaching the clip-in extensions. Start the sectioning from your nape to ensure easy clipping in. Assess how much volume you need in your hair and build up accordingly. After adding every clip, ensure it is blending in without a trace.
- Weave Extensions: The first step in applying the weave or sew-in hair extensions is similar to the previous processes. Shampoo and condition your hair to remove any product or oil buildup from the hair. After cleaning, the hair must be sectioned into equal parts and braided in cornrows. Once the braids are in place, the extensions can be weaved into them, ensuring they blend in perfectly with the braids. It is essential to provide tension and tightness when weaving in, but so much so that it becomes unbearable.
- Bonded Hair Extensions: Starting with freshly washed hair is not necessary for bonded or fusion extensions, but it is highly recommended. To begin the process, you must part your hair into distinctive sections where the wefts will be added. Once the sections have been created, hold one extension piece tipped with adhesive close to the roots of one small section of hair and apply heat to join the two. Ensure the extension is close enough to the root to avoid damage and that the heat applied is not too harsh.
Conclusion
Following the steps mentioned above and processes, you can enjoy hair extensions as you want, committing to them permanently or temporarily as suitable. While more natural-looking ones can be added permanently, clip-ins are recommended for the funky additions, ensuring you can enjoy and remove them when needed.
