Types of Extensions: 

 

It is important to determine which type of extensions are best for YOU.  What is ideal for someone else may not be right for you.  The amount of time each type of extension will last is dependent on a few things, primarily: How fast your natural/real hair grows, and how often you wash and condition your hair.

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:: Micro Bead/Micro Ring // Nano Bead/Nano Ring (I Tip) ::

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Micros & Nanos are very popular as they almost pretty damage-free to your real/natural hair because there’s no glue, no heat, no tape and no sewing. They are both very similar, however, Nano beads are significantly smaller, less noticeable and less bulky than micro beads.

 

These are installed to your hair by single-strands.  The extensions are put on by clamping the little bead on the tip of the extension to your own hair. The connections are durable but not uncomfortable.  They do very well when your hair needs to be washed and conditioned.  

 

These are probably the best option if you want to be able to dye your extensions, and use lots of products or heat-styling appliances. 

 

Durability: 2 to 4 months.

 

:: Keratin Bond (U Tip) / Glue-In & Pre-bonded ::

These are attached to the hair via little keratin bonds at the tip of the extension which are fused with a small heating tool. These are extremely popular and look great, but require significant upkeep and regular salon appointments for maintenance. Additionally, you need to avoid putting conditioners, oils or heated appliances near the connection, as these things will weaken the bond and possibly lead to your extensions coming out much earlier than they should.

 

For maximum longevity with this system, remember to condition only the lengths. If you’re blow-drying, dry the lengths first, then tip your head forward to dry your real hair--don’t blast the bonds with heat!

 

Durability: 3 months, but if you look after them well by yourself you could get 4 or 5 months out of them! I've gone this long in the past.

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:: Sew-In/Weave ::

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Sewn-in extensions are ideal for coarse, curly or thick hair that’s able to handle them.  However, they can work well for thin hair as well if your hair doesn't loosen easy with braids,  They’re applied by being sewn into a tightly-braided section of the client’s own, natural hair.  These typically take 1-3 hours to braid and install.

 

These extensions require a good deal of upkeep and salon visits are advised every 1-2 months or so to ensure the section where it’s sewn is secure, and, as these extensions are sewn in by needle and thread into the client’s own hair, the stylist will also want to assess if they need to be “tightened up”/re-braided.

 

Durability: Depends on the quality of the hair and whether or not your own hair can handle the weight of the extensions. However, salon visits every six to eight weeks are highly advisable.  Washing and conditioning your hair and extensions too often where the water will touch your extension's tracks/wefts will often cause the braids and extensions to become lose, and therefor, not last as long.

 

::Tape ::

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Tape extensions are sometimes described as "damaging" and "matting".  To clarify, if properly applied/installed, cared for, and made with good quality hair, are absolutely phenomenal.  They are typically the fastest to install, taking only 35-45 minutes.

They are connected by wide bonds (ie. Japanese surgical tape) that look like two bits of Sellotape. Your own hair is placed between them and they are clamped around the strands. The wide, rather than skinny bonds, ensure they don’t look stringy and "strandy" after a few washes. They’re dreamy, luscious and if you’re kind to them they’ll last for ages.

 

Durability: Things can get tangled as your own hair starts to grow, but they can last for 2-6 months without a big maintenance job. The downside is that they can be very expensive to buy.

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:: Clip-In/Flip-In ::

 

These are fun and temporary, but sometimes “fake” looking.  You can wash and style them just like your own hair if you use real human hair. They tend to get worn-looking from frequent use and hair washing, and the quality varies widely. Choose real/human hair over synthetic/fake/man made hair as they’re more durable with washing and styling.

 

Durability: Highly dependent on frequency of use.

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