Types of hair extensions by application method and which one to choose

Hair extensions can be an instant solution to many of your hair problems, adding length, volume, and touches of color in numerous ways. However, it is important to do your research before investing in any hair extension type, to make sure you choose the right products according to your hair type, lifestyle, styling needs, and budget.

There are several permanent (lasting a few months) and non-permanent (taken off by the end of the day) hair extension solutions to choose from. In this article we will discuss everything you need to know, in order to select the right type of hair extensions for you and make sure that you invest your money in the right products.

Non-permanent hair extension solutions

Non-permanent hair extension solutions are a great option for people who are seeking to occasionally alter their look, like, for example, for a big event or just to go out to party for the night. They are also a very affordable solution since they can be applied without the help of a professional hair extensions expert. Additionally, they are not used on a daily basis, hence they are less prone to damage and thus, can last longer. If your needs fall under this category, here are some good options for you to pick:

Clip-ins: Clip-in hair extensions are a fast and affordable way to change your hairstyle. You can apply them yourself in just a few minutes by clipping them on your own hair.

Halo: Halo hair extensions are the least invasive hair extension method for your hair roots since the weight is evenly distributed on the whole scalp. A transparent wire sits around the crown of the head like a halo to hold the hair extensions in place. The bottom half contains the hair, while the top half remains bare so it can be easily hidden under your own hair.

Ponytails and other hair pieces: There are several types of hair pieces designed to add thickness and length to create different hairstyles, such as ponytails, buns, braids, etc.

Semi-permanent hair extension solutions

Non-permanent hair extension solutions are great… Way too great to want to leave your long locks on the counter before bed! If this sounds like something you are dealing with, then more permanent hair extension methods might be a better option for you. These types of hair extensions are attached to your natural hair strand-by-strand (with many small attachments) using different methods, such as:

Keratin bonds: The most frequently picked hair extension method, keratin bond hair extensions are basically human hair with a small piece of keratin glue attached on the tip, which is melted around your natural strands in order to stay on your natural hair. This type of hair extensions blends in well with natural hair since the pieces of hair are quite small. They are mostly recommended for people with thick hair.

Microrings: Microrings are a hair extension technique using tiny copper rings to attach hair extension strands to natural hair. Microrings allow you to refit the same hair extensions many times. Just like keratin bond hair extensions, they blend in well with natural hair, and they are mostly recommended for people with thick hair.

Tape-ins: Tape-in hair extensions are a great hair extension technique since they are thicker than most hair extension methods and give a fuller, picture-perfect look. Tape-in hair extensions are basically 2.5cm pieces of hair with a thick double-sided keratin tape that are secured on natural hair by “sandwiching” the tapes between strands of your natural hair. They are ideal for people with thin hair since they are lightweight and the weight is evenly distributed on a larger proportion of the scalp, being less invasive to the roots. Even though they are usually more highly-priced than keratin bond and microring hair extensions, their application is much easier and cheaper, making them a great value-for-money option in the long run.

Sew-in wefts: Sew-ins wefts of hair extensions are secured to the scalp by braiding natural hair horizontally from ear to ear and then sewing the weft of hair into the braid. Sometimes, hair extension professionals add micro-rings to the weft in order to better secure it on the natural hair.

Now, in a glimpse…

Hair extension type/Characteristics	Maximum duration	Re-application	Recommended hair type	Pricing
Clip-ins	>1 year	Constant	All	Affordable
Halo	>1 year	Constant	All, Thin hair	Affordable
Hair pieces	>1 year	Constant	All	Affordable
Keratin bonds	Up to 6 months	Up to 2 times	Thick hair	More pricey
Microrings	Up to 4 months	Up to 2 times	Thick hair	More pricey
Tape-ins	Up to 2 months	Up to 5 times	All, thin hair	More pricey
Sew-in wefts	Up to 2 months	Up to 2 times	All	More pricey