Adding length and style, but which method should you choose?
More volume or length, a different color or hair texture – the choice is yours. Not only do you get to choose the look of your hair extensions, but you also have to decide how you will have these extensions installed.
Before making that decision, you can get the answers to frequently asked questions about extensions. Let this be the clarity you need before making a choice.
Table of Contents
Tape-in Hair Extensions
How Long Does the Install Take?
A tape-in install can take up to 4-5 hours, which includes washing the hair, blow drying and straightening the hair, and installation.
How Long Does It Last?
Tape-ins typically last around 6-8 weeks, and it would be best to change or reapply them around that time. Since this is not a permanent installation, these are best to wear for special occasions or a temporary change.
Will It Damage Your Hair?
Tape-in extensions can damage your hair if installed or removed incorrectly. Also, your hair can get matted after wearing the tape-ins for an extended time.
Since many salons use an acetone-based solvent for the removal process, the hair may receive some damage during this takedown process.
What Is The Average Cost of the Extensions?
The price has varying factors that play into the cost of the extensions. Depending on the weight the company sells per package and the usual price adjustments such as hair color, length, hair texture, and whether it is human hair.
You can buy tape-ins from $20-$300. Getting them done at the salon will cost $250-$500, and the price varies for each hairstylist and if they are providing the hair.
Clip-in Hair Extensions
How Long Does the Install Take?
It is a quick install that you can easily do at home. Depending on the look you are going for, the installation can take you less than 45 minutes to add the clip-ins. This time does not include washing and styling the hair.
How Long Does It Last?
It is a temporary hair extension meant only to be worn for a few hours. As long as the hair is good quality and you take care of the hair, the clip-ins can last up to 1 year.
Will It Damage Your Hair?
Clip-ins are the least damaging out of all of these extensions. Since they do not require heat or any harsh chemicals or adhesions to install them, you do not have to worry too much about damage.
Just be mindful of tugging and pulling when styling your hair to avoid causing too much tension to your roots.
What Is The Average Cost of the Extensions?
The cost of human hair clip-ins can cost from $50 to $200.
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Ponytail or Bun Extension
How Long Does the Install Take?
A ponytail or bun extension is one of the quickest extensions to install, and it should only take you less than five minutes to put it in.
How Long Does It Last?
These extensions are not meant to be worn all day and night, so it is more about how long the hair will last. Depending on the type of hair you buy and how you take care of it, the hair can last up to 1 year.
Will It Damage Your Hair?
Installing and removing the extension should not damage your hair, but over time it can. If you prefer to wear tight high ponytails, then the style can cause some damage to the crown of your head and your edges.
It is necessary to give your hair a break after installing these extensions.
What Is The Average Cost of the Extensions?
These extensions can be inexpensive and bought for as low as $15. The price is based on where you purchase the hair, the quality, and the style. You can expect to spend between $15-$80.
Halo Hair Extensions
How Long Does the Install Take?
This install is even faster than the clip-ins. It is one track of hair, and it shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes to put it on and adjust it.
How Long Does It Last?
Since this is not a permanent extension, the hair can last one to three years. If you want it to last longer, make sure you purchase good-quality hair and remember to take care of it after a few uses.
Will It Damage Your Hair?
Halo extensions are one of the least harmful extensions on this list. Although it is not likely, the extension will damage your hair. You must ensure the wire is the right size for your head.
The wire wraps around your head and can cause pressure on your scalp if it is too small.
What Is The Average Cost of the Extensions?
The cost is around $200 to $400, but Amazon always provides cheaper options. On Amazon, you can find halo extensions between $40 to $250.
Bonded/Keratin Bond Hair Extensions
How Long Does the Install Take?
Depending on the stylist and the hair, it can take up to three to six hours to install keratin bond extensions.
How Long Does It Last?
These extensions are not permanent but can last two to four months.
Will It Damage Your Hair?
Keratin Bond Hair Extensions will cause little to no damage to your hair if the stylist installs them correctly. When installed too close to the scalp, the extensions will add tension to the scalp, which can lead to breakage and hair loss.
So, make sure you go to a licensed professional to have these extensions installed.
What Is The Average Cost of the Extensions?
Depending on how thick you want your hair to look, installing the hair at a salon could cost $500-$1000.
Microlinks Hair Extensions
How Long Does the Install Take?
Installing microlinks takes a long time compared to some of the other extensions. The hair has to be installed in individual sections and can take up to five hours.
How Long Does It Last?
The installation can last up to two to three months.
Will It Damage Your Hair?
Since these extensions do not require glue or adhesive, they are considered a safe option. There is no need to worry about breakage since microlinks do not weigh too much on the scalp.
What Is The Average Cost of the Extensions?
The cost to install microlinks will be around $400 to $1000. It can vary depending on if they are supplying the hair.
Sew-in Hair Extension
How Long Does the Install Take?
A sew-in has a two-step process, and the first step is to braid the hair in a specific pattern. After that, the tracks of hair have to be sowed into the braids.
The process can take up to 4 hours, depending on the stylist’s speed and the number of bundles they are sowing in.
How Long Does It Last?
This extension can last from six to ten weeks.
Will It Damage Your Hair?
Sew-ins can cause damage if the hairstylist braids the hair too tight or if you neglect your hair underneath the weave.
What Is The Average Cost of the Extensions?
The cost of a sew-in is between $225 and $300.
Glue-in Hair Extension (Quick Weave)
How Long Does the Install Take?
Similar to sew-in extensions, the stylist braids the hair first. After that, they will glue the tracks of hair to the wig cap. So, the installation usually takes around 2 hours (which is why it is called a quick weave).
How Long Does It Last?
This type of extension can last up to 3 weeks.
Will It Damage Your Hair?
If installed and removed correctly, the glue will not cause severe damage to your hair. You must take your time removing the glue and not tearing it out.
What Is The Average Cost of the Extensions?
The cost of a quick weave is between $150 to $200. These extensions usually use pack hair, the cheapest type of hair.
Braid Extensions
How Long Does the Install Take?
There are many different types of braid hairstyles, so the time to do these hairstyles can vary. Expect it to take two to eight hours to braid the whole head.
How Long Does It Last?
Each style is different in determining how long it will remain intact. You will also need to be mindful of how fast your hair grows. Typically braid hairstyles can last up to three to six weeks.
Will It Damage Your Hair?
Braids are a protective style and are usually a safe option for your hair. You should only worry about damage if the braids are too tight, which can cause hair loss and breakage.
What Is The Average Cost of the Extensions?
Depending on the style, it can cost anywhere between $75 to $600. The more intricate and lengthy the hairstyle is, the more it will cost.
These are the nine different types of hair extensions, so which have you tried, and which ones would you like to try? Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. It is up to you to figure out what will work best for you.
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