Have you ever desired long and voluminous hair like Hollywood stars? But you have no idea which hair extensions are suitable for you? Do you find it struggling to find out the pros and cons of each type of hair extension?
To help you make a decision, we will shed light on the hair extensions pros and cons for each type with a brief explanation
Excited? Can’t wait to know more?
Let’s dig deeper into the pros and cons of different types of hair extensions.
Hair extensions include six distinct categories with different pros and cons of hair extension types. Please pay close attention to the following content to learn more about hair extensions and choose the proper method.
1. Clip-ins
Clip-in extensions are wefts of hair attached to small one-inch combs. They can be applied to parts of your natural hair. Wefts are easy to place and mix all over your head because they come in a variety of widths.
Clip-in hair extension is a method of joining curls with clips. Source: mhotonline
Pros
Cons
The most significant advantage of this hair extension is that it is swift, easy to perform, and convenient for those who like to change their long and short hair.
The clip-ins attached to the hair can be easily removed and reattached daily, which is convenient for you when you want to return to the original hairstyle.
Another advantage of this type is that you can often change the color and length of your hair to your liking.
The affordable price of the clip-in method is also an advantage for women who like beauty.
Clip-in won’t damage your hair.
The most apparent disadvantage of clip-ins is that it’s easy to reveal hair clips. If you have concise hair and want to extend it, it is not recommended to use this method. Clip-in extensions are only suitable for existing hair lengths that need extra thickness.
In addition, after performing this method, you should only let your hair down so that the clip-in hair extension is not exposed.
Another downside is that clip-in hair extensions easily slip out of your hair. It’s a shame when your hair falls out while socializing with strangers.
2. Fusion hair extensions
Fusion hair extension is famous for two types: hot fusion and cold fusion.
Hot fusion and cold fusion extensions. Source: ulahair
Hot fusion is a method of thermally attaching new hair bundles to your natural hair with keratin U-tip bonds lined with a silicone layer. The silicone liner acts as a coat to protect your natural hair. In terms of cold fusion, small sections of hair are held together via brass cylinders pulled through a lock.
Pros
Cons
Hot fusion
Hot fusion is the most durable hair extension method with proper maintenance.
Besides, this method suits all hair types, from thick and coarse to smooth. Well, the hottest fusion hair bundles are made of natural human hair, so it’s pretty intense.
The first disadvantage of hot fusion is that the fusion time is quite long; it takes 6 to 8 hours at the salon.
Besides, hot fusion will greatly damage your hair, break, and shed if you encounter an inexperienced hairdresser. Since this is a heat extension method, excessive heat can damage your hair.
Another disadvantage is that the cost of this method is quite expensive because the hair attached to your head is natural hair and cannot be reused many times.
Finally, hot fusion can cause discomfort when used, such as an itchy sensation and tightness in the scalp.
Cold fusion
Cold fusion hair extension has very natural hair movement. Although no glue or heat is used to join, the use time is about 6 to 12 months long.
Besides, your natural hair extensions can be reused, so if you accidentally lose a bunch of hair, you can reconnect it with the old one.
Finally, like hot fusion, cold fusion is connected with real human hair.
Cold fusion is a time-consuming splicing method; you may have to stay in the salon for about 4 to 6 hours. If you encounter an unprofessional hairdresser or if it is not done correctly, it will be straightforward to be exposed to.
These are not suitable for those with thin hair because they do not have the advantage of hiding the seams.
Another downside is that the cold fusion is prone to breakage, and the locks are made of metal, so they can heat up when you blow dry or style, which damages your natural hair.
3. Glue hair extensions
This method uses a joint glue made from turpentine or beeswax. Glue hair extensions require the owner of the hair to know how to take care of it. Moreover, the life of the joint is also relatively low, so it is unsuitable for girls who intend to apply this method for a long time.
Glue hair extension uses a joint glue made from turpentine or beeswax. Source: Beauty Sensitive
Pros
Cons
The best advantage of this method of joining is that it is natural, hard to detect, and does not cause pain and a heavy head when going to sleep.
The glue used for glue hair extension is almost the same as eyelash glue, so after a while, you still have to go back and forth to maintain the thickness of your hair
If you encounter a place that is not reputable, it will be easy to lose the hair extension by connecting it with glue.
The most significant disadvantage of glue connection is that after one time of disassembly, your hair will be full of glue, and you have to wash your hair for a while to clean the glue on your head.
4. Weave extensions
Weave extension is a braided way of connecting hair to connect real hair and hair bundles directly together. The joints are braided from two sections of your hair, so it’s very safe for your hair.
The weave extension is quite soft and does not cause pain. Source: Perfectlocks
Pros
Cons
This beautiful hair extension is ideal for many girls because the connection is quite soft and does not cause pain or any trouble for the scalp.
In addition, the hair extensions are robust and do not come off when the braid is loose.
It also causes minor damage to the hair because it does not use glue or heat.
Time-consuming to perform, easy to break the braid, and easily tangled when combing.
It also takes a lot of time because the process is complicated.
One risk for weave extension is that if not done correctly, making the hair support bunch too tight for your natural hair will cause headaches and hair loss.
Plus, your hair can become infected and a breeding ground for bacteria if you don’t wash your hair regularly.
Finally, weave extensions are not flexible to create many hairstyles.
5. Tape-in extensions
Tape-in extension is a hair extension method using a polyurethane paste. You can tape-in both sides or one side, depending on the thickness of your natural hair.
Tape-in extension is using a polyurethane paste. Source: Millpondsalon
Pros
Cons
Tape-in extension is the least damaging way to hair because it’s light and doesn’t pull your hair to the point of causing hair loss
Unloading tape-in hair is also convenient and does not affect your natural hair.
Tape-in extension can be reused; after removing it, you replace it with a new and reusable adhesive tape.
After the tape-in extension, you can style it as you like, such as braids, ponytails, or any other hairstyle you want. This hairstyle suits girls who wish to connect their hair quickly and save time.
The biggest downside is that your hair cannot be cleaned during the first 48 hours since the tape must adhere correctly.
Besides, oil-based styling products and shampoos are also prohibited since they may cause tape on the hair.
6. Fiberglass & elastic extensions
This method is quite common in the market today. Fiberglass & Elastic is a method just different from the name given by the salon; the difference is that Elastic fiber is more minor than Fiberglass fiber. Fiberglass is light and tough, with high elasticity. The craftsman will use the yarn to make a knot to connect the natural hair and the hair extension.
Fiberglass & elastic extensions are quite common in the market today. Source: Ladystars
Pros
Cons
The advantage of the two types of hair extensions is that it is easy to edit and remove the joints without fear of damaging the hair. The joint is tiny and thin, so it is not exposed when tying up the hair
Fiberglass and elastic fibers do not break, slip or melt under the influence of styling heat and water.
The feeling of lightness, like no hair extensions, is a unique advantage that makes women increasingly prefer this method.
The most common defect is the quality of fiberglass & elastic hair extensions on the market; there are many types of bad-quality hair. Many traders also sell hair extensions made from synthetic nylon fibers.
This hair type cannot absorb chemicals, so you cannot press, dye, or curl them
Is it worth it to get hair extensions?
The answer to this question varies from case to case. Hair extensions are an effective method for short-haired girls who want to quickly have long and thick hair to “F5” their appearance. With this method, you only need to choose reputable hair salons with experienced and skilled professionals to beautify your hair safely.
However, you should not join hair extensions for those experiencing problems such as scalp fungus, dry hair, split ends, or weak hair. Therefore, you need to consult with hairdressers before proceeding with hair extensions.
If what we have said is quite unclear and ambiguous, check this post for more details related to whether hair extensions are worth it or not.
Final thoughts
Hair extensions have been one of the beauty methods that is familiar for women now. However, girls who experience this method for the first time should learn carefully about the pros and cons of hair extensions to know which hair extension method is suitable for them.
Sincerely hope that this article is helpful for you whenever you find struggling to seek for the best options.
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Victoria
Victoria is the Marketing Director of JERA Vietnam Co., Ltd. She has been working in the hair industry for 7 years and is a hair care specialist. She worked in the UK for 2 years from 2018 at many different salons and is very experienced in hairstyling. She owns a store in São Paulo, Brazil and Moscow, Russia
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