With a new year comes the irresistible temptation to switch up your look, and what better way to usher in the new year than with a new hairdo? Whether you’re looking for simple ways to transform your hairstyle or you fancy making a bigger change, switching up your look with hair extensions for the new year is a great place to start.
Whether are buying hair extensions for the first time or looking for a change, we know just how confusing it can get when buying human hair extensions. Clip in hair extensions, tape in hair extensions, micro-ring extensions, hair wefts, hair weaves… today we are going to go through the basics of hair extensions, so you choose the right hair for yourself.
Clip- In Hair Extensions
If you want little effort and big impact, then clip hair extensions are for you and they are by far the most popular form of hair extensions. You can get the clip in hair extensions in various lengths and thicknesses with clips sewn into the strands including one pieces.
All the technical stuff is done is already done for you in double wefts, single wefts, ombre, wavy and several other variations so all you have to do is attach them yourself. Attaching and styling with clip in extensions is easy – just snap open your clips, put them near your roots where you want to, and snap closed.
You can wear them daily or clip them in and style them up for special occasions. Depending on how many extensions you are clipping in and how experienced you are putting in your extensions will take you about ten minutes.
Clip in hair extensions are great for anyone who likes to change up their look regularly or does not wish to have hair extensions in all the time. They come in different width pieces in a set, this is to help you clip them all over your head and make them look natural. You may need to practice clipping them in a few times, so they are close to your roots and blended properly.
Alternatively, use you clip in hair for ponytails or half-up half down hairstyles, or simply opt for hair pieces like clip in fringes or clip in ponytails if you’d like to shake up your style without 100% committing to it, these are perfect.
Tape-In Hair Extensions
Tape in hair extensions are one of the newest methods of hair extensions and are extremely popular.
One of the key features of tape hair extensions is that there are no bonds, making them the easiest to blend. If you have fine hair, having bound or clip in extensions may be hard for your hair to handle, these are the best due to their lightweight nature.
Tape in extensions are semi-permanent and are easy to remove and reuse at the end of the tape’s lifespan. Each extension is double-sided to allow you to blend them easily. You could use tape hair extensions with both thick and thin hair and it saves you having to clip in extensions every day. They typically last two or three months and can be reused. If you like extensions you can reuse, want to use them daily but cannot be bothered clipping them in every morning, then give tape in extensions.
It’s a little difficult to line up the tape in extensions to your roots, as well as applying with heat by yourself, so for best results, it is recommended that you ask a professional to put them in for you. It will take about 45 minutes to apply.
Micro-Ring Hair Extensions
Micro ring otherwise known as micro loop extensions are small strands of hair fitted to your own hair in tiny pieces. Your own hair is weaved through the micro loop strand by strand, which is then held in place with a tiny, silicone lined aluminium ring around 1cm away from the scalp. No harsh glues or chemicals are needed, making these extensions perfectly safe for your hair. The tiny, silicone lined aluminium rings hold the extensions securely in place.
Micro ring extensions are another type of extension that needs a bit of time for application, they take about three hours to apply. Cliphair recommends four packs to create a full head look, but this can vary depending on how thick you’d like your hair to look. These last three to four months before they need any maintenance and can be applied to hair as short as four inches. After the initial four-month period, micro ring extensions can be adjusted and worn for the same amount of time again. The tiny little loops on the sections of hair are designed to be pushed and tightened; this is an instant fix for any looseness or unwanted give that develops over time.
Pre-bonded Hair Extensions
Long nail tip pre bonded hair extensions or fusion bonded extensions are quite literally bound to your natural hair with glue. Like tape ins these are not extensions you can stick in yourself they take about 3 hours to put in with a heat clamp (definitely do not try this at home.) They are available as keratin nail tips / U-Tips and as stick tip / I-Tip extensions, therefore it’s always best to consult a professional first. They last around 5 months with some TLC and as attached in small sections so don’t cause strain on your natural hair. Be sure to read our blog on how to care for your pre-bonded hair extensions.
Weave-Wefts Hair Extensions
Weave/ weft extensions are hair extensions woven in with your natural hair. Although they’ve been around for years, they are still incredibly popular. Offering more permanent option than clip-ins, weft/weave hair extensions typically last around two months, though you could leave them in for up to four months. They are often reusable and are available in packs or bundles.
Great for adding extra volume and length, human hair weave/wefts are perfect if you want to create a weave style that is uniquely you. They can be slept in and styled like you would your own hair. They’re extremely versatile and can be used in whichever way you choose – whether you’d like them glued in, sewn in or clipped in.
Do you like more permanent locks, or do you like the freedom of clip ins? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
You may also like...
How Do You Blend Hair Extensions That Don't Match?
How Much Do Hair Extensions Cost? The Ultimate Guide
Clip-Ins Vs Permanent Hair Extensions: Which one is right for you?
Cliphair Guides: How To Look after Hair Extensions
Hair Extensions Buying Guide & Glossary
