As you know, there are many different types of hair extensions which are Clip-ins, tape-ins, weaves, pre-bonded, fusion, micro-link... There are so many
different types of hair extensions and terms, which can make you feel overwhelmed if you are new to the world of hair extensions. Here at Limitless Lengths
we supply 100% Remy human hair extensions from 3 different suppliers, but not all hair extensions are not limited to this particular kind. Throughout this blog
we will break down the different types of extensions to clear up some of the confusion.
This article will provide some clarity and help you decide what the best choice for your hair will be. So get comfortable, and let’s get straight into it.
What is the difference between Real Human Hair Extensions and Synthetic Hair Extensions
Before we get into the different types of hair extension application methods, the first thing you need to know is that they come in real
human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions. So, what is the difference between them?
HOW ARE HAIR EXTENSIONS ARE MADE
Human hair extensions - These are made exactly how they sound. They are made out of real, human hair from root to ends, collected from a donor.
Remy hair means all the cuticles (the outer layer of the hair) are intact, running in the same direction at the time of collection and has undergone
minimal processing to ensure that the hair is soft, silky and tangle free.
Synthetic hair, how ever, is made out of numerous synthetic, blended fiber's, and contains 0% human hair. The fiber's, which are usually very fine,
plastic fiber's that are manufactured to emulate real human hair.
LOOK & FEEL
Both real and synthetic hair extensions come in many different colours, styles, and different methods of application. The quality of synthetic
fibres can vary, but they are more often than not stiff and move differently from human hair which in turn makes them not blend as well with your natural
hair. They sometimes have a coarse feel to the touch. Real hair extensions looks and feels real (because it is!) and therefore blends easily and more
naturally with your hair.
COLORING & STYLING
You can treat Human hair extensions just like your own natural hair. Straightening, curling, blow drying, coloring, and applying hair products
is all suitable to do with human hair extensions. Where-as with synthetic hair, you cannot color the hair as most dyes contain ammonia or bleach,
this would destroy the synthetic hair immediately. In addition, you cannot style synthetic hair extensions in the same way as your real hair extensions
because heat will also damage them so curling irons, straighteners and blow dryers are a definite no go, as this will cause the hair to melt or cause severe damage.
Other elements such as the sun or harsh hair products can also damage synthetic hair extensions.
QUALITY & HOW LONG HAIR EXTENSIONS LAST
Synthetic hair extensions are cheaper than real hair extensions, but although you will be saving your self some money in the short term, this will most
definitely cost you more money in the long term as you will need to replace your hair extensions sooner than you would need to replace human hair extensions.
This is because they’re made out of synthetic fiber's, they do not last as long as human hair extensions as they are easily damaged by the the elements we
already touched upon above (sun, heat, etc.) In general, synthetic hair extensions last for a few months, whereas human hair extensions can last upwards
of one year if you follow the aftercare advice given to you by your hair extensions technician. The human hair extensions we supply here at Limitless
Lengths last for about one year on average.
To summarize, human hair extensions can be treated and styled in the exact same way as your own hair, and will look and feel the most natural and comfortable.
It will blend more naturally with your hair and last much, much longer than synthetic hair extensions. Even though they are cheaper than real hair extensions,
synthetic hair do not look as natural, cannot be styled with heating tools and most definitely do not last as long as real hair.
Now that we’ve discussed the differences of real vs. synthetic out of the way, let’s talk about the different types of extension applications!
WHAT ARE THEY?
Clip-in hair extensions, come in a strand of contoured pieces, attached at the base with either fabric or silicone.
Clips are then attached to this base and come ready to use. All you have to do is section your hair and clip the pieces to your natural hair. You can do
this all by yourself! Each clip snaps open and closes with ease.
Clip-in hair extensions are a non permanent method of hair extensions because you can easily remove them and apply them whenever you want.
Unlike some of the other hair extension applications mentioned above, clip-ins generally take 5 – 15 minutes to apply in the comfort of your own home.
Clip-in hair extensions are also the least damaging because they don’t involve any chemicals, heat, pressure, they clip simply onto your hair with ease
so there is zero damage to your natural hair. This is one reason why it’s one of the most popular hair extension types.
TREATMENT
The same synthetic hair extensions vs. real hair extensions rules apply when it comes to the treatment of clip-in hair extensions. We will focus more on
the human hair extensions since that’s what we recommend.
Putting it simply, human hair extensions are very easy to maintenance and only need to be washed every 10-15 wears, or if there is a lot of product buildup
which will make them feel more unmanageable. Just like your natural hair, you simply brush, shampoo and condition the hair and let them air dry! When it
comes to styling, human hair clip in extensions can be styled the same way you style your own natural hair. They can be curled, straightened, and colored,
again, just like you would on your natural hair its always best to choose a lower heat setting when heat styling the hair, and to use a heat protectant
before applying any hear onto your Clip-in Hair extensions.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
Once again, this depends on how well you take care of them, what products you use and how often you wear them. With proper care and regular wear,
clip-ins last anywhere from 3 – 6 months, up to a year and sometimes even longer.
Limitless Lengths supplies high quality Clip in hair extensions from three very popular brands made with 100% Remy human hair.
2. Tape-In Hair Extensions
WHAT ARE THEY?
Tape in hair extensions are exactly what they sound like. The tape-in hair extensions are pre-taped and then taped/glued together on either side of your
own hair. For removal you would need to have them removed (with glue remover) and then re-taped and reinstalled. This process usually takes approximately
2 - 4 hours to apply and if the extensions are in good condition, they can be re-used.
TREATMENT
With tape-in hair extensions, you have to be very careful when using conditioners or hair products because this can cause the tape to come loose or
slip off. This is a very common issue with tape-ins, where the hair simply slides off. Because of this, we usually recommend you use special
shampoo or conditioner and styling products that are less harsh and not as oily to ensure the glue continues to stick to your hair. You can style them
any way you want because they are made with human hair, but you need to watch out for the roots where the glue or tape is.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
Tape-ins are considered semi-permanent. They typically last around 4 – 8 weeks before you need to remove and re-apply them. Just like any other
hair extensions, however, it depends on how well you take care of them and on how quickly your hair grows.
3. Weft - Hair Extensions/Weave
WHAT ARE THEY?
Weave hair extensions isnt the same as it used to be, in the past it would be sewn into a braid in the hair where as now it can be applied by adding
a row of beads to your hair in sections of course, then using a needle and thread to sew the weave onto the beads. Weave hair extensions are
mainly used for people with thicker hair because of the way they are applied. Generally speaking, the weave application is a very long
process (4 - 6 hours.) The application method often puts a strain on the scalp and can also feel very heavy or uncomfortable,
which is also why it's not always a option for thin or lighter hair.
TREATMENT
If you have a weave, Another popular recommendation for people with weaves is to wash the hair with a special protein product to minimize damage and
weakening of the hair. When it comes to styling, the same rules apply for real hair extensions.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
It is recommended to remove the weave every 6 – 8 weeks, especially if you are trying to grow your own hair.
4. Fusion & Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
WHAT ARE THEY?
Fusion hair extensions (also known as bonding or pre-bonded) are fused to natural hair using different adhesives such as glue.
Applying pre-bonded hair extensions take approximately 3-4 hours to apply. Fusion extensionsmight not be suitable for all clients as this
type of application can be damagine to weak, brittle hair, so your hair extension technician may advise against this method for your particular hair type.
The application involves a heat tool, which is used to melt the glue on each strand of hair to individual strands of the natural hair.
TREATMENT
Fusion/pre-ponded application is managed and treated just like your real hair. You can use the same products you would normally use, however,
the extensions need re-positioning every 6-8 weeks as the natural hair grows.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
They are considered semi-permanent as they stay in your hair for up to 4-6 weeks, then they will need to be removed by your hair extension technician.
However, like all other types of hair extensions, this varies based on your own hair type and growth. They can also be re-tipped and re-fitted if you
wish but you will loose a little bit of length each time.
5. Nano Bead Hair Extensions
WHAT ARE THEY?
Nano Bead hair extensions are applied by attaching individual strands of hair to small sections of the natural hair with a small silicone-lined beads.
Then, a special tool is used to secure the bead to the hair and tightened to hold it in place. Although this method does not use heat or glue,
if not installed correctly by a professional, Nano bead hair extensions can be damaging on the hair. The bead may be tightened too much, causing
pressure and pulling at the roots, and if not removed properly, the hair can be pulled out. This method takes approximately 2 – 4 hours to apply.
TREATMENT
You can wash them the same way you would your natural hair and use the same styling products. Similar to fusion hair extensions,
Nano Bead hair extensions need re-positioning every 6 - 8 weeks as the natural hair grows and the microbeads move away from the scalp.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
Nano Bead hair extensions are considered semi-permanent and they generally last up to 6 - 8 weeks where they will either need to be maintained or removed
and re-fitted, depending on how well you look after them/how fast your natural hair has grown.
6. Stick tip Hair Extensions
What Are They?
Stick Tip hair extensions are essentially the same as Nano bead hair extensions. They are applied in the same way, the only difference being is that the
bond for each strand is slightly bigger and so is the bead. Stick Tip Hair Extensions will also last roughly up to 6 - 8 weeks before they will need
maintaining or removing and re-fitting, depending on how well you have looked after them/how much your natural hair has grown.
Treatment
You can wash them the same way you would your natural hair and use the same styling products. Just like Nano Bead hair extensions, Stick Tip hair
extensions need repositioning every 6 - 8 weeks as the natural hair grows and the beads move away from the scalp.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
Stick Tip hair extensions are considered semi-permanent and they generally last up to 6 - 8 weeks where they will either need to be maintained or removed
and re-fitted, depending on how well you look after them/how fast your natural hair has grown.
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