Adding extensions to your hair is a big decision to make, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re choosing the right type based on your needs and the current state of your hair.
Hair extensions come in a variety of materials, colors, and textures. To get the most out of hair extensions, be sure to do your research and buy the best product you can afford.
Still, with so many extension options on the market, how do you know which is the right one for you? Here are some tips that will narrow down your search and guide you towards the right decision.
Online vs In-store Shopping
Shopping for hair extensions in a brick-and-mortar store is great because it allows you to try on the extensions real-time. You can see for yourself whether they match your real hair and play around with the different colors and styles.
Of course, due to the ongoing pandemic, visiting a physical store may not be possible at the present moment. The good news is that there are plenty of online stores that offer free color matching service and consultations, such as ZALA. They can give you personalized advice so you’re confident that what you end up buying online will be a good match.
Natural vs Synthetic
Hair extensions come in two main types: natural and synthetic. Synthetic hair may be cost-effective, but most hair extension users prefer human hair because they last longer.
You won’t be able to use any of your styling tools with synthetic hair, since the style is already baked into the synthetic fiber. On the other hand, human hair extensions can withstand heat applications and can be styled according to your needs and preferences.
While synthetic hair requires little to no maintenance, natural hair extensions do require gentle cleaning, conditioning, and treatment to last longer.
The look and feel of human hair is vastly different from synthetic. If you want natural-looking hair, then human Remy hair is a great choice. Remy hair sourced from Indian temples is considered top-of-the line in the world of hair extensions.
Clip-in vs Tape-in
Clip-ins are temporary hair extensions that have clips attached to the wefts, while tape-ins are semi-permanent extensions that have adhesive tape attached.
If you’re the type of person who likes to experiment and you prefer not to stick to one single hairstyle, clip-ins are the perfect solution for you. If you want something a little more permanent, then go for tape-ins.
Also, consider your lifestyle before deciding. If you have a busy schedule, play sports, or workout on a regular basis, you’ll be better off with clip-ins because they can be removed during these activities and clipped back in as you see fit.
The installation of clip-ins can be easily done in a matter of minutes on your own, while tape-in installations are meticulously detailed and need to be done by a professional. The tape-in wefts must be glued and sandwiched in between your strands using a special tool.
One-Dimensional vs Two-Tone
Another important aspect of choosing extensions is selecting the right color. Consider the way your hair looks in the natural light, and look to the color of your midlength and ends of your strands.
For a more natural-looking hair, use dual-blended or tri-blended extensions. This way, you’ll have highlights and lowlights, as well as lighter and darker strands to achieve depth and dimension.
Straight vs Wavy vs Curly
When shopping for extensions, you’ll also need to choose a texture that is the most similar to your hair. Straight extensions are very easy to maintain and style.
For wavy extensions, you may need the help of a curling iron to style it with the rest of your hair. Curly extensions are more prone to tangles and knots, so keep a bristle brush handy.
Finding the Right Hair Extensions
If you’ve been disappointed by the results of the many vitamins, treatments, and serums promising fuller, healthier hair, the simplest solution is to invest in a set of quality hair extensions. Whether you want to add thickness, volume, or length, extensions can help you achieve the hair of your dreams. Refer back to these tips when shopping to make sure you get the best type for your needs.
