What Are The Different Types Of Hair Extensions

The hair market business is saturated with different kinds of extensions. It can be overwhelming to choose which kind of hair extensions are right for you and your type of hair.

We all want beautiful long beautiful hair but at what cost? Hair extensions can be very pricey but also very damaging. Having very fine hair you can rest assure because I have tried them all.

Growing up around friends who had naturally beautiful long hair I was always was very self conscious about my hair. I would always wear my hair in a ponytail so people wouldn't notice how thin it was. After many experiments and gazillions of products I have found  that the best nourishment for your hair is diet and natural products that you most likely can find in your pantry shelves. To find some DIY natural remedies that I have tried myself to help grow my hair long and healthy fast check out this blog.

I wanted to share my knowledge on a few types of hair extensions I have tried and give you my honest opinion on which ones I liked the best. Hopefully it will save you some time and help you make a decision easier on which type of extensions to try. Below you will find a breakdown of the extensions I have tried and ones I haven't tried yet.

Real Remy Human Hair Extensions VS Synthetic Hair Extensions

First let's talk about two types of hair texture that is available in today's market. Some companies sell 100% Real Human Hair and some sell Synthetic Hair.

Real Remy Human Hair Extensions

Remy Hair is considered to be the finest quality of human hair. With Remy hair, the cuticles are kept intact and not stripped, the hair follicles all go in one single direction. This preserves the hair's cuticles and aligning them in a unidirectional fashion creates extensions that are completely natural in appearance. Remy hair is collected in a method in which all hair strands stay aligned in the natural direction as it grew (i.e. holding the hair in a ponytail and cutting), top at top, and ends at ends, to maintain the natural texture pattern and cuticle direction. This reduces friction between the strands thus reducing the tangling in the hair, commonly found in non-Remy or low quality hair. Remy hair appears more healthy, soft and silky. Remy hair is only lightly processed, and undamaged.

Some companies claim to sell 100% Remy Hair, but are mixing anywhere between 10-40% Non-Remy hair into their packs. An expert in human hair can tell the difference between Remy and Non-Remy hair by touching it. It is said that Remy hair has a cool and silky feeling when you touch it. Non experts probably will not be able to tell the difference by looking at it. After 2 to 3 weeks of wear, when that hair starts to matte up you will know it’s not Remy.

Synthetic Hair Extensions

Synthetic hair extensions are the opposite of Remy hair. They are not human hair. They are made of plastic fibers to mimic the feel and look of human hair. Synthetic hair is made of low-grade acrylic which is heated and divided into strands to make individual hair fibers that look jut like human hair.

This type of hair is definitely cheaper than human hair but it is also more limited. It doesn't last more than 3 months where human hair could last you up to a year with proper care. Synthetic extensions can not be color treated, as it will cause irreparable damage. Human hair extensions can be treated just like your natural hair, which means you can curl it, straighten it and even color it.

Types Of Hair Extensions

1. Clip In Hair Extensions

What Are They?

Clip in hair extensions are by far my favorite type of hair extensions. I love the fact that they are not permanent and I can change my look whenever I want. They are so easy to apply and you can do it at the convenience of your own home.

Be aware because a lot of companies claim to sell 100% Human Hair clip in extensions when they don't and their extensions are coated with synthetic material. My favorite clip in hair extensions are by Cashmere Hair and they truly are 100% remy human hair. I have owned my set for over a year and it is the same quality as when I first purchased them. The company will color match your hair if you are not sure which shade to purchase.

How Long Do They Last?

The last set I purchased has lasted me over a year and the quality still feels amazing even though I have washed, dried, styled and curled my extensions. You can treat them as you would treat your own hair. I love these extensions because they do not damage your hair and add instant length and volume.

2. Hand-Tied Extensions

What Are They?

There are many types of hair extensions on the market including hand-tied wefts, tape-ins, you name it. Hand-tied hair extensions are often a favorite choice due to their lightweight look and feel. Hand-tied hair extensions can be customized by color, weight, and length - depending on the desired needs of the individual. Hand-tied extensions are designed with individual strands that are carefully tied to your natural hair. This ensures that the final product looks natural and feels cashmere-soft. 

The hand-tied extension installation process starts with the stylist taking the hand-tied wefts and tying them together with a thread or string. Then, they take the extension for the new piece of hair that they want to add and tie it to the other one. This is done until all of their desired amount of extensions have been reached. This method makes it so easy to combine different shades of extensions to compliment your hair’s dimension or add extra pops of color without the use of hair color or bleach.

How Long Do They Last?

So, how long do hand-tied extensions last? It depends on the quality and care that is put into them! The lifespan of hand-tied extensions depends on the quality of the extension, how often they are washed, how well they are cared for, and how often you visit your hair stylist for extension maintenance and regular move-ups. 100% real human hair extensions are essential when it comes to the longevity of your hair extensions.

With little to no care, the lifespan of your hand-tied wefts will be significantly shortened and you won’t be able to enjoy all the benefits of hair extensions. For extensions that are well cared for, they may last up to 6 months to a year.