Buying Guide for Hair Extensions
Why buy hair extensions?
Extensions can give your hair’s volume a boost for a naturally enhanced look, while some people have a difficult time growing their hair, so they use extensions to create a new style and boost their confidence. Also, hair extensions are fun to experiment with to change your look without committing to something more permanent.
What should you consider in hair extensions?
- Look and Feel: There are many options for the color and thickness of hair extensions. Synthetic extensions often feel heavier than natural hair, giving tons of body. Natural hair can come in various colors and textures, but they’re generally lighter and softer than synthetic extensions. Both synthetic and natural hair extensions can be styled, cleaned, and conditioned according to your product’s instructions.
- Quality and Longevity: With appropriate care, most hair extensions will last around three months. If you’re not using your extensions continuously and storing them properly, they can last even longer. Even high-quality natural hair extensions won’t outlast their synthetic counterparts—however, both last longer with diligent care.
- Application Type: There are many ways to apply hair extensions: sew-in, clip-in, halo bands, tape-in, fusion, and MicroLink hair extensions are the most common. A salon professional should place some applications such as sew-ins and MicroLinks in your hair.
What is the best way to care for hair extensions?
It’s a good idea to continue your regular hair care routine while wearing extensions. Wash and condition your hair with sulfate-free products for the best results. And it’s also best to use a hydrating conditioner. While wearing extensions, you may want to avoid dry shampoo, blow-drying, and over-using sticky hair products. Good care will keep them beautiful and healthy-looking longer, saving you time and money.
Our Picks for the Best Hair Extensions
Pros: Put these extensions in with ease for a fuller head of hair. If you’re looking for a curly and wavy style, these are a great choice to go with, and with plenty of color choices, you can match it to your skin tone. Just wash with gentle shampoo and conditioner and allow to air-dry for the best results.
Cons: These extensions tangle easily.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for natural colored synthetic hair extensions, these may be an excellent choice for you. They’re made to blend in for a natural look, and the care instructions are easy to follow.
Pros: These natural hair extensions are high-quality and come in separate clip-ins to make them easy to blend for a natural look. They can be dyed to match your hair color and curled for a fun night out. Plus, they’re super silky and soft, so you won’t be able to stop touching them.
Cons: Occasional shedding or breaking is common with these extensions.
Bottom Line: These clip-in hair extensions are made to blend in with your hair color for the most natural look. They’re well-packaged to prevent damage, and they come with a gorgeous set of mink lashes to complete your look.
Pros: This set comes in a straight style that can easily be curled for whatever look you’re going for. They are made with softness and shine in mind, and they can be applied with the provided blue tape. With good care, these can last up to three months.
Cons: These extensions do not match all hair textures.
Bottom Line: If clip-ins are not for you, try out these tape-in hair extensions. If you want them to last longer than a few weeks, there is separate, stronger tape you can purchase to keep them adhered longer.
Pros: This may be the easiest set of hair extensions to apply. You place the halo in your hair, then adjust the wire to fit your head. The color choices are extensive and made to match most hair colors, making it easier for you to choose. And the texture is fantastic and soft, even when styled.
Cons: These may look best with thinner hair.
Bottom Line: If you’re new to hair extensions and want to try something simple, these hair extensions may be just what you’re looking for since they’re easy to apply and can adjust to your liking.
Pros: These are a great alternative to dye, especially for younger people who want to experiment with their look. They come individually wrapped for quality, and they stay in place very well once they are installed.
Cons: They can get tangled easily.
Bottom Line: Looking to add some color to your hair but don’t want to commit? These fun, rainbow-colored highlight clip-ins in 32 colors are a great alternative.
Final Thoughts
Hair extensions are a great way to change your style without damaging your hair or committing to a certain look. They can add volume and length to your hair, and they’re a great alternative to dye for kids or younger people who want to amp up their style.
