Best Extension Types For All Hair Types

Long, voluminous hair has always been in style. Unfortunately, waiting for it to grow out can take months if not years to achieve your desired length. If this is your first introduction to hair extensions, you might be surprised by the wide variety of options available to you. Deciding what the best extension types are for all hair types can be overwhelming. That’s why we created this list of the best extension types for all hair types. So you can achieve the look you’ve always wanted in just minutes!

Real Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair Extensions

Before we discuss the best extension types for all hair types based on application, it’s important to note that they come in real human hair or synthetic hair extensions.

Human hair extensions are exactly that. They are made out of real, human hair from top to bottom. They may also be further categorized into remy or non-remy extensions. Remy extensions means that all of the cuticles are intact and running in the same direction at the time they were collected. The benefit of this is that there is almost no tangling, ensuring they remain smooth and silky through their entire lifetime of use.

Synthetic hair extensions are made out of various very fine, synthetic, blended fibers. They contain no human hair. The fibers are generally plastic that has been manufactured to imitate real human hair. The quality of these synthetic fibers can vary. Still, they tend to be stiff and move differently than human hair. Often, they don’t blend as well with your natural hair.

Hair Extension Types

When you’re deciding to purchase hair extensions, it’s important to begin by identifying what you’re using them for. For example, if you’re only planning to wear them for one day for a special event or if you will be wearing them long-term.

Clip-Ins

Clip-in hair extensions are generally the best extension type for those who are on a budget. They are also very easy to use. The typical person can apply them to themselves in just 10 to 15 minutes. These extensions come in strands of pieces, attached at the base with fabric or silicone. Clips are then attached to this base. When you purchase them, they are ready to use. All they require is clipping the piece into some of your hair just beneath the root.

If you are looking for a quick, easy, and noncommittal hair style, these are perfect for you. You can quickly remove them and put them back on in just minutes whenever you want. They are made for those who are on the go or don’t have the time to get permanent extensions. Another benefit of clip-ins is that they produce limited damage to your hair since they don’t involve chemicals, heat, or pressure to apply. With proper care and maintenance, you can expect clip-ins to last between 3-6 months, or even up to a year.

Tape-Ins

This type of hair extension looks similar to clip-ins. However, the hair is attached to pieces of strong, double-sided tape. They are secured to someone’s head by placing and pressing the tape in between rows of your natural hair. These are usually applied by a hairdresser because they need to be aligned with the roots of your natural hair. They also require a heated tool that heats up the tape. When you are ready to take them out, they will also need to be removed by a hairdresser.  These are often ideal for giving the illusion of thicker hair without putting much strain on your natural hair.

Tape-in extensions are considered semi-permanent. You can expect them to last between 4-8 weeks before you need to remove them and re-apply due to hair growth. But just like any other type of hair, how long they last will depend on how well you take care of them.

Sew-Ins

Sew-in extensions are also known as a weave. This is one of the older types of hair extensions. They can be secured by braiding the natural hair from ear to ear and then hand-sewing the extensions into the braid with a needle and thread. Sew-ins are most commonly used for people with thick hair due to the way they are applied. The tight method of application can put a strain on the scalp and feel very heavy or uncomfortable, especially for people with thin or lighter hair. Due to the intricate application, sew-ins should always be applied by an experienced hairdresser. 

These are a very popular type of hair extension because they are the most permanent and the most seamless. The hair is literally sewn into your natural hair, meaning it will not come off. Having a full weave in your hair can affect your natural hair’s growth. Because of this, it is recommended to remove the weave every 6-8 weeks, especially if you are trying to grow your own hair. At the most, you can have a full weave for 4 months.

Glue-Ins

Some people refer to glue-ins as keratin bonds. These are a bit more expensive because of the amount of work required to apply them. But, this is the best extension type for long-term wear and is typically the most versatile. Essentially, a plastic keratin bond is melted around your natural strands to secure the extensions. If you are someone who is active and changes your hairstyles a lot, they are perfect for you. You don’t have to worry about changing between a bun and wearing your hair down, for example. At the end of the day, glue-in extensions blend the most seamlessly with your real hair. If cared for properly, they can stay in your hair for several months before needing to be removed.

Halo Extensions

Halos are one complete unit of hair. It flows down from a clear, circle-shaped wire that goes around the hairline, similar to a halo. Then, it is topped with a layer of your own hair to disguise the attachments. These types of extensions are the least invasive to your natural hair’s roots. Since they aren’t actually secured to any of your hair’s strands, there’s less weight pulling on your natural hair. These are also easy to use, hide, and style into your natural hair. As a general rule, halo extensions will last between 6-12 months.