Whether you’re considering trying hair extensions for the first time or have used them for years, the number of options available can be both exciting and overwhelming. Hair extensions have been in use for thousands of years, with ancient Egyptians using wigs and sewn-in hair pieces. Later, in Europe and North America, women wore large wigs for intricate styles, and men used powdered wigs to reflect power or cover bald spots.
Style and technology have evolved significantly, but with the widespread use of wigs, wefts, and extensions throughout history, there are many options to consider. Here, we break down the six most common kinds of hair extensions. Tape-in Extensions Tape-ins are strands of hair extensions that come with tape or glue, fixed to your own hair. Usually, a hairstylist applies them using a special tool to heat the glue and align the extensions with your roots. How do I care for them? Tape-in extensions require special care, and stylists recommend hair products that are less likely to loosen the glue. They can be styled as desired but need gentle handling around the roots. How long do they last? Tape-ins usually last 4-8 weeks before removal and reapplication. Their longevity depends on care and hair growth rate. Clip-in Extensions Clip-in extensions are easy to apply and cause minimal damage to hair and scalp, but they are not permanent. They come in various widths, with a fabric or silicon base attached to clips, allowing for easy placement without assistance. How do I care for them? Clip-ins require care similar to other extensions, varying based on whether they are human hair or synthetic. They should be washed, conditioned, air-dried, and combed gently about once a month or more often if product builds up. How long do they last? Clip-ins typically last 3-6 months with regular wear, but with extra care, they can last up to a year. Customers rave about Yummy’s products. Shop our clip-ins here. Wefts A weft, or weave, is a sewn-in hair extension where individual strands are woven into a fine cloth of varying width. Wefts can be hand-sewn or machine-sewn; hand-sewn ones are lighter but more delicate. A stylist braids natural hair into cornrows and stitches the weft in with a needle and thread, a process that can take hours and may be uncomfortable for those with thin or light hair.Weft Hair Extensions
How do I care for them? Because of the strain on your scalp, weekly deep moisturization of the scalp and edges of the hair is important. Stylists may also recommend the use of a special protein wash to decrease the damage done to natural hair. Beyond these considerations, however, wefts may be styled just like other extensions. How long do they last? Despite discomfort during their application, wefts are popular because they are held in place so firmly and do not require regular removal and reapplication. Most stylists recommend removing the weft every 4-6 weeks, so that natural hair growth is not hindered. Yummy sources only the highest quality materials for our products. Shop wavy wefts and curly wefts on our store. Fusion and Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions Fusion (or pre-ponded) hair extensions are small collections of hair strands, bonded at the base by adhesives like glue or keratin. A stylist will apply the extensions by holding them to a few strands of natural hair, and using a small, heated clamp, fuse it to the natural hair. Fusion extensions may be desirable because the ‘strand-by-strand’ application may be less detectable than other extensions. However, the application and removal can be damaging to natural hair so may not be suitable for everyone. How do I care for them? These extensions can be styled and treated much like your real hair. Chemicals used in the glue can be irritating, however, so extra scalp care and moisturization may be required. How long do they last? Fusion extensions are often favored because they are semi-permanent and can last for up to four months. However, depending on the speed of your hair growth, they’ll likely need to be repositioned every 2-3 months. Micro link extensions Similar to fusion extensions, micro-link extensions may blend more seamlessly with natural hair than traditional weaves or clips. Micro-link extensions, however, require no heat or chemicals for bonding. During application, a stylist will link several strands of extension to natural hair using a small bead that is then clamped down tightly. How do I care for them? These extensions can be washed, treated and styled much like your natural hair. How long do they last? These semi-permanent extensions usually last up to four months, but depending on the speed of your hair growth, they’ll likely need to be repositioned every 2-3 months. Wigs Wigs can be constructed in many different ways, each resulting in a different feel, look, and price. Wigs are generally used to cover the entire head, though partial wigs, like frontals, may be used to supplement, rather than cover, natural hair. How do I care for them? Wigs vary greatly in both their construction and the kind of synthetic or natural hair used – each wig must be cared for differently. In general, though, wigs are considered somewhat difficult to wash, and do require great care. How long do they last? Though they can be difficult to care for, wigs usually last longer than hair extensions.Depending on the quality of hair used, if cared for well, wigs can last as long as a year.
Customers LOVE Yummy’s lace frontal and full lace wigs.