How Hair Extensions Work

Hair extensions provide you with an easy low maintenance way to change your look without applying harsh chemicals to your hair. You can easily change the length, color or style of your hair for a short period of time.  Most hair extensions are relatively safe for your hair as long as you maintain them appropriately. 

Clip-in Style - The clip-on variety of hair extensions are the safest type of hair extensions. They pose the lowest risk of damage to your real hair. To attach the clip-on style hair your hair is separated into small sections and is clipped into your hair. You should start the application process from the nape of the neck and work your way up. These hair extensions are temporary and are a good choice when you are using hair extensions for a special event. They cannot stay in your hair very long according to manufacturer’s directions.

Weaves - A weave is a type of hair extension that is applied by the use of tiny braids that hold your hair extensions to the scalp. A weave does pose a risk of damaging your natural hair. They provide uneven weight to your natural hair especially when they get wet. This uneven weight can add extra pressure to your natural hair causing damage. Maintaining a weave is of the utmost importance so that your hair does not become damaged. You will want to follow the manufacture's recommendations to ensure the least amount of damage to your natural hair.

Human hair - Human hair extensions are usually acquired from India, Asia and Europe. They are made of 100-percent human hair and are usually made from the same person's hair. Human hair extensions have many benefits as well; you can style them as you would your natural hair. Human hair extensions are able to be curled, dyed or straightened. A downfall to human hair extensions is that they are the most expensive type of hair extension on the market today.

Synthetic hair - Synthetic hair extensions come in a variety of different types. They come in different lengths and colors. You can also choose between straight, wavy or curly options when deciding what look you are going for. You are not able to apply hair products or styling agents to synthetic hair extensions due to the synthetic makeup of the hair strands. You also cannot apply heat form styling aids such as a blow dryer or straightening iron.