Hair Extensions: Explore Types, Benefits And Hidden Costs

Are you looking to add instant volume and length to your hair? Hair extensions could be your solution.

Using hair extensions, you can obtain thicker and longer hair without struggling to grow it out. They are ideal if you have hair loss, thin hair, or want a new look.

Discover how you can transform your hair and achieve a dream look today.

What Exactly are Hair Extensions?

hair extensions

Multiple types of hair enhancements and application methods are available on the market. Hair weaves can make hair longer and thicker and add color.

The hair extensions are available as semi-permanent and need to be applied by a professional salon. You can also get temporary hair add-ons that you can use yourself daily.

Another great thing is you can wear them for special events like proms and weddings. Furthermore, you find them made with human or synthetic hair. 

But before you consider using hairpieces, we recommend you consult one of our trusted stylists about how to fulfill your dream look.

Types of Hair Extensions

There are different hair add-ons available, each with a different application method. Some are semi-permanent, while others are temporary.

Clip-Ins

The clip-in extension is a temporary DIY solution that does the least damage to the hair when applied to the root. The extension has clips sewn at the base of each weft.

They snap open to apply to the roots and then snap shut. The weft you layer beneath your hair to form an instant fuller and longer look but remains invisible.

You can apply for this extension yourself at home without damaging your hair. These extensions last from six to 12 months.

Tape-Ins

tape-in extension

Here at Haste, we specialize in tape-in hair extensions, a semi-permanent solution. We take each weft and tape it onto your hair.

The hair extensions are pre-taped and glued together on both sides of the hair. For this method, a professional will align them to your roots and glue them.

You will need to replace them every two months, and we can even provide you with custom color blending for your extensions. Tape-ins can last between four to eight weeks.

Sewn-Ins

Another semi-permanent hair extension is sewn-in integrations braided into your hair with needle and thread.

It is a lengthy process, as your natural hair needs to be braided into cornrows, and the weave needs to be sewn into the braid.

It is an excellent option if you have thick hair. It needs to be done by a professional and can last between six and eight weeks.

Micro Links

The micro-link is another semi-permanent extension applied with small silicone-lined beads attached to tiny wefts in small sections of your hair. The stylist secures the bead with a unique tool. The process can take hours, but pulling the hair extensions can damage your hair. These last from three to four months.

Wigs

wigs

Another easy DIY temporary solution is to wear a wig that covers your entire head and can be easily removed. Wigs are available in different colors, sizes, and lengths. The wig can last from ten to 12 months.

Human vs. Synthetic Hair: What is The Difference?

You can find hair extensions made of human and synthetic hair. But at Haste, we only work with human hair extensions, which look natural and can be handled as you would your hair. 

Furthermore, they also last longer, nearly a year, and you can style them using heat, dye them, and wash them. Still, compared to synthetic extensions, they are much pricier, costing over $100.

The synthetic extension is more affordable and can cost around $50, depending on your desired style. These extensions only last up to three months, and you cannot wash or heat style them.

Human Hair Extensions:

  • Natural look and feel
  • Can be dyed and heat-styled
  • Last up to a year
  • Higher cost

Synthetic Hair Extensions:

  • More affordable
  • Pre-styled, no heat-styling needed
  • Shorter lifespan (3-6 months)
  • It cannot be dyed

Choosing The Right Weight and Color

Hair Extension Weights Explained

When you look at hair add-ons, you may see weights listed. These indicate how thick and how much hair is attached to the weave. Most companies measure the extension weight in grams; the higher the number, the thicker it will be.

For instance, a full set of lightweight weaves weighs around 120 to 140 grams. At the same time, a thick hair add-on would be around 220 grams and more. So, before you choose the correct weight, you must determine your hair thickness and choose one that fits that thickness.

This is to avoid having a set that does not blend in with the hair. Still, we would not recommend a heavy set for thin hair as it will weigh down the hair, causing discomfort. Choosing a light to medium weight allows you to achieve a voluminous look.

The same applies if you have thick hair and do not recommend a lighter weight as it is too thin for your hair to look stringy.

How to Choose The Right Color

Another important factor is choosing the right color; you must consider your undertones. You want to select a set that matches your hair undertones.

When selecting hair extensions at the salon, we will examine the color of your hair in natural light.

If we notice a yellow, red, or golden hue in the hair, we have a warm undertone, while blue and greens have cool undertones. If they fall in between, we have a neutral undertone.

Still, if you are shopping for weaves, always read the product descriptions, noting what undertones they include. We recommend looking for similar works to define a warm, neutral, or cool color.

  • Warm Undertone: Look for words like chocolate, golden, butterscotch, mocha, honey, or cherry.
  • Cool Undertone: Look for names like icy, ash, walnut, cool, or platinum.
  • Neutral Undertone: Look for terms like neutral, natural, and medium.

Caring For Extensions

curling iron to create curls

When it comes to semi-permanent or temporary hum hair extensions, you can treat them as your natural hair. Hence, you can wash, heat style, and dye them.

If you decide to dye them, avoid using bleach, which can affect the quality. Still, synthetic hairpieces cannot be dyed as they are already chemically treated.

You cannot heat style them as they will melt, and washing can change the quality. When heat-styling human hair extensions, we recommend using heat-protectant products.

Cost Breakdown

The cost of hair add-ons can vary depending on different factors:

Hair Type

You can expect to pay less for synthetic hair sets than human hair weaves. Synthetic hair add-ons can start at $20 up to $80, while human hair can cost between $100 and $500.

Length and Weight

The cost will be higher for heavier or even longer hair, starting at $180 and going up to $380.

Hair Color

The cost can vary by hair color, and you can find solid to multi-shaded extensions, including highlight and balayage colors.

Application Technique

Choosing a semi-permanent extension can be more expensive, as you will pay for the product and your stylist’s skill and time. You will also need to upkeep them and visit the salon more to keep them in place.

The temporary extension is cost-effective and can last longer, as you do not attach it to your hair, minimizing the time you spend wearing it, styling it, and washing it.

Wrap-Up: Are You Ready For Your Perfect Look?

With hair extensions, you can have fuller and longer hair instantly. You can choose from the temporary clip-in extensions or a more permanent salon-applied option like the tape-ins offered at Haste Hair.

When you visit our salon, you can find something to suit everyone. Our human hair extensions will provide you with a natural, long-lasting look. While they are more expensive than synthetic ones, you know you will be getting quality extensions.

Our hair extension specialists will choose one according to your hair thickness and color to achieve your desired look and provide tips on proper care to preserve your extensions.

Ready to find the perfect hair extensions? Book a consultation with one of our professional stylists for personalized advice.

FAQ

Will hair extensions ruin my hair?

No, hair extensions do not damage hair if you have them done by a professional and care for them well.

Will wearing extensions prevent my hair from growing?

When professionally applied and cared for, extensions add little stress to your hair, protect it from damage, and do not stop hair growth.

What are the disadvantages of extensions?

If you have thin hair and choose a too-heavy weft, it can pull the natural hair, and a too-tight braid can cause scalp pain.

What hair extensions look the most natural?

The tape-in extension looks the most natural, and you can brush your hair daily and style it as usual.

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