When you see ladies on the red carpet with long flowing locks or updos that would give Marge Simpson a run for her money, there’s a good chance that they’ve achieved this look with the aid of hair extensions. Hair extensions are the superheroes that give you the ability to create any look you want but feel you don’t have enough hair for.
If you’ve been thinking about getting extensions but have gotten lost among all the jargon like ‘wefts’, tape-ins, halos and more, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn everything you need to know about getting the hair of your dreams.
Human Hair or Synthetic Hair?
Hair extensions are either made from synthetic fibres or real human hair. There are varying qualities available in both but human hair extensions will always be top notch!
Synthetic hair:
Synthetic hair tends to be cheaper with varying grades of quality. A big drawback of synthetic hair is that it cannot be heat-styled. So, you can’t really change up your look much. Additionally, synthetic hair may be coated with silicones to make it look shiny. This wears off over time and you’re left with dry, dull looking extensions.
Human Hair:
Natural human hair extensions also come in varying grades of quality. The best quality hair extensions are referred to as Remy (or Remi) hair extensions. These are extensions where the hair is untreated (or virgin) and has the cuticle intact. While they may seem pricey at first, Remy hair extensions last longer than other types (provided you follow the stylist’s care instructions) so they can actually end up saving you money in the long run as you don’t have to get them replaced as often. It’s a good idea to check with your stylist regarding the quality of extensions if you’re purchasing them from elsewhere as the quality and ethical provenance can vary.
Long story short, opting for high-quality, natural, human hair extensions is a better overall choice. Purchase them from a trusted stylist so you know you are getting the best-quality extensions.
What Kind of Extensions Do You Need?
Before we move on to the different types of extensions out there, there’s one cardinal rule. Don’t go down the DIY route if you have no experience with extensions. A professionally trained stylist will be able to install them safely so that they don’t pull or tug on your natural hair.
Clip in extensions:
Clip in extensions are the most affordable option. They are great if you want to change your look temporarily. You simply clip these extensions in before setting out, and take them off before going to bed. They come in various styles and colours which makes them a good choice if you don’t really want to commit to a particular hairstyle. Beware though, going to sleep with them on is a complete no-no, as this will cause damage to your natural hair.
Tape in extensions:
These are exactly what the name sounds like. The extensions come on large adhesive panels that are then glued on to the roots of your hair. They are reusable and typically last about eight weeks before they need to be reapplied by your stylist. However, tape in extensions are our least favourite type of extension, as we notice they can cause traction alopecia (bald spots) to your natural hair! They are a common technique, but we prefer to steer away from them personally.
Beaded Wefts:
These are the best kind of extensions to get in our opinion! Sections of your natural hair are looped under and over the extension weft and secured at the scalp with a silicone lined bead and crimped shut with pliers. There’s no heat or glue used to adhere them to your hair, making them really easy to maintain and style. The beads can be hidden under your natural hair for a seamless look.
The Ivy Hair Extension Salon and Lounge offers top-of-the-line micro-beaded Remy hair wefts that match any hair colour. With decades of combined experience under their belts, our stylists create the look you want with a seamless blend and zero damage to your natural locks.
We offer a complimentary consultation when you book one of our hair extension packages, so we understand exactly what you’re looking for with your new extensions.
You can browse our services here or get in touch with us if you have more questions about how to take care of hair extensions or book your first appointment today.