The Three Main Types Of Hair Extensions

Whatever your reason for getting hair extensions, you should know what you are getting into before you move forward. You might hear different salons touting a certain type of extension as the best. The question to ask in this situation is what type of extension the salon offers. If they only offer the type of extension they tout as the best, this may mean that they did not have the money or resources to send stylists to receive training in all types of extensions. Rather than just trust that a salon knows the best type of extension to get, you should do some investigating on your own to find out what the pros and cons of each type really is. 

Tape-in

One of the most common types of extensions is the tape-in. These are applied close to the scalp and the extension comes as a strip of hair attached to a piece of adhesive tape. This tape is placed on the hair right next to the scalp. Tape-in extensions are easy to apply and look good when applied properly. Good quality tape-in extensions can be reapplied up to three times, which gives you good value for your money. There is some risk, however, of having the adhesive wear out. 

Fusion

Fusion extensions come in little bundles that must be fused to the hair. There are two types of fusion used. Hot fusion extensions must be heated before they will adhere to the hair. Cold fusion extensions use ultra-sonic waves to activate the adhesive. In either case, once the extensions are applied, they cannot be adjusted. This means that as your hair grows, the attachment point will be further away from your scalp, which may make the extensions more noticeable. To avoid noticeable extensions, you will need to have the extensions removed and replaced. 

Micro Beads

As the name suggest, micro-bead extensions consist of a bundle of hair attached to a tiny metal bead. Special tools are used to attach the extension to the hair near the scalp. Because micro-beads do not use an adhesive, they can be adjusted as your hair grows. In other words, your stylist can remove the bead and move it closer to your scalp. This should save on cost since you get more use from the same extension. 

In terms of quality, you want an extension that is not noticeable. If you plan on leaving your extensions in for a period of time, then you should stay away from fusion extensions. Furthermore, with micro beads, you do not have to worry about the adhesive wearing out, so you should get the most wear for you money when using them. Thus, the type of extension that will work best for you will depend on how fast you need the extension done (tape-in is the fastest) and how long you need them to last (micro beads last the longest). 

For more information and options, talk with a professional hair stylist, such as those at Salon Couture.