Table of Contents
Everyone wants a lush, thick, and shiny head of hair. And, on average, Americans shell out approximately USD 90 on perfect hair care products in a year.
People belonging to all age groups spend a lot of time and money every year to get that perfect hair that grabs everyone’s attention. As a result, some experts believe that the United States haircare market – which generated about USD 15 billion in revenue in 2018 – is set to grow at a CAGR of 5%.
One of the safest and increasingly popular ways of getting the perfect hair is through hair extensions. But the catch is in selecting the best hair extension for you. There are as many options out there as the amount of hair you desire.
Types of Hair Extensions
Clip-In
Starting with the most affordable and maneuverable options on the list, you can put on clip-in hair extensions in under 20 minutes. As the name suggests, these extensions have clips that secure the band of hair to your scalp.
Sew-In
Also known as weaves, these hair extensions are secured to your head by sewing the weft of hair on the extension with your natural hair using a needle and thread. It is usually done by a hairstylist, as it requires professional expertise.
Tape-In
Tape-ins are wefts of hair that are fastened with thick, double-sided keratin tape. These extensions are professionally embedded within the strands of your natural hair. They are a perfect option for photoshoots or any important events, such as marriages, parties, etc.
Glue-In
If you are looking for a more permanent option, glue-ins are the ones to go for. A professional hairstylist will attach hair strands on the extension by heating and joining it with your natural hair, using keratin-based glue. However, this option requires a costlier attachment process than the other options on the list.
What to Look for When Buying Hair Extensions Online
Look for Remy
The first thing to know about hair extensions is that they can be made with various materials. You can go with synthetic or natural hair extensions based on your budget, need, and preferences. Synthetic extensions can be produced using manufactured fibers, yarn, wool, or even plastic. They are usually cheaper than their natural counterparts.
If you decide to go with natural hair extensions, you can choose non-Remy or Remy variants. Remy hair extensions are the best in quality and durability, as they are made from the finest quality of natural human hair. The distinguishing factor between the two variants is that in Remy, the hair cuticles are kept intact.
Remy hair extensions are more durable and look much more natural than other types of attachments. You can also straighten them and apply almost any hair treatment as you would in the case of natural hair.
Hair Color
The second most important thing is to select the right color for your hair. For instance, if your natural hair color is of a reddish tint, it wouldn’t help to pick a blonde hair extension.
If you buy it from a physical store, it’s wise to go in during the day, as you will be able to discern subtle color hues of the hair strands better. You can also get blended hair extensions should you settle on a more distinct or bold look.
Hair Texture
Selecting the perfect color is only the second barrier in this journey. What you want is a hair extension that sets you apart by complementing your hair volume, shine, and texture. Hence, the texture of the extension must blend in with your natural hair texture.
Consider if your hair is straight, wavy, or curly, and buy accordingly. You should also take into account the density of your hair. If you have a head full of thick strands, going for attachments with Chinese hair (which have lower denier) might not be a good idea.
Note – You can approach a good extension provider online for their help in selecting the perfect hair extension for you. To do it online, you will probably need to go through a simple procedure like sending pictures of your hair and filling out a form with preliminary details.
Length
The length of the extension should be proportional to your height and purpose. But you can always go with your preference and procure short, long, or medium-length attachments.
Envisage the type of look you want to achieve by using the extension. If you are getting it for a special occasion, like a photo shoot, consider the entire outfit and theme. If you are in a pickle about the length, follow these steps:
Note down the height of your hair from the middle of your ear downwards using a measuring tape, and tally it with the length of the extension. For example, a hair extension measuring 24 inches would reach almost to the waist.
Although different hair extensions have varying lifespans, you should take adequate care of them to make them last longer.