The 5 Different Types Of Hair Extensions And How To Choose The Right One

Everyone loves long luscious hair. Long and full hair make you look beautiful. Also, they are super when you want to have a nice thick bun or an extensive hairstyle. However, not everyone is genetically blessed with them. Some have to wait for years to get long hair and put a lot of effort into making them thick and luscious. 

But that time is gone. Not everyone has that patience and time to put so much time and effort into their effort. Today, you can have dense, long hair in a matter of time. That’s why hair extensions are popular. With them, in a few hours, you can add length and thickness to your hair, permanently or temporarily, depending on your requirement.


The market is flooded with many different types of hair extensions. How to choose the right one for you? There’s a lot more to these hair extensions that you can ever imagine. Here, I will take you on a tour of them. Let’s go.

To know which hair extension will suit you better and which one you can manage, you must know about the types of hair extensions along with their pros and cons. Let’s go through them one by one.

This extension type is best for medium to thick hair. In this extension individual, human strands are bonded or fused together with special glue or keratin. Keratin is the same protein our hair is made of - allowing it to grow and become stronger.

If you take proper care of your hair, the link, and these extensions last longer. You must not use oils, conditioners, and other hair products on the link of these extensions, especially at the binds as they may dissolve the bonds. Once damaged, they can’t be reused. They take over 8 hours to be applied, but they can last longer than any other extensions if taken care of well. These are also known as fusion or bonded hair extensions.

Their cost spends on the brand and on how many strands are being added in which city you are getting these extensions done. It is the most expensive method probably because this method takes a lot of time in the application. On an average, they cost between $600- $3,500 or a little more.

• Best for coarse and thick hair.

• Lasts around 16-20 weeks with proper care.

• Very durable.

• Most of the damage of hair extensions start occurring after the 8th week. So, its durability here turns into a con because the longer you wear them, the chances of damages and breakage increases.

• It is very expensive.

• Very time-intensive.

• The link can become hard when cool. That gets annoying, especially for the time till you get used to it. Sometimes, it stays agitating for as long as it stays.

• Not reusable.

• It uses heat that can damage your hair.

• The special heating tool can burn your hair if incorrectly used.

• Sometimes it causes a headache, discomfort and itchy scalp to the wearer, but only to some.

• It starts looking like spaghetti hair if not brushed regularly or taken care of properly.

Microbead is very much like the strand by strand extension. Even in this one, every single strand of human hair is attached to your hair. However, the link is not glued to your hair. Instead, these are clamped to your hair using a player or players or a small cylinder, bead or lock. Usually, the cylinders used here are lined with silicon for protecting your hair from breaking. Microbead extensions do not use any heat or chemicals.

Microbead extensions are not best for thin or fine hair. The binds of the microbeads will be visible if your hair is not thick hair. Avoid using oils, conditioners, and other hair products, or the beads will slip out.

The same budgeting conditions are applied over this extension as well, number of strands, brand and the city decides the cost of this extension. It varies with the change in every condition. On a rough estimate, it might cost anywhere from $600 to over $2500.

• The individual strands make the movement of the hair more natural and easier.

• Doesn’t use glue or heat, hence, safe for your hair.

• It is reusable. So, don’t worry if the extension slips off your hair. Just have your hair technician fix it.

• Very time-consuming. It takes over five years to fix these extensions because every single strand is fixed individually.

• The copper is used in the attachments that can make the wearer uncomfortable, especially during the first few weeks or until they get used to it.

• Due to the application of a little pressure or tension, some wearers initially also complains of a headache.

• Can’t be used on thin and fine hair. The bonds will be visible.

• Copper points can damage the hair, and the scalp if not closed properly.

• Needs a high level of precision. If done incorrectly, your hair could be damaged.

• It uses special clamping tools that can also damage your hair if not used correctly.

As usual, the cost of the extension depends upon the brand, the number of panels used, the type of hair and the place where you are getting this extension done. Usually, it will cost you between $100 to $2000.

• This is the safest method of extension since the weight of the panels is divided over a larger area. This makes the hair of the wearer safe, especially more than the two types mentioned above.

• The fastest extension application time. The application for volume takes under half an hour while the full length takes around an hour.

• After one application, the extension stays for 6-8 weeks, and these are reusable. The reused extension also stays for 6-8 weeks.

• Looks very natural, especially more natural than the above mentioned two types.

• This method is very comfortable.

• The heatless method keeps your hair safe from the damages from heat.

• The method is easy to learn as well. Hence the dressers can deliver a higher level of customer satisfaction in this extension type.

• Excessive sweating or washing your hair before 48 hours can damage the link. It needs that much time to cure and adhere properly.

• Panels can slip if you use oil or silicone products on your hair.

• Tapes of some companies can be very messy and tacky at the time of reapplication.

If you have coarse hair, thick hair or curly hair, this extension type will be the best for you. In this extension, the hair of the wearer is first braided in cornrow from ear to ear. The hair wefts are then sewn into the braids with thread and needle. It is applied without the glue or heat. Ethnic hair wearers usually opt for this extension. But, if you go for this one, make sure you have time to visit the salon every 4 weeks. You will have to get your braids tightened. And don’t over-style your hair otherwise your braids will come loose in between the salon appointments. These extensions are heavy and hence, aren’t meant for everyone.

This comes cheaper than the other extension types. It could cost you anywhere between $200 to $650, depending upon the cost of hair and the application fee of your stylist.

• It allows you to use oil or silicone based products. Your extensions won’t come loose unless your braids do.

• Since it doesn’t use heat or glue, it is perfectly safe for your hair.

• It is perfect for thick, coarse and curly hair.

• You can wash, shampoo, curl or straighten these extensions as you do with your normal hair.

• Traction alopecia or tension cause from tight braiding can make you lose hair.

• This one is a time taking method of hair extension.

• You need to wash these extensions regularly or they can develop bacteria and cause infection.

• It limits the options of hairstyling.

• The tight braids can cause headaches and at times the extensions might feel uncomfortable.

These extensions are the kinds you can put on when you need them and take off at night before going to bed. These can be either glued in or clipped on your hair. Let’s go through both of them.

This is a short-term hair extension method where the wefts are attached to the hair by using the glue. They stay for a few days and can be easily removed with oil based solvents. They can be used on all hair types. However, you must reapply this extension in every few days or after you shower.

The cost of this extension depends on the cost of hair and the charges of your stylist. On an average, it will cost you anywhere between $200 to $650.

• Very inexpensive.

• Can be taken off at night or whenever you want to by using oil solvents.

• If you don’t apply or remove this extension carefully, the glue can damage your hair.

• The wefts used are thick and hence can cause headaches or traction alopecia.

• If the glued somehow gets applied on your scalp, it can clog up the hair follicles, causing bacterial infection on the scalp.

• Styling options are limited.

• Is temporary.

In this method, the wefts of hairs are attached to the hair of the wearer using the small clips that are pressure sensitive. If you aren’t ready to wear extensions on a regular basis, this method is for you. When you want or need these extensions for the special occasions, wear them, These can be taken off without any hassle when you are done. These are good for thick hair.

If you're not the clip-in types, you can also wear the extensions that come with undetectable wires. These extensions without the clips are also called halo extensions. It works well with all kind of hair. You must wash these extensions only when needed. Apply deep conditioning when your extension becomes dull or dry. To comb them, use a loop brush or wide-toothed comb. Always store it in a dark place and don’t forget to brush it before storing. Exposure to light can fade the color.

Usually, it costs somewhere between $150 to $600, depending on the length, weight, brand, and type of the hair in the extension.

• It is very versatile since you have the option to apply and remove them as and when you want.

• It doesn’t ask for any long-term commitment. So, you can change your hair color and style often.

• You don’t need to visit a licensed cosmetologist for applying and removing the extension. You can do that yourself.

• You can’t wear this for a long time. You will have to take it off before going to bed.

• The clips are clipped in the same place regularly if you wear these on a daily basis. This might cause hair loss.

• The clips and the base of the wefts are bulky and hence isn’t good for thin hair.

• It needs proper care and maintenance to last longer, Or else, it can last for a few months.

The foremost thing you must keep in mind is if the extension is synthetic or human. Many of you might not be comfortable with human hair, but there are benefits of extensions made from human hair. They feel more natural, like your hair. You can treat them as you treat your hair.

You can’t use heat or even hair dryer on synthetic hair. Hence, human hair extensions give you many options of styling while it gets restricted in synthetic extensions. Also, you can’t dye or color your synthetic hair extension. The ammonia or bleach in them will damage the extension.

For buying the extensions, you have two options. You can either buy them online or in store. In-store purchasing is recommended when you are buying an expensive product. But if you are purchasing it online, make sure you know everything about the product and the seller. If you have any query, talk to the seller about it. And always go for a credible website.

Before buying any extension, find out how many hair and wefts are you getting for the money you are about to pay. Don’t go for the extension just because it is cheaper. Spending well in the first extension than buying a new one every few month or year.

It is also important to see that the extension you are buying matches your hair in the shades, color, and texture. Otherwise, it will look odd after being applied.

These are some facts about the hair extensions you must know before buying them and applying them. You must carefully choose the right one for you. The wrong pick of the extensions can make your hair look odd and weird. Match your extensions with your hair before getting them linked to your hair.

Apart from these hair extensions, you can also get temporary attachments like wigs and hair pieces. You can also get buns, ponytails or hair ties as well. You can also use hair patches if you are balding from a certain area. These extensions are cheaper than the cosmetic surgery of a hair implant.