Different Types of Hair Extensions

With so many methods of hair extensions on the market, it can be so easy to get confused and overwhelmed. So, we’ve made it easy and put together a list of all the different types of hair extensions to help you choose the right method for you! Let’s get into all the pros and cons of each, along with our most recommended types of hair extensions.

TYPES OF HAIR EXTENSIONS

Before we get into each different method, it’s important to look at the quality of the hair itself! Different types of extensions are made from two types of hair – synthetic & human hair.

• Human hair extensions have many advantages. They can be heat styled, coloured, toned, color washed, and treated just like your natural hair. This makes them much easier to work with! They feel silky, soft & shiny and blend seamlessly with natural hair.
• Synthetic hair extensions, although much cheaper, do not last as long. They are very sensitive to conditions such as sun exposure and moisture in the air. Synthetic materials are very difficult to style, as generally they cannot handle heat styling and cannot be toned/dyed. The texture of synthetic hair is also often known to blend badly with natural hair.

In terms of pricing for synthetic hair, you shouldn’t be paying more than $60-$80. For human hair, it can range from $120-$500. There are also different grades of human hair. At ZALA hair we use the highest professional AAA & AAAAA grade hair for our products  to ensure thick, healthy natural extensions which blend discreetly.

It is clear that there are many disadvantages to synthetic hair extensions, therefore we always recommend human hair for all types of hair extensions. This is because it produces the most styling flexibility and natural results! Now, let’s get into all the types of human hair extensions.

CLIP IN

First up on the list, clip in hair extensions! This is one of the most common methods of hair extensions for many reasons. Clip in hair extensions gives natural results, allowing you to customize your result and apply pieces where needed for seamless natural blending. They take minutes to apply and are also super sturdy, secure and comfortable. If applied incorrectly, the wefts can be visible, particularly with thin/fine hair. At ZALA, we have options for all hair types!

ZALA HALO

Next up, ZALA Halo hair extensions. These are another temporary method of extensions which are still quite new to the hair extensions market. As the name suggests, ZALA Halo hair extensions come in the form of a halo that you apply like a headband. ZALA Halo hair extensions are super simple to apply and the wire or band used to hold the hair is usually quite discreet. However, this method is known to be less secure than other methods of temporary hair extensions.

WEAVES/ SEW IN

Weaves/ sew in are essentially sewn into the hair, attaching the wefts into a cornrow of your natural hair. Therefore there is no glue, heat or adhesive required. This method is particularly great for those with super thick and more coarse hair, as they would often require a lot of hair to disguise. The benefit of weave in hair extensions is that they’re super sturdy and secure once applied, however, they can put a strain on your scalp so they are not ideal for those with fragile hair.

FUSION

Also known as pre-bonded, fusion hair extensions are a semi-permanent method that is bonded to the hair using hair extension glue. Each piece is quite small in size and is applied to strands of hair, therefore they are very flexible and seamless in the hair. Although these can be very natural once applied and are easy to style, this method can be extremely damaging due to the glue used. The application must also be performed by a qualified professional and can take approx. 3-4 hours to apply.

MICROBEAD

Micro-bead or micro-link extensions are another semi-permanent methods that are bonded to the hair with a metal ring/bead. This method does not require glue or adhesive, however similar to the previous method, they can be very damaging to the hair due to the heat used. Again, the application and removal process must be performed by a qualified professional and can take hours to apply. Despite being very natural once applied, we wouldn’t recommend this to thin/fragile hair because it can cause breakage.

TAPE

Next on the list, tape hair extensions! Tape-ins are a significant leap forward in hair extension application and utilize the latest technology of semi-permanent methods. Like the name suggests, they are applied by a tape-like adhesive by sandwiching two pieces over the top of sections of your natural hair. This method of application is super simple and is the quickest and efficient of all semi-permanent hair extensions. The tapes are also super lightweight and comfortable for the hair so this method is perfect for those with thin/fine hair types. We offer a full range of premium European tape hair extensions at ZALA, which last up to 8-10 weeks in the hair and can be reapplied multiple times.

PONYTAIL

Finally, ponytail extensions! Similar to hair pieces, ponytail extensions are great for instantly enhancing hairstyles. Not only do they add length and thickness to your pony, they completely transform buns and create the perfect braids. We absolutely love ponytail extensions at ZALA as they are perfect for beginners, are SO easy and take minutes to apply. You can check out our range of ponytail extensions HERE available in over 14 shades and three different lengths.

With so many different types of hair extensions to choose from, which is the best type for you? Let us know below! Shop our full range of premium clip in, tape and ponytail extensions HERE for super high quality, thick and healthy 100% human hair.