Hair extensions are no longer just for celebrities—they’re a go-to style for many girls, and they’re super easy to add length and volume to your own mane. Whether you’re looking to boost your bangs, add some waves or give your hair a fuller fringe, human hair extensions are an affordable way to get a long-lasting look. But before you decide on which type of extension to purchase, it’s important to understand the difference between real and synthetic extensions as well as how they are applied and cared for.
When it comes to choosing the best hair extension material, real human hair is your safest bet. This type of hair will blend in better with your natural strands and last longer than synthetic extensions, which are made from various synthetic, blended fibres that do not contain any real human hair. Synthetic extensions can be cheaper, but they don’t look as natural and cannot be styled using heated tools like a curling iron.
There are various methods of applying real human hair extensions, such as strand-by-strand, weft or clip-in. For example, strand-by-strand methods involve small tufts of hair being attached to each individual natural strand of your hair to achieve a more realistic look. Weft methods, on the other hand, create a curtain of hair that is attached horizontally to your head with a method such as bonding, glue or hot fusion. This technique requires a professional to do because the heat-based methods can cause damage to your own strands.
Another type of application is fusion, which involves a machine that uses a keratin adhesive to heat and melt the ends of the hair extension on to your own strands of your own natural hair. The process is time consuming and requires three or more hours to complete. However, this method is reusable and allows you to use regular hair products like hair gels and sprays.
If you’re interested in the cheapest and most practical method of adding real human hair to your mane, clip-in extensions are a great choice. They’re relatively inexpensive, and they can be purchased online without having to visit a stylist for an appointment. However, they can be a bit tricky to install yourself, especially if you’re not familiar with the process.
A popular choice for women who want to add long, flowing locks is this remy human hair extension pack from Goo Goo. The extensions are tangle-resistant and feel extra soft. Plus, they’re available in a variety of flattering shades to help them blend seamlessly with your existing locks.
While the hair extension industry is pretty unregulated, it’s possible to find extensions that are ethically sourced. Some brands, such as Kim Kardashian and J Lo’s hairstylist Chris Appleton’s favorite brand, state that their hair is collected voluntarily from healthy donors with the cuticles left intact. Meanwhile, others show photos of happy workers in factory settings treating or making the hair that ultimately ends up in the hands of US retailers.