Role of Hair Extensions in the Fashion Industry

In the fashion industry, trends and ideas keep changing from time to time. For many people, fashion is an aesthetic expression that helps portray their personality. In this contemporary world, people take style very seriously. Fashion is something that has permeated every aspect of human culture.

What are hair extensions?

Thick, long and voluminous hair will always be in fashion, but some of us aren’t blessed with long locks. To be a part of the world of fashion, many girls and women need hair extensions to help them get that added length and volume. Hair extensions play an essential role in the fashion industry. It allows different looks and uses a different hair color shade for the hair extensions without having to color the natural hair.

What are the best types of hair extensions?

There are many types of hair extensions available in the market. Before buying hair extensions it is important to ensure that the extensions are natural hair extensions, meaning that they are made out of human hair. There are synthetic ones too, but synthetic hair extensions cannot be heated and styled properly. 

1. Clip-ins hair extensions

Clip-in hair extensions also known as clip-in wefts, are the fastest, easiest, safest and most affordable type of hair extension. Clip-in hair extension come with the clips already attached to them. You can simply take the wefts and easily clip them into your hair by yourself, without any time, additional costs, or professional help.

They are the least permanent and temporary method of hair extensions because you can quickly remove them and put them back whenever you want. Clip-in wefts can cost anywhere from $100 to $200. Clip-in hair extensions is a perfect solution for those who want to get longer hair and thicker hair immediately, without any long term commitment and hassle.

2. Sew-ins hair extensions

Sew-ins hair extensions also known as weave hair extensions, are one of the older types of hair extensions. It is perfect for only those who have thick, rough, or naturally curly hair.  It is applied by tightly braiding the natural hair horizontally into cornrows throughout the entire head, then using a needle and thread the hair extensions are attached or weaved into the braid. The sew-in extensions cost a minimum of $275 to $335. The great thing about these hair extensions is that they work really well for girls or women who have lots of hair that is rough and thick. However, the tight braids of real hair strain your scalp, therefore, it is not advisable for anyone who have thin hair. Moreover, it might be difficult to wash off the dirt and sweat in the hair because the whole head is shielded in cornrows. To apply sew-in hair extensions you need to go to a professional hair stylist as well as multiple visits are advised after the application to ensure that the extensions are correctly sewn in the scalp and if re-braiding of natural hair is required.  

3. Glue-ins hair extensions

Glue-ins hair extensions are expensive because it involves a lot of work while the application process. They are applied on the scalp with keratin bonds that are on top of the extensions, which are attached with a hot tool. This process requires heat for application by melting a plastic keratin bond which is the size of a grain of rice around the natural hair strands. The cost is around $300-$500. Glue-in hair extensions give a perfect and natural look, however, consistent visits to the professional hair stylist are required for the maintenance. Using oils, conditioners or any hot styling tools can weaken the bonds and make the extensions come out of the scalp. 

4. Tape-ins hair extensions

Tape-in method of hair extensions is a tricky process as it involves taking each weft and taping it into the real hair. The wefts are attached by extensive bonds of tape and the real hair is placed between them and compressed around the strands. They are segments of hair attached to two-inch thick double sided keratin tape.  The Tape-ins can cost around $200. Tape-in hair extensions are thick and shows more volume of hair when applied and if you wear the hair extensions everyday then they can last in your hair for around 6-12 weeks. However, this method requires professional help and the person applying hair extension won’t be able to tie their hair as it will reposition the wefts and tangle the real hair with the extensions

5. Halo extensions

Halo extensions are the least invasive to your hair roots. A transparent wire sits around the crown of the head like a halo. The bottom half contains the hair, while the top half remains bare so it can be easily hidden under your own hair. It is the new and the easiest hair extension method. The cost of halo extensions is around $200 to $450. The one thing that makes Halo extensions different from other extensions is that it is the only hair extension that doesn’t physically attach to your hair. Therefore, it’s the only one that doesn’t cause any damage to your hair.

How long do hair extensions last?

Halo extensions can last up to 1 year if treated properly and not worn too frequently, whereas other hair extensions types expire early. Clip-ins, tape-ins, sew-ins and glue-ins last for approximately two months. If you go longer with hair extensions, then you will start facing some possible damage to the natural hair as well as the hair extensions. To keep the hair extensions look fresh and new then it is important to use a good detangling hair brush and a hydrating hair mask.

Do extensions damage hair?

If hair extensions are worn properly and are maintained then they cannot cause damage to the natural hair. However, if extensions are left for a long period of time than that can cause hair fallout. Hair extensions are safe for your hair if applied correctly, so it is important to ensure that you are visiting a professional and experienced hair stylist.