Clip-ins, tape-ins, weaves, pre-bonded, fusion, micro-link…what does it all mean? There are so many different styles of extensions and terms, that it can get overwhelming if you are new to the world of hair extensions. Let’s break down the different types of extensions to help clear up some confusion.
The following article will provide clarity and help you make the best choice for your hair. So, get comfortable, tie your hair back, and let’s get right into it.
Real Human Hair Extensions vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions
Before getting into the different types of hair extension application methods, the first thing you need to know about hair extensions is that they come in real human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions. So, what is the difference between them?
HOW HAIR EXTENSIONS ARE MADE
Human hair extensions are exactly what they sound like. They are made out of real, human hair from top to bottom, collected from a donor. This means that all the cuticles (the outer layer of the hair) are intact, running in the same direction at the time of collection. This allows for almost no tangling and ensures that the extensions remain smooth and silky throughout their lifetime.
Synthetic hair, on the other hand, is made out of various synthetic, blended fibres, and contains no human hair. These fibres are usually very fine, plastic fibres that are manufactured to imitate real human hair.
LOOK & FEEL
Both real and synthetic extensions come in many styles, colours, and different forms of application. The quality of synthetic fibres can vary, but they are generally stiff and move differently from human hair, so they don’t blend as well with your natural hair. They sometimes have a wiry or coarse feel to the touch. Real hair looks and feels real (because it is!) and therefore blends more naturally with your hair.
COLORING & STYLING
Human hair extensions can be treated just like your own natural hair. You can straighten, curl, blow dry, colour them, and apply hair products. With synthetic hair, you cannot colour the hair as most dyes contain ammonia or bleach, which would destroy the synthetic hair. Additionally, you cannot style synthetic hair the same way as your real hair because heat can damage them so curling irons, straighteners and blow dryers are a no go, as they will melt or severely damage the hair. Other factors such as sun, friction, or harsh hair products can also damage synthetic hair extensions.
QUALITY & HOW LONG HAIR EXTENSIONS LAST
Synthetic hair is cheaper than real hair, but of course with that, comes a trade-off. Because they’re made out of synthetic fibres, they do not last as long as human hair as they can easily be damaged by the above-mentioned factors (sun, heat, etc.) Generally, synthetic hair extensions last for a few months, whereas human hair extensions can last upwards of one year if they are well taken care of.
In summary, human hair can be treated and styled just like your own hair and will look and feel the most natural. It will blend easily with your hair and last much longer than synthetic hair. Although they are cheaper than real hair, synthetic hair does not look as natural, cannot be styled with heating tools and do not last as long as real hair.
