Getting hair extensions can radically improve the texture, volume, color, and overall appearance of your natural hair. Most people choose to get hair extensions to improve hair concerns like thinning, shedding, balding, hair damage, or a bad haircut. You can also experiment with temporary hair extensions to try out new hairstyles and hair lengths.
If you’re considering hair extensions in Tucson, AZ, you should always consult with a professional at a hair salon. A professional will make sure that you are getting the right type of hair extensions for your natural hair’s texture and color and that the hair extensions are applied properly and blend in seamlessly. Here is our hair extension 101 guide to everything you need to know about hair extensions.
Types of Hair Used in Extensions
The first thing you should consider before getting hair extensions is the type of hair that is used in hair extensions. Hair extensions can be made from synthetic or natural human hair, and they vary widely in quality, texture, grade, and application. Choosing the wrong type of hair extension or going for the cheapest option will result in hair that looks bad and extensions that don’t last as long. Here’s a look at the different types of hair that can be used:
- Synthetic Hair – Synthetic hair is affordable, but it is made from plastic and cannot be heat-styled or chemically treated. You should consider synthetic hair extensions if you are just trying out hair extensions to see how you feel about them or if you are only planning on wearing them once for a special occasion. Most synthetic hair extensions are clip-ins. Synthetic hair is also sometimes coated in silicone to make it look shinier and feel softer; however, this silicone will wear off eventually, and the synthetic hair will tangle and look bad.
- Human Hair – There are many different types and grades of natural human hair extensions. Cheaper or lower-quality human hair extensions won’t last as long or look as good. Remy and cuticle intact hair extensions are the highest quality type of human hair extension. Remy hair is healthy human hair that has never been dyed, chemically treated, or processed. It is sometimes called ‘virgin hair.’ Each strand is hand-picked, and the cuticles are intact and all aligned. Remy hair is softer and silkier than many other types of human hair extensions. Single-drawn human hair extensions are hand-picked so that there is no more than two inches between the length of each strand. Double-drawn extensions are almost perfectly uniform in length.
Types of Hair Extension Applications
In addition to the material your hair extension is made out of, you will also need to decide what hair extension application method you want to use. Your hairstylist can evaluate the texture of your hair and your lifestyle to determine which method is best for you. Some methods require more care and maintenance, and some may not be appropriate for hair that is weak, thinning, fine, or damaged. These are the most common types of hair extension methods:
- Clip-in Extensions – Clip-in extensions are a good choice for beginners or for people who aren’t sure if they are going to like wearing hair extensions. They can be used temporarily, are very easy to apply, and have very low maintenance. You can choose between clip-in bangs, ponytails, and buns or hair pieces that cover up thinning or balding spots. Clip-ins are clipped into your hair at strategic points along your hairline. They can last up to a week, depending on how well you care for them.
- Sew-in Extensions or Weaves – Sew-in hair extensions are a more long-term option. This type of hair extension is also called a weave. It is sewn into the hairline at your natural hair after your hair has been braided into cornrows. This type of hair extension is not recommended for people who have thin or fine hair. Application can take several hours, and the hair extensions typically last months with proper care.
- Tape-ins – Tape-in hair extensions are taped or glued onto the hairline of your natural hair. They are aligned with your roots and are carefully integrated into your natural hair. They are not recommended for people with severely dry or damaged hair or who wash their hair every day. They can last six to eight weeks with proper care and maintenance and can be reinstalled after removal if they are in good condition.
- Beaded Rows – Beaded row extensions do not require any heat or adhesive for installation. They are installed on about 10% of your natural hair and are easy to maintain at home. They also offer more fullness and density and allow for better color blending. Your stylist will attach small wefts of hair to your natural hair using small beads. They can be reused many times and are good for adding volume and filling in patchy areas. They are not great for fine or thin hair. They can last up to 10 weeks with proper care and can be reused for 6-10 months.
- Halo Extensions – Halo hair extensions are ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to wear hair extensions 24/7. They are applied by putting a halo of hair onto the crown of the head and blending it in with the natural hair. They can be worn as often as needed for years if they are cared for properly. They are low-maintenance and easy to use at home.
- Microlinks – Microlinks are like beaded rows, but the beads or links used are much smaller. The hair extensions are attached to the natural hair using a small bead or link that is then clamped into place near the scalp. These extensions can last three to five months with proper care and maintenance.
Finding a Professional to Apply Hair Extensions
It’s very important to find an experienced, qualified professional to apply your hair extensions. Trying to teach yourself how to do your own hair extensions at home could result in you damaging your scalp or your natural hair. You could also end up with hair that looks bad and unnatural.
You should find a local hair salon in Tucson that has beauty experts on staff who have years of experience in applying hair extensions. Your stylist can choose the right type of extensions for you and make sure they are applied properly. They can also give you advice on properly caring for your hair extensions so they look great and last as long as possible.
Caring for Hair Extensions
When you care for your hair extensions properly, you can extend their lifespan and make sure you always look great. Your hair stylist will give you specific care instructions based on the type of hair extensions you have, what they are made from, and how they were installed. General tips for caring for your hair extensions are:
- Brush them often, but brush gently and with a brush specially made for hair extensions, like one with boar bristles.
- Only wash your hair two times per week at most.
- When you wash your hair, use sulfate-free products and shampoo your scalp twice.
- Use hydrating hair products, ideally ones specifically formulated to be safe for hair extensions.
- Use hair oil regularly.
- Use hair masks regularly.
- If you need to heat-style your hair, use a heat and UV protectant before styling.
- Never use keratin products or strengthening products on hair extensions.
- Don’t use hair products that contain dimethicone, quaternium 80, 95, 16, sodium hydroxide, Moroccan oil, coconut oil, or silicon.
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase on your bed and style your hair in loose braids or a ponytail before bed.
- Don’t sleep with wet hair.
- Consider using a silk or satin hair wrap to prevent frizz and damage while sleeping.
- Don’t leave your hair up in a bun for long periods of time.
Knowing When You Should Remove Hair Extensions
It’s also important to know when it’s time to remove your hair extensions. Some can be removed at home, while others will require a trip to the hair salon for professional removal. Some of the signs that it’s time to replace your hair extensions are:
- Significantly dry or frizzy hair extensions
- Hair extensions that are tangled or matted
- Scalp pain, irritation, rash, or bleeding
- Split ends and shedding
- Extensions are dull and/or sticky
- Flaking scalp
- Signs of mold
- Unpleasant odor
How to Remove Hair Extensions Without Damaging Your Hair
Some hair extensions can only be removed by a professional at a hair salon. You can remove tape-in and clip-in hair extensions yourself at home. When removing clip-in extensions, all you need to do is find the base of each extension and carefully remove the clip. When removing tape-in extensions, you must use a special adhesive remover or solvent to separate the adhesive from your natural hair.
You can apply this solvent to the base of the adhesive, wait two minutes, and carefully pull the extension out of your hair. You can then use a comb to remove leftover adhesive and wash your hair. Sew-in hair extensions, microlink hair extensions, and microbead extensions should only be removed by a professional.
Learn More About Hair Extensions in Tucson, AZ
At Bloom Salon and Beauty Bar, our beauty experts have years of experience applying, styling, and caring for all types of hair extensions. When you schedule a consultation for hair extensions in Tucson, AZ, we will evaluate your natural hair, go over your goals, discuss your lifestyle, and recommend the perfect type of hair extensions for you. We also specialize in professional hair extension styling, color matching, and removal. Call us today or contact us online to learn more or book an appointment for hair extensions.
