How Do Hair Extensions Work?
Everything You Need to Know
Are you dreaming of long, luscious locks but don’t want to wait years for your hair to grow? Hair extensions might be just what you’re looking for! Whether you want to add length, volume, or both, extensions can transform your look in just a few hours. But how exactly do they work? Let’s get into it.
What Are Hair Extensions? And How Do They Work?
Hair extensions are additional hair pieces that are attached to your natural hair to add length, volume, or both. There are various types of extensions and some may work better for you and your lifestyle than others. For the most seamless blend, we recommend having at least three to four inches of length to cover the attachment points. If your hair is on the shorter side, we’ve put together everything you need to know about extensions for short hair here. Regardless of your hair length, it’s important to understand how the ins and outs of each type so you can choose the option that’s best for you. The way extensions are installed is the biggest difference between each type. We’ll break down how each type works:
Beaded Row Extensions
Beaded row extensions work by attaching small discreet beads to your natural hair. Then wefts, which are collections of hair sewn onto thin strips, are sewn onto the beads by your stylist to create a secure comfortable fit and fabulous locks! Beaded row extensions are known for their natural look and minimal damage to your hair. They typically last 4-6 months with proper care, making them a popular choice for those seeking a long-term solution.
Clip-In Extensions
If you want a little extra umph for special occasions but don’t want to commit to the upkeep of more permanent extensions, clip-ins would be the way to go. These wefts come with small clips attached to the top. You simply clip them to your hair, style normally, and you’ll be turning heads all night with your new hair. Clip-ins require little maintenance, are easy to use, and perfect for those who want to change their style without commitment.
Tape-In Extensions
Tape extensions, like the name implies, have small preattached strips of tape at the top of the weft. Your stylist will then sandwich thin sections of your natural hair between the adhesive of two wefts. Tape-ins are very secure because the adhesive bonds to your natural hair, so they lie flat against your head and blend naturally. Keep in mind, tape-in extensions can cause damage to your hair because of the adhesive and should always be removed by a professional.
Sew-In Extensions
Sew-in extensions, also known as weaves, work by taking small sections of hair and braiding them into corn rows for the wefts to then be sewn onto. While sew-ins offer a secure hold, they can be uncomfortable because of the tight braid. Sew-ins require regular maintenance and proper care to prevent damage to your natural hair and scalp.
Fusion Extensions
Fusion extensions, also called bonded extensions or k-tips, use tiny bundles of hair with a keratin bond instead of strip wefts. These bundles are attached to equally tiny bundles of your natural hair and secured with heat by your stylist. While they can last 4-6 months, the installation process is time-consuming and can be damaging if not done correctly. They’re also on the pricier side since the hair can’t be reused.
What are Extensions Made of?
Now that we’ve gone over the types of hair extensions and their installation processes, it’s time to talk about what extensions are made of. The type of hair used can make a big difference in how they look, feel, and how long they last. It can be confusing, so we’re here to break it down for you:
Synthetic hair
Synthetic extensions are made from artificial fibers that try to mimic real hair. They’re budget-friendly and low-maintenance, which is great if you’re new to the extension game. Plus, they come pre-styled and hold their shape well, even in humid weather. Sounds perfect, right?
Well, not so fast. Synthetic extensions have their drawbacks. They don’t feel quite like real hair and can look a bit… well, fake up close. You can’t heat style them and they can’t be colored to match your hair either. They also don’t last as long as real hair extensions and might have a bit of an unnatural shine
Real Hair
Real human hair creates the most natural look and a feel that’s impossible to beat. Made from actual human hair, these extensions blend seamlessly with your own–you can color, style, and treat them just like your natural hair (just with a little extra TLC, more on that later).
Not all real hair extensions are created equal. Yes, you read that right–there are different types of human hair extensions. We know, we know, as if choosing extensions wasn’t complicated enough already! Understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your hair goals and budget. Let’s break down the main types of real hair used in extensions:
Single Donor Hair: This premium option comes from a single individual, which means every strand shares the same texture and color patterns. The hair is collected so that all the cuticles (the hair’s protective outer layer) remain intact and aligned in the same direction. This creates extensions that not only look natural but also feel incredibly smooth. Because the cuticles are aligned, single donor hair is less prone to tangling and matting, maintaining its sleek look for longer.
Single Drawn Hair: Single drawn hair extensions have strands of varying lengths, similar to how natural hair grows. The hair is thicker at the top and gradually becomes thinner toward the ends, creating a taper. Single drawn extensions can be harder to customize and blend because they are already layered.
Double Drawn Hair: Double drawn extensions have gone through an additional step where shorter strands are removed, leaving only the longest pieces. This creates extension bundles with the same thickness from root to tip, unlike single drawn extensions, which are thinner at the ends. Think of double drawn extensions like an unlayered blunt cut. These luxurious extensions last longer and allow for more customization when it comes time to blend.
At Portfolio, we only work with the highest-quality single donor, double drawn extensions. Their natural appearance and styling versatility make them an excellent choice for our clients.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HAIR EXTENSIONS
Proper care is crucial for maintaining your extensions and keeping your scalp and natural hair healthy. Here are some key tips:
Brushing: Always brush your extensions gently and carefully with a loop or wet brush, starting from the ends and working your way up.
Washing & Styling: Use sulfate-free products and avoid applying conditioner near the attachment points. Avoid excessive heat styling and always use a heat protectant.
Sleeping: Braid your hair loosely or use a silk scrunchie for a loose ponytail before bed.
Swimming & Exercise: Secure your hair in a low ponytail or braid, and avoid chlorine and salt water when possible.
For more detailed care instructions, check out our guide on How to Take Care of Your Hair Extensions.
Will Hair Extensions Damage My HAir?
It’s a common concern, but rest assured: when applied and maintained correctly by a professional, hair extensions shouldn’t damage your natural hair. The key is proper application and care.
At Portfolio, we prioritize the health of your natural hair while helping you get your desired look. We use techniques that minimize stress on your hair and provide thorough aftercare instructions.
However, it’s important to note that improper application or improper care can potentially cause some issues. That’s why we emphasize the importance of professional installation and regular maintenance. If you want more details about how to avoid damage with hair extensions, we’ve got you covered.
Choosing the Right Extensions for You
We get it—there is a lot to consider with hair extensions, and all of the information can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Portfolio, we want to help you get your dream hair that fits into your lifestyle and your budget.
Here at Portfolio Hair Salon, we specialize in beaded row extensions, offering a natural look that’s comfortable and long-lasting. Our expert stylists can help you choose the perfect extensions so you can be your own “hair goals.”
Ready to transform your look with luxurious, natural-looking extensions? Give us a call and book a free consultation today. Let’s bring your hair dreams to life!
Book Today
Ready for a hair transformation? Schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our certified professionals. We’ll discuss your needs, match colors, and plan your unique hair extension journey.
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Stansbury Park, UT 84074
Our Services
Coloring
Coloring: Enhance your hair with our all-over coloring. Choose from Demi-permanent or permanent tints to add shine, depth, and full grey coverage.
Money Piece
Brighten your look with a ‘Money Piece’ highlight, adding a pop of color around your face for a trendy, modern style.
Lived in Color
Our low-maintenance ‘Lived in Color’ blends highlights and roots for a graceful grow-out and a natural blonde look.
Extensions
Transform your style with extensions ranging from 14”-22”. Customizable for volume, length, and color to perfectly match your hair.
Blonding
Achieve your desired blonde with techniques like babylights, highlights, and global blending, complemented by custom toners for added gloss and shine.
Corrections
Specializing in correcting extreme color changes or nonprofessional dyes, we aim to balance and even out tones while maintaining hair integrity.