Types of Hair Extensions
Types of Hair Extensions: Exploring Your Options
Navigating the hair extension world can be overwhelming due to the variety of styles and terminology. While many hair extensions are made of 100% Remy human hair, there are other types as well. To help clarify, we'll break down the various kinds of extensions and their features.
This guide will help you understand your options and make the best choice for your hair. So, let's dive in and explore the world of hair extensions.
Hair Extension Types: Human vs. Synthetic Before discussing specific hair extension application methods, it's crucial to understand the two main categories: natural human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions. But what sets them apart?
Understanding Hair Extension Composition Human hair extensions are exactly what they sound like – extensions made from natural human hair collected from a donor, with cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction. This minimises tangling and ensures the extensions stay smooth and silky throughout their use.
Conversely, synthetic hair extensions consist of various synthetic fibers without any human hair. Typically made from high-quality plastic fibers, they mimic the appearance of human hair.
Appearance & Texture: Both natural and synthetic extensions come in numerous colours and application techniques. Synthetic fibers vary in quality, often being stiffer and less likely to blend seamlessly with your own hair due to their unnatural movement and texture. Natural human hair extensions, on the other hand, blend effortlessly with your hair, looking and feeling like your own.
Styling & Colouring: Human hair extensions can be treated just like your natural hair, allowing for straightening, curling, blow-drying, colouring, and applying hair treatments. Synthetic hair, however, cannot be dyed due to the ammonia or bleach found in most dyes, which would damage the fibers. Additionally, heat styling tools can melt or severely damage synthetic hair, limiting styling options.
Quality & Longevity: Although synthetic hair is more affordable than natural human hair, it doesn't last as long. Synthetic hair extensions typically last a few months, while human hair extensions can last up to a year with proper care. Remy human hair extensions generally have a lifespan of 6-9 months.
In summary, human hair extensions offer the most natural appearance, blend seamlessly with your hair, and have a longer lifespan, allowing for versatile styling. While synthetic hair is more budget-friendly, it lacks the natural look, styling flexibility, and longevity of human hair extensions.