There is so many different hair extension methods to choose from today. Extensions are fun, helpful, and can sometime give us what we don’t have. Not all extensions are damaging, however, if your hair extension process is not taken care of properly from beginning to end, your hair can become endangered, causing sever damage to the hair and scalp, such as alopecia. I highly recommend a consultation from your licensed cosmetologist before having any extensions installed. I do not recommend DIY hair extensions, however, I do recommend that one should understand and know about hair extensions to see which is right for you. Know the upkeep, process time, removal instructions, pros and cons, and more information of 2022 hair extensions.
Micro Extensions
What is it: Micro extensions consist of many methods, starting with the original: fusions, micro links; micro beads; I tips; micro loops; k tip; and keratin extensions
How can it be worn: Micro extensions can be worn just about in anyway possible. They are applied to very small, tiny parting sections to the hair.
How long does it last: Micro extensions can last up to 12 weeks.
How to care for it: Most micro extensions require light oil to oil free hair products to prevent slippage or any hair extension damage. It is highly recommended to visit the salon 1 to every 2 weeks for observation, maintenance, repairs, proper shampoo, condition and style. A professional hairstylist will have the best care system to maintain your extensions while keeping the integrity of your hair.
How to remove it: It is removed with special micro extension bond remover. Each method has a different/similar bond removing solution. Hair pliers, comb, and special brush is used to remove the extension and glue.
Pros and Cons: Micro extensions is one of the best extensions when it comes to having a natural look. It blends very well to the hair. The smaller the sections, the more natural looking it is and feels. However, it can be the most damaging extension method. Although this method definitely needs to be handled only by a professional hairstylist, there will still be some damage of thinning. Base on the style, total process time can be 2-8 hours.
Sew-In Extensions
What is it: Also known as stitching, your hair is braiding into a pattern and the extension is sewn onto the braid. Your hair can be fully or partially braided. A lace front can be added.
How can it be worn: It can be worn in many ways depending on the style and versatility is wanted.
How long does it last: It can last up to 8 weeks
How to care for it: For longevity, shampoo once every 2 weeks. Make sure the braided hair is fully dry to prevent mildew. It is highly recommended to visit the salon once every 2 weeks for observation, maintenance, repairs, proper shampoo, condition and style. A professional hairstylist will have the best care system to maintain your extensions while keeping the integrity of your hair.
How to remove it: Cutting and removing the thread from the hair, then unbraiding the hair.
Pros and Cons: This extension method is one of the best and safest protected hair styles. The hair extension can be reused if keep clean and professionally taken care of properly. Unfortunately, it is a challenge trying to get to your scalp. I don’t recommend they method for those who have any scalp conditions such any dermatitis seborrhea, eczema, or psoriasis. Base on the style, total process time can be 2-4 hours.
Tape-In Extensions
What is it: Is human hair extension that is applied to a very thin section of your hair close to the base of the hair, using a very thin tape that has medical-grade adhesive. One can be placed by itself, or two can be applied on, sandwiched onto the sectioned hair.
How can it be worn: Usually is only applied in any area up to the crown area and 1 1/2” away from the hairline. There are other techniques that will allow applications to be applied to the crown area.
How long does it last: Up to 6 weeks
How to care for it: For longevity, shampoo once every 2 weeks. It is highly recommended to visit the salon 1 to every 2 weeks for observation, maintenance, repairs, proper shampoo, condition and style. A professional hairstylist will have the best care system to maintain your extensions while keeping the integrity of your hair.
How to remove it: It is removed with special adhesive remover. Hair pliers, comb, and special brush is used to remove the adhesive and tape.
Pros and Cons: Quick process time. The hair extension can be reused if keep clean and professionally taken care of properly. However, it can be the most damaging extension method. Although this method definitely needs to be handled only by a professional hairstylist, there will still be some damage of thinning. Base on the style, total process time can be 1.5-2.5 hours.
Quick Weave Extensions
What is it: Quick weave is just what is says, it’s quick all the way around. Your hair is braided. A mask and a stocking cap is applied for protection. Then the extension is bonded to the hair using hair glue.
How can it be worn: It is worn depending on the style and versatility you are looking for.
How long does it last: up to 2 weeks
How to care for it: Shampoo very gently using only an oil free shampoo and only a leave in conditioner.
How to remove it: Apply oil with nozzle, ( MG Studio Chia seed oil is greatly recommended) to the scalp. Massage and let sit with a plastic cap under the head dryer, high heat, for 20 minutes. Apply and shampoo with a moisture shampoo to shampoo and remove the cap and mask. Once the cap is removed, towel dry the hair and unbraid the hair. Continue to shampoo and condition the hair. It’s really recommended to have this process done by a professional hair stylist.
Pros and Cons: It’s a quick process applying on and off. You can create any style from short too long. Based on the expertise level of the hair stylist, it will look very natural. The removal is very quick as well. It is a nice protective way to the hair. However, if not applied or removed properly, you will cause hair damage! Highly recommended to be applied and removed by a healthy hair professional hair stylist. Unfortunately, the hair cannot be used again due to the hair glue. Base on the style, total process time can be 2.5-3 hours.
Weft Extensions
What is it: A thin weft human hair extension that is applied with a beaded method, sewn using a threaded knot method, or a braided method that is flat to the head.
How can it be worn: It can be worn in many ways depending on the style and versatility you are looking for.
How long does it last: Up to 8 weeks.
How to care for it: For longevity, shampoo once every 2 weeks. Make sure the braided hair is fully dry to prevent mildew. It is highly recommended to visit the salon once every 2 weeks for observation, maintenance, repairs, proper shampoo, condition and style. A professional hairstylist will have the best care system to maintain your extensions while keeping the integrity of your hair.
How to remove it: Depending on the method, it will be removed with hair pliers; cut stitched thread, and/or unbraid the hair.
Pros and Cons: It is light weight and versatile. The hair extension can be reused if keep clean and professionally taken care of properly. Due to the thin sections, any pulling, and weight from the hair extension, there is a chance that can cause hair breakage. To help prevent from breakage, I highly recommend the application, upkeep, and removed maintained by a professional hairstylist. Base on the style, process time can be 2.5-3 hours.
Clip-In Extensions
What is it: Hair extensions applied to the hair by hair clips.
How can it be worn: It can be worn in many ways depending on the style and versatility you are looking for. Clip in hair by parting your hair where you want the hair to lay.
How long does it last: A day. Clip-ins are recommend to be removed every night.
How to care for it: Cleans the hair at least once a week after use. Store clip ins in a protected hair bag, or hung properly on a clip hanger.
How to remove it: Unclip it from your hair.
Pros and Cons: The hair extension can be reused if keep clean and professionally taken care of properly. You can use them when you like. Very safe and gentle to the hair. The security sometimes is not the best. Make sure you place them in correctly to prevent slippage. Base on the style, process time can be 5-15 minutes.
Halo Extensions
What is it: a band of hair extensions attached to an invisible elastic band that is wrapped around your head like a headband. Pull your hair through to cover the band extension.
How can it be worn: Like a headband. Halo extensions are recommend to be removed every night.
How long does it last: A day
How to care for it: Cleans the hair at least once a week after use. Store clip ins in a protected hair bag, or hung properly on a clip hanger.
How to remove it: Lift and remove the piece off just like a headband.
Pros and Cons: The hair extension can be reused if keep clean and professionally taken care of properly. You can use them when you like. Very safe and gentle to the hair. The security sometimes is not the best. Make sure you place them in correctly to prevent slippage. Base on the style, process time can be 30 seconds-3 minutes.
Faux Ponytails
What is it: hair extension made into a ponytail that is attached my either, a drawstring, clamp, or velcro wrap around.
How can it be worn: like a ponytail
How long does it last: a day. Faux ponytails are recommend to be removed every night.
How to care for it: Cleans the hair at least once a week after use. Store clip ins in a protected hair bag.
How to remove it: Unclip or unwrap the ponytail
Pros and Cons: The hair extension can be reused if keep clean and professionally taken care of properly. You can use them when you like. Very safe and gentle to the hair. Make sure you place them in correctly to prevent slippage. You can create easy up dos, or even have two to create pigtails. Base on the style, process time can be 30 seconds-2 minutes.
Wigs
What is it: human or artificial hair that covers your entire head.
How can it be worn: Using a stocking cap for protection, place the wig on your entire head covering your hair
How long does it last: A day. Wigs are recommend to be removed every night.
How to care for it: Cleans the hair at least once a week after use. Store clip ins in a protected hair bag.How to remove it:
How to remove it: Take it off
Pros and Cons: The hair extension can be reused if keep clean and professionally taken care of properly. You can use them when you like. They are safe to the hair. The security sometimes is not the best. Wigs can be hot and feel like a hat. Make sure you place them in correctly to prevent slippage. Do abuse the wear to wig wearing. Overtime it can cause breakage due to hair and scalp neglect. Base on the style, process time can be 30 seconds-3 minutes.
Crochet
What is it: Faux individual braids or other hairstyles.
How can it be worn: Your hair is cornrow in a particular pattern, then the extension is latch hooked through the braid. Yeah….no I don’t know why they call it crochet when the technique is not a crochet method. This particular extension was original called latch hook. Go figure!! with some crochet hair, you can also individually braid your hair and pull through the braid to cover and hide the braid. This is considered….
How long does it last: Up to 8 weeks
How to care for it: Shampoo and apply leave in conditioner weekly. We highly recommend MG Studio Leave-In Conditioner. To prevent dry scalp, apply MG Studio Chia Seed oil on the scalp.
How to remove it: undo latch hook from crochet hair, then unbraid the cornrows or individual braid.
Pros and Cons: This is an easy quick process time. One of the best and safest protective hair styles for the hair if done properly. You can reuse most crochet hair extensions. If not applied correctly you can add too much hair which can be too heavy for the hair and scalp. Majority crochet hair is synthetic. Loose crochet extensions can create frizz and tangles. Base on the style, process time can be 2.5-3.5 hours.
Braids
What is it: individual or cornrow braids.
How can it be worn: Many ways. Depends on the style you are looking for.
How long does it last: Up to 8 weeks.
How to care for it: Shampoo and apply leave in conditioner weekly. We highly recommend MG Studio Leave-In Conditioner. To prevent dry scalp, apply MG Studio Chia Seed oil on the scalp.
How to remove it: Unbraid the cornrows or individual braids.
Pros and Cons: One of the best and safest protective hair styles for the hair if done properly. If not applied correctly you can add too much hair which can be too heavy for the hair and scalp. Majority braiding hair is synthetic. Base on the style, process time can be 4-8 hours.
Loc Extensions
What is it: Locs added to your hair
How can it be worn: Extension loc is wrapped around your loc hair then crochet through to tighten and matt the hair together.
How long does it last: 2 years to permanent
How to care for it: Shampoo locs once every week. Wrap locs up every night. Oil your scalp1-3 times a week.
How to remove it: Comb out with a lot of MG Studio Goat Milk Conditioner. Or you can cut out.
Pros and Cons: If you’re hair is short and you want to add length, you can do so without feeling self conscious about seeing the short stages. You can also put them in and cut them out if you decide to do so and you can put them back in if you ever want to, but they’re heavy at first. Depending on the sections and loc size ratio, you can thin out your hair.