Temporary Extension Types
Without further ado, let’s dive into the introduction of permanent hair extension types!
SEW IN HAIR EXTENSIONS
As the name suggests, hair extensions are sewn onto your natural hair using tools like needles and thread. (There are many sew-in methods to choose from according to personal preference.)
They are mainly divided into machine-made weft (which usually provides greater density and volume, can be freely cut, and includes types such as machine weft, Genius weft, Flat weft, Layer weft) and hand-tied wefts (made entirely by hand, usually thinner and more delicate, but cannot be cut, with the main type being Hand-tied weft).
Advantages:
· No glue or extreme heat is used during the installation process, minimizing damage to your scalp and hair.
· Machine-made wefts can be freely trimmed for added flexibility.
· Installation is more secure, invisible, and comfortable.
Disadvantages:
· Requires a skilled stylist to operate, with a high technical requirement. Poor installation may risk damage to the scalp and hair follicles (if too tight or too close to the hair roots).
· Installation time is lengthy.
· Hand-tied wefts may cause discomfort due to hair regrowth (such as redness, swelling, itching).
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
The lifespan of Sew-in Hair Extensions is generally around 1 year, depending on care and products used. Soong. Hair’s sew-in hair extensions products of full cuticle hair quality can last 1-2 years without tangles, frizz, or dry ends. However, they require maintenance every 6-8 weeks to keep them looking their best, depending on the growth rate of your natural hair.
TAPE-IN HAIR EXTENSIONS
As their name suggests, you simply stick the tape-sided extensions onto your hair. Their fixing method is also known as the “sandwich” method: a piece of tape hair is placed on top and bottom, sandwiching your natural hair in between.
The main types are General tape-in and Injection/invisible tape in.
Advantages:
· Simple, convenient, and quick installation (the process typically takes 40-60 minutes, depending on the quantity).
· Reusable.
· Comfortable to wear.
Disadvantages:
· Risk of follicle damage if taped too close to the hair.
· Extra care is needed when using conditioners or hair products, as they may cause tape-in extensions to loosen or slip.
· Removal requires adhesive solvent, which may damage the hair.
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
They typically need to be reinstalled every 6-8 weeks, similar to any other extensions, depending on how well you care for them and the rate of hair growth.
PREBONDED HAIR EXTENSIONS
Mainly divided into Hot Fusion and Cold Fusion/Microlink Hair Extensions
Hot Fusion
Hair extensions are applied to your own hair in small strands, each covered with special glue at the end, then melted with a heat clamp to the natural hair.
The required temperature to melt and apply bonds properly is around 200-220°C, which is why hair stylists use special shields to protect the client’s scalp from heat.
Advantages:
· Extremely discreet, seamless integration for a natural look.
· Ultra-comfortable to wear.
· Can style hair into a ponytail.
Disadvantages:
· The extension procedure may take 2 to 4 hours (or longer depending on the amount and number of bonds).
· Cannot use certain oil-containing hair care products, as they may cause Hot Fusion extensions to loosen or fall out.
· Heating hot fusion extensions together with your natural hair during installation can cause damage.
Cold Fusion
Cold Fusion hair extensions are also known as micro bead hair extensions. These are applied by attaching tiny wefts of hair to small sections of the natural hair with a small silicone-lined bead.
Advantages:
· Extremely discreet, seamless integration for a natural look.
· Ultra-comfortable to wear.
· Can style hair into a ponytail.
· No need for glue, minimal hair damage.
Disadvantages:
· The extension procedure may take 2 to 4 hours (or longer depending on the amount and number of bonds).
· Cannot use certain oil-containing hair care products, as they may cause Cold Fusion extensions to loosen or fall out.
· Improper installation may cause damage to the scalp, leading to redness, swelling, itching, etc.
Now that we’ve covered all the extension types, do you have a better understanding of them? Go ahead and choose the extension that suits you best!
