What Are Hair Extensions

Express yourself by trying something new.

Caleece
By Caleece

Hair extensions, also known as hair additions or hairpieces, are sections or loose pieces of hair that are used to add length, fullness, or color to your natural hair.  

The film industry often utilizes hair extensions both on the heads of actors as well as on the face or other areas of the body.  Special adhesives are used to achieve this.

Where can I buy hair extensions

They are purchased online or in stores

In what ways can hair extensions be installed

There are more than 10 methods of installing hair extensions including sewing them onto braids, clipping them in, and bonding.

Who installs hair extensions

Qualified hair extensionists, hair stylists/hairdressers, and some barbers will be able to assist you with installing your hair extensions and achieving your desired results. Some extensions can be installed by yourself like a wig or clip-ins.

Does the person who installs my hair extensions need to be certified or licensed?

It depends. Some Provinces and States may require a hairdresser/hairstylist to be licensed, however, a hair extensionist might not be required to have a license or certificate to install hair extensions. Check with your local governing bodies.

What are the available lengths of hair extensions

Depending on the brand, hair extension lengths can range from 2 inches to 40 inches or more.  In most cases, lengths over 30 inches must be custom-ordered.

How many types of hair extensions are there

There are two types of extensions, “synthetic” and “human”.

Synthetic

Synthetic hair extensions are designed to mimic real hair.  

What is synthetic hair made of

The materials used are man-made fibers that mimic the look and feel of human hair.  

These materials include:

  • acrylic
  • polyester
  • polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
  • kanekalon

What styles or textures is synthetic hair available in

Synthetic extensions are usually sold in pre-determined textures such as:

  • curly
  • wavy
  • straight
  • natural/afro textures

Can I use heat on synthetic hair

Yes. Some synthetic fibers were designed with the option to change the texture by using heat styling methods like hot tools or hot water.  When using hot tools, caution is advised as synthetic hair products may be flammable, will melt or lose their shape, or can be harmful if fumes are inhaled.

How do you style synthetic hair

Depending on the type, you can change the style by using moderate heat, or braid, twist, or wrap the hair then submerge it in water, or you can choose not to style it.

What is the cost of synthetic hair

Depending on where and what you purchase, the overall average cost of purchasing synthetic hair is $40.81.

Synthetic hair costs less than human hair.  This may be different in your area, however, the average prices of different types of some synthetic extensions are listed below. Prices differ in all regions.

  • Braiding/bulk hair
    • crochet braiding hair – $19.87
    • loose bulk curly hair – $15.63
    • loose bulk braiding hair – $9.99
  • Weft hair –
    • Multipacks – $48.5
    • Bundles – $25.67
    • Clip-Ins – $42.40
    • Closure – $16
  • Ponytails – $23.29
  • Wigs
    • Curly/Wavy – $90.89
    • Straight – from $42

How long does synthetic hair last

With proper care, some synthetic hair brands may last up to 6 months if worn daily.  In some cases, hair may last over 6 months. 

How detectable is synthetic hair

It depends. This type of hair can vary in its likeness to human hair, it ranges from undetectable to obvious, especially if there is an unnatural shine, texture, and stiffness.

Can synthetic hair be washed

Yes.

Is synthetic hair biodegradable

No. Synthetic hair is not biodegradable and ultimately ends up in landfills.

For the individual seeking inexpensive, short-term use of hair extensions that require low maintenance and are not particular about a natural look or feel, Synthetic hair is a great option.

Cons of synthetic hair

  • Some people can have a synthetic hair allergy.  For some people itching, irritation, and redness are some common symptoms when the hair touches the skin. 
  • Depending on the type or brand of extension it can not be styled with heat.
  • Changing the style of the hair is limited unless cut
  • Cannot be colored
  • The texture and color difference may be difficult to match with your natural hair
  • Some synthetic extensions have an un-natural sheen

Pros of synthetic hair

  • Lower maintenance
  • Lower cost
  • Easy to find
  • Longer style retention
  • A knowledgeable stylist can cut them to modify the style
  • There is an abundance of pre-designed styles to choose from
  • There is an abundance of color options to choose from
  • Unless the manufacturer stops making the style, you can always find the same style/curl pattern/shape when you want it

The Rundown

Synthetic hair is designed to mimic real hair.   They can be found in a variety of styles, colors, lengths, and textures.  Some brands are designed to be used with heat while others are not.  Some brands will blend better with your natural hair than others and can last up to 6 months or more in some cases.  They are cheaper than human hair and the average purchase price of synthetic hair may be $40.81 in some areas.  They are low maintenance and are not highly customizable, nor are they biodegradable.

Human Hair

What are human hair extensions made of

Human hair extensions are real human hair and in some cases horse hair.   No, you’re fine, you read that correctly, horse hair.  Today we will focus on human hair.  

Hair is collected from donors spanning various regions however the most used hair is sourced from Asian countries like India.  European textures are considered more valuable partly due to their variation in textures, colors, and shorter supply.  

How is human hair classified or graded

Human hair is classified by its cuticle alignment or whether or not it has had any kind of processing such as hair coloring, lightening, 

  • “Virgin” hair 
  • “Remy” hair 
  • “100% human hair
  • “Raw” Hair
  • You may also see some “A” grading

Find out more about how human hair is classified here.

What styles or textures are human hair extensions available in

Human extensions are in the textures like the following:

  • Curly
  • Kinky/afro textures
  • Wavy
  • Straight
  • Natural – this can include a mixture of the above-mentioned textures and is generally unprocessed hair

How do you style human hair extensions

Human hair can be styled the same as your natural hair, by using various styling techniques that include:

  • heat styling – with flat irons, wands, blow dryers, etc.
  • wet styling – rolling and setting, molding, bantu knots, braiding, etc. 

What is the cost of human hair extensions

Depending on where and what you purchase, the overall average cost of purchasing human hair may be $134. Prices differ in all regions.

The average prices of different types of human hair extensions are listed below:

  • Braiding/bulk hair
    • loose bulk curly hair –  $70
    • curly – $67.87
  • Weft hair –
    • Multi pack/multi bundle – $140.32
    • Bundles – $57
    • Clip-Ins – $198.68
    • Closure –  $60
  • Ponytails – $178.73
  • Wigs
    • Curly/Wavy – $254.20
    • Straight – $179.20

How long does human hair last

It may last over a year with proper care of a quality human hair brand.

How detectable are human hair extensions

Well-installed human hair extensions blend well with most hair types, textures, and densities.

Can human hair be washed

Yes. Learn how from our post How to wash human hair extensions.

Is human hair biodegradable

Yes.  But, if mixed with non-human hair fibers, the non-human hair fibers may not be biodegradable. Verify with the manufacturer.

Cons of human hair

  • Higher cost
  • Requires regular maintenance like washing, deep conditioning, and styling
  • Unless the hair has been processed, you may not be able to find the same curl pattern or texture when you would like to purchase again.  This is because hair from each individual’s head is different and an identical match can’t always be recreated
  • Curly or wavy hair may drop over time

Pros of synthetic hair

  • Customizable –
    • Quality brands can be styled with or without heat
    • Style can be modified often either with or without heat
    • Quality brands can be colored
  • Quality brands last many years
  • Blends better with your natural hair
  • Looks and feels more natural
  • A knowledgeable stylist can cut them into a new style or modify the current style

The Rundown

Quality brands of human hair are real hair.   They can be found in a variety of styles, colors, lengths, and textures. They can be heat-styled, wet-styled, or washed, you can also use hair products on them.  Quality hair extension brands will blend well with most hair types and in some cases can last more than a year.  Human hair extensions have a higher value and the average purchase price of human hair is $134.  They require maintenance and are highly customizable, and are biodegradable.

Summary

Hair extensions are real or man-made strands of hair that people use to add length, fullness, color, or change their style or texture.  They are available in a variety of colors, textures, styles, and lengths, furthermore, you may find that the average cost for synthetic hair may be $40.81 whereas the average cost for human hair may be $134.  They can be purchased online and in stores.

Choosing hair extensions can be challenging with so many options, but it’s doable and It comes down to you identifying your hair goals and understanding your needs.

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