There are many types of hair extensions & hair enhancements. All of the following are non-surgical methods of enhancement. Every brand name tries to convince its potential clients that they have a system unlike any other. While the quality of products used may vary by brand, there are still only a limited number of application methods on the market.
As a general rule of thumb, hair enhancements fall into three main category types; Weft, Strand by Strand & Piece. Weft methods are generally for shorter wear as they are applied quickly and are not evenly weight distributed. Strand-by-Strand is a more permanent and time consuming method to apply, as weight distribution is evenly placed on the natural hair for long-term safety and the hair has a more natural flow.
Pieces generally add bulk to areas where there is not enough natural hair to attach to, or where some weft and strand-by-strand methods can’t be hidden. Prices can vary between $200-$2500 depending on the method, tools and hair used. Because prices vary so dramatically throughout markets, it is hard to give a standard. Longevity can also be affected by many factors.
In the listing below, “Longevity” is referring to how long a bond will last without maintenance, NOT how long a client should go without maintenance! ALL hair extensions should be checked every 3-4 weeks for problems!Braided Weave/Track
Type: Weft
Some Common Application Brand Names:
Application Method: Natural hair is braided against scalp. Wefts of hair are sewn or bonded with a glue to the braids
Longevity: 4-8 weeksPole Weave/Track
Type: Weft
Some Common Application Brand Names:
Application Method: A weaving thread and a small amount of natural hair are used to create a track similar to braiding but less bulky. Wefts of hair are sewn or bonded with a glue to the tracks
Longevity: 4-8 weeksCold Bond
Type: Weft
Some Common Application Brand Names: Ms. Black, Liquid Gold
Application Method: Wefts of hair are bonded directly to the natural hair
Longevity: 1-8 weeksClip in Hair Extensions /Tape-Ons
Type: Weft
Some Common Application Brand Names: Sach Clip in Hair Extensions , Diana Hair, Glamour Hair, Raquel Welch, Revolution, HairUWear, Easilites, Diva In A Box
Application Method: Wefts or segments of hair contain elastic bands, adhesive tape or clips for attaching as needed to the natural hair
Longevity: 1 day-5 daysDouble Hair
Type: WeftApplication Method: Double layered micro-thin wefts are secured to the natural hair in strands with a fusion bond, creating a fusion/weft hybrid (a similar method of attachment can also be done with wefts and Micro-Rings)
Longevity: 2-6 monthsFusion
Type: Strand by Strand
Application Method: Small weight distributed segments of extension hair are attached one by one to small sections of your own hair using a wax, polymer or keratin protein and heat
Longevity: 2-6 monthsUltra-Sonic Fusion/Cold Fusion
Type: Strand by Strand
Application Method: Small weight distributed segments of extension hair are attached one by one to small sections of your own hair using a polymer or keratin protein and an ultrasonic pulse instead of heat
longevity: 2-6 monthsLoops
Type: Strand by Strand
Application Method; This is done with a plastic loop which helps put small strands of hair thru the metal clip. It is very easy to apply and easy to remove. There is no use of heat or messy glues.
Longevity: 2-6 months
Microchet
Type: Strand by Strand
Some Common Application Brand Names: Sach, Microchet Hair Extensions
Application Method: Small segments of looped extension hair are placed on a crochet hook and attached one by one to small sections of your own hair using a thread technique
Longevity: 2-3 monthsMicro-braids/ Box-braids
Type: Strand by Strand
Some Common Application Brand Names:Sach
Application Method: Small segments of loose hair are braided into segments of your own hair using a three strand braid
Longevity: 3 monthsShrink Tubes
Type: Strand by Strand
Some Common Application Brand Names: Sach, Shrinkies, Elegant Additions
Application Method: Small weight distributed segments of extension hair are attached one by one to small sections of your own hair using tiny plastic tubes (similar to Micro-Cylinders) that shrink down tight when heat is applied
Longevity: 2-6 monthsMonoFibre
Type: Strand by Strand
Some Common Application Brand Names: Sach, ProStyle’s ProHair Extensions, Invisible Hair’s MonoFibre
Application Method: The specially formulated fiber extension segment and your own hair segment is braided into a long microbraid and the fiber is melted using heat around the braid to secure it in the hair
Longevity: 3-4 monthsIntegration/Lacing/Web
Type: Piece
Some Common Application Brand Names: Sach Invisible Hair, Euro Hair Balmain Paris, Continental Hair, New Woman Integration
Application Method: Individual strands of hair are sewn onto a sheer nylon/polyester/skin-like or other material web-like cap. Your own hair is drawn through the web to blend with the integration and allow the natural hair to breath. Depending on the amount of hair loss the space between the webbing may vary. Can be woven daily or grafted (secured to scalp) as well for a long-term hold
Longevity: 1 day-8 weeksSkin
Type: Piece
Some Common Application Brand Names: Sach, Virtual Reality, Second Skin, Thinskin, Invisible Hair
Application Method: A breathable manmade layer of skin containing individual hairs is grafted to thin or completely bald areas of the scalp for long-term hold in corrective cases
Longevity: 5-8 weeks
Wigs/Bands/Wiglets/Lace-Front Wigs
Type: Piece
Some Common Application Brand Names: Sach, Raquel Welch, Hair U Wear, Mona Lisa, Lovely Collection, Sepia, TressAllure, Sophia Kaplan
Application Method: A full or partial hair piece that can be worn and removed daily as needed
Longevity: DailyHair Extensions FAQ