Most women aim to have long, healthy, and luscious hair. Unfortunately, not everyone is gifted with natural hair thickness. Some people require more time than others to grow their hair out. Thankfully, one quick and easy way to achieve that long and luscious hair you want is by wearing hair extensions. Hair extensions have gained popularity over the years as more and more people realize their uses and benefits.
Dating back to 3400 BC, ancient Egyptians were the first known people to use braided hair extensions, wigs, and weaves as a means of maintaining ritual purity and, at the same time, protecting themselves from lice. Now, hair extensions are used to help you instantly add length and volume to your natural hair, the same way most celebrities style their hair for public appearances.
However, with so many types, brands, and styles of hair extensions to choose from, you cannot easily navigate as to which is the best for your hair type. Plus, not all hair extensions are made with the same level of quality. And so, this article will walk you through the process of choosing the best hair extensions suitable for your hair type and your daily styling habits.
Choose Between Human Or Synthetic Hair
Hair extensions have two types: human hair and synthetic hair. Human hair could cost more, but it’s much easier to style and maintain. Meanwhile, synthetic hair extensions can quickly melt or burn when used with hair heating tools. Thus, if you’re planning to style your hair extensions, it’s best to opt for human hair. If you only need to wear extensions for a temporary hair boost, synthetic hair may do just fine.
Human hair extensions are also classified into two types: Remy human hair and non-Remy human hair. Remy human hair is deemed to be the highest quality hair extension on the market due to its durability and ability to withstand any conditions (e.g., hair styling, heat, rain, hair treatments). Furthermore, Remy human hair extension can blend easily with your real hair due to its natural look. On the other hand, non-Remy hair may tangle and shed easily when not maintained properly, and it also has a shorter lifespan than Remy human hair.
Consider Your Natural Hair’s Length And Weight
After choosing between synthetic or human hair extensions, you might need to consider the length and weight of your natural hair. If you have short or thin hair, a lightweight hair extension may be suitable for you to achieve a natural hair look. But if you have long and thick natural hair, you may need to choose and wear thick hair extensions.
If you’re unsure about your natural hair’s current weight or length, it would be advisable to seek help from your trusted hair stylist. Since they’re skilled and knowledgeable about anything hair-related, they can advise you which type of hair extension works best for your hair’s current length and weight.
Opt For One That Blends With Your Natural Hair Color
Your hair extensions must effortlessly blend well with your real hair. Thus, you need to find a hair extension that matches your natural hair color. Otherwise, if you get it wrong, even the most clueless person can tell that your hair color looks uneven and inconsistent. Again, you can always consult a professional hair stylist to help you choose the best color for your hair extensions in case you’re unsure about which shade your natural hair color belongs to.
Decide On The Type Of Hair Extension
Hair extensions can be used for long-term or short-term. How long you plan to wear your hair extensions can be a deciding factor when choosing your hair extensions. If you only need to wear one for a particular event or occasion, you may opt for clip-in extensions. Although they are affordable and simple to use, if you’re not careful, they could easily slip out of your hair. Thus, they’re only suitable as a temporary solution or for short-term use.
In contrast, if you’re planning to wear your hair extensions for the long term, you’ll need to choose tape-in or sew-in hair extensions. Sew-in extensions may cost more, but they are versatile, durable, and can even last for months. Once you’ve chosen the type of hair extension you need, you can head to the hair salon and have it placed in your hair by a professional hair stylist.
Consider Your Lifestyle And Personality
This tip may surprise you, but you must consider your lifestyle and personality when choosing your hair extensions. Remember that there are different types of hair extensions, and each type will require various levels of upkeep and maintenance. For example, if you’re the type who regularly does plenty of physical activities, avoid choosing bonding or weft hair extensions as they tend to come out easily when doing strenuous activities.
If you have a busy lifestyle (e.g., you have hectic work schedule and household responsibilities), you may want to opt for temporary hair extensions so you can quickly remove them when needed. If you love playing with your hairstyles and changing your look often, you can go for clip-in hair extensions so you can easily swap them anytime. On the other hand, if you’re using hair extensions as a more permanent solution to keeping your hair long and thick, you may go for sew-in or tape-in Remy hair extensions.
Wrapping Up
With these tips, choosing your hair extensions may be easier. Regardless of the type of hair extension you select, ensure you maintain it as necessary so that it can last a long time. If you’re still skeptical about whether you’ve picked the right hair extensions, you can always speak with your hair stylist for better guidance.