The Different Types of Hair Extensions Explained
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Hair extensions are a versatile and glamorous hair accessory – adding an instant boost in length and volume to your hair so you can achieve any style you desire.
But there isn’t just one standard type of hair extensions. There are many options, including temporary and semi-permanent methods, each with unique pros and cons depending on how you wear and look after them. So, how do you choose which type of hair extension is right for you?
Milk & Blush - Supplying Luxury Hair Extensions Worldwide for over 20 years
At Milk & Blush, we’ve become synonymous with high-quality hair extensions. We supply hair lovers and hair professionals the world over with premium-standard hair extensions.
All of our hair extensions are made with the finest-grade and ethically-sourced, 100% Remy human hair, for hair extensions that are natural in movement, shine, feel, and appearance, helping you to look and feel your best.
Our commitment to quality and innovation has won us multiple awards, including the best in hair extensions category at the Marie Claire awards, with our extensions featured in renowned publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, Harpers Bazaar, and more.
So if you’re unsure choosing between the different types and kinds of hair extensions, you’re in safe hands.
Our Hair Extension Type: Quick Guide
- Temporary or semi-permanent hair extensions?
- Hair extension quality
- Clip-in hair extensions
- Tape-in hair extensions
- Micro-link, cold fusion, and nano tip hair extensions
- Sew in hair extensions
- Pre-bonded, hot-fusion, and keratin-bonded hair extensions
Temporary or Semi-Permanent Hair Extensions?
Hair extensions fall into one of two categories, depending on how long they are designed to be worn per fitting:
- Temporary extensions: Typically worn for a day, to be taken out at the end of the day, and not to be worn to sleep in.
- Semi-permanent extensions: Designed to be worn for weeks at a time. These extensions can be fitted with various application methods depending on the type of extensions you opt for. They often need adjusting or repositioning as your natural hair grows, and can be re-worn or re-fitted if cared for properly.
Temporary extensions are often best if you’d like to add a boost of length or volume to your hair for a special occasion, for instance.
While they can be worn and fitted with ease day-to-day, if you’re looking for longer-lasting hair extension results, then a set of semi-permanent extensions may be worthwhile to save on fitting time as part of your routine.
Which hair extensions are right for me?
Choosing Your Extensions by Material
As experts in hair extensions, we recommend looking for any type of hair extensions (whether temporary or semi-permanent) that are made with 100% Remy hair. If you want quality, undetectable, and natural-looking hair extensions, this is important.
Unlike synthetic hair extensions, 100% Remy hair extensions are made from human hair, with the cuticles of each hair strand intact and aligned from root to tip. If you’re interested in learning more, head over to our guide about 100% Remy human hair extensions.
We recommend 100% Remy human hair extensions as these allow you to heat, style and wash the extensions as you would your natural hair – to achieve any style and keep them looking and feeling their best.
They also match and blend perfectly with your natural hair, with realistic shine, feel, movement, and appearance unmatched by synthetic extensions. 100% Remy human hair extensions will also last between 3-12 months with proper aftercare, and are recyclable, making them a sustainable and environmentally-positive choice.
Choosing your Extensions by Routine
Looking to add a glamorous boost to your locks but unsure which hair extensions are right for you?
The type of extensions you choose will depend on how often you want to wear them and the aftercare routine you’re willing to stick to. And to help you decide, we’ll break down each type of hair extension and what to expect when it comes to application and maintenance:
Clip-in Hair Extensions
What are Clip-In Hair Extensions?
Clip-in hair extensions are a temporary type of hair extension method that can be easily applied and removed.
They are the safest and quickest way to achieve longer, thicker hair without the commitment of permanent extensions. Clip-in extensions require the least commitment compared with all other hair extension techniques.
Clip-ins are generally attached to a base weft with readily sewn clips, allowing for effortless attachment and removal.
If you are looking to promote the healthy growth of your natural hair, whilst enjoying longer and fuller hair, clip-ins are the perfect method of extensions for you.
Clip-In Hair Extensions: Application and Aftercare
Clip-in extensions can be applied and removed at home by yourself. While attachment styles can vary, Milk & Blush clip-ins feature safe and secure clips fitted to individual wefts that allow you to layer up your extensions to achieve your desired look.
Depending on the number of wefts attached to your natural hair, they can take less than 10 minutes to apply and require no heat, glue or chemicals, allowing you to transform your style in moments.
If you wear clip-ins regularly, we recommend using 100% Remy human hair extensions – as, unlike synthetic alternatives, you’ll be able to heat and style them as you would your natural hair. Just make sure to use a heat protectant spray when curling, straightening or waving the extensions.
Clip-in hair extension maintenance is simple, as they don’t produce oil, so do not need to be washed regularly.
Clip-In Hair Extensions: Styles, Lengths & Colours
Clip-in hair extensions are available in a full range of lengths, colours, and styles to help you achieve your desired look.
At Milk & Blush, we offer a complete range of clip-in extension lengths, ranging from subtle 12-inch extensions through to 24-inch extensions for waist-length locks. All Milk & Blush clip-ins come in a full range of shades, including blacks, reds, browns, and blondes, as well as ombre, highlights and lowlights, and balayage styles.
The Different Types of Clip-In Hair Extensions:
Clip-in Hair Extensions: Are They Right for Me?
- A temporary style of hair extension that takes as little as 10 minutes to fit.
- Full range of lengths, styles and colours to suit all shades and thicknesses of hair.
- Easy to maintain.Allows you to boost length and volume, and experiment with styles without commitment.
- Must be removed before bed.
We recommend clip-in extensions to those who want a temporary boost of length and volume, which can be removed and fitted at a moments notice.
Tape-in Hair Extensions
What are Tape-In Hair Extensions
Tape-in hair extensions are a semi-permanent type of hair extensions and, after clip-ins, are the quickest and easiest hair extension method to apply and remove.
Unlike clip-ins, though, tape-in hair extensions require a professional stylist to apply.
Tapes are typically around 1 inch in width and are secured to the hair using adhesive glue.
As tape-in extensions are applied to a vast amount of hair, they do not cause as much tension and breakage to the natural hair as other permanent extension methods.
Tape-ins are the most popular semi-permanent method used by celebrities and top stylists. They are the quickest to apply and remove with the most natural and discreet finish.
Stylists often use tape extensions as a method to thicken a short bob around the front of the hair, creating a blunt frame to the face.
Tape-ins are perfect for most hair types and, once applied correctly, are known to do the least long-term damage to your natural hair, allowing you to enjoy longer, fuller hair as your natural hair grows.
Tape-in hair extensions: Application and Aftercare
Tapes take around an hour to be applied to the hair and a similar time to be removed.
The tape-in application process:
This method of hair extension involves ‘sandwiching’ the natural hair between two tapes – which are then fastened to the hair using a low-heated tool or professional hairdressing pliers. Your natural hair is then cut to blend into the extensions discreetly.
The tape-in removal process
Tape-ins can be easily removed using a solvent spray at the root of the extensions by a hair professional. The solvent sprays melt the adhesive allowing for the extensions to be safely and easily removed.
Milk & Blush offers tape remover formulas for hair salons and stylists, alongside a full range of professional hair extension tools for salons.
How long do tape-in extensions last?
Tape-in extensions can last up to 6 months, before they’re removed from your hair.
The extensions can then be reused, but the roots will have to be re-taped, and often the length will be shortened each time. You must have your tapes reapplied every 6-8 weeks to avoid matting or the glue becoming too difficult to remove.
Like most semi-permanent hair extension methods, care is required when washing and drying the hair. Don’t use conditioner or any oil-based products at the root of the hair as this can cause your tapes to slip.
We’d also recommend avoiding heat styling the root of the hair and using a lower temperature when blow drying your extensions to avoid melting the tape adhesive.
Lengths, Colours & Types of Tape-in Hair Extensions
Tape-in hair extensions are available in a full range of shades, lengths, and fitting types.
Like our collection of clip-in hair extensions, our tape-ins are available in a wide selection of shades including blacks, radiant reds, and all shades of brown and blonde hair. We also offer a range of highlighted, ombre, balayage, and rooted tape-ins, perfect for experimenting with your hair style and colour without the use of bleaches or dyes.
Our tape-in extensions are available in lengths from 16-inches through to 22-inches, in slim, ultra-slim, and invisible tape-in styles. Each style can be layered up to achieve the level of volume you or client wants to achieve.
Tape-in Hair Extensions: Are They Right For Me?
- Lasts up to 6-8 weeks per fitting before adjustment, using safe adhesives to bond in place
- Requires a hair professional to fit and repeat appointments to reposition
- Can be washed, dried, heated, straightened, and styled like your natural hair with no removal required before showering or sleep
- One of the quickest semi-permanent extension options for fitting
- Allows natural hair to grow while you enjoy longer and fuller hair
- Lengths between 16-24 inches
Tape-in extensions are ideal for those who want longer lasting extension results without having to refit each day. They do require re-fitting and adjustments by hair professionals, though this process is often quicker than most semi-permanent options.
Micro-Link/Cold Fusion and Nano Tip Hair Extension Methods
What are they?
Micro-link extensions – also referred to as I-tips or micro ring extensions – are individual tips of hair extensions attached to tiny bonds of hair. Each individual tip is clamped to the hair using a micro-ring with a specialist hair plier.
Similarly, nano tip extensions are applied by threading small pieces of hair through even smaller nano rings. This makes them more discreet than micro-links, and perfect for those with finer hair, while micro-links are more suited to thick hair.
How Are Micro Link and Nano Tip Extensions Fitted?
With both of these extension types, the rings are patterned in neat rows around the head, and the beads are coloured to match your natural hair. This method of application doesn’t use any heat or adhesive glue to bond the extension to the hair and is a safe and discreet method when applied correctly.
Depending on the number of tips used, micro-link and nano tip extensions can take anywhere between up to 4 hours for application.
Whichever method you use, it’s recommended to only use silicone-lined beads or rings, as the silicone will prevent damage to the natural hair and avoid slipping.
Aftercare and Removal of Micro-Links and Nano Tip Extensions
Similar to most semi-permanent types of hair extensions, you can wash your micro-links or nano tips the same as your natural hair. But be careful if you have individual extensions, as you can pull the strands from the scalp whilst brushing, washing, or styling.
It’s advised to regularly brush your extensions throughout the day with a specialised extension brush, to avoid matting. We recommended The Ultimate Finish Tangle Teezer brush.
You should also sleep with your hair tied in a secure plait – and it’s recommended to use a silk or satin pillowcase to avoid friction and matting overnight.
Both micro link extensions and nano tips are considered a high-maintenance extension method. Beaded extensions require reapplication every 6-10 weeks to avoid excessive matting from re-growth. Beyond 12 weeks you risk seriously damaging your natural hair.
To remove the extensions, the bead is unclamped or broken using removal pliers and slid off the ends of the hair. You may notice a lot of hair fallout at this stage due to the natural shedding of your hair.
If you’ve recently had your hair coloured, wait at least 48 hours to have individual micro links applied or you risk the extensions becoming loose. This is because natural hair expands post-colouring.
Lengths, Colours, and Strand Sizes of Micro-Link and Nano-Tip Hair Extensions
Micro-link and nano-tip hair extensions are available in a range of colours and lengths. At Milk & Blush, our extensions are available in all shades of black, brown, blonde, and red, as well as ombre, balayage, rooted, and highlighted styles.
Our extensions are available in lengths from 16 to 22-inches; for those with shorter hair looking for semi-permanent extensions shorter than our range, hair professionals will be able to shorten extensions using extension scissors.
Micro-link and nano-tip hair extensions are made and sold as individual strands of hair that can be mixed and fitted to achieve the exact hairstyle you want. The extensions do vary in size, however, with the industry standard strands containing 0.6g of hair. Our extensions by contrast contain 1.8g of hair to achieve a head of fuller hair, not a head full of bonds.
Micro-Link and Nano-Tip Hair Extensions: Are They Right For Me?
- Fit comfortably, securely, and flexibly to your hair for up to 6-10 weeks
- Complete freedom to combine colours of extensions to achieve your dream look
- Discreet and undetectable, and perfect for fine or thin hair
- Require professional fitting and repeat appointments
- Takes around 4 hours on average to fit and remove, longer than other extension methods
These extensions are ideal to combine colours of hair extensions to achieve your dream look. The bonding process is flexible, meaning your hair feels more natural and free compared to alternative methods.
Sew-In Hair Extension Methods
What are Sew-In Hair Extensions?
Sewn-in hair extensions – or ‘weaves’ – are typically applied using the L.A. weave or micro-ring method.
Weaves are a long weft of hair, similar to a clip-in extension, sewn to layers of your natural hair. The hair is either braided and sewn using a needle and thread, or it involves a micro-ring method of application.
This hair extension method is only suitable for those with thicker hair, as weaves can often cause too much tension to hair that is fine or previously damaged.
Application and Aftercare
Weaves take around 1-2 hours to apply, depending on the number of rows you require. A full head of weft hair extensions will generally require 3 rows.
Depending on your natural hair growth, you will need to have your weave re-positioned every 8-10 weeks. You must have a trained professional stylist to remove your weave to avoid cutting or damaging your own hair. Without matting, it takes around 30 minutes to remove a weave from the hair.
Post-application, a weave can feel uncomfortable, as it requires your natural hairs to be strained at the scalp. The pain and discomfort should subside within 24 hours and will soon feel like your natural hair.
Sew-In Hair Extension: Are They Right for Me?
- Extension wefts are sewn into the hair using a needle and thread or through the use of micro rings.
- Suitable for all hair types.
- Requires professional fitting.
- Fitting takes around 1-2 hours, and 30 mins to remove.
Sewn-in hair extensions are an option for those with thicker hair, though for those with finer hair we would suggest avoiding this style to prevent damage to your natural hair. An alternative semi-permanent style will achieve similar results with less risk.
Pre-Bonded/Hot-Fusion and Flat Tip Hair Extensions
What are Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions?
Fusion bonds – or keratin bond extensions – are attached to your hair using a pre-adhesive extension tip, which is fused to small sections of hair using a heated clamp.
Flat tip extensions also use keratin bonds in the manufacturing process, to create a flat tip that allows them to fit discreetly to the head. However, flat tips are attached by securing the extensions to a bead which is clamped shut to secure it in place, and no heat is required in the application.
Pre-bonded hair extension methods are often a better option for those with finer hair, as they don’t cause as much strain to the root of your natural hair as other permanent kinds of hair extensions.
Hot-Fusion v.s. Flat Tip Extensions: Protecting Your Hair
If your hair is damaged from over-processing or heat styling, your hairdresser may advise against fusion bonds – as hot-fusion will risk further damage to your natural hair and discourage healthy hair growth.
In this case, flat tip extensions may be the preferred choice.
Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions: Application and Aftercare
Similar to the cold-fusion method, the application time for pre-bonded extensions can take between 2-4 hours for a full-head and should be installed by a hair professional.
You will need to have your bonded extensions removed and repositioned every 8-12 weeks - or every 6-8 weeks for flat tips - depending on your natural hair growth. Your stylist will crush the bond to break down the keratin, then apply a bond removal solution to remove the extension from the hair.
Bonded extensions are also often more expensive to maintain. If you require the hair to be reused after the initial application, your hairdresser will have to cut the existing tip from the hair and re-apply another adhesive tip to the extension, which can be a costly process.
As this method involves glue, you must also have a patch test prior to your appointment to avoid a reaction or excessive scalp irritation. In cases of irritation, flat tips can provide a more convenient alternative hair extension method, as they are simply clamped in place and don’t require glue.
Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions: Are They Right For Me?
- Semi-permanent hair extensions that fit using adhesive tips that are re-bonded to the extension strands.
- Requires professional hair stylists to fit, taking between 2-4 hours to fit and adjust.
- Pre-bonded extensions use adhesive/glues to bond, making a patch test essential to avoid a reaction or excessive scalp irritation.
- Pre-bonded extensions cause less strain on the root of the natural hair, improving comfort and making them an ideal option for finer or thinner hair.
- Bonded extensions are often more expensive to maintain and require repositioning every 8-12 weeks for hot-fusion extensions, and 6-8 weeks for flat tips
Milk & Blush Hair Extensions & Advice
Our friendly experts are on hand to help with any advice and guidance you may need. Whether you need support choosing the right hair extension type for your hair, or selecting the right shade to match your current shade - we can help!
Milk & Blush stocks a selection of clip-ins hair extensions and professional hair extension options, to suit all hair types, colours and preferences. Our award-winning hair extensions are made with the sole intention of elevating your hairstyle - for fuller, luscious, and elegant hair that is uniquely yours. Our extensions are worn worldwide, inspiring hair lovers to experiment and achieve their dream look.
Want irresistible and undetectable hair extension results for yourself? Simply attach and remove our clip-ins at home or take our professional products to your favourite salon for application.
Explore our full collection and types of hair extensions.
