What Are the Different Types of Hair Extensions?

Christine Lee Song
4 July 2024
2 min read
Close up of blonde hair

Ready to transform your look? Here's your guide to every type of extension out there - from classic methods to the newest innovations. Whether you want to add length, volume, or both, there's a perfect match for you.

Keratin-Bonded Extensions

  • What are they? Individual strands of hair attached with keratin bonds, creating protein-rich connections that blend with your natural hair. Many stylists call these fusion or K-tips.
  • Application: Your stylist uses a special heating tool to melt the keratin bond, creating a secure connection that lets your hair move naturally.
  • How long do they last: With proper care, 3-6 months. Keep oils and sulfates away from the bonds.

Ultrasonic Cold Fusion

  • What are they? A bonding method that uses ultrasonic waves instead of heat to attach extensions, creating vibrations that fuse the bonds at cooler temperatures.
  • Application: Your stylist uses an ultrasonic tool to create secure bonds, protecting your hair's cuticle and maintaining the extension's shine.
  • How long do they last: With proper care, 3-6 months. Keep oils and sulfates away from the bonds.

Minis

  • What are they? Minis are super-tiny keratin bonds - about 1/3 the size of regular extensions. Ultra fine bonds are even smaller, measuring just a quarter of a regular bond size. Perfect for fine hair or adding subtle volume.
  • Application: Your stylist places these tiny bonds with precision using a specialized heating tool.
  • How long do they last: Every 10-12 weeks.

V-Light Hair Extensions

  • What are they? A gentle option that uses UV glue instead of heat - ideal if your hair is on the finer to thinner side, typically used in the bangs and part area.
  • Application: Rather than heat, your stylist uses UV light to cure the bonds (similar to getting your nails done).
  • How long do they last: The hair can last several months, with maintenance needed every 4-6 weeks.

Flat Tip Extensions

  • What are they? These clever extensions use flat, discreet beads to secure the hair close to your scalp.
  • Application: Your stylist clamps small beads onto sections of your natural hair - no heat or glue needed.
  • How long do they last: These can stick around 8-12 months, but you'll need adjustments every 7-12 weeks as your hair grows.

Braidless Extensions

  • What are they? A modern take on extensions that can be sewn-in or beaded, skipping the traditional braided base. Available in several styles including Gentle Weave, NBR, IBE, LA Weave, Micro Weave, and Waterfall Weave. These methods can be customized in 7 different ways, sometimes combining different techniques depending on your hair needs. The hair is attached using either sewing techniques or beads that mimic a braid-like attachment.
  • Application: The extensions are applied without any braids underneath, creating a natural appearance. They can be either sewn in or secured with beads, based on what works best for your hair.
  • How long do they last: The hair can last 8-12 months with proper care, with maintenance needed every 8-12 weeks.

Nano Bead Extensions

  • What are they? Small, tiny beads that hold your extensions in place without any glue or heat. This method uses a tiny metal bead that holds the extension's keratin bond in place.
  • Application: Your stylist clamps these micro-beads to small sections of your natural hair.
  • How long do they last: The hair can last 8-12 months with proper care, with maintenance needed every 8-12 weeks.

Micro-Linking Extensions

  • What are they? Similar to nano beads but slightly larger - they're still discreet while providing secure attachment. These are attached with a keratin bond without the metal part like nano beads.
  • Application: Small beads are clamped onto sections of your natural hair.
  • How long do they last: The hair can last 8-12 months with proper care, with maintenance needed every 8-12 weeks.

Ice Extensions

  • What are they? A cool innovation using special cold gel to bond extensions - no heat needed.
  • Application: Your stylist uses the cold gel to create a secure bond between the extension and your natural hair.
  • How long do they last: Several months when cared for properly.

CombLine Extensions

  • What are they? A unique system using a special comb brush and heating tool for precise placement.
  • Application: The comb brush helps get extensions into those tricky spots other methods might miss.
  • How long do they last: These last well but may need maintenance if you notice any shedding.

Feather Extensions

  • What are they? Light as a feather extensions secured with tiny beads for natural movement.
  • Application: Your stylist secures these with small beads close to your scalp.
  • How long do they last: With proper care, 8-12 months, needing adjustments every 7-12 weeks.

Tape-In Extensions

  • What are they? Pre-taped wefts that sandwich your natural hair for a seamless look.
  • Application: Your stylist places these tape-in pieces strategically throughout your hair.
  • How long do they last: You'll need new tape every 6-8 weeks to keep them secure.

Rebonding and Retipping Services

  • What are they? Think of this as a spa day for your existing extensions - refreshing the bonds instead of starting from scratch.
  • Application: Your stylist replaces worn keratin bonds with fresh ones.
  • How long do they last: This service adds several months to your extensions' life.

Systems, Wigs, Integration, and Toppers

  • What are they? Custom hairpieces that can be clipped in, woven, or secured with adhesive for specific looks.
  • Application: Varies based on the system - from simple clips to professional adhesive application.
  • How long do they last: Anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the type and how well you care for them.

Important Note: Always book a consultation with me before choosing your extensions. I’ll help pick the perfect method for your hair type and lifestyle.