As a salon professional, it’s our job to educate ourselves on all the different types of extensions that might work for our clients as solutions to their hair concerns. We should not stop at just one brand or type because not all extensions work for everyone.

Sew-in: Sew-ins are cost-effective, easy maintenance and fairly easy to remove. The client’s hair is braided tightly to create a base for the hair wefts to be sewn and attached. This technique is not for every client; not all hair types can handle the stress from the braiding and weight of the extensions. Clients need to have the hair retightened through the four months. There are many different textures, colors and types of hair for clients to pick from and there are many different price points, based on quality and length.

Clip-ins and other temporaries: Clip-ins are wefts of hair that are attached to a clip. Clip-ins come in many different sizes so they can be placed all around the head. They are great for that client who wants instant gratification for special occasions. Clip-Ins take a short amount of time to put in and around the head. They can add length and volume in just about every texture, color and price range. They do offer synthetic hair, but I do recommend to my clients that real hair is much easier to style when using heat. Halos are temporary alternatives to clip-ins. It’s for clients looking for length and/or volume. And, they’re perfect for someone with hair that cannot handle stress. Halos have an undetectable wire connected to the weft of the hair. It uses the weight of the client’s own hair (which is pulled over the halo) to keep it secure on the head.

Top Pieces: Top pieces are great for clients that are thinning on the top of their head. The extension adds thickness and volume to the top of the head to help camouflage thinning hair. The ones I have used either have a clip or micro beads keeping them in place. Clients do need to have them retightened from time to time.

Micro link: Micro links can be known as micro beads or locks, they are gentle to put in and easy to take out. Links can be added for length and volume. There is no glue or heat used when applying. To apply, a small silicone bead is placed onto the base of the client’s hair, with an individual strand of extension that is attached. Clients do need to be careful not to use conditioner near the bead to help reduce slipping of the extension. Your guest will have to come in every couple of months to have the extensions retightened. Micro links last about four months.

Tape-in: Tape-ins can be used for some length, but I use them on clients for more volume and thickness. It takes only a short amount of time to install the extensions. The guest does need to come in every six to eight weeks to have them removed and reinstalled. They are applied with a heated tool that heats up a thin strip of glue that is on the hair weft. The client’s hair is put between two wefts to create a seal. They do have to be careful with using heavy conditioners or oils because that can cause slipping. They are nice for clients because they can reuse the extensions many times before having to order new extensions.

Fusion: Hot or cold fusion is used on individual keratin bonds. Fusion extensions are great for clients seeking length and volume and want little maintenance while the extensions are in. The clients can treat the extensions as if it were their own hair. Fusion extensions might not be suitable for the client that has compromised hair due to the stress it can cause. It can take about two to three hours to have a full head of extensions put in and last about four months.  This is one of the more costly extensions.

Take a look at hair extensions in a new light as they are one of the easiest ways to truly help change your business into a thriving success.