Should I get clip in hair extensions?

December 31, 2018

Should I get clip in hair extensions?

In Short, Yes!

This post provides an overview of 6 different hair extension methods and you'll be able to see why we think CLIP IN HAIR EXTENSIONS ROCK! Plus they're so convenient for every single hair texture.

We've summarised the features of the hair extensions types in the table below - let us know if there's anything else you want to see added to this post!

Hair Extension Overview

Type	Time to install	Style Duration	Ease of Maintenance	Extension Visibility
Clip in hair extensions	Less than 1 hour	Few days
Sew in hair extensions	2 – 3 hours	2 – 3 months
Tape in hair extensions	1.5 hours	4 – 6 weeks
Micro ring hair extensions	4 – 5 hours	2 – 3 months
Cold fusion hair extensions	4 – 5 hours	2 – 3 months
Hot fusion hair extensions	4 – 5 hours	4 – 6 months

Detailed breakdown:

"Please, God! Please, give me longer, fuller hair when I wake up tomorrow morning!"

How many times have you said some variant of this “prayer” before going to bed? Here's the thing: you can get beautiful long hair in a few hours so now you can stop worrying about that miraculous overnight change! How? Hair extensions, of course!

Many women are impressed with the magical transformation that hair extensions promise. And it’s a well known fact that hair extensions are a real solution for all women with hair growth problems or those who simply want to change their hairstyle.

Whether it is our first or ninety-first time that we choose hair extensions, it is essential to know exactly what we want and what is best for us in order to obtain results up to our expectations. Poorly chosen (and this is unfortunately too often the case) extensions can quickly result in visual carnage.

But before analysing how to choose hair extensions and the pros & cons of hair extensions, let's talk about what they really are and what you should consider before getting them.

What are Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions are used to increase the length and volume of hair. They can be made of natural or synthetic hair. Virgin natural hair extensions are the best quality-wise (and the most expensive, of course)… because it is hair! With “virgin” meaning the hair has never been chemically processed or coloured. Natural hair extensions are labelled “remy” when the natural hair cuticle is preserved and all the hair runs in one direction, giving it the most natural look. If you’re looking for a lower cost and much shorter-term style then synthetic hair extensions are a cheaper option. Although they are not great for combining with heat and can tangle quite easily, synthetic extensions are great for anyone who wants a temporary style change. And because they’re way more disposable they do not require the same maintenance as natural hair extensions.

Reasons to Wear Hair Extensions

There are several reasons why someone would wear hair extensions as explained in another fun blog post.

Those who have uneven hair growth can use these to add extra hair length and an even thickness
It’s good when you want to get a new look like a fringe or a particular cut
Add a little bounce to your normal hair
Add a little colour to your hair without using chemical colours

Things to Know Before Getting Hair Extensions

If you are interested in adding hair to your natural mane there are some things you should keep in mind before going ahead.

If you don’t know how to install extensions yourself then get the help of a professional stylist. Some extensions may seem easy to do for yourself, but getting it wrong can definitely damage your hair and it just won’t be worth the money you think you’re saving in doing it yourself by the time it comes to taking out the extensions!
Extensions should NEVER be too tight. If you experience any type of pain or discomfort, speak with your stylist immediately and have them rectify it; there’s a common misconception among some people that if it ain’t tight, it ain’t right… please stop.
Always look for extensions that are of good quality, even if they are more expensive. You do not want accessories in your hair that could cause damage to your hair later, especially if the whole purpose was to wear a protective style!
Always remember to take good care of your natural hair. Hair that is damaged cannot withstand many styles. Oil your hair and scalp regularly, perform regular treatments and take good care of it.

Well, now that we've got all that out of the way, let's look at the pros and cons of different types of hair extension methods. And I’m sure you’re a busy lady, so we’ve ordered the types starting with the fastest install method.

Pros and Cons of Different Hair Extension Types

1. Clip in Hair Extensions

Clip in hair extensions are the best choice for anyone who wants longer hair in a matter of minutes. Clip ins are hair wefts that come with clips attached to them at the top. All you need to do is clip them to the roots of your hair. They tend to come in widths ranging from 1.5 to 8 inches to ensure optimal placement around your head.

How long does it take to attach?

10-30 minutes

How long does it last?

Daily style - you can attach, remove and re-use them whenever you want. We wouldn’t recommend sleeping with clip-ins.

Maintenance rating: 5/5

Extension visibility: 4/5

This really depends on the style, could easily score 5/5!

Pros

Extremely easy & quick to install – you can do this yourself without professional help
And equally you have the freedom to take them off whenever you want!
You can buy them in various colors and styles to change your appearance throughout the day if you wanted, Luxeriva currently stock colour 1b clip-ins here and will be looking at extending the range of colours available in 2019
Easy to shampoo and condition the hair as it’s so easy to detach
Best if you’re a swimmer or exercise a lot!

Cons

Clip-ins should not be left in your hair for long periods of time (i.e. days on end) since the clips can cause your hair to break and may be uncomfortable to sleep in

2. Sew in Hair Extensions

Natural hair is usually canerowed to create a sturdy base to attach the extensions to, and then a weft, or curtain of hair extensions are attached in rows to the canerows using a needle and thread, this style is also known as “weave-on”.

How long does it take to attach?

2-3 hours

How long does it last?

2-3 months

Maintenance rating: 4/5

Extension visibility: 4/5

Pros

It does not require heat or glue to install which reduces potential damage to your hair
Ideal for thick hair
Styles can last 2 – 3 months if properly maintained
Suitable for people with long or short hair
Add tons of volume

Cons

Not recommended for those with thin hair as the canerows may slip out
Tight braids can cause pain in the scalp and (in extreme cases) traction alopecia
Requires adequate maintenance and washing to get to the canerows
These extensions should be removed by a professional, or at least someone other than you before you get the hang of cutting them out yourself – don’t cut your own hair!

3. Tape in Hair Extensions

If you are looking for hair extensions that can be easily installed in a couple of hours, the tape-in hair extensions are what you need. Also known as skin-wefts, these extensions come in lengths anywhere between 1.5 and 8 inches long. Each weft is constructed by with double or single-sided polyurethane tape tab at the root and your hair is sandwiched and stuck between the extensions.

How long does it take to attach?

60-90 minutes

How long does it last?

4-6 weeks

Maintenance Rating: 3/5

Fiddling around with tape and solvent isn’t our bag

Extension Visibility: 3/5

Watch out when doing pony-tails or up-dos!

Pros

Application time of less than 90 minutes
No heat damage since heat is not required during installation
Reduces tension in the head as the extensions extend over a large area of the head
The extensions can be worn for 4-6 weeks, and re-used with the help of more double-sided tape

Cons

You should not wash your hair or do strenuous activities that make you sweat immediately after installing as the tape adhesive must be left to cure for 24-48 hours
You should not apply any silicone-based product or oil to your hair as they can cause the extensions to slip
The solvent used in removing the extension can cause damage to your natural hair
We’re always suspicious about sticking anything to our natural hair as this may damage the natural shaft coating over time
Hair cannot comfortably be tied in a tight bun or ponytail when these extensions are in

4. Micro Ring Hair Extensions

Micro ring hair extensions come in the form of small bundles of hair that are wound through small sections of your natural hair. Then, the extension is clamped to your hair using a metal tube with the help of a pair of pliers. A more convenient version of these extensions are the micro loop extensions that come attached with a loop and a bead beforehand. Therefore, they do not require a loop tool for the attachment.

How long does it take to attach?

4-5 hours

How long does it last?

2-3 months

Maintenance rating: 3/5

Extension visibility: 3/5

Pros

It does not require heat or glue to bond, therefore there should be minimal hair damage if fitted correctly
The extensions can be removed and reused
You can slide the extensions up and down before securely fixing where you want
It blends well perfectly with natural hair
Easy to wash

Cons

Not recommended for people with short or fine hair
It can cause discomfort and tension in the scalp
Pinching the extensions with the pliers can cause your natural hair to break
Hair damage could occur if extensions are not removed properly, always seek professional assistance

5. Cold Fusion Hair Extensions

Cold fusion hair extensions (also known as micro-link or I-tip extensions) provide another method of attaching small sections of keratin-tipped extensions to your hair, though without heat. The hair extensions are weaved in with your natural hair and then bonded using an ultrasound applicator that causes the glue to melt in a manner similar to the hot fusion tips, however (as the name suggests) without using heat.

How long does it take to attach?

4-5 hours

How long does it last?

2-3 months

Maintenance rating: 3/5

Extension visibility: 3/5

Pros

The non-heat element of this method reduces the chances of hair damage
It can be applied very close to the roots, making it mix very well with your natural hair
Recommended for fine hair

Cons

It takes a long time to install
The clamping tool can cause hair breakage
Hair extensions are not reusable after they’ve been removed

6. Hot Fusion Hair Extensions

Hot fusion hair extensions (also known as keratin hair or tip hair) are small bundles of hair glued at the tip with a U-shaped keratin & silicone glue. The extension is attached to the root of your hair with the help of a heating tool that melts the keratin glue onto your hair.

How long does it take to attach?

4-5 hours

How long does it last?

3-6 months

Maintenance rating: 2/5

Extension visibility: 3/5

Pros

The most durable method because, with proper maintenance, extensions can remain for approximately 6 months
Because the keratin dries out, you can’t really see where it is attached (unless you’ve chosen a colour or texture that’s notable differently from your natural hair)
It blends perfectly with your natural hair
Keratin nourishes hair
Great for adding highlights, without need to use chemicals or bleaches

Cons

With an application time of 4-5 hours, this process is tiring
The application of heat required for fixing can damage your hair
Hair extensions are not reusable after they’ve been removed
You need to find highly trained professionals to do this because if it is not done correctly it could cause serious damage to your hair
Need to ensure you use a sulphate-free shampoo as this can damage the glue and cause extensions to fall ot prematurely

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Who knew there were so many ways to attach hair extensions?! Hopefully you feel better informed and are now able to confidently choose your next hair extensions. Luxeriva sells clip-in and sew-in type extensions in our online store, are there any other types of hair extensions you’d like us to stock? Comment below to tell us which method you would like to try and if there’s a particular one you would never do in a million years.

NB. Always seek advice from your hairdresser who will be able to advise you depending on your desired end result.

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Should I get clip in hair extensions?