The 6 Different Types of Hair Extensions You Can Get for a Lengthier Mane

Hair extensions come in many forms and styles. When deciding between them, you’ll want to consider the type of hair they’re made from (aka human or synthetic), the cost and the installment process. You also want to take their longevity into account. Do you want a more permanent look (like fusion bonds) that can last for six months or a semi-permanent look (like tape-ins) that last for eight weeks? Or maybe you just want a quick and temporary style (I’m looking at you, hair piece) that you only need for a night? As you take these actors into consideration, you can start narrowing down the best hair service for you.

What's the Difference Between Real Human Hair Extensions vs Synthetic Hair Extensions?

Before picking a style, it’s important to understand the differences between human and synthetic hair beyond the obvious (human hair comes from, well, humans and synthetic hair is created using plastic fibers).

• Human hair extensions: Overall, human hair extensions blend in more seamlessly, giving off the illusion of a natural looking, fuller and longer mane. These extensions can also be styled however you want, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the strands. They also look (and feel) silky smooth to the touch. 
• Synthetic hair extensions: Their main selling point is the price. Synthetic hair is more affordable than human hair because of its material. That said, some synthetic extensions closely mimic human hair; they just might feel slightly coarser and thicker. The main drawback to synthetic extensions is that you can’t apply any heat or chemicals to style them, as it can cause damage to them. In sum, if you’re looking for a more temporary (and cost-efficient) look, synthetic hair is the way to go.

• How long do they last: three to five months
• Average cost: $1,000+

Fusion bonds are special keratin tips that are applied directly over your natural hair. This process uses a heated clamp to melt the glue and keep the extension in place. The entire process takes around two to four hours to complete. While they can be styles however you please, fusion bonds also come with a few challenges. For starters, they may have some chemicals that can cause hair loss, breakage and even scalp irritation for some people. It’s also a super expensive process, as you’ll have to reapply them every three to five months when new hair grows in. However, if you want a stronger and longer hold, and you have naturally fine hair, they’re a great choice.

“They blend seamlessly with my hair and I haven’t experienced breakage using them. I get more fullness and length—plus, I don't have to style my hair as much. It's just air-dry and go. Since the keratin bonds are super strong and tiny, I can even wear my hair up and they don't show,” shares Senior Editor Dana Dickey.  “However, “However, a couple downsides...I can't get a root touch up with extensions in (since my salon doesn’t want to risk damaging the extensions). As a result, I have to go to a more expensive place for color with K-tips. Also, the first night I have them in, it’s uncomfortable to sleep on them, but then I get used to it. I love them, which is why whenever I get an unexpected windfall, I’m always thinking ‘Ohhh I should get extensions again…’”

• How long do they last: 6 to 12 months
• Average cost: $300+

Microbead (or i-Tip) extensions use tiny beads and pliers to clamp the extensions in place. These beads are usually matched to your hair color, making it easier to blend them in seamlessly with your natural strands. There’s no heat or glue involved, and it takes between two to four hours to complete the look. It’s considered the most permanent type of hair extension as you can rock the installments for six months to a year (though a retouch may be required in-between). To keep them in top shape throughout that duration, you'll want to be gentle when styling, brushing and washing your hair.

• How long do they last: 8 to 10 weeks
• Average cost: $250+

Sew-ins (or weaves) are the most popular hair extensions, especially for thicker hair. First, your natural hair is braided into cornrows and then, the extension is weaved into the braids using a needle and some thread. The installation takes around two (or more) hours depending on the number of rows needed. Since it’s a long process, sew-ins can cost around $250+. The extra secure fit makes it the most permanent and longest-lasting service of the six options, so you never have to worry about your extensions falling out prematurely. You can expect to enjoy them for up to ten weeks before it’s time for removal. A great tip for maintaining their health is to add moisturizing products (like deep conditioner and protein-based masks) into your routine.

• How long do they last: 8 to 12 weeks
• Average cost: $200+

Tape-in extensions are adhesive strips placed at the roots using heated glue. “Tape-ins work in ’sandwiches,’ meaning that you place a thin strand of hair between two pieces of extensions, and they all get glued together at the root,” explains Rus. “The strand of hair you're sandwiching needs to be very thin, about 1⁄8 inch, so the adhesive on both sides can bind together through the hair. If you pinch two fingers together and can feel them through the hair, you’re good to go.”

It can take between 40 minutes to an hour to complete the application process for tape-ins. As a result, the price tag can be a bit higher and typically starts at around $200+. However, tape-ins are the easiest to manage and have the quickest installation time of all the semi-permanent hair extensions. As Associate Sales & Deals Editor Destinee Scott shares, “I tried tape-in extensions and the amount of hair was overwhelming at first. However, I definitely got used to them after a while, and styling my hair was super easy. If you want them to last, do not skip maintenance like me because after a while, the tape-ins will start to move down the strands and they'll become visible, which was kind of a mess. That said, I would recommend tape-ins to anyone who wants length or thickness and doesn't mind putting in some effort to keep them looking good.”

For the best care, wash and style them delicately. Rus recommends avoiding sulfate or oil-based products to keep the adhesive from loosening or drying out the extensions themselves (because no one wants a hair piece slipping off at an event). Tape-ins can last for 8 to 12 weeks before they need to be removed (using solvent spray).

• How long do they last: 15 to 20 wears
• Average cost: $100 to $300

Clip-in extensions are wefts that are clipped into your natural hair. This type of extension is considered the easiest, quickest and safest of the bunch. If you’re looking for a temporary style change, clip-ins are the best choice for a low-maintenance and commitment-free finish. “I wear clip-in extensions from time to time for volume. I always feel like it's easier to notice extensions on blonde hair vs dark hair, so I only use them when my hair is curled or blown out,” says Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak. “I have very fine hair and wearing too many extensions weigh down my hair and it looks awkward, so I've actually thinned out some of the wefts so they aren't as dense. I always put them at the base of my scalp after I've backcombed the area where the clip will attach. I even add a little texture spray (or dry shampoo) for some grit so they don't slip.”

Rus suggests adding four clips in the back (for volume) and two to three smaller clips on the sides to create the perfect blend. This service only takes a few minutes and can be done right at home. Since you can do it yourself, it’s also the most affordable option, ranging between $100 to $300. You can rock clip-in extensions about 15 to 20 times before they start to show wear, and you can easily wash and style them without worrying about causing heat or chemical damage to your hair. “Clip-ins can change your look in a matter of minutes, with zero damage to your real hair,” says Rus. 

• How long do they last: varies
• Average cost: $50 to $300

Some people forget that hair pieces—wigs, buns and ponytail clippings—are a form of hair extensions. These accessories add fullness and length just like other types of extensions. When it comes to lengthening your ponytail, it only takes a few steps to rock the look: “Start by putting your hair up in a ponytail. Then, place the ponytail extension over it, with the comb inserted on top of the hair tie for a stronger grip. Once the pony is in place, use the textile bands to secure it. You can then use a strand of hair to cover the textile base for a perfect blending,” says Rus.

He adds, “They look perfectly natural and feel very secure thanks to the comb and ties, so you can move around as much as you want without the fear of the pony sliding off.” Depending on whether you get human or synthetic hair, the prices can vary from $50 to $300. The same goes for wigs. Overall, these are all quick and temporary styles you can try on your own.