With so many methods of hair extension application available, it can be hard to decide which method you should choose.
There are pros and cons to every method, which I will do my best to explain in this post.
HOT FUSION (Also known as bonded and pre bonded extensions)
This technique has been around for over 25 years. Popular brands like 'Racoon' have made hot fusion bonding extremely popular.
This is a single stranded method, meaning the hair comes in a small strand weighing between 0.5 - 2g each.
Each strand is applied using a special hot glue which melts (fuses) to the natural hair, leaving a secure bond.
This method is suitable for most hair types. It is not suitable for damaged or over processed hair.
Removal of hot fusion hair is a lengthy process. A chemical similar to acetone is applied to all of the bonds. The bond itself is usually crushed using a hair extension plier. The hair extension technician will have to continue applying the remover and crushing the bond until the extension and bond can be removed.
This can be damaging to the natural hair.
Hot fusion extensions can last up to 3 months.
Micro rings
(Also known as micro links, micro loops or micro beads)
This technique has been around for around 8 years.
This is also a single stranded method.
Each strand is applied to the hair using a tiny metal ring.
A small section of the natural hair is pulled through the micro ring. A strand of hair extension (known as an I-tip) is then inserted into the micro ring. The ring is then clamped shut, securing the extension to the natural hair.
This method is suitable for most hair types. It is unsuitable for anyone suffering with greasy hair as the extensions can slip out when they come into contact with any oils.
Removal of micro ring extensions is very quick and easy. The micro ring is simply opened using hair extension pliers and the extension and the micro ring are removed from the natural hair.
Micro rings can last up to 3 months and can be maintained (pushed back up to the scalp) at around 6-8 weeks
Weaves
The method of weaving has been around for centuries. With the first form of weaving dating back to the Egyptians.
There are four main weaving techniques, The braided weave, L.A weave, the hidden/invisi weave and Micro weave.
The hair itself comes on one long strip of hair known as a 'weft of hair'.
One of the three techniques listed above is used to attach the weft of hair to the natural hair.
A weave method is suitable for most hair types.
Weave hair gives an instant voluminous look but doesn't move as naturally as a single stranded method.
The removal of a weave is quick and easy. The weft hair is cut out and the braid is undone, or the micro rings are opened and removed.
Weaves can last up to 3 months and can normally be maintained after 6 - 8 weeks.
Tape
(Also known as skin weft or skin weave hair extensions)
The tape in method is one if the newest available. It has only recently been introduced to the U.K
A weft of hair around 2 inches wide has had a special adhesive tape applied to one side.
A thin section of natural hair is sectioned off and sandwiched in-between two strips of tape in hair.
This method is suitable for all hair types.
Tape in hair is revolutionary for thin/fine hair as it lays completely flat to the scalp, meaning they are very discreet.
Lasting 2-3 months before they need removing and refitting.
The removal process is relatively easy. A citrus remover is applied to the strips and the tape is gently prized apart and removed from the hair.
Nano rings
Nano ring hair extensions are still very new to the market and have only been around for a few years.
This is a single stranded method.
The application process is similar to the micro ring application. A small strand of hair is pulled through a nano ring and a nano ring hair extension is inserted into the ring and clamped shut.
Suitable for all hair types. Due to the size of the rings, this method is recommended for thin/fine hair.
Removal is quick and easy. The nano ring is opened using hair extension pliers and the extension and ring are removed from the hair.
Lasting up to 3 months
