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I have always loved the look of long, thick, voluminous hair – unfortunately, I was not blessed with any of those things. My hair tends to be fine and thin. Years of aggressive blonding, daily heat styling, and drugstore shampoo did not help my case either.

I remember my first (terrible) pair of hair extensions…and wow has my hair come a long way! Hair extensions can be used for many different reasons like adding length, volume, and color to your hair. I have been wearing hair extensions for a decade now and have tried several different methods. Each method of hair extension has their own pro’s and con’s which I’ll list below.

*Full discretion – I am not a hairstylist and below is my personal experience and opinions regarding different methods of hair extensions that I have personally tried. I always recommend consulting an experienced and trusted hairstylist when researching and using hair extensions.

Clip-In Hair Extensions

Clip-in hair extensions are great for extension beginners. This will allow you to see what your hair will look and feel like longer, thicker, or lighter/darker without the financial and time commitment of more permanent extension options. Or maybe you would only like to wear your extensions for special events for a fuller hairstyle. 

Usually, these extensions come in a pack with several different size wefts so you can customize the fit and placement to your head and hairline. On each weft is a snap clip that attaches to the base of your hair with your hair sectioned off. Installation only takes a few minutes with some practice and you can take them out for sweet relief when you are done wearing them! This means minimal damage to your follicles when worn properly. 

Pro’s

• Perfect for those who are contemplating whether they would like to invest in a more permanent option
• Cost-effective, usually $150-$300 per pack of hair. The average person only needs one pack, you may need a second if you have very thick hair and are wanting to achieve length.  *pro-tip: for color dimension (especially blondes) mix and match hair colors for a more natural look. Always choose 100% human remy hair – synthetics are not heat compatible.
• Easily Available…can be purchased online or in a beauty store
• Cause minimal damage to hair when used properly
• Versatile and Removable

Con’s

• Can slip down the hair shaft as the day goes on if not secured properly *pro-tip: always tease your hair before securing the clip
• Tracks are more likely to show since wefts are large and typically not custom made
• Limited color and length availability *pro-tip: take your extensions to your hairstylist to trim, blend, and color for the most natural look. 
• Can be time consuming to install every day since there is a moderate learning curve for installation that best fits your hair in particular
• Can be hard to wear your hair up or styled without wefts/tracks showing versus wearing hair down

*An alternative to clip-in extensions would be Halo Extensions, which are also removable but are secured by clear string you simply drape over the crown of your head. These are usually available only by custom order in salons. 

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-In Hair Extensions offer a more permanent solution without a huge financial commitment compared to other extension methods. 

The wefts are usually about one to two inches apiece and secured to your hair by a very strong adhesive, similar to double-sided tape. These wefts sit flush with your hairline and are typically undetectable when first installed. You can pull your hair back in a pony or half-up-do without the worry that large wefts and clips are showing since the extension pieces are smaller and many are made to be “invisible”.

I have personally had tape-in hair extensions installed in a salon by a professional and at home, both with the help of a friend and by myself after some experience. I even went to a stylist to have the extensions I toned and installed myself blended and framed around my face – she couldn’t believe I did it myself and told me I should pursue a career in hair. That obviously didn’t happen.

Pro’s

• One of the most cost-effective professionally installed extension methods. My hair was around $300 and installation was around $200. Move-ups were also around $200. Of course, this varies per stylist. 
• Easy to DIY after ample research if you or a friend are hair savvy.
• Minimal damage to your hair when installed correctly compared to other adhesive methods.

Con’s

• Tape does not always sit flush against the head after several weeks of wear once hair starts to grow out, leaving little bits of the extension tape area peeking out of your hair. Not super common, but something to consider.
• Conditioner, oil-based hair products, and excessive heat from hot tools can break down the adhesive bond of the extension causing premature “slippage” of the extension down the shaft of your hair…or for that taped weft to completely detach.
• Cannot be removed on a whim and requires maintenance every 6-8 weeks to move up the hair shaft, so plan for 2-3 hours in a salon chair or dealing with a sticky mess at home.
• The adhesive is VERY strong and sticky. When I installed and removed my tape-in extensions it would take several washes to completely clean the roots of my hair of adhesive material. This is one benefit of seeing a professional. 
• Sometimes the weight of any “permanent” extension can give you a headache, especially the first few days after installation. OTC pain relievers come in handy for this reason!

Hand Tied Extensions

Beaded Weft, Natural Beaded Row, Hand-tied…while these terms do not all mean exactly the same thing, they are all referring to MY FAVORITE type of hair extension method – sewn-in hair extensions! This method has quickly gained popularity in the past few years and is probably the most requested method of hair extension installation. 

Beaded wefts are braid-free, adhesive-free, chemical-free hair extensions that are essentially sewn in, to be put simply. A track using thread, beads, or both is formed around your head and then wefts are sewn to that track for a seamless look.

Pro’s

• I feel like they look the most natural compared to all other extension methods, especially when grown out.
• Easy to style and pull back without wefts showing.
• Custom colored to match your natural hair seamlessly.
• An installation from an experienced hairstylist will leave you with minimal to no discomfort.

Con’s

• Sometimes the weight of any “permanent” extension can give you a headache, especially the first few days after installation. OTC pain relievers come in handy for this reason!
• Your head may be tender making it uncomfortable to sleep a few days after installation. This has not been true for me with every installation. 
• This method is likely the priciest (but well worth it in my opinion since it is the most natural-looking from installation to grow out!) Initial installation, including the price of hair, can start around $800 and cost you $2500+ depending on how many rows of hair you need. Maintenance pricing generally varies from $150-$200 per row when moving wefts up. 
• Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you will need wefts moved up every 6-10 weeks.

Hair extensions are so much fun to wear, they are an easy way to elevate your look, and can give you glowing confidence. Depending on your needs, lifestyle, and budget one type of hair extension may be best for you – but you won’t know until you try! If you are brand new to extensions, I do recommend getting used to the look, feel, and maintenance of hair extensions with simple clip-in hair extensions as I mentioned above, then navigate your way to a more semi-permanent option when you’re ready.

Have you tried hair extensions in the past? Let me know about your hair extension experience or any questions you have about extensions in the comments below!