Best Hair Extensions Methods

Hair extensions application in a hair salon — Photo: Mary Berkasova/Shutterstock

Q: I want to know the best extensions to get. Like, what is the better method to use: the weave or fusion, or if there are any others, which one is the best?

A: Each of the base methods of extension application has its own pro and con list which recommends it for different people. There is no single "best" method for everyone and the results are slightly different based on the method chosen. It really all depends on a few important factors:

1. Your budget

2. Your willingness and ability to care for the extensions

3. Your natural hair type and desired results

Your Budget

The budget is a big factor, since the cost of the different extension methods can vary dramatically. When looking at prices, remember that you are usually paying for two separate things: the labor of the stylist and the cost of the physical hair itself (such as premium Remy human hair versus synthetic or lower-grade hair).

Traditional “track and sew” methods (where your natural hair is braided flat and a weft is sewn to it) can be dramatically less costly than your average “fusion” (keratin bond) extension service. You might find a salon to give you a set of sewn-in extensions for around $150 to $300, where a full head of fusion extensions - which are painstakingly applied strand by strand - can run you in excess of $1,000 to $1,500+ at other salons.

Today, there are also highly popular middle-ground options. Tape-in extensions are relatively fast to install, lay incredibly flat, and usually fall somewhere in the middle price tier. Hand-tied or beaded-row wefts are an evolution of the traditional weave. Instead of braiding the natural hair, the stylist creates a track using tiny silicone beads and sews the weft to that, which is gentler on the scalp and looks very seamless.

Maintenance and Care

Maintenance and care is the next major hurdle. All of the extension methods are going to require some adjustment to your hair care routine. You will want to discuss with the stylist in advance what special care must be taken (and what products you will be required to use) for the particular extensions they offer. Many salons require that you use only the sulfate-free, extension-safe products they recommend or they will not warranty the extensions.

This means that unless you buy the hair care products they want you to buy, they won’t stand behind the extensions. If you have problems (like tape slipping or fusion bonds breaking down), they will refuse to correct the issue even though you may feel it was operator error that caused the problem. In some cases, the added products that are required can be an addition of $50-$75 to the cost of the service.

You must also come in for routine maintenance sessions which should be factored into your overall budget. Weaves and beaded rows need to be tightened every 6 to 8 weeks, while fusion and tape-ins require a complete removal and reinstallation after a few months.

Your Natural Hair Type

The results you want and your hair type are major considerations. Not all hair can handle all extensions. Heavy sew-in weaves can cause traction damage on very fine or thinning hair, making lightweight tape-ins or fusions a much better choice.

If you only want to have a long-hair look for a special event, you should skip semi-permanent salon methods altogether. You could simply get high-quality clip-in extensions or a wrap-on ponytail piece for a fraction of the cost, and have it done (and later, removed) within minutes.

The bottom line is you MUST research the cost and quality available in your area. Talk to local salons that offer hair extension services and ask for client references for each service type.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

Hair extensions

Getting hair extensions

How to take care of hair extensions