Are you planning to have hair extensions? Then note that you have numerous options, so before starting to shop, you have to research each one and figure out which among them is suitable for you. To make your shopping experience more fun and hassle-free, we have put together a short buying guide that will surely boost your chance of making a sound and wise choice.
If you are not yet familiar with hair extensions then take note that they refer to strands of synthetic or real hair that you can install on your existing natural hair by gluing, clipping or fusing them. You can use them to lengthen your hair without having to wait for a long time to let it grow naturally.
Choosing and buying one requires careful consideration of some important factors, though, including the following:
Before buying a hair extension, make sure that you have already calculated the exact length you specifically need. One thing to take note of is that hair extensions will be connected to the middle part of your hair. With that said, measure your hair’s length starting from the center to the tips.
You should then add the specific number of inches you prefer. This computation will roughly give you an idea about the specific length that is ideal for you. Remember, though, that the central part of your hair is fully dependent on its type and the length of your neck and torso. With that, make it a point to consult your stylist and ask for length recommendations before starting to shop.
Another important consideration is whether you should go for the permanent or the temporary hair extensions. Your choice should depend on the specific manner you intend to use and wear them (ex. your installation preferences and actual budget). Remember that technically, all hair extensions are “temporary” but the ones that fall under the permanent category are useful for two to three months without the need for any adjustment because of natural hair growth.
Meanwhile, short-term or temporary hair extensions are ideal for use on a daily basis or for special occasions or events only. The ones you can use daily should also be removed at night. These temporary hair extensions often include the clip-in and the flip-in types. The clip-in hair extension is ideal for you if your main goal is to increase the volume and length of your natural hair.
You can go for the flip-in if you are not after volume that much. It is because this type focuses more on increasing the length of your hair. What is good about the two permanent hair extension options is that you can easily and quickly install them. It is even possible to attach them within one to ten minutes. You can choose any of these short-term or temporary extensions as convenient daily wear or during special occasions.
Permanent hair extensions, on the other hand, are your best bet if you do not want to deal with the hassle of having to remove them every night. They are not literally permanent but they are surely made to last for a much longer time than the temporary extensions.
There are several methods for you to attach these permanent extensions – among which are through tape, glue, rings, and loops. Expect these to last from one to two months but you can further lengthen their lifespan with proper care. You can go for the permanent type if you prefer to wear your extensions for a longer period.
It is also advisable to make your decision based on whether you should go for the natural or synthetic hair extensions. Synthetic hair extensions are usually created using plastic hair. This is usually the one you can see being used in doll hair and wigs. One thing you have to know about synthetic extensions is that you do not have the option to curl, straighten, style, or color them.
The good news is that it is more affordable than the natural hair extensions. However, it also tends to tangle easily. Most synthetic extensions are also very shiny, causing them to look unnatural. Meanwhile, natural hair extensions, also referred to as human hair extensions, are natural-looking, causing many people to prefer such options over the synthetic version.
One advantage of human hair extensions is that you can treat them just like your natural hair. If you are someone who visits the salon regularly, then you can choose this option and pick one made out of virgin hair as this is considered as the best choice of natural extensions. It is a great choice since you can style and color it as you wish.
Picking the most suitable hair extension for you is also all about selecting the right color. You need to pick the correct color match when choosing a hair extension. It is because a mismatched hair color might only appear jarring and make it too obvious that you are wearing an extension. Fortunately, it is not that hard to pick the one that suits you the most as there are several choices for colors.
As much as possible, find one that perfectly matches the color of your natural hair. If you have a hard time finding a matching color then you may consider having your hair colored professionally or at home. After that, you can buy a hair extension that perfectly matches it.
Aside from the hair color, it is also important to look for the right texture. Note that hair extensions are available in curly, wavy, and straight versions. When making your choice, find that type and texture that perfectly fits your present hair. Consider your usual hairstyle, too. If you often use a flat-iron or curl your hair then pick a hair extension, which is heat-resistant.
Of course, you also need to consider the cost of hair extensions. You should have an idea of how much it costs prior to making your final purchase. You wouldn’t want to get an overpriced extension but you should also avoid extremely low-priced ones as this might indicate poor quality. To give you an idea, most real hair extensions are quite pricey. A partial set will most likely cost around $400 to $800. You may also need to spend around $1,300 to $1,600 for a full head.
In case you intend to add length to your hair and fill it out, expect to pay around $1,600 to $4,000. If you want to do not want to spend too much on the extensions then go for synthetic extensions. Some of these synthetic extensions, like the hair flips and the clip-on, do not cost that much. While it is still preferable to go for the real or natural extensions, you can still pick the synthetic type if you have a limited budget.
Hair extensions are among the best solutions to having the kind of hair you want. However, you can’t just buy one blindly. It is crucial to study all your options and consider all important factors that contribute a lot to finding the most appropriate choice. By doing that, your chances of investing in a hair extension that perfectly suits your personality and budget will grow exponentially.
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