Your Guide to Using Hair Extensions and Why They’re Worth It

Ever wished you could transform your hair in an instant? With hair extensions, you can! No magic required.

Hair extensions are an amazing solution for wanting thicker or longer hair in an instant. From a quick style change for a special occasion to a longer-term solution for fuller hair, there’s an option to suit every lifestyle.

Tape-in hair extensions are great for a temporary look, while permanent micro-bead extensions give you lasting results without having to wait months to grow it.

Here’s your guide on the most common hair extensions and the benefits of each type.

Finding the right fit for you

There are plenty of different types of extensions. That’s good, because it can suit your every need!

Clip-in hair extensions

These are perfect for instant volume & length. They’re also quick and easy to apply and ideal for special occasions. If you want a temporary transformation, you don’t have long-term commitment or damage with this option.

Clip-in extensions come in wefts with small clips attached. You simply section your hair, clip in the wefts close to the roots, and blend them in for a seamless look. These are ideal if you love switching up your style but don’t want to wear extensions daily.

Tape-in hair extensions

Being lightweight and natural-looking, tape-in hair extensions are ideal for fine or thin hair as they lay flat against the scalp. These are semi-permanent and last for between six and eight weeks. We apply these in salon so that they’re virtually undetectable and look so natural!

Tape-in extensions are inserted between sections of your natural hair using a gentle adhesive. They’re lightweight and flexible, making them one of the most natural-looking extension types. A professional application ensures they blend perfectly.

Microbead & nano ring hair extensions

Being applied strand by strand for a natural finish, these are long-lasting and extremely low maintenance. With no heat or glue involved, they reduce hair damage and they last up to three months with proper care.

These extensions are secured using small metal beads or rings that clamp onto your natural hair. You need professional application for these, but you end up with a sensational result.

Keratin bond (fusion) hair extensions

If you’re looking for a more luxurious, long-term option, then this one could be for you, as they last between three and six months (with proper care). You get a completely natural look and feel, and it’s a semi-permanent, high-quality option.

Keratin bond extensions are attached using heat and a keratin-based glue that bonds them to your natural hair. Though they require professional application, they offer an ultra-natural, long-lasting finish.

How to apply & use hair extensions

Step 1 – Prepare your hair

For the best results, your hair needs to be clean, dry, detangled and sectioned properly before application. Use these tips to prepare your hair.

• Avoid using heavy conditioners or oils beforehand.
• Use a gentle brush or wide-tooth comb to prevent knots.
• Part your hair into horizontal sections.

Step 2 – Hair extension application

Depending on the type of extensions, the application method will vary.

• Clip-ins. Clip them onto your sections, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
• Tape-ins. A salon professional will ensure your natural hair is in between adhesive wefts.
• Microbeads/nano rings. Extensions are looped through tiny beads and secured in place.
• Keratin Bonds. Heat is applied to melt the keratin, bonding the extension to your hair.

Step 3 – Blending & styling

To ensure that the extensions look natural, blending is key for a flawless look.

• Your stylist will layer the extensions to match your haircut.
• Use a curling iron or straightener to blend natural hair with the extensions.
• Apply volumising products to add body and movement.

Instant benefit, no fuss

Here is a great summary of the pros and cons of each type of hair extension.

Clip-in extensions

Key benefits:

• Quick and easy to apply
• No salon visit needed
• Fully reusable.

Pros: You can clip them in and out yourself in minutes, they don’t damage your natural hair, and you can reuse them many times if cared for properly.

Cons: Not designed for daily wear, they can shift or feel less secure with lots of movement, and they may not blend as seamlessly on very fine or short hair.

Tape-in extensions

Key benefits:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Ideal for medium to long-term wear.

Pros: The application is relatively quick and gives a smooth, natural finish. They’re reusable with proper care and ideal for finer hair types.

Cons: They require professional application and maintenance. Oils and heavy conditioners near the roots can loosen the adhesive, and you’ll need to reapply them every 6–8 weeks.

Micro-bead extensions

Key benefits:

• No chemicals
• Reusable
• Adjustable as your hair grows.

Pros: You can easily tighten or reposition them as your natural hair changes. They last for months and are suitable for medium to thick hair.

Cons: They can feel bulky and may pull on natural hair if not properly maintained. Regular check-ins are needed to prevent tangling or bead slippage.

Nano-ring extensions

Key benefits:

• Virtually undetectable
• Gentle on the scalp.

Pros: No glue or heat is required, and the tiny rings blend easily even with fine hair. They’re comfortable and secure with the right care.

Cons: The application process is time-consuming and requires professional expertise. Regular maintenance appointments are essential to prevent matting or tangling.

Keratin bond extensions

Key benefits:

• Natural appearance
• Strong hold
• Long wear (up to 5 months).

Pros: These extensions blend seamlessly with your real hair, can be styled freely, and are highly durable.

Cons: They are not reusable and require heat to bond, which may cause damage if applied poorly. The process is also one of the most time-intensive and expensive.

You can find out more about salon service hair extensions here.

Caring for your hair extensions

Just like the natural hair on your head, your extensions need to be looked after to maintain their health. I’ve pulled together a few helpful things to assist in making sure they give you the best look and the glossiest shine.

• Use sulfate-free shampoos & conditioners to maintain longevity.
• Brush gently with a soft-bristle brush to prevent tangling.
• Avoid excessive heat styling to protect the hair.
• Tie your hair before sleeping to prevent matting throughout the night.

If you make sure that you give them proper care, your extensions will last for as long as months.

Key takeaways

• Hair extensions offer instant length, volume, and styling versatility for any hair dream.
• Choosing the right type, whether it’s clip-ins, tape-ins, microbeads, or keratin bonds, depends on your preference and lifestyle.
• Proper application from a fully-trained salon, and dedicated aftercare will ensure long-lasting, natural-looking results with healthy, gorgeous locks.

Author: Aneez Aslam is owner and founder of Petersham Hair. Aneez is a senior stylist with over 20 years of experience having worked in London, the USA, New Zealand and Australia. He has styled for photo shoots, magazines, catwalks, films and weddings.