There can be a temptation among hair stylists to stick with the same tried and true methods in their practice. The temptation is understandable, and professionals in all industries are susceptible to it. As a professional, available skill, interests, materials and tastes will lend themselves toward a few methods that work best in completing a particular process. Basically, most hairstylists with enough skill and experience will come to develop a specialty. This is not a problem in and of itself. It can be very beneficial professionally to be the go-to person for a particular product or service. Hairstylists must be careful, though, to avoid several common problems that can arise as a result of being particularly good at a few things. For one, the stylist can come to use their specialties as a crutch; this can inhibit their development of the full range of skills a master stylist has at their disposal. Another problem with relying on specialties and preferences is that the needs of clients vary from one to the next. The most effective stylist will be able to assess the unique needs of a client and provide the product or service that is most well-suited for those needs. Stylists who simply provide clients with the products and services they are most comfortable with may be denying them the best hair care. Hair pieces and extensions are one area in which hair stylists may be susceptible to using their experience and expertise as a crutch. Clients seeking hair extensions should have confidence that their stylist is able to understand and implement the extension that is right for them. With that being said, here is a look at a few different methods of hair extensions.

Sew-in Extensions

Some of the benefits of sew-in hair extensions include their cost-effectiveness and easy maintenance. Sew-in extensions involve creating a base for the extensions by tightly braiding the client’s hair. Because all hair types and conditions are not equally able to withstand this tight braiding, all clients may not be good candidates for sew-in extensions.

Clip-in Extensions

Clip-in extensions have the benefit of requiring the least amount of effort to attach to the hair: they simply, as their name indicates, clip in. Clip-in extensions can be made out of synthetic hair, but most luxury hair pieces are made of real hair. One benefit of using real hair is that it can be easier to style than synthetic hair, especially when styling using heat. They also look natural and can be virtually impossible to detect. Clip-in extensions are usually the best choice in extensions to fit a wide range of clients while meeting a variety of needs. Ones made of real hair should be purchased as investments and will provide years of wear with proper care. Top piece hair extensions are for the specific purpose of providing extra thickness and volume for clients with thinning hair on the top of their head. Clip–in extensions provide the best solution for this problem area.

Micro Bead Or Micro Link Extensions

Micro bead or micro link extensions first attach silicone beads to hair and then attach the extension to the silicone bead. Additionally, they do not require the use of glue or heat to apply. They fall out easily and can leave knots in the hair when they are removed. They may last up to three months.

Tape-in And Fusion Extensions

Tape-in extensions use tape to add the extension, while fusion may use either hot fusion or cold fusion to attach hair. Both methods require quite a bit of maintenance. Lots of brushing, difficulty shampooing, hair loss and shedding make these types tough for most customers to deal with. Both of these types of extensions, as well as all other extension types on this list, have several other factors to consider as well. Each extension type has certain guidelines about hair care products to use and avoid, as well as how frequently it needs to be replaced or maintained. The more comfortable a stylist is with each type of hair extension, the better they will be able to meet the needs of their clients. Considering the longevity, ease of care, and maintenance are very important factors when helping a client choose the right extensions for them.