If someone is new to the world of hair extensions, they may not know which type of hair extension is right for them. With so many different styles and terms, it can get overwhelming and difficult to choose the best hair option that suits their specific needs. Because of this, it is essential for every hairdresser to have a solid grasp of the advantages of each type of hair extension. 

However, 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 skills, 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 the 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 hair extensions are one area in which hair stylists may be susceptible to using their experience and expertise as a crutch. Clients who seek different types of hair extensions should have confidence that their stylist is able to understand and implement the extension that is right for them. 

Whether your clients want to add length or volume to their hair, the Lauren Ashtyn Collection is your go-to guide on the different types of hair extensions and installations for you and your clients! 

Human Hair Extensions vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions

Before delving further into each type of hair extension, it's critical to understand the distinction between human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions. 

Extensions made of human hair are constructed of genuine human hair from top to bottom that was obtained from a donor. Remy hair refers to hair that was collected with all of its cuticles intact and moving in the same direction. This reduces the chance of knots and tangling and guarantees that the hair extensions will stay silky and smooth for their entire lifespan.

On the flip side, synthetic hair extensions are created from a variety of synthetic, mixed fibers. These fibers, which are often made of very fine plastic, are designed to resemble actual human hair. But since synthetic hair doesn’t blend in with natural hair well, they look fake and obvious. Plus, synthetic hair is generally stiff and feels coarse to the touch. 

Unlike synthetic hair, real human hair looks and feels real, can be treated just like your normal hair, and lasts for years! 

Now that we’ve established the difference between synthetic and human hair extensions, let’s get into the different types 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. 

Sew-in hair extensions don’t work well with thin or lighter hair because the tight application method frequently strains the scalp and can feel quite heavy or painful. Since the hair is essentially stitched into your own hair and cannot be removed, this type of hair extension is the most permanent. 

However, not all hair types and conditions are able to withstand this tight braiding, so not all clients may be good candidates for sew-in extensions.

Clip-in Hair Extensions

Clip-in hair extensions have the benefit of requiring the least amount of effort to attach to the hair: they simply, as their name indicates, clip in. They are easy to remove and take about 5-15 minutes to put in at home. 

Clip-in hair extensions can be made out of synthetic hair, but most luxury hair pieces are made of real hair. This way, one can style their clip-in extensions with heat, and they will look natural and be virtually impossible to detect. 

Clip-in hair extensions are usually the best choice because they 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 heads. Clip-in hair extensions provide the best solution for this problem area.

Micro Bead Or Micro Link Hair Extensions

Micro bead or micro link hair 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.

Micro link extensions can harm the hair if they are not done appropriately by a hairstylist. If the bead is too tightly wound, it may push and tug on the hair's roots, and if it is not carefully removed, the hair can be left with knots or fall out. 

You may use the same style tools and wash them the same way you would your real hair. As the natural hair grows and the microbeads travel away from the scalp, micro link hair extensions require repositioning every two to three months.

Tape-in And Fusion Hair Extensions

Tape-in extensions use tape to add the extension to the hair. Since tape-in hair extensions must be aligned with the roots and are done using heated equipment that warms the adhesive, a hairdresser needs to apply them and reinstall them. 

Fusion hair extensions may use either hot fusion or cold fusion to attach the hair. This type of hair extension may not be appropriate for all clients because they severely damage your natural hair, therefore hair stylists usually advise against using them. 

Both methods require quite a bit of maintenance. Lots of brushing, difficulty shampooing, hair loss and shedding make these types of hair extensions tough for most customers to deal with. Each hair 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. When assisting a customer in selecting the ideal extensions for them, aspects like durability, care requirements, and upkeep are crucial.

Shop the Best Hair Extensions at the Lauren Ashtyn Collection 

At the Lauren Ashtyn Collection, our hair extensions, wigs, and hair toppers are expertly created with the best, 100% human European Remy hair and are entirely customizable in terms of color, cut, and style.

The revolutionary 4-clip method keeps the hairpiece snug and secure without harming the client's own hair. Our hairpieces are easy to apply and offer the perfect color, volume, and style. 

The Lauren Ashtyn Collection is happy to make it our mission to instantly provide each and every one of our clients with the hair of their dreams.

Find the right type of hair extension for you today!