Individual Hair Extensions -- For the ExpertWhat it is: Individual hair extension pieces attached to similarly small sections of your hair closely to the roots. Installation can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the type of style desired. Once styled, they can last for eight to 12 weeks.
Variations: Individual hair extension pieces can be attached using micro links or beads that are clamped onto the hair shaft. The inside of the bead has grooves that grip onto your hair. This technique does not include bonding, glue, wax or any other type of product and will not harm your natural hair follicles.
Another type, fusion hair extensions, are bonded directly to your natural hair shaft using keratin protein bonds (Typically, this is the more damaging, but also the faster, more natural-looking, alternative).
Pros: Blends evenly with your hair, feels most natural of all the techniques, and works great when doing a lot of updo and braid styling.
Cons: Can be extremely damaging to your natural hair, installation can take hours at a time, removal and tightening time can be lengthy, and a professional stylist is required.
How to do it: Stylists will take small sections of your hair and apply the extension piece as closely to the root as possible. Typically around 20-50 individual pieces are attached to each hair section.
Tips: Get a professional stylist to also remove your extensions for minimal damage.
Get it if: You have thin hair and want thickness and added volume in a way that's natural-looking.
Ready to unleash your inner beauty junkie?
Enter your email and check the boxes below to get
free samples, exclusive deals, discounts at Total Beauty Shops,
and expert beauty tips delivered straight to your inbox!