What Are the Different Types of Hair Extensions?

Clip-ins, tape-ins, weaves, pre-bonded, fusion, micro-link… what do they all mean? With so many different styles of hair extensions, it can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the world of extensions. While HazuHair Extensions offers 100% Remy and Raw human hair clip-ins, there are many other types available. We’re here to break down the different kinds of hair extensions to help clear up any confusion and guide you in choosing the right one for your needs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of hair extensions to help simplify the choices and help you make the best decision for your hair needs. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive right in!

Real Human Hair Extensions vs. Synthetic Hair Extensions

Before diving into the different methods of applying hair extensions, it’s essential to understand the two main types: real human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions. So, what’s the difference between the two?

How Hair Extensions Are Made

Human hair extensions are exactly as they sound—made from real human hair, collected from a donor, with all the cuticles intact and aligned in the same direction. This alignment ensures smoothness, minimal tangling, and a natural look throughout the lifespan of the extensions.

Synthetic hair, however, is created from various blended synthetic fibers and contains no human hair. These fibers are often plastic-like and are designed to mimic the appearance of real hair.

Look & Feel

Both real and synthetic extensions come in a variety of styles, colors, and application methods. However, synthetic hair often feels stiff, may not move naturally, and may have a coarse or wiry texture. On the other hand, real human hair extensions look and feel like natural hair because they are natural, which makes them blend seamlessly with your own hair.

Coloring & Styling

Human hair extensions can be treated just like your own hair—you can style them with heat tools, color them, and use hair products on them. However, synthetic hair cannot be colored (as most dyes contain ammonia or bleach that can damage the fibers), nor can it be styled with heat tools, as heat can cause the synthetic hair to melt or become damaged. Additionally, synthetic hair is more vulnerable to damage from the sun, friction, and harsh products.

Quality & Durability

While synthetic hair is more affordable than real human hair, it doesn’t last as long and is more prone to damage. Synthetic extensions typically last only a few months, whereas human hair extensions can last over a year with proper care. Real human hair extensions, like HazuHair remy extensions, maintain their silky, natural feel and durability, lasting much longer than synthetic options.

In summary, real human hair extensions blend naturally, can be styled and treated like your own hair, and have a much longer lifespan. While synthetic hair is cheaper, it doesn’t look as natural, can’t be styled with heat, and has a shorter lifespan.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of real vs. synthetic hair, let’s explore the various extension application methods!

Types of Hair Extensions

1. Clip-in Hair Extensions

What Are They?

Clip-in wefts, also known as clip-in hair extensions, are pre-attached hair strands designed for easy, at-home use. Each weft comes with a base made of fabric or silicone, to which small, secure clips are attached. You simply snap the clips open, place them along your natural hair, and snap them shut. This process takes just 5–15 minutes, making it one of the quickest ways to add volume and length.

Clip-ins are the least permanent type of hair extensions because they can be easily removed and reapplied whenever you like. They also cause the least damage to your natural hair since they don’t require heat, chemicals, or pressure during application. This makes clip-ins a popular choice for those who want flexibility without harming their hair.

Treatment

Just like with other types of extensions, clip-in hair extensions come in both synthetic and real human hair varieties, but we highly recommend human hair for its natural look and versatility.

Human hair clip-ins are low maintenance and need to be washed only after 15–20 wears or when there’s noticeable product buildup. Caring for them is simple—just brush, shampoo, and condition as you would your natural hair, then let them air dry. You can curl, straighten, or even color human hair clip-ins, though it’s recommended to use a lower heat setting when styling and always apply a heat protectant. For more detailed care instructions, check out our tips on washing, heat styling, and coloring clip-in hair extensions.

How Long Do They Last?

The lifespan of clip-in hair extensions depends on how well you take care of them and how frequently you wear them. With proper care, they can last anywhere from 3–6 months to a year, or even longer. Regular maintenance and proper product use will help extend the life of your extensions.

At HazuHair, we offer a variety of clip-in extensions, including Classic (fabric weft), Seamless (silicone weft), and Halo hair extensions, all made from 100% Remy human hair for a natural, seamless look.

2. Tape-In Hair Extensions

What Are They?

Tape-in hair extensions are just what the name suggests—extensions that come pre-taped and are applied by sandwiching your natural hair between two adhesive wefts. While you can technically apply tape-ins at home, it’s typically recommended to have a professional hairdresser do it.

The process involves aligning the extensions with your roots and using a heated tool to activate the adhesive, ensuring a secure fit. Removal also requires professional glue remover, and the extensions can be reused if they are in good condition. The entire application process takes about 40 minutes to an hour.

While tape-ins provide a semi-permanent solution, it’s important to note that applying heat and adhesive near your roots can potentially cause some damage to your natural hair over time.

Treatment

When it comes to caring for tape-in extensions, you’ll need to be cautious with hair products, particularly conditioners or oils, as they can weaken the adhesive, causing the extensions to slip or fall out.

To avoid this, many hairstylists recommend using specialized, less oily shampoos, conditioners, and styling products designed for tape-in extensions. You can style the hair just as you would your natural hair since they are typically made from human hair, but you should always be mindful of the adhesive near the roots.

How Long Do They Last?

Tape-in extensions are considered a semi-permanent option, lasting 4–8 weeks before they need to be reapplied. As with other types of extensions, their longevity depends on how well you care for them and how quickly your natural hair grows. Regular maintenance is key to extending their lifespan.

3. Sew-In Hair Extensions/Weave

What Are They?

Sew-in hair extensions, also known as a weave, are applied by first braiding your natural hair into cornrows and then sewing the extensions onto the braids using a needle and thread. This method is most commonly used by individuals with thicker hair, as the process requires a sturdy base to support the extensions. The application process can take several hours and involves tightly braiding the hair, which can sometimes cause tension on the scalp and may feel heavy or uncomfortable, especially for those with thinner hair.

Sew-ins require an experienced hairdresser for proper installation since it’s a technical process that must be done professionally. This method also comes in the form of wigs, where the wig is sewn onto cornrows for a secure and seamless look. Sew-ins are popular because they are one of the most permanent and natural-looking methods, as the hair is literally sewn into your own hair and won’t easily come off.

Treatment

Caring for sew-in extensions involves regularly moisturizing your scalp, nape, and hair edges at least once a week to avoid dryness and maintain scalp health. It’s also recommended to use deep conditioning treatments and protein-rich products to nourish both your natural hair and the extensions, helping to minimize damage. Like other hair extensions, weaves can come in either synthetic or real hair, but most are made of real hair since they are often worn for longer periods.

How Long Do They Last?

Sew-in extensions should be removed every 6–8 weeks to maintain healthy hair, especially if you’re aiming for natural hair growth. The maximum time a full weave should be kept in is about 4 months, as keeping it in any longer can hinder your natural hair’s growth and cause breakage. Regular maintenance and proper care will help ensure your sew-in extensions look great while keeping your natural hair healthy.

4. Fusion & Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions

What Are They?

Fusion hair extensions, also known as pre-bonded extensions, are applied by bonding individual strands of hair to your natural hair using adhesives like keratin glue.There are various names for this method, including Pre-Bonded, Nail Tip, U-Tip, and Flat Tip, but they all refer to the same application technique. The term “Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions” comes from the pre-tipped keratin bond at the top of each strand, meaning the hair has already been bonded before application, unlike loose hair used during a fitting.

Pre-bonded extensions are applied using a heat gun that melts the small keratin bond to a section of the client’s natural hair. Once melted, the keratin is rolled between the technician’s fingers to fuse and cool into a solid bond.

The process can take around 3-4 hours and must be done by a professional hairdresser. This method may not be suitable for everyone, as it can cause damage to natural hair, and your stylist might advise against it depending on your hair’s condition. The application is performed with either a hot glue gun-like tool or a heat clamp that melts the adhesive, fusing the extensions to small sections of your natural hair.

Treatment

Once applied, fusion or pre-bonded hair extensions can be treated similarly to your own hair, allowing you to use the same products and styling tools. However, the extensions will need to be repositioned every 2-3 months as your hair grows. It’s important to note that the chemicals in the glue can sometimes cause issues such as hair breakage, scalp irritation, and even hair loss.

How Long Do They Last?

Fusion extensions are considered semi-permanent, lasting up to 4 months before they need to be removed or repositioned. The lifespan of the extensions depends on how fast your natural hair grows and how well you care for them. Regular maintenance and gentle care are essential to prevent damage and ensure the extensions stay in good condition.

5. Microlink Hair Extensions

What Are They?$

Microlink hair extensions, also known as micro bead or micro loop extensions, involve attaching small wefts of hair to sections of your natural hair using tiny silicone-lined beads. A special tool is used to secure and tighten the bead, holding the extensions in place.

Although this method doesn’t require heat or glue, improper installation by a professional can lead to damage. If the bead is tightened too much, it can cause stress and pulling at the roots, potentially leading to hair loss if not removed correctly. The application process typically takes around 2–4 hours.

Treatment

Microlink extensions can be washed and styled just like your natural hair, and the same hair products can be used. However, as with fusion extensions, they need re-positioning every 2–3 months as your natural hair grows and the beads move away from the scalp.

How Long Do They Last?

Microlink extensions are semi-permanent and can last for up to 4 months with proper care.

6. Wigs & Hair Pieces

What Are They?

Wigs and hair pieces are versatile hair solutions that are applied on top of your natural hair. Full wigs cover the entire head and were historically referred to as “head coverings.” This category includes popular styles like lace fronts or netting, which describe the construction method of the wig. Wigs serve as a replacement for your natural hair, offering full coverage and are often used for reasons like hair loss, balding, or simply for a style change.

Hair pieces, on the other hand, are smaller and designed to enhance specific areas of your hair. They often come in the form of buns, ponytails, or extensions to add volume or cover thinning sections. For example, a hair piece can help create a fuller ponytail or add thickness to specific areas, giving you a fresh new style without altering your natural hair permanently.

Treatment

Wigs and hair pieces require careful maintenance, especially when it comes to washing. If they are made from real human hair, they can be treated similarly to natural hair, but synthetic pieces demand extra caution. Since full wigs and hair pieces are often attached to non-hair materials like plastic, it’s important to adjust your washing routine to avoid damaging the base.

How Long Do They Last?

The longevity of wigs and hair pieces depends largely on whether they are made from real or synthetic hair. Real human hair wigs can last up to a year with proper care, while smaller synthetic hair pieces tend to have a shorter lifespan, typically lasting around one month.

Still unsure which hair extensions are right for you? Take our quiz below to find your perfect match! We’d also love to hear about your experiences with hair extensions—feel free to drop us a line at hazuhairvietnam@gmail.com.

If you’re looking to purchase any type of wigs or hair extensions, look no further than Hazuhair! We offer an extensive selection of styles to suit every preference, including straight, wavy, curly, and kinky textures.

Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, polished look or playful, voluminous curls, we have something for everyone. Our products come in a variety of stunning colors, ranging from classic shades like black and blonde to vibrant hues like red and unique mixed colors that allow you to express your individuality.

At Hazuhair, we understand that hair is not just an accessory; it’s an essential part of your identity and self-expression. That’s why we prioritize quality, ensuring that all our hair extensions and wigs are made from the finest materials for a natural look and feel.

Plus, our dedicated team is here to assist you in finding the perfect match for your style and needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any inquiries or to explore our fabulous range of products.

Contact HazuHair – Raw Vietnamese Hair Supplier

• Hair Factory: Tan Son 2 Village, Tan Dinh, Lang Giang, Bac Giang Province, Vietnam
• Hotline: +849 4949 3883
• Whatsapp Mrs ThanhLam: https://wa.me/84949493883
• Website: https://hazuhair.com