How Do Hair Extensions Work?
Hair extensions, otherwise known as “hair weaves,” are exactly what the sound like: real or artificial hair that you can be clipped, glued, or sewn into your existing hair, adding length, fullness and the ability to style your hair exactly the way you want.
Hair extensions come in two different makes: synthetic hair and human hair. While synthetic hair mimics the appearance of human hair, it lacks the texture and volume of all-natural hair, and can not be styled with heat or washed. It’s also shinier, making it look less natural, and often comes with a pre-set style. Human hair, while more expensive, is more natural looking and versatile, and can be colored, washed and styled any way you like.
Moreover, the price of human hair extensions varies depending on the quality of the weave and how it was sourced. For example, hair that is “double drawn” indicates the manual hand process of sorting hair into its various lengths and later retying them accordingly into new bundles. This results in each new bundle formed containing only the same lengths of hair strands. As the name implies, double drawn hair will have nearly as many hair strands at one end as the other and appear much thicker and not wispy at the end. Of course, this is a very laborious process, making double drawn hair more valuable and therefore more expensive.
In the same vein, authenticated Slavic “virgin hair” is Russian hair that hasn’t been colored or processed in any way and that has been thoroughly inspected and selected by professional hair dealers. The hair is then bacteriologically cleansed and conditioned to ensure a clean and healthy head of hair which has the cuticle intact. The result: hair extensions with cuticles that are genetically identical, enabling fluid movement and a tangle-free experience. This is why authentic Slavic hair is considered the “crème de la crème” of hair extensions, exalted by world-renown hair stylist and celebrities alike.
Types of Hair Extensions
Hair extensions come in a variety of types, depending on the method by which they are integrated into your hair. These include clip-in or weft extensions (temporary methods that allow you to put them in and out each day), tape-in extensions (a semi-permanent method), and hot fusion extensions (which can be attached permanently).
Read more about each one below to determine which type is best for your needs and lifestyle:
Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-in hair extensions are among the easiest methods to take in and out on the go. Because they can be easily clipped in and styled in minutes, clip-in extensions are ideal for occasional wear or if you simply want to enhance your hair for a special event.
Weft Hair Extensions
Weft hair-extensions are another temporary method whereby strands of hair are sewn-in or braided into your existing hair using a weft. Because there is no glue, heat or chemicals involved, weft hair extensions are often referred to as the “cold-fusion method,” and is considered by many as the most comfortable extension method.
Tape-In Hair Extensions
Tape-in hair extensions come as reusable and invisible pre-taped extensions which can be applied to create instant results by adding volume and length to your existing hair. Because tape-in extensions are can be reused and easily reapplied, they are great option for those who want to add volume to fine hair on a semi-permanent basis.
Hot Fusion Extensions
Hot fusion hair extensions are attached to the natural hair using keratin, an all-natural adhesive that doesn’t cause any damage to your hair. This is a permanent method great for those who are disappointed with their own hair or who want additional hair to pull off the perfect look on a daily basis.
How To Put In Hair Extensions
How you apply your hair extensions to your hair will depend on the type of hair extension you purchase.
Clip-in hair extensions come with the clips already attached, allowing you to simply clip the wefts into your hair without professional help or additional cost. For this reason, they are the perfect solution for those looking to get longer or thicker hair, without the hassle of going to a professional salon or breaking the bank. Simply snap the clips open and clip them to the roots of your hair!
Weft hair extensions are braided in rows to create a base for the extensions, and then sewn into your hair using needle and thread. Because the weight of the panels is spread evenly over a large surface area of hair, weft hair extensions cause absolutely no damage to your hair, making it among the safest of extension methods. Normal applications take 10-30 minutes with full-length applications generally lasting 40-60 minutes.
Tape-in hair extensions are generally applied using a special adhesive tape (3-4 cm in width) which gently attach themselves to the roots of your hair. This allows for a completely natural adhesive process that should take no longer than 40 minutes to complete.
Hot fusion extensions are fitted strand by strand, and are applied using a heat connector which melts the keratin resin and fuses the extension to your natural hair at the root. The bond is then rolled to secure the extension instantly. This makes for an incredibly strong and durable hairpiece that will permanently stay in place long-term.
How Long Do Hair Extensions Last?
The lifespan of your hair extensions will depend primarily on their type, as well as other factors like how well you take care of them, what products you use in them, and how often you wear them. That said, with regular wear and appropriate care, your hair extensions should last…
- Up to 5 years(!) for clip-in hair extensions.
- 6-8 weeks for weft and tape-in hair extensions (fitting into your salon cycle).
- 12 months for hot fusion hair extensions.
How Much Do Hair Extensions Cost?
You can expect to pay anywhere from $60-$85 for synthetic hair extensions, and anywhere from $100-$500 or more for human hair extensions. Moreover, because Slavic hair is considered the “creme-de-la-creme,” of virgin human hair, it is typically sold at significantly higher price point. While other types of hair are indeed cheaper, the quality of authentic Russian hair is unparalleled, allowing you to style your hair exactly the way you want to without having to worry about it looking unnatural.
Hair by Russians slavic hair extensions range from $70-$2,100 depending on the extension type and length that you choose. Use the following price guide to determine which extension type and corresponding length is most appropriate for your budget and needs.