Different Types of Hair Extensions And How to Install

February 13, 2019

Different Types of Hair Extensions And How to Install

Hair extensions are a great accessory for adding volume and/or length to hair. What’s cool about them is that they come in all different textures, lengths, and colors, and are easy to customize. Hair extensions can also be used as a protective style for growing out your natural hair if done correctly. 

When it comes to installing hair extensions, there is a bit of skill that is needed. Therefore, I recommend going to a professional, or at least have someone else do it for you if this is your first time wearing them. There are four different variations of installing hair extensions onto your head: Clip-in, Glue-in, Sew-in, and the Brazilian knot method. I will explain a little more about each.

1.  Clip-In

This method may be the easiest way to install hair extensions. Make sure you buy the actual clip-in extensions, as regular weft hair or loose bundles will not work for this method. All you need to do is part the hair into horizontal sections and apply the clips where needed. 
Pros: this method is quick to install and easy to remove 
Cons: this method can fall out just as easy as they are put in

Clip-In

2. Tape-In

This method is also simple yet risky. To do the glue-in method, you must first part the hair into horizontal sections. Be sure to place the excess portion of the hair into a neat bun. Then, following the line of your part, gently fill in the space by squeezing a small amount of professional hair glue onto the scalp. Fan the area dry for approximately five seconds before placing the flat part of the weft onto your scalp. Be careful not to squeeze so hard as controlling the movement of the glue can become a bit tricky. If the glue overflows, it will become tangled in the hair, which can be very difficult to remove.
Pros: this method is also quick to install yet more secure than clip-ins
Cons: the flow of glue can be hard to control, which can result in hair loss.

Tape-In

3.Sew-In 

This method is done using cornrow braids. To do the sew-in method, you must first part the hair into horizontal sections. Be sure to place the excess hair into a neat bun. Then, following the line of your part, create a single horizontal cornrow. If the hair is long, you will need to place the hanging part of the braid on top of the braided portion that is on the scalp. Next, you take the flat part of the weft and using a hair needle and thread, sew the hair extensions on top of the braid. You continue to do this for each part as needed. If you want the extensions to fill the entire head, you should braid the hair in a circular “basket” shape before sewing the wefts onto the braids. (please look out for a future blog post on this)
Pros: this method is a protective style for natural hair
Cons: this method does not work without braids and can take a long time to install
Sew-In

4.Brazilian Knots 

This method is perhaps the most complex and can only be done with loose bundles. The hair has to be sectioned into many small-medium sized boxes. Each portion of the sectioned hair is wrapped at the root with a piece of the hair extension. You want the pieces of hair bundle to be a bit thicker than the natural sectioned hair in each box. Continue wrapping the hair extension until it is secure. Lastly, using the hair extension, tie a knot around the natural hair and cut off any excess hair from the knot.
Pros: this method can last up to three months and the hair can be washed
Cons: this method takes a long time to install and can be costly

Brazilian Knots


Subscribe