What Are Natural Hair Extensions?
Natural hair extensions are a kind of hair extension that is made from real human hair. Unlike synthetic hair extensions, natural hair extensions can be styled, colored, and treated just like your own hair. This makes them a popular choice for people who want to add length, volume, or color to their hair without damaging their natural hair.
Benefits of Natural Hair Extensions
- Natural look and feel: Natural hair extensions are made from real human hair, so they blend seamlessly with your own hair.
- Versatile: Natural hair extensions can be styled any way you want. This means you can get a variety of looks, from sleek and straight to voluminous and curly.
- Long-lasting: Natural hair extensions can last for up to a year with proper care.
- Damage-free: Natural hair extensions are not glued or sewn into your hair, so they do not damage your natural hair.
Types of Natural Hair Extensions
There are a variety of types of natural hair extensions available, including:
- Clip-in: Clip-in hair extensions are the easiest to apply and remove. They are simply clipped into your hair and can be taken out at the end of the day.
- Tape-in: Tape-in hair extensions are a little more difficult to apply than clip-in extensions, but they are more secure and can last for up to 8 weeks.
- Sew-in: Sew-in hair extensions are the most permanent type of hair extensions. They are sewn into your natural hair and can last for up to 6 months.
- Fusion: Fusion hair extensions are the most expensive type of hair extensions, but they are also the most comfortable and natural-looking. The extensions are bonded to your natural hair with a keratin bond.
How to Choose the Right Hair Extensions
Choosing the right hair extensions depends on your hair type, lifestyle, and desired results. Here are a few things to consider:
- Hair type: Natural hair extensions come in a variety of textures, including straight, wavy, curly, and coily. Choose a texture that matches your own hair type for the most natural look.
- Lifestyle: If you are active or live in a humid climate, you may want to choose a shorter hair extension that is less likely to get tangled or blow away.
- Desired results: Consider what you want to achieve with your hair extensions. Do you want to add length, volume, or color? Choose a hair extension that will help you achieve your desired results.
How to Apply Natural Hair Extensions
The process of applying natural hair extensions varies depending on the type of extension you choose. Here are some general tips:
- Start with clean hair: Your hair should be clean and free of products before you apply hair extensions.
- Detangle your hair: Use a wide-toothed comb to remove any tangles from your hair.
- Section your hair: Divide your hair into sections to make the application process easier.
- Apply the extensions: Follow the instructions that come with your hair extensions for application.
- Blend the extensions: Once the extensions are applied, blend them with your own hair using a brush or comb.
How to Care for Natural Hair Extensions
Natural hair extensions require special care to keep them looking their best. Here are a few tips:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner: Sulfates can strip away the natural oils from your hair and extensions, making them dry and brittle.
- Avoid heat styling: Heat styling can damage your hair and extensions. Let your hair air dry or use a low heat setting on your styling tools.
- Brush your hair regularly: Brush your hair gently with a wide-toothed comb to remove tangles.
- Trim your hair regularly: Trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft of the hair and damaging the extensions.
How to Remove Natural Hair Extensions
Removing natural hair extensions is important, particularly if they are clip-in extensions. Here are a few tips:
- Start with clean hair: Your hair should be clean and free of products before you remove hair extensions.
- Detangle your hair: Use a wide-toothed comb to remove any tangles from your hair.
- Remove the extensions: Follow the instructions that come with your hair extensions for removal.
- Condition your hair: Once the extensions are removed, condition your hair to restore moisture.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks for using natural hair extensions:
- Use a heat protectant spray: When using heat styling tools on your hair extensions, be sure to use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
- Avoid over-washing: Over-washing your hair extensions can strip away the natural oils and make them dry and brittle. Wash your extensions every 2-3 days or as needed.
- Use a wide-toothed comb: Use a wide-toothed comb to brush your hair extensions to prevent tangles.
- Trim your hair regularly: Trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft of the hair and damaging the extensions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when using natural hair extensions:
- Using too much heat: Using too much heat on your hair extensions can damage them and make them dry and brittle.
- Over-washing: Over-washing your hair extensions can strip away the natural oils and make them dry and brittle.
- Brushing too often: Brushing your hair extensions too often can cause them to become tangled and matted.
- Not caring for your extensions properly: Natural hair extensions require special care to keep them looking their best. Follow the tips above to keep your extensions looking their best.
FAQs
Q: How long do natural hair extensions last?
A: Natural hair extensions can last for up to a year with proper care.
Q: How much do natural hair extensions cost?
A: The cost of natural hair extensions varies depending on the type of extension, the length, and the texture. Clip-in extensions typically cost between $100-$200, while tape-in extensions can cost between $200-$400.
Q: Can I color natural hair extensions?
A: Yes, natural hair extensions can be colored just like your own hair. However, it is important to use a colorist who is experienced in coloring hair extensions.
Q: Can I swim with natural hair extensions?
A: Yes, you can swim with natural hair extensions. However, it is important to rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming to remove chlorine and salt.
Q: Can I use heat styling tools on natural hair extensions?
A: Yes, you can use heat styling tools on natural hair extensions. However, it is important to use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
Tables
Type of Extension | Price | Length | Texture |
---|---|---|---|
Clip-in | $100-$200 | 12-24 inches | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
Tape-in | $200-$400 | 12-24 inches | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
Sew-in | $300-$600 | 12-24 inches | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
Fusion | $400-$800 | 12-24 inches | Straight, wavy, curly, coily |
Hair Type | Texture |
---|---|
Straight | No texture |
Wavy | Slight waves |
Curly | Defined curls |
Coily | Tight, springy curls |
Desired Result | Extension Type |
---|---|
Add length | Clip-in, tape-in, sew-in, fusion |
Add volume | Clip-in, tape-in, sew-in, fusion |
Add color | Clip-in, tape-in, sew-in, fusion |
Care Tip | Benefit |
---|---|
Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner | Prevents dryness and brittleness |
Avoid heat styling | Prevents damage |
Brush your hair regularly | Removes tangles |
Trim your hair regularly | Prevents split ends |