Gimme Volume! The Pros and Cons of Hair Extensions For Long-Term Use

Gimme Volume! The Pros and Cons of Hair Extensions For Long-Term Use

Hello Everyone,

Looking for a little extra hair volume? Who isn’t! Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of hair extensions and your hair health.

Thinking of getting hair extensions?

Hair extensions are a big industry; a lot of thought goes into the process so people can have the hair of their dreams.

The quality differs depending on what class of hair you buy. There are synthetic ones, but the best ones are real human hair. But, that’s a whole different subject.

We’ll distinguish the pros and cons of hair extensions today, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of its different types. Read on to find out which are the best ones for long-term use.

1. Pros and Cons of Hair Extensions

Hair extensions, in general, can solve most of your hair problems. A few of their benefits are:

• Add body to thin hair
• Gives you more hair for hairstyling
• Boosts your self-confidence

There aren’t many overall drawbacks to using hair extensions. Most of it is due to a bad application; they:

• Can be noticeable
• Can be damaging to hair

Another drawback is its price; you might have to shell out a few hundred bucks to get quality hair extensions.

Not all hair extensions are the same, however; the pros and cons of hair extensions vary by type. Tape-in types might have more pros for you than hand tied extensions, for instance.

If you’re using it for long-term use, you must study these carefully before settling on one. Let’s learn the advantages and disadvantages of each type below.

2. Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-in hair extensions come in wefts that – you guessed it – you tape between your natural hair.

Pros

First, here’s a quick view of its pros:

• Fast and easy to apply (30 to 60 minutes)
• Less damaging to hair
• Lasts 4 to 6 weeks
• Is reusable

It’s less damaging to your hair because it doesn’t need heat or chemicals for application. The tape lies flat, too, and distributes the weight over a larger area, which reduces the pull on natural hair.

You can reuse the hair extensions themselves by dissolving the old tape and using new ones, which allows you to extend its lifespan.

Cons

The tape can slip if you use silicone- or oil-based shampoo and other hair products. For this reason, it’s not advisable for swimmers.

You also can’t do any activity that might cause you to sweat for the first 48 hours after application. You shouldn’t wet your hair during this period, as well.

3. Clip-In Hair Extensions

These hair extensions have clips woven into the ends of the wefts; you apply them by clipping them onto your hair.

Pros

The greatest advantage of clip-in hair extensions is that it’s easy to apply and take out. You don’t need the help of a professional once you get the hang of it.

For this reason, they:

• Are applicable for daily use
• Give you versatility
• Don’t give you commitment

You can even buy multiple wefts in different colors to change up your style now and then.

Cons

Their advantage can become a disadvantage, though. It can be time-consuming if you have to put them on every day. You can’t sleep with them on, so you have to remove them at the end of the day.

Aside from that, they’re:

• Bulky, not suitable for thin hair
• Not good for up-dos hairstyles
• Not that stable

You’ll have to constantly take them in and out, too, which might affect their lifespan.

4. Sewn-In Weave Hair Extensions

This method involves braiding some sections of your hair into cornrows. A professional then sews in the hair extensions with a needle and cotton thread.

Take a look at the pros and cons of sewn-in hair extensions below.

Pros

Many people are willing to go through the long hours of weaving because of the benefits. Some benefits include:

• Secure and stable hair
• They add a ton of volume
• Lasts for up to 3 months
• They don’t have visible gaps
• Weaving makes the hair okay with silicone- and oil-based hair products

They look natural too because they don’t create visible gaps. You get that natural bouncy hair, which makes it great for those with thick hair.

Cons

You have to sacrifice a lot of things to achieve a natural look. For example, they can:

• Take long to apply (several hours)
• Not recommended for fine hair
• Need a professional to apply and remove
• Have bulky cornrows
• Require a lot of maintenance
• Can be painful

If the braids are tight, it can cause pain. The hair extensions might also weigh down, which adds pressure. This is the right recipe for the development of traction alopecia.

If you don’t maintain them the right way, your scalp might develop a bacterial infection, too.

5. Fusion Hair Extensions

The fusion method requires a well-trained professional as it involves chemicals and techniques not everyone can do. It has two types: hot and cold.

Hot Fusion Pros and Cons

Hot fusion hair extensions feature a keratin U-tip bond and silicone. Using this, a professional will attach the extensions to the root of your hair.

With this, the hair extensions:

• Can last for up to 6 months with proper care
• Look natural after the keratin dries clear
• Are suitable for thick and coarse hair

Still, you have to note that they:

• Take up to 8 hours to apply
• Can cause damage if done incorrectly
• Aren’t reusable

You might also experience some discomfort in the days following the treatment.

Cold Fusion Pros and Cons

This method uses a keratin-based polymer that’s pre-applied to the hair extensions. A special tool then attaches them to your hair. Aside from the lack of heat, they:

• Reduce hair damage
• Can be as close to the roots as possible
• Blend well with your natural hair
• Can last for 6 to 12 months with proper care
• Are reusable

With all those advantages, however, they also come with a few disadvantages in that they:

• Take up to 6 hours to apply
• Might be noticeable if not applied properly
• Not suitable for thin hair
• Are not as secure, may slip
• Can cause damage by heating the metal bonds

Like in hot fusion, you may also experience some discomfort after the application.

Choose the Right Type of Hair Extensions for You

Study the pros and cons of hair extensions and the types with care before committing. Most of your options above have semi-long commitments, so you have to be wise.

But why stop with hair extensions? If you are looking for more fashion and beauty tips, don’t go without exploring more of our blog posts today. We have all the tips and tricks for you to discover!