Five Popular Types of Hair Extension Application

I had always been interested in using hair extensions, but never interested enough to pay the price to get them. When my four-year-old daughter cut her hair, I was faced with a choice; cut her hair to the scalp or maintain extensions. Fortunately for her, I have a soft spot for her and chose the latter. Hair extensions aren’t just a way to fix a preschooler’s botched haircut, but can be used to add volume, length and even highlights. What surprised me the most, however, was how many different types of hair extension application methods there are available.

Clip-in hair extensions
Clip in hair extensions are a great, temporary way to enjoy hair extensions. Clip-in hair extensions are usually composed of a moderate to large amount of hair attached to a clip or a comb that can be placed in the hair to add volume, highlights or length. These types of extensions aren’t very versatile, but can be removed and replaced multiple times a day if desired without damaging the natural hair.

Heat fusion hair extensions
In heat fusion application of hair extensions, the extensions are applied using a special type of adhesive, typically a wax, glue or keratin adhesive. Wax adhesives can be especially concerning as waxes usually have a low melting point and can be messy and may not withstand normal activities like blow drying and curling. Adhesives can also cause a great deal of damage to the hair.

Cold fusion hair extensions
Cold fusion hair extensions are becoming a more popular choice for hair extension application. Cold fusion bonds the extensions to the hair, similar to the way heat fusion does, however, it is bonded using a special ultrasound device to create the bond. Absolutely no heat is used during a cold fusion application, so it’s much more gentler on hair. Cold fusion hair extensions can last up to six months.

Skin weft hair extensions
Skin weft hair extensions come in long, wide sections and are bonded to the uppermost part of the natural hair using a special type of tape or glue. These wefts lay flat against the natural hair and if matched carefully, they can be very hard to tell apart from the natural hair. Skin weft hair extensions are relatively easy and quick to apply and many people use these types of hair extensions in their home.

Microbead hair extensions
I chose microbead hair extensions for my daughter. Microbead hair extension application involves the use of a small metal bead with an inner silicone lining. The natural hair is threaded through the bead, the bonded end of the hair extension is place inside of the bead alongside the natural hair and a pair of pliers is used to clamp the bead. These extensions are incredible versatile and when the extensions come out, they can be reused.

More From Yahoo! Voices
My four year old has hair extensions

Three Great Natural and Toxin-Free Baby Shampoos

Five Toxic Shampoo Ingredients to Avoid