The hair extension market is worth over $4 billion. Meanwhile, experts estimate the market’s value will grow 2x over the next seven years, reaching nearly $8 billion by 2029. As a result, hair extensions are a hot commodity.
If you are considering hair extensions, you are in good company. After all, hair extensions make up a billion-dollar industry and can’t be for anything! Still, professional extensions have benefits over DIY ones.
The best hair extensions are those you get from a licensed cosmetologist. Hair salon professionals have the experience and expertise to make your extensions last longer, look better, and feel more natural.
But what are the benefits of professional hair extensions? And when should you consider these services in Royal Oaks, Houston? We are answering these questions and more next, so keep reading.
DIY vs. Professional Hair Extensions: What’s the Difference?
Most professional hair extensions are bonded hair extensions, though tape-ins and sew-ins also require professional installment. Meanwhile, most DIY hair extensions are clip-ins or halo hair extensions.
To truly understand the distinction between the two, you need to know about the different types of hair extensions.
Types of Hair Extensions
There are five types of hair extensions:
- Clip-ins
- Tape-ins
- Sew-ins
- Bonded extensions
- Halo extensions
Clip-in extensions are synthetic or human hair attached to a clip-in comb. You can add each piece (called a weft) to your natural hair. To remove clip-ins, you unsnap the comb from your hairline.
Tape-in extensions are similar to clip-ins. The difference is that a licensed cosmetologist would adhere the wefts to your scalp with glue. The glue is medical-grade, so it will not harm the health of your scalp or hair.
Sew-ins are also known as weaves. Professional cosmetologists usually install weaves, though many women learn how to DIY these extensions. The hair must be braided down before sewing each weave weft using a needle and thread.
Bonded extensions are also known as fusion extensions. Professionals apply bonded extensions using medical-grade glue, heat, or keratin to adhere individual extensions to your natural hair.
Halo extensions are even more accessible to put on than clip-ins. These extensions feature one large piece of hair attached to a wire or string. The wire fits perfectly on the crown of your head, and the rest of your hair lays over the top.
The Benefits of Getting Professional Hair Extensions
Clip-in and halo hair extensions are super easy to use. So, why would you ever consider getting extensions from a professional salon?
Though easy to install, DIY hair extensions differ from professional ones regarding the following factors.
They Are Long-Lasting
DIY hair extensions are designed to be removed at will. You can not shower with them, and it is best to remove them before bed. Professional hair extensions are the way to go if you want a more permanent solution.
For example, professional weaves can last at least a month or two. Tape-in extensions last an average of six weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair.
Fusion extensions are the type of extensions that last the longest of all of the other extension types. On average, you can keep professional bonded extensions for three to four months. However, taking good care of your bonded extensions can increase their lifespan to six months.
They Are Natural-Looking
Even the most confident extension DIYers get professional services sometimes. Going to a professional is the best way to get natural-looking extensions.
What is more, the types of extensions you can get from a licensed cosmetologist are the least noticeable. For example, Keratin fusion extensions are usually considered the most natural-looking type of extensions.
Of course, this also depends on other factors. For example, real human hair clip-ins may look more natural than synthetic bonded extensions. For the best results, choose virgin human hair for your bonded extensions.
They Are Low Maintenance
Getting professional hair extensions may take a few hours in the salon. But once your cosmetologist is finished, there is little you have to do to maintain your new look, especially compared to other types of extensions.
With DIY hair extensions, you have to remove the wefts each time you shower or go to sleep. You also have to brush your extensions in a specific way to avoid pulling hair from the wefts.
Bonded hair extensions are different. You wash them, sleep in them, and, as we’ll discuss next, style them like your normal hair. The only thing you can not do in fusion extensions is swim in chlorinated pools while wearing them.
They Are Like Real Hair
As long as you do not apply heat to the bonded portion, you use the same hair treatment on extensions as your natural hair. You can dye, cut, straighten, curl, and professional style extensions.
With clip-ins and halo extensions, you have to style, color, or cut each weft. This process can take up a ton of unnecessary time. Instead, you can simultaneously style, cut, and use professional color extensions as your natural hair.
However, there are a few things you can not use on bonded extensions. For example, avoid using oil-based products and sulfate-containing shampoos to prevent damaging the bonded part of your extensions.
When to Get Professional Extensions
Many women get professional extensions for day-to-day wear. Extensions add volume and the appearance of thickness to thin hair, improves the length of short hair, and even hide split ends between trims.
Wearing hair extensions every day can also speed up style time. You can get your extensions pre-styled or style them yourself. They can even help you cover up a bad haircut while it grows out.
Yet, only some people want to wear professional extensions all the time. If that sounds like you, you may wonder: why should I get professional hair extensions? Here are the top three reasons to consider professional extensions.
To Achieve Your Desired Haircut
Have you ever asked your cosmetologist for a particular haircut? If so, you may have experienced disappointment when told your hair does not have the length or volume to pull it off.
Luckily, hair extensions can help you avoid this problem. You can add extensions to achieve your desired length or thickness. However, remember that you can only do this if you get professional extensions.
Want to try the viral butterfly cut (AKA the wolf cut)? First, you need medium-to-long hair length. If you do not want to wait for your hair to grow, you can add extensions to achieve your desired haircut.
Have you always wanted a blunt bob? They tend to work best on thicker hair types. Instead of praying for more hair volume, get professional extensions to add thickness to your do.
Updos for Brides, Quinceaneras, and Prom
Women with short or thin hair are often disappointed with the types of updos available for their hair type. After all, updos work best on longer, thicker hair. This is why many hair stylists recommend using extensions for updos.
Extensions can also add bulk to the hair. That way, your stylist can add pretty extras like braids, ringlets, colorful strands, and twists to your updo without taking away from the main attraction.
But the type of hair extensions you need depends on the updo you want to achieve. For example, full updos are best when done with fusion extensions. Sew-ins, tape-ins, and even clip-ins are better for half-up-half-down styles.
You can also consider less-permanent hair pieces for your wedding, prom night, or quinceanera updo. For example, your stylist can use a clip-in ponytail or bun made from real human hair for a quick, easy, and affordable look.
To Add Color Without Damaging Your Hair
Nearly all hair color products will damage your hair in some way. After all, they work by altering the hair cuticle permanently and irreversibly. As most blondes know, going lighter is even more damaging to your hair.
If you are craving a hair color switch-up, though, you can try colored extensions instead. Your local salon can dye real human hair extensions in any color you can dye your own hair.
You can also add stylish pieces of colorful extensions to your natural do. Or, if you like the trendy money-piece look that is going viral this year, get two blonde extensions added to the front of your hairline.
Considering a perm? You can also test out different hair types and textures using extensions. And the best part is that you will never have to alter or damage your natural hair.
Hair Extension FAQs
At Salon Efrain in Royal Oaks, Houston, we get a lot of questions about hair extensions. Now that we’ve explained everything you need to know about professional extensions, we wanted to help answer more of your questions.
Check out some of the top questions we get from clients at our salon next.
How Long Do Hair Extensions Take?
Hair extensions take anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours to apply. The exact time depends on what type of extensions you are getting. It also depends on whether you apply for the extensions yourself or go to a pro.
Clip-ins and halo extensions take mere minutes to install. However, if you are new to extensions, you may have to spend a bit more time getting your look right. A professional can help speed up the process.
Tape-ins, weaves, and bonded extensions take longer. A full head of tape-ins can take anywhere from 30 minutes to up to an hour. Bonded extensions and weaves can take 2–3 hours to install.
Which Type of Hair Extension Is Best?
The best hair extensions depend on your needs. If you want semi-permanent extensions, go to your local salon. Fused extensions last the longest, though tape-ins and sew-ins also stay in for at least a month.
If you want the most natural-looking extensions, you should also consider seeing a professional. Professional hair extensions adhere to your scalp or hair root. That way, they are virtually impossible to detect.
But what if you want extensions that you can remove at will? Clip-in extensions are the way to go. Just remember that DIY extension hairstyles do not look as seamless or last as long as professional ones.
What Are the Best Hair Extensions for Beginners?
The best hair extensions for beginners who want to DIY their styles are clip-ins. However, this may not be true for everyone. Extension newbies often want the most stress-free choice possible.
In this case, professional hair extensions are best. You do not have to worry about messing up, and your stylist will give you all the tips you need to care for your extensions.
How Much Do Hair Extensions Cost?
The average set of hair extensions costs $200–$600. DIY hair extensions cost the least, ranging from $100 to $200, depending on the hair type and whether or not a professional apply them to your hair.
Fused extensions cost the most because they take the most time and skill. Plan to pay anywhere from $600 to $3,000 for a full head of bonded virgin hair extensions.
Do Extensions Damage Hair?
Yes, extensions can damage hair, especially if installed improperly. But when you go to a professional, your cosmetologist will know how to reduce potential damage. They can also give you tips to help maintain your hair health.
But will extensions affect hair growth? As long as you follow your salon professional’s tips, your extensions should not cause slower growth.
Searching for ‘Professional Hair Extensions Near Me’?
Professional hair extensions are the best extensions. They won’t damage your hair, last a long time, and look as close to natural as possible. That’s why we always recommend getting your extensions installed professionally.
Are you looking for hair extensions in Royal Oaks? Salon Efrain serves clients in the Houston, TX, area. Book an appointment to try out professional extensions for yourself today!
