Whether you are a true hair aficionado ready to finally profit from your favourite hobby, or simply want to know some extra details before you commit to the industry, chances are that you have a lot of questions. Most importantly, what are the different types of hair extensions?

You have surely seen the endless options for detachable wefts that are available today. These shiny bundles are ready to add length, offer coveted volume, or add colour to your hair. For top-level Hair Extension Technicians, in particular, having a beauty arsenal filled with the best sets to match your clients’ individual needs is extremely important.

From clip-ins and tape-ins to weaves, pre-bonded, fusion, and micro-link, we put together the ultimate guide for all your hair-related concerns. 

Which type of hair extension is the best? Which types of extensions last the longest? Here’s everything you should know before you sign up for our Self Paced Beauty Courses.

The 6 different types of Hair Extensions 

Clip-in hair extensions

Clip-ins have the entire beauty sphere quiver with excitement. They come in a ready-to-use strand of contoured pieces. These extensions are attached at the base using fabric or silicone. As a Hair Extension Technician, all you have to do is clip them to the client’s natural hair, and voila! Clip-ins open and close extremely easily which makes the entire application process a breeze. It usually takes 5 – 15 minutes to apply at home and they last anywhere from 3 – 6 months.

Because they require no chemicals, heat, or pressure, this type of hair extension is hailed as the least damaging option of them all — that’s why it’s so popular!

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Another type of hair extensions with a large cult following is, you guessed it, tape-ins. Just as the name suggests, this type is pre-taped and then glued together on either side of the client’s hair. The most common way to apply tape in hair extensions is by aligning them to the roots and then using a heated tool to heat the glue. Usually, it takes up to 1 hour to finish the entire application process, and they last 4 – 8 weeks.

Halo Hair Extensions

Halo hair extensions are a brand new method of adding volume and length in the most discreet way possible. The best part? It doesn’t need to get attached to the hair. This type utilises the head’s natural shape to create a beautiful look. Basically, it is wedged underneath the natural hair.  It sits like a crown with the use of a hidden wire. The client’s natural hair will lay on top of the halo to hold it in place.

The application time varies, but the results will last between 6 to 12 months. 

Sew-In Hair Extensions (Weave)

You’ve probably seen weave hair extensions flooding your social media. Unlike other types of hair extensions, sew-ins require a bit more effort. The extensions come in wig form (one-piece) contrary to the aforementioned types that come in separate wefts. 

The process starts by braiding the natural hair into cornrows. When the first step is done, the Hair Extension Technician uses a needle and thread to sew the weave into the braid. The application can last several hours and it often puts much strain on the hair and scalp. That’s why it’s preferred by people with thicker hair. 

The last 6 – 8 weeks but it’s recommended to avoid having a weave for more than 4 months straight.

Fusion & Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions

Fusion hair extensions are considered to be one of the most damaging options, but they still have a loyal following. Pre-Bonded hair extensions are fused to the client’s natural hair with the help of adhesives (eg. glue). The technician uses a special machine to glue the individual strands for 3-4 hours. 

Alternatively, the extensions are applied with a heat clamp that melts the glue to the natural hair. Pre-bonded hair extensions are considered semi-permanent and can last for up to 4 months.

Microlink Hair Extensions

Microlink hair extensions, micro bead hair extensions, micro loop hair extensions; however you decide to call them, this method is a bit less damaging to the hair than Fusion. The extensions are applied with the help of a small silicone-lined bead that attaches tiny wefts to the natural hair. Once the hair is in place, the technician opts for a special tool to tighten and secure everything together. 

This method takes approximately 2 – 4 hours to apply and can last up to 4 months.

Wigs & Hair Pieces

Fun fact: the earliest Egyptian wigs were created in 2700 B.C.E – and they continue to be extremely popular to this day.

Both wigs and individual hairpieces are applied to hair topically. There are many different types of wigs including full wigs, half wigs, and lace front wigs. Most often they are used to protect the natural hair, cover issues such as hair loss, or simply to enhance the look and spice things up a bit. They come in an array of different styles from super long, full ponytail, or just single pieces to add extra thickness. On average, with good care, real human hair wigs can last for up to a year.

Training Beauty And Beyond’s Self Paced Beauty Courses

Yes, the hair extensions world is big, colourful, and amazing. At Training Beauty And Beyond we won’t only help you learn everything about the different types of hair extensions, but also offer the best opportunity to upgrade your practical and theoretical skills. Our beauty therapy courses, taught by industry-leading experts, are here to teach you how to become a top-level Hair Extension Technician from the comfort of your own home. 

With our self-paced beauty courses, you can finally kick start your career, be your own boss and create unlimited financial opportunities for you - on your own schedule. Whether you work full-time or have other responsibilities, you can freely tailor your studies according to your lifestyle from everywhere in the world.

Interested in part-time beauty courses? Join our online Hair Extension Course ASAP

Our tutors are here to guide you every step of the way through Private 1:1 coaching on video and frequent assessments without the fear of having to meet strict deadlines. Our part-time beauty courses have only 50 spaces available to ensure that each student gets our undivided attention and support.

So make sure to join our waitlist and secure a spot today!