Permanent hair extensions provide a long-lasting solution to changing your natural look. They usually last anywhere from six months to three years and can get customized to fit any look and personality.
Permanent hair extensions attach to your natural strands. They make it look thicker, longer, and more voluminous. The extension process can take 4 hours or more so make sure you’re well aware of the steps involved.
Here today is a detailed guide to widen your knowledge of the world of extensions. You’ll see the benefits, the types available in the market, and the average cost of setting up.
Ready? Let’s dive in…!
What are permanent hair extensions?
Permanent hair extensions are lengths of synthetic or human hair that attach to one’s natural strands. They may get attached to your hair in a few different ways. These include:
- Gluing them on with hot glue
- Using bonding agents like keratin
- Sewing the extension onto your strand
- Weaving into your natural hair by hand until it’s securely woven for long-term wear
The process involves attaching an individual extension at a time to each strand of your natural hair. As you’ve seen, you can either use heat or adhesive chemicals to bond the two together.
There are many types of hair extensions available on the market today. These include clip-in extensions and weaves/braid-ins. Extensions come in loose waves, deep wave curls, straight textures, and more.
A consultation is usually done to determine the type of extension that will suit your personality best and what would be most beneficial for you. The stylist will use a measuring tape or ruler to measure how long your hair growth is. This helps them find out which length is appropriate for your type of hair.
It also helps them gauge whether natural curls, waves, straight styles work with your current hair texture. They will take down all the natural strands to see if there are any bald patches on the scalp. Then they can make extensions on whether to attach using an adhesive or needle and thread.
Benefits of permanent hair extensions
Getting permanent hair extensions offers an amazing opportunity to add length, color, and volume to your hair.
Some people might think that permanent hair extensions seem extreme. On the contrary, it’s just an alternative way of styling your tresses. The process is less painful, more affordable, and easier to maintain.
Let’s look at more below:
a. Gives you a natural look
The best part about getting permanent hair extensions is the number of options. You can go for a natural look by adding just one extension at the front of the hair. Also, you may decide to have them all around and add a full head of extensions!
b. Achieves your desired style
The process of getting permanent hair extensions is painless and easy to maintain. Unlike with tape-in or weaved extensions, you don’t have to worry about them falling out after two weeks. You can choose the length and thickness of your hair without having to wash it every day or apply special products.
c. You get a variety of color highlights
With permanent additions, you have many different colors available at one time all blended into your hair. If you want a different hair color, then just put an extension on top of your head. They are a nice option for those who want to experiment with colors without damaging their natural locks.
Different colors may get combined to make your preferred color scheme. They’ll not fade as quickly as this process doesn’t involve chemicals. This makes it less damaging to your hair.
d. There is no risk of damaging your hair
Permanent hair extensions are different from traditional ones. Traditional ones can take time to get used to the way they’re applied. Permanent hair extensions although, have nothing on top of any natural locks. That means there is no risk of pulling out a bunch in one go.
e. Different lengths are also available
You can choose from long to medium lengths and everything in between. There’s no limit on styles either – it could be straight, curly, or wavy! You might be the type who likes to change their look every now and then so you can always change up the style of your extensions.
In addition, if for some reason you don’t want them anymore – all that’s required is a few snips.
f. Offers amazing corrective hair-do
Permanent hair extensions can cover up thin spots, bald spots, as well as receding hairlines. It is also an effective solution for people who have lost their hair because of chemotherapy, medical treatments, alopecia…etc.
Over time it can completely conceal just about any type of thinning or balding that might develop anywhere on your scalp.
g. They are more affordable
It is much less expensive than getting a full set of new strands (which usually cost about $4000!). More so, when you have thinning spots, bald patches, as well as receding hairlines.
Once the extensions get added, they provide all of the coverage needed. So, you’ll not need any other type of styling product like weaves or toupees. (Which may not last very long anyway)
How do I get the best permanent hair extensions?
The permanent hair extension process begins with a consultation. Your stylist will take down your hair and lay it out to see which type of extension suits you best.
To make hair look natural, you need to know how long and thick it needs to be. You don’t want it looking like you have some fake hair on your head!
Secondly, you need to ask about the available types of installation methods. There are many types, from clip-ins to micro rings. Thirdly, you need to know about the material to be also used. (Is it synthetic or human hair?)
Finally, if your budget allows for it, go with the highest quality extensions possible. This is because they will last much longer than low-priced ones!
How permanent hair extensions work
Permanent hair extensions can be either made of human or synthetic hair.
Now, the stylist will either sew them directly onto your locks or just add bonds to the ends so it looks like you’ve always had this extension attached without damaging any natural hair.
The bonding’s done by applying heat and pressure to the natural hair. This is normally done using a heating device or adhesive tape. These tools create a seal that will hold the extension for longer periods.
Permanent extensions offer wonderful relief for people who have thin hair. They are also great for when you want to add length and volume. They typically take about 2 to 4 hours to install but can last up to 6 months with proper care and maintenance.
The downside is that they do cost more than semi-permanent options. This is because the stylist needs to place them closer together to achieve a natural look.
The upside is that you don’t need any tools like combs, clips, pins, or rubber bands. Permanent extensions also make your ends feel softer since there’s no pulling on your natural hair.
Types of permanent hair extensions
There are several types of permanent hair extensions that you can pick from. I took the liberty of highlighting a few of them below. Check them out and let me know what you think!
a. Heavy-duty clip-on
Clip-on hair extensions are hairpieces that use one to five rows of hooks and loops as a way to connect them to natural hair. Clips are typically the least expensive type of clip-in hair extensions because they don’t need sewing like other types. Clip-on don’t also require any other tools for that matter.
Heavy-duty clip-on hair extensions can be an excellent choice for someone who’s looking for a natural look or just wants to add a little volume or length. They are also easy to install and do not damage the wearer’s natural hair.
Also, these extensions can allow people with short, thinning hair to achieve a fuller look.
These extensions can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
b. Lace fronts
These are an ideal option for people who want to have a full head of hair and still look natural.
Lace fronts extensions can make you feel like you have a completely natural head of hair. They use a special mesh as part of the installation process. This makes them soft and feels real against your skin.
One downside is that they are more expensive than other types of extensions. This is because they need to get placed closer together to achieve a natural look.
Lace fronts extensions can last anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
c. Tape-in hair extensions
Tape-in extensions can also be an excellent option because they don’t damage your hair. You never need to worry about them falling out or getting tangled.
Tape-ins typically have good longevity with proper care and upkeep. Still, some people find it difficult to style their natural hair as well when using these types of extensions.
The upside is that if someone tampers with your edges, they’ll go back into place like nothing happened. All in all, tape-in permanent hair extensions may not give you a super long length. Thus, this type might not work for someone with long or very thick hair.
Also, tape-ins only last between 1 – 2 months.
d. Sew-ins
Sew-in hair extensions are usually stitched in one section at a time. Your stylist will cut your natural hair, weave in the extension, and then sew it close.
You may add sew-ins to any part of your head though they’re normally attached on the front or sides. Sew-in extensions can work for any hair type, including short, thinning, curly, or straight.
However, they are one of the more expensive types of extensions because they require tools and extensive sewing skills. When well-maintained, sew-ins can last up to 12 months.
e. i-tip extensions
I-tips are clip-in hair extensions that have a very fine wire inserted into the end of each strand for instant clip-on volume. The extension gets woven onto your hair via the copper bead at the tips. When you put these on, you can instantly add up to 100% more hair volume to your head.
I-tip extensions are a perfect match for people who don’t want to commit to sewing or weaving. All they need is a short amount of time and some clips or bobby pins!
They typically last between 2 – 10 months.
Where to get permanent hair extensions
There are several ways you can get permanent hair extensions. However, the best place for most people is at a salon or beauty parlor that specializes in such services. This way, you know you’re getting quality work done by an experienced professional.
When choosing where to go, it’s important you research which salons specialize in your type of attachment.
For example, if you want tape-in attachments added, then look for someone who has both knowledge and expertise on this subject matter! Too many times I see women looking into these services just because there’s a shop at their local mall without really knowing what type of style will suit them the best!
Cost of permanent hair extensions
The cost of permanent hair extensions depends on the type, manufacturer, and how much you want to have put in. For example, tape-in attachments are generally cheaper than sew-ins because they’re easier to install.
You’ll also need to factor in your hair length as well! If you have short or thin hair then it will require more installation time, which makes those types a little pricier upfront.
That aside, the cost to install permanent hair extensions ranges from $500-$2000. This includes buying and service.
How to care for permanent hair extensions
There are many ways you can care for your permanent hair extensions. Every type of extension will have its unique upkeep requirements! Even so, there are a few general practices that apply to all of them.
For example:
- Avoid wearing tight ponytails or braids as these styles can put undue stress on your extensions. Instead, try updos or looser buns that will not cause breakage!
- Use a silicone spray or other hair products to strengthen the bonds between your extensions and natural strands. But make sure you don’t use too much at once as this may lead to buildups on any part of the extension where there was contact with your scalp.
- It’s also important to avoid washing your extensions too often as this removes the natural oils that keep them healthy. It’s recommended you shampoo every other week and condition once a month.
- Air-dry your extensions more. Avoid blow-dries as they can cause eventual breakage and dryness.
- Use mild protective sprays before using hot styling tools on your human hair extension. It will protect the extension from damage.
- To maintain healthy hair, always trim the edges of the extension in case they split.
Summary
Permanent hair extensions are a great way to transform your appearance. Though it may take some time to find the perfect salon for you, it’ll prove worth your time and expense in the end.
You can get permanent hair extensions through a variety of methods. The safest way is to go with someone who specializes in these types of services. That way, at least, you’ll get quality for value.
That was all from me today!
Have you had a swing at permanent hair extensions before? What was your experience like? Was the aftercare stressful? Feel free to share these and any questions in the Comments Section below!
