So you've been trying to grow your hair for sometime & it hasn't budged? Your dream for long hair isn't dead, hair extensions will give you the look you long for (no pun intended).  

Choosing the right extensions might seem like a daunting task but that's what we're here for! Right below you'll find all you need to know. 

Two rules to remember:

  1. You will want to angle the wefts to blend in the hair extensions with your actual hair and this will give an impression of layers to your hair.
  2. Then try different combination of wefts in order to find the one that fits best your head and face shape. As not everyone has the same head size, there is no "one combination fits all" type of thing.

Hot Hair Tip

If you are the type of person who jumps out of bed and goes straight to work, listen carefully!

You should clip together two wefts as it is easier and faster to apply in the morning. Also, if you have a smaller head, and you often struggle to fit all the wefts on your head or if you want to give some extra volume to your hairstyle.

How to take care of your extensions

This is essential if you wish to prolong the lifespan of your extensions. 

By keeping your extensions healthy it will also keep your natural hair and scalp happy. 

First things first. 

How should you store your extensions?

First, make sure that your hair extension clips are closed. You should also brush your hair thoroughly before storing them. Store your hair extensions away from the sunlight and in a cool and dry place. They have to be completely dry  before storing, in order to prevent any product buildup or bacteria development.

Should you brush your extensions?

Yes. Definitely.

You need to have the right brush. To brush hair extensions you'll want to use a nylon bristle brush. These brushes have loop bristles that are specific for hair extensions. The loops make it easier to remove the tangles and knots without pulling the hair from the hair extensions.

One we love is the knots out detangling brush.

NEVER brush extensions when they are wet. Just like natural hair, extensions are at their weakest state when they're wet, so combing them in this state will cause a lot of  damage. 

When should you brush your hair extensions?

You should not wait at the end of the day to brush your hair, if you brush it throughout the day, it will prevent from forming knots. This will extend the lifespan of your hair extensions.

Can you apply hair products to the extensions?

Remember that less is more. Limit the use of products. The more you use products, the more often you will have to wash the extensions which will reduce their lifespan.

Can you use hot tools?

Extensions curl more easily in comparison to natural hair. Good news is that you can use less heat on your extensions than on your natural hair & achieve stellar results. So you'll want to curl your extensions separately than your actual hair.

Just a tip: the lower you set the temperature for your hot tools, the less it will damage your extensions and the longer you will keep them.

Bonus extension care tips:

Since extensions are made of real hair, you need to take care of them as you would your natural hair. You should be moisturizing your extensions by applying oil to the ends of your extensions. The K. Therapy Bio Argan hair oil by Lakme works really well. 

When you are washing your hair extensions, keep in mind this quick rule of thumb: wash them after 30 wears or every month using cold water & gentle products like the K. Therapy Sensitive Relaxing shampoo.

If you use a lot of hair products, you might have to wash your extensions more often.

Do NOT sleep or exercise with your hair extensions on. The friction between the pillow and your hair will tangle the extensions with your natural hair. Your clips may also become loose and pull on your natural hair.

If you exercise with extensions on, it creates a combination of sweat and oil on the extensions, which becomes very difficult to remove. 

Different types of hair extensions:

We love the hair extensions by Hair Treats. Hair Treats accommodates various preferences as they have all the different types listed below available; giving you the option to experiment as well.

What's also really great about Hair Treats is that the extensions come in a variety of shades giving you no trouble in finding ones that seamlessly blend into your hair.

Clip Ins

Pros

  • Fast and easy to install,
  • No commitment 
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Must be removed before sleeping or exercising
  • Not suitable for those with serious hair loss
  • Not efficient long term- potential damage
  • Doesn't have a long life span
  • Have to change often

Heat Fusion

These types of extensions require professional application. The procedure is best explained on Style Craze: 

The procedure itself starts off with a keratin U-tip bond that is lined with silicone to be attached to the extension. The extension is then bonded to the root of your hair with the help of a heating tool. The silicone lining basically protects your hair from heat damage.

Pros

  • Most durable method (6 months)
  • Highly adhesive to natural hair
  • Looks incredibly natural as you cant see where they've been attached

Cons

  • Lengthy procedure
  • Heat can cause damage to natural hair
  • Requires a certified technician
  • Not reusable 

Micro Extensions

A small circular bead is attached to the extension and are looped into sections of your natural hair. A metal clamp is used to secure the extension in place with pliers. 

Pros

  • No glue required 
  • Reusable
  • Long lasting (2-3 months)
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • Can cause headaches due to strain
  • Can cause breakage of natural hair 

Nano Extensions

These extensions require the same process as the micro extensions, the only difference is that the nano bead is alot smaller, which makes them suitable for those with thinner hair. 

Pros

  • Incredibly secure 
  • Ideal for thin hair
  • Lasts for 3-4 months 
  • Least damaging method (requires no heat or chemicals)

Cons

  • Can slip off or get loose because of their small size 
  • Requires more maintenance/frequent salon appointments

Tape in

A photo of tape in extensions applied to a girls hair.
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/86131411610334098/?nic=1a&sender=398568773180767274

Requires a professional for the installment. Consists of taping your natural hair between two extensions like a sandwich. The extensions have an adhesive part located at the top. 

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Fastest method of installing semi-permanent extensions.
  • Create less damage to natural hair These hair extensions are the extensions that make the less damage to your hair.
  • Don't stick out
  • Ideal for damaged hair 

Cons

  • Can't get wet 
  • They are temporary (4-6 weeks)
  • Not strenuous 
  • Reusable if properly taken care of

Extensions are the best way to experiment with a new look without too much commitment. You'll be surprised as to how transformative they can be. 

All the extensions mentioned above are available on /.

We especially love the ones by Hair Treats, the quality is amazing and have a variety of colors & lengths to choose from.

A photo of Bella Hadid at an event for Dior wearing extensions
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/688487861767689246/?nic=1a&sender=398568773180767274