Hair Extensions: A Guide To Choosing The Right Ones

If you are thinking of choosing hair extensions but you are not sure where to start here we will look at some of the key points that you need to remember when choosing hair extensions to help you along the way.

Length and weight of your natural hair

The first thing to consider when choosing hair extensions is the length and the weight of your natural hair. If you hair is very short or extremely fine then the best choice maybe clip in or tape extensions. Weft extensions or nano ring extensions are better if your hair is stronger, longer and thicker.

Colour of your hair

Colour choice is a main factor it is important to ensure that you colour match your hair extensions in order to make them look as natural as possible. If you choose a shade that doesn’t match your natural hair the extensions will not look as good as they will not blend with your normal hair. You should not be able to tell the difference between your real hair and the extension.

How long you want them to last

If you want ling lasting extensions then you will need to opt for high quality human hair extensions that can be used on a more permanent basis. If you are just looking for short term then clip in extensions maybe best. 

Frequency of use

If you are going to be wearing your extensions often then it is best to invest in higher quality hair that will last longer and is more durable. 

Lifestyle

If you are very active and do a lot of sport then you are best opting for more lightweight easy to manage extensions as they will not require as much maintenance as more permanent heavy extensions such as micro rings that need to be separated daily. 

If you are planning on investing in hair extensions why not contact our expert team here at Koko hair and we will talk you through the best options for you and your lifestyle.

Hair Extensions: Care Tips for Long-Lasting Beauty

Many people think that hair extensions are amazing, and they really do make a difference to your look helping to restore confidence. Hair extensions mean that you can go from short, thin hair to long thick luxurious locks instantly. 

Hair extensions do require maintenance and to be looked after to ensure that you get the most from them. Here we look at some tips to maintain your hair extensions, so they last you as long as possible. 

Washing the hair – You should ensure that you wash your hair and extensions two to three times a week. You should never leave washing your hair for longer than a week as you need to ensure your scalp and natural hair are clean. 

Use the right products – Extensions do require you to use products designed specifically for them as the natural oils will not travel to the extensions which will result in them becoming dry and damaged. Use hydrating shampoos and conditioning and moisturise your extensions with a treatment once a week. Also use heat protective spays always. 

Protect the hair – Protecting the extensions is important. Using satin pillowcases will help to protect the hair from friction and breakage. 

Brush your hair – Ensure that your brush the extensions properly using a hair extension brush which will avoid your hair become frayed or tangled. Use detangling sprays to help with this. 

Use minimal heat – Heat is damaging to your hair extensions. Use heat protection sprays and lower the heat used on your hair. 

Bonds – If your extensions are bonded or on micro rings separate these at least once a day to minimise the hair matting. 

Condition – Once a week we advise to use a deep conditioning mask to make sure your extensions stay soft and healthy. 

Do not sleep with wet extensions – This can cause matting and damage and is very much against advice. 

Colouring – If you want to colour your extensions, we recommend you always use a salon for this to make sure the colour is even. 

We hope this guide is helpful providing you with care tips for long-lasting hair extensions.

Choosing Hair Extensions, Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair, Pros and Cons

When choosing hair extensions, we are asked a lot what the difference between human and
synthetic hair is. Here we look at the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision about what is best for you.

Synthetic hair extensions:

Synthetic hair is man made from fibres to look like real hair.

Pros of synthetic hair –

  • Huge range of colours and styles
  • Low cost and affordable
  • Low maintenance – no washing or styling required

Cons of synthetic hair –

  • Less natural looking
  • Can not be styled using heat or coloured
  • Do not last as long as human hair extensions

With regards to synthetic hair if you are on a tight budget or if your want to change your look regularly then synthetic hair is a good choice. Synthetic hair won’t look as natural as human hair and it wont feel as natural but it is a good choice if you want to choose different looks often at a low cost.

Human Hair extensions are made of real 100% human hair.

Pros of human hair –

  • Natural looking and natural feel due to the hair being real hair
  • Can be washed, styled and coloured the same as your normal hair
  • Long lasting If looked after up to a year or even more

Cons of human hair –

  • More expensive than synthetic hair
  • More maintenance is needed for washing and styling
  • Colours are more limited with the hair being real

If you are looking for hair extensions for a very special occasion such as a wedding or if you want to invest in extensions that will last longer than a few weeks human hair is your best choice.

We hope this helps you when considering hair extensions in making a choice between human and synthetic hair extensions as to which option is right for you. Take a look at our range of fantastic hair extensions.

How long do hair extensions last?

Hair extensions are an investment and many of our clients ask how long do hair extensions last. The answer to this varies and is dependent on the type of hair extension and how well you look after them. Here we will look at the different types of hair extensions and how long on average they will last to help you make an informed decision of which hair extension is best for you.

Pre bonded hair extensions

Pre bonded hair extensions also known as fusion hair extensions attach to the root of your natural hair. They are done with a bonding glue gun. This hair is natural human hair and gives you a fuller head of hair as well as being able to add additional length.

Pre bonded hair will require specialist shampoo and conditioner and also heat protection to ensure the hair is kept in good condition. You will need the have the hair re-positioned every 2-3 months to help prevent damage and due to natural hair growth.

Pre bonded hair extensions usually last around 3-4 months.

Tape hair extensions

Tape hair extensions are taped to the natural hair using adhesive hair tape. These are becoming more popular as tend to be less damaging to your natural hair. You should ensure that you never brush tape hair extensions when they are wet as this will damage the adhesive. Tape hair extensions should be cared for as you would natural hair and use as little heat as possible, You will need to re apply tape hair extensions every 4-8 weeks or so.

Clip in hair extensions

These are favourites of ours here at Koko Hair and we have a great range to choose from. It really depends how often you use them as to how long clip in extensions will last you. They are the least damaging hair extensions to your natural hair as they simply clip to your natural root. If clip in hair is human hair you should use heat protection and sulphur free hair extension shampoo and conditioner.  Synthetic hair can be sprayed with diluted fabric conditioner to keep it fresh. If cared for well clip in hair extensions can last for a very long time. We do recommend only washing every 30 wears or so if possible.

Weft hair extensions

Weft hair extensions are sewn into you hair where is braided at the root and sewn using a needle and thread. This method is a great option if you have thick hair naturally. These hair extensions last around 8 weeks before they need to be re applied. You should never leave them for more than 4 months as this will damage your hair growth. Sewn in hair is almost always human hair so should be taken care of in the same way.

Micro rings

Micro rings are attached using sections of your natural hair and attached with small rings. No glue or heat is used. These are also done using human hair so need to be looked after as you would natural hair. These hair extensions last around 3 months before they need to be re applied and tightened.

Hopefully this guide has given you an insight into how long hair extensions last. Don’t hesitate to contact  us if you require any advice and take a look at our range here.

How long do hair extensions last?

Many people wonder how long your hair extensions will last. This all depends on the type of hair extensions you choose and how well you look after them.

On average it is thought that clip in human hair extensions of good quality will last around 3 to 6 months depending on how you treat them and how often you wear them. Synthetic clip in hair extensions have a average life span of around 1 to 2 months. Human hair extensions can last up to around 12 months if you treat them well and care for them.

How many washes will your hair extensions last for?

It will vary for different brands and qualities however on average the following is around how many washes you can expect to achieve from your hair extensions:

Regular hair extensions – 5 to 15 washes

Remy hair extensions – 10 to 30 washes

Premium remy hair extensions – 20 to 40 washes

Virgin hair extensions -60 to 100 washes

Our clip in hair extensions are of high quality and if you take care of them correctly have been found to last up to 12 months. This is on the basis that you follow our advice and maintenance provided with your hair extensions when they arrive. We cannot stress how important it is to care for your hair extensions correctly to ensure that they last as long as possible.

Synthetic hair extensions can last around 2 years as they are not worn every day usually just a couple of times a month. If you use your human hair clip in extensions every single day they will not last as long as if you wear them just for special occasions.

Another tip for your hair extensions to keep them lasting longer is to brush them regularly and well. If you do not brush regularly the hair will mat and tangle and fizz. Brushing your extensions daily will get rid of tangles and keeps the extensions looking healthy and in good condition meaning they will last you longer.

It is also important to wash your hair extensions correctly. You do not have to wash your extensions often but you do need to wash them with care and patience.

Human hair extensions can be styled using heat however it is important not to use heat too often and not at a too high heat. You should also always use heat protection on your hair extensions just as you would with your own hair.

You can dye human hair extensions  but if you want them to last a long time we don’t advise to dye the hair extensions if you can help it.

In conclusion your hair extensions will last longer given the correct care and maintenance.