How much do you actually know about hair extensions? There is so much more than just “extra hair that you add to your own to make it longer.” Hair extensions are a big part of today’s fashion as a way to switch up your current look and make you feel confident. I am here to tell you about the history, the different kinds, and so much more.

History

Believe it or not, hair extensions come from humans mostly in Indiana, Malaysia, and China. Dating all the way back to 3400 BC, Egyptians were reported wearing wigs of human hair. The Egyptians would style the wigs in the form braids. These wigs would be worn by those in the upper class such as kings, queens, and pharaohs.

In the 1700s, hair fashion evolved and what is known as “powdered wigs” became popular. Powdered wigs were white hair that was often curled or styled into your hair. Powdered wigs soon spread to everyone once there was an outbreak of Syphilis. People began balding and would resort to powdered wigs because it was viewed as embarrassing if you were not wearing one.

Moving on to the 1980s, Simon Forbes established the trend of melting wax in order to attach the hair. This trend allowed hair extensions to be affordable for all people and it led to the beginning of African American weaves and extensions.

Today

Hair extensions have evolved so much over time. They are being used all over the worlds and it has become necessary for celebrities to use some sort of extension or wigs for different photoshoots, red carpets, or events. The Kardashian/Jenner family have certainly become well known for their different hair styles by the use of wigs and extensions. Hair stylists find it to be crucial to incorporate this form of hair styling because it allows them to expand their craft.

Types of Hair Extensions

1. Clip-in Hair Extensions

   Clip-ins come in a strand of pieces that are attached to your hair by their clip. This form of extensions is the most temporary form of extensions because it is easy to add or remove them just by using the clip attached to it. They are also the least damaging to your hair because they do not use any sort of heat or chemicals to your hair.

2. Tape-in Hair Extensions

   Tape-ins are extensions that come with tape or glue on them in order to attach it to your own hair. Tape-ins are typically applied in the hair salon because you need someone to correctly attach it to your roots and use heat in order to melt the glue to your hair. These extensions last from about 4-8 weeks and can be reused.

3. Sew-In Hair Extensions

   Sew-ins are also known as weave. They are put into your hair using a needle and thread in order to weave into the braid. It is typically used on individuals with thicker hair because it puts a bit of pressure on your scalp because of how tight they are. It is the most permanent form of extensions.

4. Fusion Hair Extensions

   Fusion extensions are also known as bonding. These extensions are fused into your hair by use of glue. It is very damaging to your hair and it is typically advised by your hairdresser not to do it. It glues each strand of the extensions to your natural hair.

Human Hair vs. Synthetic Hair

Human hair extensions are exactly what you think it is! They are hair extensions that were donated from a human. It allows for almost no tangling or knots in the hair. With these types of extensions, you can curl, straighten, and style them just like your natural hair. Human hair extensions can last almost a year if you take care of them properly.

Synthetic hair extensions contain no human hair, and it is blended fibers. They are used to mimic real human hair. The quality of synthetic hair extensions can vary depending on the price and the company that you get it from. It does not blend into your hair as well as real human hair does, and it can be rough to the touch.

Where to get Extensions

1. Bombay Hair

   Bombay Hair is known for their affordable hair extensions and variety of colors and types. They are featured in many different types of magazines and shows such as: Cosmopolitan, Ellen, and BuzzFeed.

2. Luxy

   Luxy has numerous reviews that praise their prices, quality of the hair, good customer service, and the long-lasting use of these extensions. Celebrity, Kim Kardashian-West, is known for using their products.

3. Bellami

   Bellami’s extensions are thick from root to tip, easy to blend, and can hold curls. They have a variety of colors which makes it easy to match your hair.

4. Glam Seamless

   Glam Seamless has their own storefront location called “Glam Room” and they are really good with customer service. These extensions are also known to be easy to style.