Is this the first time you are buying hair extensions? You need to look out for many things to buy the right pieces. Which are these things? Here they are as given by stylists working in salons that do hair extensions:

Type of hair extensions

There are primarily two types of hair extensions: synthetic and natural extensions. While cheap, synthetic extensions have an unnatural sheen and a coarse feel to touch.

On the other hand, human hair extensions are expensive but better looking. They also last for a long time and are easy to maintain.

These are the ones to go for if you want to look good and have the budget.

When making the purchase, buy extensions with the cuticle layers facing the same direction from the root to end. The purpose of this is so that the extensions don’t tangle up.

Buying extensions with the cuticle layers facing the same direction also ensures that the extensions behave the same way as your hair.

When you are in the stores making the purchase, feel the pieces to tell which is natural and which is synthetic. Obviously, synthetic extensions will have a course feel.

If you are still unsure whether you have bought the right pieces, while at home, undertake the burn test. Here you literally burn the extensions. If synthetic, they will turn into hard plastic, and the hairs will melt into each other.

Human hair extensions, on the other hand, will diminish and turn into ash, the same way your natural hair would.

The application method

The other thing you need to consider is the way to apply the extensions. Depending on your needs, budget, and convenience, you can choose your extensions from one of these extension application methods:

Clip-in extensions: These are one of the most popular extensions, and they are loved by many as all you need to do to apply them is to clip them to your hair. The pieces come as individual wefts with tiny, discreet silicone-coated clips at the base.

To wear them, snap open the clips, hold the wefts to your hair then shut the clips.

Halo extensions: A halo extension is a large hair piece with an invisible but strong wire at the base. The wire holds the hair weft on the top of the hair like a tiara, instead of attaching it to the hair. Similar to clip-in extensions, these extensions are also easy to apply and remove. The beauty of it is that the extensions don’t require any tapes, clips, or glue.

Tape-in extensions: Tape-ins are individual wefts with a thin tape often pre-installed at the base. Since they are complex to install, you should always go to your hairdresser and have them installed. As a rule of thumb, don’t try to install them at home, as you will most likely damage them.

Sew-in extension: Also known as weave-in extensions, these pieces involve the hair stylist sewing the extensions into your natural hair. The installation begins with the stylist braiding your natural hair into cornrows, then using a thread and needle, they sew the extensions onto the braids.

Where to buy hair extensions

You can buy the extensions from your local store or online. Buying from your local store isn’t an issue as you only need to step into the store and make the purchase.

When buying online, you should be cautious as you can easily buy the wrong ones or even get conned. To be on the safe side, buy from a reputable brand.

After buying the extensions, have them installed in a reputable hair extensions salon Rockville.