Hair Extensions Basics Notes

These are the notes to be used in conjunction with my latest youtube video going over some Hair Extensions Basics. You can check out the video here on my channel, along with all my previous videos. If you subscribe to my channel I would appreciate it a lot. This is Part 1 of a 5 part series on Hair Extensions! I used to be an extensions educator training licensed cosmetologist and students how to do 4 different methods of extensions, and all the knowledge they would need in regards to extensions. If you have ever asked any of these questions, then this article/video is for you!

What type of hair extensions are right for me?

Sew In- A type of hair extensions or weave that is applied by braiding the entire head of hair into small braids and then sewing a weft of hair into the braids. More affordable than other permanent options. Best on textured or very thick strong hair not recommended on finer thinner hair because it cannot take the pulling of the tight braids or the weight of the new hair on those taught braids.

Glue In- A type of hair extensions or weave that is applied by gluing wefts of hair into the natural hair. Also more affordable than other permanent options and best on textured or very thick strong hair.

Weft Beading- A gentler alternative to the sew in or glue in extensions. It consist of taking a weft of hair and beading it into the hair. This method is suitable for any hair texture. Weft beading extensions last about a month before maintenance as your natural hair grows out there will be a big sheet moving away from your scalp and will be very uncomfortable. This method is also a little more difficult to hide as it is a very large piece of hair.

Keratin Bonded- Single strand extensions that take a hot tool and a keratin u-tip extension, heat it up, and wrap it around a hair piece. These extensions are the easiest to hide and are great for very fine and/or blonde hair that other methods would show in but are suitable for all hair types. The keratin matches your hair color making it easily camouflaged. This method can last up to 6 months before needing to be redone.

I-tip Beading- Similar to the keratin bonded extensions as it takes a single strand extension and attaches around a small hair piece using a special loop tool and small aluminum beads. Sometimes these beads have silicone grips on the inside to help it prevent slippage. These can last 3-4 months before needing to be redone. This method is suitable for all hair types and also great for thinner hair as well.

Tape In- A thin 1.5" weft of hair with a medical grade adhesive on the back is the actual extension. Most of the time you need two of them to sandwich around a slice of hair and have the adhesive sticking to the other adhesive on the opposite side of the sandwich. This method last 1-2 months on average before needing to be redone. For smaller sections closer to the hairline, you may make mini's by using just one of the pieces and folding it in half around a slice of hair.

This is my favorite method to both wear and apply. It takes about half the application time to install these as opposed to other methods. It also gives you a lot of hair but still very flexible and easy to disguise in the hair. It is very comfortable.

Clip In- A popular but temporary full head of extensions consisting of wefts of hair in various widths and small clips. Great for changing up your look for a day. Do not sleep/swim/shower with these in.

Halo- A temporary full head of extensions consisting of one big thick weft and a glorified fishing line. The "invisible wire" on these actually is totally hidden in your hair and part which is crazy that someone has to be about 4 inches from your scalp to even find it. To keep it looking natural make sure your stylist adds some layers in it and blends it to your hair so it's not just a random chunk of hair. Very comfortable and secure on the head with no pulling like some clip ins can do. It feels like wearing a slouchy beanie.

Ponytail- A temporary weft of hair you wrap around your ponytail for instant length and thickness.

Bangs- A temporary hair piece with a clip(s) on the back that you secure to the top and front of your hair to give you bangs without the commitment. Custom blend and trim these as well.

How do I know which length of hair extensions I want?

12"- Hits at shoulders

16" - Hits at top of boob

18" - Hits Mid to under boob

20" - Hits between under boob and belly button

22" - Hits at belly button

24" - Hits at hips

What does Remy mean? + other extensions terms

Remy: Cuticle in intact and all laying in the same direction. This will help it look sleek and shiny and help prevent frizz.

Keratin: The protein your hair is made of and used to make I- Tips for beaded extensions and U - tips for keratin fusion extensions. Not damaging because it is literally made of what your hair is made of.

Virgin: Hair that has never been colored or processed i.e. permed or relaxed. No chemicals have ever touched the hair basically. When a client with virgin hair sits in a stylist chair it's like we found a unicorn.

Wefts: A long sheet of hair sewn together at the top. Used in glue ins, sew ins, beaded weft, clip ins, halos, and ponytails. Can be as long as 6 feet or already pre-trimmed and as small as 1" wide.

100% Remy Human Hair: The highest quality of hair extensions. Many brands elude to being 100% Remy Human hair, but is actually mixed with yakky, animal, and synthetic hair. Also hair that isn't Remy will eventually get caught on itself and frizz and knot easier.

How many grams do I need?

140-160 grams: For thin hair

180-220 grams: For medium hair

220-250+ grams: For thick hair