Wigs, clip-ins, crochet hair, closure, weave… you may have always wondered what the differences are between these extensions, especially if you are still a newbie to hair extensions. Not to worry, in this article, you will be learning everything you need to know about telling types of hair extensions apart. So, keep reading.
What are Hair Extensions?
As their name implies, hair extensions are hairs you add to your natural hair to increase length or volume. Hair extensions can be glued, sewn into your flat cornrows, clipped in, or simply worn on the head. They are a great option when it comes to protective styling for your hair as they protect your hair from exposure to dust, dirt, and harsh weather conditions.
They also discourage constant manipulation of your natural hair (which can lead to breakage, dryness, shedding, etc) when you have them in. Now hair extensions can be classified into two and they are human hair extension and synthetic hair extension.
As its name implies, human hair extension is made out of real human hair while synthetic hair extension is made out of plastic fibres to mimic the look of human hair extension. Both hair extensions are good to wear, depending on which you desire.
Differences Between Human and Synthetic Hair Extensions
It is important for you to know the differences between human and synthetic hair extensions as this will guide you when you want to buy:
- They Feel Different: While both human and synthetic hair extensions come in many different styles, lengths, colors, etc, their quality differs. For example, when you run your fingers or comb through human hair like the Kinky Blow Out U-part Wig, it feels smooth/glides through without any knots or tangles. On the other hand, synthetic hair like the Faux Naturale U-part Wig has a coarse feel to it.
- Styling with human hair extensions like the Kinky Blow Out Ponytail, you can curl, straighten, blow-dry, or have them colored like the Color Pop Blow Out Ponytail. This is because real human hair can stand these styling methods and so can the human hair extensions. On the other hand, synthetic hair like the Faux Kinky Blow Out Ponytail does not allow for curling, straightening, etc because of what they are made up of. If you try to use heat tools on synthetic hair extensions, you will damage them.
Click this link to shop for human and synthetic hair ponytail extensions. - Longevity: Human hair extensions like kinky clip-ins can last for years depending on how well you take care of them. Synthetic hair extensions can last up to a year if you take good care of them.
- Price: Due to quality, there is usually a huge difference in prices between human hair extensions and synthetic hair extensions. Take for example these two afro wigs: you will discover that the Afro Goddess Wig is a bit more pricey than the 4B/4C Afro Hair Wig. So, just go for whichever fits your budget.
5 Types of Hair Extensions
- Lace Closure/Frontal
Lace closures/frontals are hairpieces that come in sew-in or bonded installations. The lace they are made of gives the illusion that your natural hair is growing out from your scalp. - Ponytails
Ponytail extensions are hair extensions that usually drop down low to your neck or back. However, you can get them in a puff. They usually come in small metal combs and drawstrings that you can adjust for a secure fit. - Clip-ins
Clip-in hair extensions are weaves that come in small multiple metal clips attached to the base of the hair. Many ladies find clip-in hair extensions the easiest to use as all you have to do is snap the clip open and pin it close to your hair. You can also take them out as easily as you clipped them in. With clip-in hair extensions, you do not need to use any chemicals, heat, or even spend too much time installing. - Crochet Hair
Crochet hair comprises braids, twists, gypsy locs, goddess locs, and faux loc extensions, among others. Crochet hair is suitable for those who like braids, twists, and locs but cannot do them because they have a sensitive scalp or cannot spend time sitting down at a hair salon to have them installed.
Crochet hairs are carefully braided/twisted/loced and installed using the crochet method onto a wig cap that gives a scalp-like effect. This way, it becomes almost nearly impossible to tell that they are not installed directly on your hair. - Headband Wig
As their name implies, these are hair extensions that come with headbands. They are beginner-friendly because all you need to do is throw them over your flat cornrows and tie them firmly at the back.
