Hair extensions can be a great way to add volume, length or even highlights to your hair in just a matter of seconds. But what exactly are the benefits of using them? And what are the disadvantages?

 Do they cause permanent hair damage? Will they make your hair and head feel heavier in any way? There’s a lot of misconceptions when it comes to the pros and cons of hair extensions, and we’re here to clear them up!

To find the pros and cons of hair extensions, we must separate them into their different types. Hair extensions mainly differ from each other by the way they are attached to your existing hair, and every method comes with its sets of pros and cons.

But before we jump into the specifics of each type of hair extensions, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages that are common to all of them:

Hair Extension Pros and Cons

Pros of hair extensions in general

• The main pro is instant gratification.  Instead of having to wait months for your hair to grow to the desired length, you can add a couple extra inches of length, some chemical-free highlights or even some volume to your hair in a matter of hours.
• Good hair extensions, when applied by a good hair stylist, can last for up to three months. And if the extension is made out of natural hair you can even style them just as you would your hair.
• The last major common pro to all options of hair extensions is versatility. We already mentioned that you can quickly add length, volume and highlights with the use of hair extensions, but that’s not all. You can try different hair colors, textures and even types of hair. And all of that without the commitment of having to chemically alter your natural hair in any way whatsoever.

Cons of hair extensions in general

• Depending on how they are attached to your hair, extensions may cause minor hair damage and scalp irritation in some cases. Natural hair takes months to grow, so adding too much too fast prevents the scalp from getting used to the added weight, which causes scalp damage and irritation. Overly-tight braid can be the source of root breakage, and the hot glue used to attach some hair extensions can cause scalp burns if not applied properly.
• Another con to consider is that high-quality hair extensions can be a little bit pricey. Add in the cost of a professional hair stylist and the cost can become a little too expensive.
• This may seem a little counterintuitive with one of the pros stated before, but getting good hair extensions can take a lot of time. Sure, a couple of hours is way faster than a couple of months, but sitting on a chair for four or more hours while holding your head in all sorts of awkward angles can get pretty tiresome. 

We’ve established some general pros and cons of getting hair extensions. Now let’s get into the specific advantages and disadvantages of each, shall we? In this post, we’ll talk about clip in, weave, pre-bonded and tape hair extensions.

Clip In

The easiest type of hair extension to apply and get a hold on, clip in extensions are great for a quick and commitment-less change of look.

Pros of clip in hair extensions

• Low cost compared to other options.
• Since they’re just clips, there’s no risk of hair damage whatsoever.
• They’re not permanent. Don’t like how they turned out? Take them off and try another look!
• Easily applicable from the comfort of your home, so no need to take a trip to the salon
• No glue or heat required.

Cons of clip in hair extensions

• They might not look as natural or as good as other hair extension alternatives. They’re usually made out of synthetic hair, they are the cheapest option after all.
• The clips used to attach them to hair can be a little bit cumbersome, and they can turn out to be quite difficult to hide unless you’re sporting the adequate hairstyle.
• They can fall under some circumstances, so swimming and any similar activities are a no go.

Weave

With weaves, the existing natural hair is braided into cornrows that run along the scalp from one ear to the other. After the hair is properly braided, the wefts of hair are sewn into the braids using a needle and a thread.

Pros of weave hair extensions

• They look natural and are one of the least cumbersome methods of getting hair extensions without involving glue.
• Because the extensions are sewn directly into the braids, there’s no need at all for heat or glue.
• Weaving ensures the wefts stay in place.

Cons of weave hair extensions

• Care needs to go into how tight the braids are made: too tight and they might cause tension on your scalp, scabbing and even some hair fall-out.
• Due to the extensions being applied with needle and thread,it can take several hours before your extensions are done.
• Weave extensions tend to be made out of low-quality hair (be it human or artificial hair).

Pre-bonded

With the pre-bonded method, the extensions of hair are bonded directly to the natural hair with the use of an adhesive. This type of extensions is also known as fusion hair extensions.

Pros of pre-bonded hair extensions

• They are easily one of, if not the most discreet option available.
• They tend to be manufactured out of high-quality human hair.
• For most parts, they can be treated like natural hair,so they are relatively easy to maintain.
• Assuming proper application and care,they can last for as long as up to six months! 

Cons of pre-bonded hair extensions

• Some pre-bonded extensions use glues that can be the cause of hair thinning in some cases.
• Application time can take longer than four hours.
• Because the extensions are attached using hot glue, the application process can be painful in some scenarios (scalp burns, hair pulling).

Tape In

In this case, extensions are attached to already existing hair via a double-sided tape. A quick and painless process, tape extensions are a great option for a quick change of look.

Pros of tape hair extensions

• The process is completely pain-free, and the extensions are easy to apply and remove
• Application time is remarkably low.
• Because they can be treated just like natural hair, they are very easy to maintain and take care of.

Cons of tape hair extensions

• Because the double-sided tape used in this type of extensions can be somewhat big, mobility can take a hit.
• Depending on the material used by the manufacturer, there's a chance that the tape will be visible through your natural hair.
• Made out of low-quality hair in most cases.

So there you have it! Now you know the pros and cons of hair extensions in general. The best way to know what works for you is to explore your options, so the next time you’re in a salon wondering about hair extensions don’t be shy and ask all of your burning questions to your stylist or better yet, give us a call, we’ll be glad to help you out! As a general rule of thumb, tape-in and pre-bonded hair extensions work for just about all types of hair, and if you’re looking for a quick change of look but you’re not looking for a long-term commitment, clip in extensions are your safest bet!

Don’t forget to give our clip in hair extensions a look! They’re available in a variety of sizes and grades.