Four Types of Permanent Hair Extensions

What Is A Permanent Hair Extension?

Permanent hair extensions, as the name suggests, are designed for long-term wear without the need for daily removal or reattachment, unlike temporary hair extensions. These extensions are intended to be worn continuously for several months before requiring replacement or readjustment. 

There are several methods to install permanent hair extensions: sew-in weave, tape-in, or keratin tips,.. All of them can last for 6-8 months if you take care of them properly. However, most people often uninstall these extensions after 2-3 months of wearing because their natural hair grows longer and it cannot blend perfectly anymore.

Benefits Of Getting Permanent Hair Extensions

1. Added length and volume

The most important benefit of permanent hair extension is helping you have longer hair. Now, hair extensions are becoming more and more popular, so you can buy hair extensions from 8 inches to 30 inches or longer from many hair vendors. Many women come to hair extensions as a method to solve their fine or thin hair, especially permanent extensions which give the best performance by blending strand-by-strand with their natural hair.

2. Versatility

As you know, there are many kinds of permanent hair extensions and the way they are installed. They come in various lengths, textures, and colors, so you can easily get your desired look with permanent extensions. These extensions were created for you - who don’t want to spend time on wearing hair extensions every morning.

3. Long lasting

Another benefit of getting a permanent extension is its longevity. Unlike Semi-permanents which only last for about 6 - 12 weeks, a permanent one can stay in good condition for 6-8 months with proper care.

4. Natural appearance

I’m sure that permanent hair integration brings better appearance than others. Because these methods allow you to blend extensions with your natural hair strand-by-strand. 

Four Types of Permanent Hair Extensions

1. Tape-in Hair Extensions

Tape-in hair extensions is a popular type of permanent extension. As its name suggests, it consists of 0,3x1 inches or 0.5x1 inches medical-grade glue pre-taped pad at the root of strands. The great thing about this is, there is no need for here, just tapes. The bad news is the adhesive gets loose from time to time and needs to be re-taped if you want to keep it longer.

How to install Tape-in hair extensions

- Detangle your natural hair after shampooing and conditioning.

- Separate your hair into smaller sections.

- Apply Tape-in hair extension

- Cut and trim your hair to get a natural appearance.  

Heat, sweat, and washing your hair can contribute to the loss of effectiveness of the tape. This permanent hair extension is not meant for you if you are into sports or aerobic activities. This hair extension can last for 4 to 8 weeks in your head, depending on how you take care of it.

>>> Get more information: Complete Guide On How To Hide Extensions In Very Short Hair <<<

2. K-tips Hair Extensions

Fusion, pre-bonded, or k-tips are extensions segmented into a few strands, each attached to a few strands of your natural hair root. People bond the extension strands through a keratin heat gun, thus calling the hair extension "k-tips." Because each extension strand is attached individually, this method takes longer to finish but looks natural.

How to install K-tips hair extensions

- Prepare your hair: Wash, condition and dry your hair to make it clean and soft.

- Section your hair: Use small clips to separate your hair into smaller sections.

- Melt the keratin tips: Use a heat connector to melt the keratin tips. Notice that don’t heat up the heat connector too high or it will damage both your hair and extension.

- Attach the extension: Hold your strands with one hand and place the extensions on it, about 0.5 inch away from the scalp.

- Cut and trim your hair: To blend K-tips hair extensions with your hair naturally, you may need to cut a little bit.

3. I-tips Hair Extensions

Just like k-tips, I-tips hair extensions are strands that are individually woven in the strands of your natural hair root with a bead, then clamped together to secure. The beads used are the same color as your hair and have a copper coating.

This permanent hair extension lasts longer, even if your hair grows. Salons can adjust the beads to the roots again every 4 to 6 weeks for just 30 minutes. You can use it for up to 10 months. It also has the same perks as the k-tips, making it water and oil resistant, and has 360-degree mobility.

How to install I-tips hair extensions

- Clean and detangle your hair

- Divide your hair into smaller sections by using a rat tail comb

- Place microbead  onto your hair then insert a section of your hair and I-tip in microbead.

- Use a hair plier to clamp the bead shut.

- Cut and style your hair

4. Sew-in Hair Extensions

Sew-in hair extension requires hiding your natural hair under these. People braid the natural hair tightly as part of the method before sewing the hair extensions. After the process, the permanent hair extension will cover your natural hair underneath, rather than the natural hair concealing the hair extension on top.

This hair extension is the sturdiest and most natural-looking permanent hair extension. However, it would not last long, not because the hair extension is not durable, but because you will have to leave your hair braided underneath. Longer than 2 to 3 months might damage your natural hair and scalp. 

You can do the sew-in hair extension in the salon or by yourself. If you want to know how to do sew-in hair extensions alone, this video tutorial might help you.



Frequently Asked Questions

1. What permanent hair extension should I do?

Before choosing, such as budget, lifestyle, and how natural-looking you want it to be, there are things to consider. If you sweat a lot, k-tips are great. If you want something long-lasting, I-tips are great because you can re-adjust them. However, sew-in is the most natural-looking of all.

2. Can permanent hair extensions damage my hair?

It depends on the application and how you take care of it. The application that requires heat and pulling is not ideal if your hair is not strong enough, even if these are more long-lasting and durable than others. So, if you worry about safety, tape-in will be great.

3. How long should my hair be to have permanent hair extensions?

Wearing permanent hair extensions does not necessarily require you to have long hair already. You may have at least 6 inches of hair to have permanent extensions. This length is to conceal the hair extensions and make them more natural.

Summary

If you’re tired of your hair, extension is a solution for you rather than waiting months to grow back. You can wear temporary for a while if you want to change your hair from time to time, but permanent hair extensions are great if you're going to wear them longer.