Extensions
How to Choose Hair Extensions: Tape-In vs Weft vs I-Tip
Tape-in extensions are the best starting point for most people: fast to apply, comfortable, and easy to reposition as your natural hair grows. I-tip (fusion) extensions give the most natural part and movement for finer or more textured hair. Sew-in wefts hold up best for very thick hair or longer-term wear. Which one is right depends on your hair density, budget, and how much maintenance you want to commit to.
Tape-in extensions
Wefts of hair are sandwiched onto thin sections of your natural hair using medical-grade adhesive tape. They're fast to install (often under 90 minutes), lie flat so they're barely detectable, and are the most budget-friendly starting point. They need to be moved up every 6-8 weeks as your hair grows, and heat styling directly on the tape bonds should be avoided.
I-tip (fusion) extensions
Individual strands are attached to small sections of natural hair using a keratin-based bond, fused with a heat tool. Because each bond is small and individually placed, I-tips allow the most versatile parting and styling, including high ponytails and slicked-back looks that would show tape wefts. They take longer to install and cost more per session but typically last 3-4 months before needing to be redone.
Sew-in wefts
Natural hair is braided into flat tracks (cornrows), and wefts are sewn directly onto the braid with a needle and thread. There's no heat or adhesive involved, which makes it the gentlest method on the hair long-term, and it holds the most weight, so it's the best option for maximum volume or very thick natural hair. It's not ideal for people with fine or thin natural hair, since the braid needs enough density to anchor the tracks comfortably.
What actually drives the price
Extension pricing isn't really about the method, it's about how much hair is needed to blend with your natural density and reach your target length. Someone with fine, thin hair going from shoulder-length to waist-length needs significantly more wefts or strands than someone with already-thick hair adding a few inches. This is why a proper consultation, ideally in person, matters more than a quoted starting price.
Common questions
Which extension method lasts the longest?
Sew-in wefts generally last longest per application, 6-8 weeks before a move-up is needed, because the track is stitched into braided hair rather than relying on adhesive or fused bonds.
Which extensions are best for fine or thin hair?
Tape-ins are usually the best fit. They lie flat against the scalp, distribute weight evenly across many small sections, and are the lightest of the three methods.
Do I need a consultation before booking extensions?
Yes, always. Extensions pricing depends on your natural hair thickness, the length and volume you want, and the method chosen, so an accurate quote requires seeing your hair in person first.
Can I color my hair with extensions in?
Yes, but color services should be done by your stylist and coordinated around your extension maintenance schedule, since chemical processes can affect the bonds or tape adhesive depending on the method.
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