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Time to read 7 min
Looking to upgrade your hair game? Whether you’re craving mermaid-worthy length, luxurious volume, or a total glow-up, professional hair extensions are the ultimate hair hack. From seamless hand-tied wefts to long-lasting keratin tips, choosing the right extensions makes all the difference for your style, lifestyle, and hair health.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, babe—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down the 9 most popular types of professional extensions , which hair types they suit best, and the top tips for keeping them looking flawless.
Fine Hair: Opt for hand-tied wefts, tape-ins, or K-tip extensions for a natural, lightweight finish that won’t pull on your delicate strands.
Thick Hair: I-tip or fusion extensions work beautifully to blend with your natural hair and give you length and volume without looking too obvious.
Curly Hair: Fusion or K-tip extensions can blend well with natural curls, giving you the length and fullness you crave without disrupting your curl pattern.
Low-Maintenance Babe: If you like to set it and forget it, K-tip or fusion extensions will give you that long-term wear you’re looking for.
On-the-Go Queen: I-tip extensions (microlinks) are perfect for active lifestyles because they stay secure through workouts, swims, and more.
Change It Up: If you like switching up your style often, clip-ins or tape-ins are your best bet. Quick to install, quick to remove—without long-term commitment!
Best for: Fine to medium hair, clients who want a lightweight, flexible weft.
Genius Wefts combine the seamless look of a hand-tied weft with the versatility of a machine weft. Unlike hand-tied wefts, they can be cut anywhere without unraveling and contain no return hairs, making them a ultra-comfortable professional hair extension install. This weft lays flat against the scalp for a discreet, natural look while providing volume and length without excess bulk.
Pros:
Considerations:
"Good things take time… except hair extensions. Those are instant!"
Best for: Fine to thick hair; natural-looking, long-term wear.
K-tip extensions, also known as keratin tips, are individually bonded to your natural hair using a heat tool that melts the keratin bond. This method is a crowd favorite amongst the professional hair extension community. This method is super discreet, and the bonds are flexible, so they move naturally with your own hair. If you're all about long-lasting, no-fuss hair that blends beautifully, this one’s for you!
Pros:
Long-lasting (up to 6 months with proper care).
Blends seamlessly with your natural hair.
Great for all hair types, including fine or short hair.
Considerations:
Requires professional application.
Installation can take a few hours.
Removal must be done by a professional to avoid damage.
Best for: Medium to thick hair, clients wanting maximum volume with fewer wefts.
Volume Genius Wefts offer all the benefits of the Genius Weft but with extra hair per row, allowing for a fuller look with fewer wefts. They provide denser coverage while maintaining the same thin and flexible structure, making them perfect for clients who want extra fullness without excessive layering.
Pros:
Considerations:
"I think that the most important thing a woman can have—next to talent, of course—is her hairdresser"
Best for: Medium to thick hair; low-maintenance lifestyles.
I-tip (or microlink) extensions use small metal beads to attach individual strands to your natural hair. Since they don’t require heat, glue, or braiding, they’re a healthier option for your hair. This method works wonders for thicker hair and is great for adding length and subtle volume. If you’re active or prefer low-maintenance styling, I-tips stay put through it all.
Pros:
No glue, heat, or chemicals involved.
Extensions move naturally with your hair.
Great for an active lifestyle.
Considerations:
May not be ideal for fine or fragile hair.
Installation can be time-consuming, but the results are worth it!
Best for: Medium to thick hair, clients seeking maximum fullness and volume with fewer rows.
Volume Wefts are designed to provide extra density without adding excessive weight. They are thicker than traditional wefts and allow for a fuller look with fewer wefts, making them a great option for those who want maximum volume while maintaining comfort. These wefts are customizable and can be layered to create a seamless blend.
Pros:
Considerations:
"Hair style is the final tip-off whether or not a woman really knows herself."
Best for: Fine to medium hair, clients wanting a lightweight and flexible weft with minimal bulk.
Micro Wefts are ultra-thin extensions that provide a seamless and natural look while maintaining durability. They are less bulky than traditional machine wefts and do not require adhesives, making them a great choice for those with fine or medium-density hair. These wefts lay flat against the scalp, offering a discreet and comfortable wear experience.
Pros:
Considerations:
Best for: Most hair types, especially fine or thin hair.
Hand-tied wefts are perfect for those who want a seamless, natural look. These extensions are thin, lightweight, and practically invisible once installed. They're applied by sewing the wefts onto a track of beads or braids, without the use of glue or heat. If you have fine or thinner hair but crave that “I woke up like this” fullness, this is the ultimate go-to!
Pros:
Lightweight and comfortable to wear.
Seamless and invisible (no bulky feel!).
Great for adding volume without the weight.
Considerations:
Requires professional installation.
Needs regular maintenance (around every 6–8 weeks) to keep the wefts in place.
DID YOU KNOW?
Women and men in ancient Egypt used beeswax and resin to attach extensions for added length and volume. They even dyed them in bold colors like blue and gold for a statement look.
Best for: Fine to medium hair; quick installation.
Tape-in extensions are pre-taped and then "sandwiched" between sections of your natural hair. They're one of the most popular choices for people who want a fuller look in less time. These are ideal for fine to medium hair types because they lie flat against your head and give you instant volume with minimal effort.
Pros:
Quick to install (about 1 hour!).
Reusable if cared for properly.
Perfect for fine-haired girls who want a smooth blend.
Considerations:
Need to be repositioned every 6–8 weeks.
Requires special care (avoiding oily products near the tapes).
"I think that the most important thing a woman can have—next to talent, of course—is her hairdresser"
Best for: Occasional wear, versatility, and beginners.
Clip-ins are the most temporary option of professional hair extensions, perfect for those who want to switch up their look without any long-term commitment. They're easy to apply and remove at home, giving you instant length and volume in minutes. Clip-ins are great for special events, photoshoots, or just those days when you want to slay with extra hair.
Pros:
Super versatile and easy to apply.
Can be worn on-demand.
No professional application required.
Considerations:
Not ideal for daily wear (can cause stress on your hair).
May not blend as seamlessly as other options with thin or very short hair.
Once you’ve chosen your perfect extension type, remember that maintenance is key to keeping them looking fresh and fab. Regular touch-ups with your stylist are a must, especially for wefts and tape-ins. Be gentle with your extensions when brushing, use sulfate-free products, and avoid heat directly on the bonds to make them last as long as possible.
Choosing professional hair extensions can feel like a big decision, but trust us, babe, the results are worth it! Whether you're aiming for va-va-voom volume, mermaid length, or just a fresh change, there’s an extension type to match your lifestyle and hair type perfectly. If you're still unsure, book a consultation with a stylist to get personalized recommendations for your professional hair extensions.
After all, life’s too short for boring hair, right?
