Beginners Guide to Hair Extensions and Weaves

 

Beginner's Guide to Hair Extensions and Wigs

Introduction: Taking Your First Steps

Venturing into the world of hair extensions and wigs can feel overwhelming. With countless options, techniques, and terminology to navigate, even knowing where to begin can be challenging. Whether you're looking to add volume, length, or experiment with an entirely new look, this comprehensive guide will take you from confused novice to confident explorer in the fascinating realm of hair enhancements. Learn about the different types of hair extensions and which might be best for you.

Understanding Your Options: Extensions vs. Wigs

Before diving into specifics, let's clarify the fundamental difference between extensions and wigs:

Hair Extensions

Hair extensions add length and volume to your existing hair through various attachment methods. Discover clip-in extensions for beginners and how easy they are to use.They integrate with your natural hair, creating a seamless blend when properly installed. Extensions can be:

• Temporary: Easily applied and removed daily (clip-ins, halos)
• Semi-permanent: Lasting 6-8 weeks before requiring maintenance (tape-ins, micro-links)
• Long-term: Installed for 2-3 months (sew-ins, fusion bonds)

Wigs

Wigs provide complete coverage, offering the opportunity to transform your entire look without modifying your natural hair. Modern wigs range from:

• Full coverage: Traditional wigs covering the entire head
• Partial coverage: Toppers for crown thinning
• Specialty designs: Lace fronts, full lace, and 360 lace options for natural-looking hairlines
• Explore synthetic vs. human hair wigs to find the right fit for your lifestyle.
  

Hair Types: Making Sense of the Terminology

Human Hair

Human hair offers the most natural look, feel, and versatility, but varies significantly in quality:

• Virgin Hair: Unprocessed hair collected from a single donor, with cuticles intact and aligned. The gold standard for quality and longevity.
• Remy Hair: Human hair with cuticles aligned in one direction, preventing tangling. Most quality extensions fall into this category.
• Non-Remy Hair: Processed hair collected from multiple sources. Often chemically stripped and coated with silicone. Lower price point but shorter lifespan.

Synthetic Hair

Made from artificial fibers, synthetic options have evolved significantly:

• Standard Synthetic: Affordable but limited in styling (typically can't withstand heat)
• Heat-Resistant Synthetic: Can tolerate low-temperature styling tools
• Premium Synthetic: High-quality fibers that closely mimic human hair texture

Extension Methods: Finding Your Perfect Match

Temporary Options (DIY-Friendly)

Clip-In Extensions

Best for: Occasional wear, beginners, special events Installation: Pressure-sensitive clips attach to small sections of natural hair Maintenance: Remove daily, wash every 15-20 wears Lifespan: 6-12 months with proper care

Halo Extensions

Best for: Quick application, zero damage Installation: A transparent wire sits around the crown of your head, with hair attached falling over your natural hair Maintenance: Remove daily, wash every 15-20 wears Lifespan: 6-12 months with proper care

Semi-Permanent Options (Professional Installation Recommended)

Tape-In Extensions

Best for: Fine to medium hair, natural-looking volume Installation: Pre-taped wefts "sandwich" your natural hair Maintenance: Requires repositioning every 6-8 weeks Lifespan: Can be reused 2-3 times with proper maintenance

Micro-Link/Bead Extensions

Best for: Medium to thick hair, targeted placement Installation: Small sections of extension hair are attached using tiny metal beads Maintenance: Requires adjustment every 8-10 weeks as natural hair grows Lifespan: 3-5 months, depending on care

Long-Term Options (Professional Installation Required)

Sew-In Weaves

Best for: Thick, coarse, or textured hair Installation: Natural hair is braided into a cornrow pattern, and wefts are sewn onto these braids Maintenance: Professional tightening every 6-8 weeks Lifespan: 2-3 months per installation

Fusion/Pre-Bonded Extensions

Best for: Medium to thick hair seeking long-term results Installation: Individual strands attached using keratin bonds or specialized adhesives Maintenance: Professional removal required Lifespan: 3-4 months before replacement needed

Wig Types: Navigating Your Options

Construction Methods

Basic Cap Wigs

Best for: Beginners, occasional wear, budget-conscious shoppers Features: Machine-made wefts attached to a cap Ventilation: Limited breathability Appearance: Less natural hairline

Lace Front Wigs

Best for: Natural-looking hairline, versatile styling Features: Sheer lace at the front hairline that can be glued/taped down Ventilation: Good at the front, standard at the back Appearance: Creates the illusion of hair growing from your scalp

Full Lace Wigs

Best for: Maximum versatility, high-end appearance Features: Entirely hand-tied hair on a full lace cap Ventilation: Excellent throughout Appearance: Can be parted anywhere, styled in any direction

360 Lace Wigs

Best for: Active lifestyles, ponytail styles Features: Lace around the entire perimeter with a cap crown Ventilation: Excellent around edges Appearance: Natural hairline from all angles

Installation Methods

Glueless Application

Best for: Beginners, sensitive scalps, daily removal Method: Adjustable straps, combs, and elastic bands secure the wig Pros: No adhesives needed, easy to remove Cons: Less secure for active lifestyles

Adhesive Application

Best for: Long-term wear, secure fit Method: Liquid adhesives or tape secure the wig to the scalp Pros: Very secure, natural appearance Cons: Requires more skill, careful removal needed

Essential Tools for Success

For Extensions

• Wide-tooth comb
• Boar bristle brush
• Extension-safe shampoo and conditioner
• Heat protectant spray
• Storage system (hanging or box)
• Loop brush for extensions
• Removal solutions (specific to your extension type)

For Wigs

• Wig stand or mannequin head
• Wig brush or wide-tooth comb
• Wig shampoo and conditioner
• Wig cap
• T-pins for styling
• Lace tint (to match skin tone)
• Edge control for blending
• Adhesive remover (if using glue)

Getting Started: Your First Purchase

For Extensions:

1. Determine your hair type and texture: Extensions should match your natural hair pattern
2. Color match: Test in natural lighting; consider professional help
3. Start small: Begin with a few wefts before investing in a full head
4. Quality over quantity: Better to have fewer high-quality pieces than many low-quality ones

For Wigs:

1. Measure your head: Use a soft measuring tape around your hairline
2. Choose cap construction: Consider comfort, breathability, and styling needs
3. Select density: 130% density is most natural; higher percentages offer more volume
4. Start with versatility: For beginners, a middle-part wig with adjustable cap can be more forgiving

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Extension Pitfalls

• Choosing incorrect installation method for your hair type
• Overloading fine hair with heavy extensions
• Improper application causing tension and breakage
• Neglecting regular maintenance
• Using regular brushes and products on extension hair

Wig Missteps

• Incorrect sizing leading to slippage or headaches
• Skipping wig cap or proper preparation
• Failing to customize the hairline
• Using regular hair products on synthetic wigs
• Over-styling human hair wigs

Caring for Your Investment

Daily Maintenance

• Brush extensions/wigs from ends to roots
• Sleep with extensions braided or in a loose bun
• Use a silk pillowcase or hair wrap
• Apply leave-in conditioner to ends
• Avoid products with alcohol, sulfates, or silicones

Washing Routine

• Extensions: Every 15-20 wears or when product builds up
• Daily wear wigs: Every 7-10 wears
• Use lukewarm water and specialized products
• Air dry whenever possible
• Apply treatments to maintain moisture

The Cost Consideration

Quality hair enhancements are an investment, but understanding the value proposition helps put costs in perspective: Get a first-timer’s guide to weaves, wigs, and hair extensions for a comprehensive overview.

Extension Price Factors

• Hair quality (virgin, Remy, processed)
• Hair origin (European, Asian, Indian, etc.)
• Length and weight (longer = pricier)
• Installation method (professional vs. DIY)
• Maintenance requirements

Wig Price Factors

• Cap construction (machine-made vs. hand-tied)
• Hair quality and origin
• Density and length
• Pre-customization features
• Brand reputation

Moving Forward: Growing Your Skills

As you become more comfortable with your hair enhancements, consider:

• Learning basic coloring techniques for perfect blending
• Mastering heat styling for seamless integration
• Experimenting with different placement patterns
• Taking a class in extension application or wig customization
• Following professional stylists who specialize in extensions/wigs on social media

First off, lets establish what weaves are. Weaves are synthetic (fake) or remy (real human) hair extensions that can be added to your own hair with different methods to add length or volume. Read expert tips on shopping for and styling wigs.They are supposed to look natural, so they can be expensive. Both the attachment method and the hair are supposed to help the weave look like your own. So let's dive into this topic head-first!

Frequently Used Terms in Hair Weaving

A packet of 10-inch premium straight hair ready for a weave. | Source

As weaves become more popular, they have developed their own slang, or abbreviations for common terms. To catch you up, lets go over the four major terms that are used. It is necessary to know what these terms mean because they often come up in the process of buying hair. Understand the pros and cons of different extension methods.

• Virgin Hair. This is hair that is cut with the cuticle going in the same direction and in its natural state. No chemicals have been added to it whatsoever. This type of hair can come from any race and is usually more expensive because of the time it takes to grow and because it is found in lesser abundance.
• Remy or Remi. This is human hair that is cut with the cuticle going in the same direction, but the hair has some chemicals in it. This could mean it has been permed or colored.
• Weft. This hair is held together with fine threads. This can be done with a machine or by hand. Although machine wefts are more popular (and cheaper), hand wefts are more desirable because they are more natural-looking and durable.
• Pre-Bonded Extensions. This hair is connected in tresses with a bonding agent, the most common of which is keratin. There are two types of pre-bonded extensions: U-tipped and I-tipped. U-tipped use heat when applied while I-tipped use special devices that don't require heat.

Reasons You Should Consider a Weave

1. The variety. Weaves come in all different shades and lengths. Also, the hair comes from donors of many different types of people. Can you instantly grow Indian, European, Brazilian, etc. hair? Didn't think so.
2. Quick and easy. Imagine how long it would take for you to grow your own hair to the length that you want. Now, imagine going to your trusted stylist, sitting in a chair for a few hours or less, and walking out with the length of hair you've always desired. Your choice.
3. Durable. It is very possible to keep your weave in for up to three months, depending upon how well you maintain it. Your weave can still look just as fabulous three months after you got it.
4. Give your natural hair a break from blow drying, straightening, and curling. Your hair sees a lot of heat from styling. Give it a rest without sacrificing your good looks.
5. You've been dying to have long hair and you just don't feel like waiting to grow it out. Do what makes you happy.

The Down Sides

Some things to consider before getting a weave:

• Getting a weave pulls on your scalp.
• Getting weaves too often can make your natural hair fall out.
• Having extensions in your hair all the time can damage your natural hair long-term and even lead to premature balding.
• Yes, this does happen, but it is rare. Who wants their hair to fall out? But think about this: If you grew your hair out, cut it in different styles all the time, dyed and permed it, your hair would still fall out. Don't let the negatives scare you away. Just like everything else in life, weaves are best in moderation. My suggestion is to wait 1-3 months after your previous weave to get a new one. Find out how to care for your extensions and wigs to keep them looking their best. During this period you should wash and condition your hair regularly and try to avoid heat as much as possible.

Methods of Attaching Weaves

A net weave bonding, or glue-in, near completion. | Source

Different Ways Weaves Are Attached

In this section, we'll talk about the different methods of hair weaving. Look for videos below of how each method is done so that you can visually see the process. This should make your choice a little easier.

• Sew-in: The hair is braided with a needle and thread. The weft of hair is literally sewed onto the head with a braid. Sounds confusing but it really isn't. Compare lace front, full lace, and U-part wigs for natural styles and versatility. Depending on how sensitive you are and how tight your braids are, this can hurt or it can feel like nothing. If this is your first time having your hair braided, the braids may seem a little tight, which causes pressure. If this happens to you, tell your stylist. It's better to have the problem fixed immediately rather than having to take it all out. The needle, by the way, does not come near nor puncture skin.
• Net weave sew-in: This is the same as the regular sew-in method except a net is sewn over the braids. Net weaves relieve tension and allow the hair to not swell as much after shampooing. The downside is that you will be less able to care for your real hair, as the net gets in the way. If you have normally thick hair, get the regular sew-in. But if you have thinner hair, a net weave sew-In may be in the cards for you as it also adds more coverage.
• Hair bonding (or glue-in): The natural hair is sectioned and the weave is attached to the hair, near the scalp, with glue. This method usually damages the hair and people are often allergic to the glue. Nonetheless, this method can last up to 2 months when well maintained.
• Fusion: The natural hair is sectioned and attached strand-by-strand using wax. Fusions usually last 3-6 months and are the most expensive method. With fusions, the bonds are not visible unless you are looking for them. This is the most natural-looking weave.
• For the beginners, try the regular sew-in or net weave sew-in method first.

Choosing Hair and a Stylist

Now that you know everything about the world of weaves, there's nothing left to do but choose the hair and find a stylist. Of course, I am not going to leave you on your own to carry out this task!

1. Assess your own hair. What color is it? What's the texture? This will all come in to play when choosing your hair.
2. What do you want? How long do you want your weave to be? Do you want a two-tone weave? You can't choose the right hair for yourself unless you know what you want. Along with color and length, you should know what kind of hair you want. Hair comes from all different types of ethnicities.
3. Don't be scared. Try new things and styles! Your hair is a medium for expressing yourself. Also, don't be scared to buy from online vendors. They have the best hair, but look out for scams.

Conclusion: Your Hair Enhancement Journey

Remember that mastering hair extensions and wigs is a journey, not a destination. Start with quality foundations, be patient with the learning curve, and don't hesitate to seek professional guidance when needed. With time and practice, you'll develop the skills and confidence to transform your look seamlessly. See the latest trends and advice for beginners in hair enhancements.

Whether you're enhancing your natural hair or exploring completely new styles, extensions and wigs offer unparalleled versatility. Approach your hair enhancement journey with knowledge and patience, and you'll discover a world of possibilities that boost not just your look, but your confidence.

Last updated: May 2025