Which Hair Extensions Last the Longest
Whether you're planning to buy a new car or just a tube of lipgloss, you want your investment to be worthwhile. Hair extensions are no different. If you're spending your hard-earned money on a set of extensions, you expect them to last long enough to get your money's worth.
So, how long do extensions last? Different kinds of extensions have different lifespans. But the good news is that you can extend your wefts' lifespan by giving them attention and using them with care. Synthetic extensions are less likely to last as long as natural ones, but they too require care and maintenance.
Let's have a look at how long each type of extension lasts.
Tape-In Extensions
Tape-in extensions are exactly as they sound. You have to tape them on either side of your hair by using special adhesive tape. And because they don’t use heat for attachment, they won’t damage your natural hair.
So, how long do tape-in extensions last? Typically, they’ll last anywhere between four to eight weeks. And like other extensions, the actual life expectancy of human hair tape-in extensions depends on how well you care for them.
They can last more than eight weeks with proper care, and you can reapply the same wefts up to three times! If the tape peels off, you can have them reattached by using double-sided tape.
Be sure not to brush or comb tape-in extensions when they’re wet because doing so can damage them and reduce their lifespan.
Clip-In Hair Extensions
Clip-ins are the least damaging extensions available out there. You can easily clip them into your hair and remove them whenever you want. And as stated for other sorts of extensions, clip-ins also require proper care to last longer. With good care and daily use, these extensions can last up to a year or more. But rough use can reduce their lifespan to three to six months.
Since you may not be using them every day, they can last much longer than other extension types that are usually attached to your hair until they wear out. Ideally, you should wash clip-in extensions after every 30 wears. But be careful not to brush them when they are wet, or they can break and wear out faster than they otherwise would.
Pre-Bonded Hair Extensions
Pre-bonded extensions are attached to your natural hair at the roots by a tool similar to a hot glue gun. Because they are bonded to your natural hair, you can’t just remove them every day like you could some other types. But they do look more natural.
These extensions can last up to three to four months, depending on the level of care they receive. How and how often you wash, brush, and style them will also determine their life expectancy.
Since these wefts are bonded, they have a higher maintenance cost. Also, you would need to adjust and reposition pre-bonded hair extensions from time to time since the roots of your hair will grow out.
Sew-In Extensions
Sew-in extensions work well for women with thicker hair. They are installed by braiding your natural hair into cornrows and then sewing the extensions onto the braids. Sew-ins are pretty permanent, so you cannot remove them. They can last between six to eight weeks.
Ideally, it would be best if you didn’t keep sew-in extensions for more than four months. That is because they can prevent your natural hair from growing. Make sure to moisturize your scalp and the wefts’ edges once a week to extend the extensions’ lifespan and keep them looking natural.
Micro Loop Hair Extensions
Micro loop hair extensions, also known as micro links, are installed by taking small segments of your hair and connecting tiny wefts to the roots. Though micro links may look similar to pre-bonded extensions, they don’t use heat or glue for application. Instead, they’re attached to your natural hair with tiny beads.
These extensions can last up to three to four months, depending on the level of care they get. But since the strands are attached to your hair’s roots, it is vital to use only natural products to prevent damage and increase their lifespan.
Every one of us wants extensions that last the longest. That makes sense since it is a significant investment, especially when it comes to human hair extensions. No matter which type you ultimately choose, giving your wefts extra attention and using them with care will help to ensure they last as long as possible.