How Do Hair Extensions Work? Our Stylists Reveal All

Hair extensions have become a super popular method to elevate your natural hair. Whether that’s adding length, boosting oomph, or a quick styling fix, extensions offer endless possibilities. But how do they work?

Well, the answer to this really depends on the type of hair extensions. Clip-in extensions work differently from tape-ins, and tape-ins work differently from fusions, and…you get the idea. 

We’ll talk you through the most popular types of hair extensions and how it is they work – that way, you can decide what type is best suited to your inches.

First, as a quick rundown, we’ll look at what hair extensions are most commonly used for. Of course, the obvious is to add length to your tresses without the wait for natural hair growth.

If you're looking for volume, hair extensions can also give your locks a fuller, more voluminous look.

What's more, they can effectively conceal areas of hair thinning or loss, providing a confidence boost along the way. 

We get a lot of girls and women coming into our Lakeside salon asking for advice on covering up thin areas – hair extensions are perfect for this!

They also cut down a ton of time from your morning routine or your glam time if you’re headed out to a party or event. Our clip-ins come pre-styled with waves, curls, flicks and sleek hair, which adds instant character to your hair. 

They’ve definitely saved us from a few hair disasters in the past!

So, how do hair extensions work? Like we briefly touched on earlier, extensions ‘work’ differently depending on the type.

We’ve broken down the 5 most popular types of hair extensions and explained how it is they’re attached to natural hair.

Clip-in extensions are a temporary, do-it-yourself method that involves clips sewn onto the hair weft. 

Synthetic or human hair (depending on the type of extensions) is woven or glued onto the weft, and the clips are used to attach the extensions to your natural hair.

The clips are simply slid into your hair close to your roots and clipped shut. And that’s it! Apart from a brush through to blend your natural hair and extensions, that’s how clip-in works.

They're quick to apply, require no professional assistance, and can be removed anytime, making them a versatile and cost-effective option. Plus, because they simply clip onto your natural hair, clip-in extensions don't damage your hair as other permanent methods might.

Tape-in extensions consist of thin, pre-taped wefts that are sandwiched between sections of your natural hair.

This semi-permanent method requires a professional for application and maintenance, but they're lightweight and almost invisible, offering a natural look.

The glue used is safe for your hair and – when installed and removed correctly – will not damage your hair. Emphasis on the correctly part. You should get these extensions fitted and removed by a professional in a hair salon because they have the skills and tools needed to do so.

As your hair naturally grows out, the tape-in extensions will start to move further away from your scalp, which means they’ll need to be altered. 

This involves heating up the glue and gently pulling apart the tapes from your hair. The hair itself can be reused (most of the time) and just needs new tapes applied and re-installed in your hair.

The RiRi 22” Human Hair Tape Extensions are an ideal option for a natural, semi-permanent change. Check out our in-salon fitting service, too!

Specially designed for, Sew-in extensions or weaves are best suited to people with thick, coarse hair. 

This method involves braiding the natural hair into cornrows and then sewing the hair extensions into the braids using a needle and thread. The process can be time-consuming but the results are long-lasting!

Unlike some other types of extensions, sew-ins don't require the use of heat or glue for attachment, reducing potential damage to your natural hair. But you’ll need enough hair to create the braids.

Micro-ring extensions involve attaching the extensions to your natural hair using small, silicone-lined beads.

Tiny sections of hair are fed into your natural hair, which is threaded through the hole of the bead. A pair of pliers is then used to clamp the beads shut, securing your natural hair and the hair extensions together. 

Because such small pieces of hair are worked on at a time, it’s a really lengthy process, but the results are very natural.

To remove micro-ring extensions, the pliers are used to squeeze the beads in the opposite direction to which they were shut, opening them up again. The hair extensions can then be fed out, or reapplied.

Fusion extensions involve bonding the extensions to your natural hair using keratin adhesive.

On the ends of the hair extensions is a hardened keratin bond that melts or softens when heated. A tiny section of natural hair is taken for which to attach the extensions to. 

Using a heat tool, the keratin bond is melted, and your natural hair is moulded into the bond, which hardens again when it’s cooled down.

Applied with a heating tool, this method offers a seamless blend but requires a professional for application and removal.

Proper maintenance of hair extensions is crucial for their longevity and the health of your natural hair. 

Neglecting care can lead to tangling, matting, and potential damage – and nobody wants that!

Hair extensions can work wonders for transforming your look, but it's important to give your hair some time off – particularly from semi-permanent extensions. 

Taking regular breaks from extensions allows your natural hair to recover and breathe, reducing the risk of damage.

Continuous use of extensions, especially those that involve heat or adhesive, can weaken your hair and lead to breakage or thinning.

 By taking breaks, you're ensuring the health and vitality of your natural hair, keeping it strong and resilient.

Remember, during these breaks, treat your hair to deep conditioning, regular trims, and a balanced diet to promote healthy growth.

Incorporating a regular hair care routine can have a significant impact on the overall health and vitality of your hair.

Hair masks are a game-changer! They provide deep nourishment and hydration, leaving your hair soft and manageable.

 Look for ingredients like keratin, argan oil, or coconut oil – they work wonders with their restorative and moisturising properties. 

The RiRi Hair Extensions Boost or the Argan Oil Hair Treatment work wonders!

Using a high-quality, sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner is a must. We recommend the RiRi Hair Extension Shampoo and Conditioner Duo. 

These products cleanse and condition your hair without stripping away its natural oils, unlike conventional ones that may do more harm than good. They can also be used on extensions that last for weeks or months!

If you're using heat-styling tools, don't forget to use heat protectant sprays. They create a protective barrier on your hair, shielding it from potential heat damage.

By adopting a gentler approach to hair care, you'll notice a remarkable improvement in the overall health and appearance of your hair, which will ultimately enhance the longevity of your extensions.

When brushing, avoid tugging or pulling. Instead, opt for a wide-tooth comb or a brush designed for extensions, like the RiRi Signature Deluxe Hair Extension Brush. 

Start detangling from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Additionally, limit the use of heat-styling tools to prevent long-term damage.

While washing your hair, give your scalp a gentle massage. This stimulates blood flow and encourages hair growth, creating a relaxing experience.

Hair extensions can either be applied using clips, glue, heat or sew-in methods depending on the type of hair extensions you’re looking at.

Semi-permanent extensions that use glue, heat or sew-ins definitely expose your hair to a higher damage risk, which is why they should always be installed and removed by a professional only.

Temporary extensions, i.e. clip-in extensions, are more forgiving, and are super simple to attach

yourself at home.

Ultimately, the best type of hair extensions for you will depend on a) your hair type, b) your budget, and c) what you intend to use them for. But there’s plenty out there to choose from!

If it’s clip-in hair extensions you’re after, be sure to check out our range of synthetic and human hair clip-ins!

Embrace the transformative power of hair extensions and enhance your natural beauty with RiRi Extensions today!