Different types of hair extension can vary quite a lot from one another based on how they are attached, how they look, how safe they are, how durable they are, what hair types they are suitable for, how much they cost, and how long they last. This can make the choice between them quite difficult but all the more important.
How long do extensions last is arguably one of the most important questions here as this affects their price and comfort of use. So, below we’ve covered the several more popular types of hair extensions and explained how long they typically last for.
How long do tape in hair extensions last?
One of the more popular types of hair extensions, tape in extensions last about 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how you take care of them. This short lifespan Is offset by the fact that they are reusable, however, as well as by how quick the attaching procedure is.
While other types of hair extensions can take up to 6 hours to attach, tape in hair extensions usually take no more than 30 to 60 minutes. They way they are attached is via an adhesive weft tape that tapes the extensions on either side of your natural hair. This also causes minimal discomfort and allows your natural hair to keep on growing undisturbed.
And, because they are reusable, you can essentially prolong their overall lifespan depending on how many times you use them, the latter depending on how well you’ve taken care of them.
Overall, you can use other types of hair extensions that last up to 6 months and take ~6 hours to attach or you can use the same tape in extension three consecutive times, lasting for ~2 months each with ~1-hour attachment procedures.
How long do fusion hair extensions last?
Fusion hair extensions are also called pre-bonded hair extensions, glue in hair extensions or keratin hair extensions. These hair extensions are attached to the root of the hair with a glue-gun type of tool that attached the extensions strand by strand to the natural hairs for a better look.
So, how long do glue in hair extensions last? These hair extensions have an average lifespan of 3-4 months but with the right care can last for up to half a year or even more.
Taking care of fusion or pre-bonded hair extensions doesn’t require too much special care. Regular shampoos and conditioners are usually ok for them, unless, of course, your hairstylist has told you otherwise based on their knowledge of your hair’s specific needs.
You do need to be careful how you interact with these hair extensions physically, however, because pulling them, playing with them, or scratching your scalp too much can have a significant effect on their longevity. This is further complicated by the fact that some people can feel quite itchy for the first couple of weeks after the attachment of fusion hair extensions.
How long do micro link extensions last?
Micro link hair extensions are also often called micro bead or micro look hair extensions. They are applied by attaching tiny wefts of extensions to small individual sections of natural hair with the help of micro beads, loops or links.
So, how long do beaded hair extensions last? Usually, these extensions last about 3 to 4 months but can last even more with the proper care. What’s even more important, however, is that if you’ve kept the extensions in a good condition they can be reattached if some of them have slid off. This further prolongs their lifespan and the only thing that ends up restricting their overall duration is how well the hairs themselves have been preserved.
Another good thing about these extensions is that they require no glue or heat to attach. The flip side of that is that even an experienced and skilled technician will take at least several hours to properly attach the extensions.
How long do clip in hair extensions last?
Clip in extensions are the least permanent, least damaging, and easiest to use hair extensions as they are simply “clipped in” to your natural hair’s roots with no need of glue or heat. This doesn’t mean that they can’t last for a while, however – with the proper care, clip in hair extensions can last for as long as 3 to 6 months.
Washing these extensions with sulfate-free and natural products is recommended after ~30 wears. You should also be careful when drying them and you should brush them out to prevent breakage or wear and tear.
How long do sew in hair extensions last?
Sew in hair extensions work by being literally sawn into your hair after it has been braided into cornrows. Needless to say, it’s quite a long and tiresome process. This is unfortunate because sew in hair extensions usually last only about 6 to 8 weeks. Under ideal conditions they can last up to 4 months, however, any more than that is really ill-advised as it will hamper the growth of your own natural hair.
When using sew in hair extensions it’s also very important to take proper care of them. You’ll have to make sure that your scalp is always well-moisturized and your weave and natural care should always be well-conditioned.
