How Long Does Hair Need to Be for Extensions?

Celebrities, models, and influencers always have their hair decked out in the finest extensions. So, it’s no surprise that hair extensions have also become popular amongst regular people. Stylists can add extensions to short hair, but there are some minimum requirements that haircare professionals recommend. But how long does your hair have to be to get extensions? It depends on the type of extensions you’re considering.

Hair Extensions: What Are They?

There are two types of hair extensions: those made from human hair and those made from synthetic materials.

Human hair extensions are manufactured from human hair donated or sold to the manufacturing company. They can last up to a year and have all the elements of human hair. They can be heat styled, dyed to a preferred color, and even washed like a regular head of hair. Human hair extensions, however, are a bit more expensive than their synthetic counterparts.

Synthetic hair extensions, meanwhile, are made from synthetic materials like acrylic, nylon, or polyester. They are processed to look like human hair but cannot be heat-styled, dyed to a preferred color, or washed like regular human hair. While synthetic hair extensions are less expensive than human hair counterparts, they can also look “cheap” depending on the manufacturer, upkeep, or style.

How to Apply Hair Extensions

There are several ways to apply hair extensions:

• Sew-in/Weave is the most popular type of hair extension in the Black community. Stylists can easily twist these extensions into ethnic styles such as cornrows, Bantu knots, and box braids. Sew-in/weave applications require at least six inches of the client’s normal hair for best results.
• Microlink/Microbead hair extension application requires extensive professional skills. It involves using metal or silicone beads to apply hair extensions to natural hair. This process requires at least four inches of the client’s normal hair for best results.
• Tape-in hair extension application only requires four inches of the client’s normal hair. This method, as its name suggests, “tapes” the extension to the base of the client’s head. However, this method requires that the client have enough hair at the base of the head to cover the tape used in the extension, so it looks “natural.”
• Clip-in hair extensions are the most flexible method when it comes to hair length. A client’s hair only needs to be 3 or 4 inches long to deploy the clip-in method, which is temporary by design. These extensions are removed after the evening out and are not usually left in the head for more than 24 hours.

Which Extensions Are Best for Your Hair Type?

Each hair extension application method is different and, as such, best suited to different hair types. Microlink/microbead extensions and clip-in extensions are both very versatile and can be used on all hair types. However, sew-in/weave hair extensions are best for thick and coarse hair, while tape-in hair extensions are best for thin to medium-density hair.

It’s essential to get a hair extension that compliments your natural hair. For example, don’t get a synthetic blonde hair extension if you have dark curly hair. Bear in mind, too, that wearing hair extensions for an extended period can damage your hair, so always consult a hair care professional before putting them in. Ensure you understand what’s involved with adequately caring for the extensions so they can last longer while leaving your hair looking full and healthy.

Finally, remove your hair extensions immediately if you experience irritation, inflammation, or any other negative side effect that causes you pain or discomfort. Hair extensions are supposed to make you feel beautiful, not unhappy!

Other Short Hair Considerations 

Installing hair extensions can be difficult for clients with hair shorter than 4 inches, but it is not impossible.

Some stylists opt for a “mesh” system of hair extension installation designed for shorter hair. Other stylists, however, modify the micro link/microbead method, tailoring it specifically for shorter hair.

Regardless of which method you choose to install your hair extensions, it is of the utmost importance to make the installation look natural so you can look, and feel, beautiful at all times.

Get Your High-Quality Hair Extensions at Therapy Hair Studio

Located in the heart of Houston’s Galleria district, Therapy Hair Studio offers its clients the best hair extensions. Since 2008, the talented stylists at Therapy Hair Studio have delighted thousands of customers with their expert approach to hair care and unique way of making each client feel like a million bucks without spending a million bucks, and we can’t wait to add you to our list of satisfied clients. Contact us today and discover what Houston’s hair extensions salon has to offer.