Least Damaging Hair Extensions
Hair extensions can completely transform your hair from root to tip.
Whether you want to boost your confidence or add extra density to your strands, you can do so easily with extensions.
They’re a popular hair enhancement that solves various hair concerns.
You can get temporary extensions or permanent extensions.
Temporary ones can be removed from the hair at the end of each day, and permanent ones are fused into the hair with glue or sewing techniques at a hair salon.
However, many people fear extensions because they can potentially damage their hair.
As long as you install your extensions with a licensed and trained professional and maintain them properly, hair extensions likely won’t damage the hair.
But you’ll need to find the right type for you.
What are the least damaging hair extensions?
The least damaging hair extensions don’t cause tension at the root and fit your hair type and texture. Temporary extensions, like clip-ins, don’t snag and can be easily removed.
While your extensions must suit your hair type and texture, it’s also important to consider your lifestyle.
Hair extensions can be high-maintenance, and you’ll need to maintain them regularly to avoid damage or breakage.
Best Non-Damaging Hair Extensions
Hair extensions should always be installed in a salon setting by a licensed hairstylist. However, this may feel overwhelming if you’re new to the whole process.
Extensions don’t have to cause havoc on your hair. As stated earlier, as long as the extensions are properly installed and you care for them, they shouldn’t damage your natural hair.
However, there are lower-maintenance options.
These lower-maintenance options are not only easy to install and care for, but also ideal for people new to extensions.
It’s surprising how many factors you should consider before choosing hair extensions.
Once you start with an easy-to-use extension like clip-ins, you’re more likely to understand extensions and try other types. So what are the least damaging extensions?
Clip-Ins
Clip-ins are the most accessible type of hair extension, and they are easy to apply or remove.
Clip-ins work exactly as they sound. The strip of hair will be attached to a clip that you can secure anywhere around the head to add length, density, and volume.
Clip-ins are known as temporary hair extensions. They are ideal for anyone looking to change their hair without committing to a permanent change.
However, they can still cause damage if you wear them incorrectly.
To avoid mishaps with clip-ins, make sure you pick the right weight.
For example, if your clip-ins are too heavy for your head or hair, they can cause tension, tenderness, or breakage. Clip-ins should feel comfortable and weightless.
Always read the brand’s instructions or seek help from a licensed stylist to avoid snagging or pulling.
Clip-ins can be snapped into hair easily in minutes, and all you have to do is unclip them at night to remove the extensions seamlessly.
You can also get a clip-in for every occasion. For example, if you want to rock a high ponytail, you can opt for a ponytail clip-in extension.
Or, maybe you want to try bangs. Clip-in bangs are available on the market, too.
Tape-Ins
Tape-ins are a permanent extension. This means tape-ins are installed by a professional stylist in a hair salon.
You don’t remove tape-ins nightly like you would with clip-ins. Instead, you get them touched up at a salon every few weeks.
Permanent hair extensions also use adhesive to keep the extensions in place.
This is why most people fear extensions: incorrect installation can cause tension or tenderness, and cannot be removed at home.
Tape-ins are installed with a double-sided adhesive, so they stick together around the strand of hair. Now, glues, tapes, and sealants can cause damage and are very intimidating.
However, the adhesive for tape-in extensions works a little differently.
Tape-in adhesive wraps around the hair and can be easily removed with a tape remover, without causing unnecessary breakage.
The adhesive is flexible enough that the tape-ins can eventually mold to your head and natural hair.
Also, tape-ins can work for all hair types, textures, and densities.
However, as with any other type of extension, improper adhesive removal, neglect, and incorrect installation can compromise the condition of your natural hair.
This is why it’s crucial to always have permanent extensions installed and removed by a trained professional.
Another thing to note about tape-ins is that they should be measured and fitted to your hair type and density to avoid tension or heaviness.
Wefts/Sew-Ins
Wefts are another non-damaging hair extension option.
Wefts are versatile because they can be transformed into any extension.
So they are highly customizable, and you can turn them into clip-ins, or make them into a permanent enhancement.
Wefts are generally larger and heavier than clip-ins, so one of the best ways to install a weft is with the sew-in technique.
For sew-ins, a braid is created along the length where the extensions will lie, and the hair weft is sewn into it.
Overall, this causes less tension because the weft is sewn into your natural hair.
Wefts are ideal for medium, thick, coarse, textured, and natural hair types that can withstand braiding to hold the weft in place.
As with every type of extension, the installation and removal process, and maintenance in between appointments, will determine how damaging the extension will be.
For example, the braid on the base can feel too tight.
How To Pick The Right Extensions
Before installing hair extensions into your strands, it’s crucial to determine which type of extension will best suit you.
There are multiple reasons why you need to choose the right extension. For example, the correct fit and type of extension will reduce the chances of damage.
Other things you should consider before installing hair extensions are your desired outcome, lifestyle, and hair density/texture.
Your hair should match your lifestyle. For example, if you don’t want to spend time caring for your hair or are always on the go, opt for clip-ins.
Clip-ins can pop in and out without much thought, and you don’t have to get touch-ups at the salon.
Lastly, you should analyze the current state of your hair. It’s essential to choose an extension that matches your hair texture and density.
For example, if you have thin, fine hair, you don’t want a heavy weft sewn in if you have very little hair.
So how do you know which extensions are right for you? You can choose based on your texture and density as a general rule of thumb.
However, going to a salon and getting fitted by a licensed stylist will always give you the best result.
The stylist may be able to customize the extensions to better fit your needs.
Remember, a proper extension installation won’t cause damage or breakage, but you’ll have to take care of them properly before your next appointment.
Fine Hair
Fine hair can be tricky to work with when installing extensions. Some people with fine hair lack density, or their hair is thin.
It will be difficult to hide some of the extensions at the root because there is already little to work with.
However, fine hair can also be thick in density. So if your strands are fine but you have a lot of hair, it may be easier to conceal extensions.
Regardless, fine hair can sometimes struggle to hold its shape, so extensions can add depth, volume, and length.
Clip-ins are great for a temporary solution because you can customize them to match your hair and remove them in a snap.
It’s also a great way to see if you want to explore permanent options. Tape-ins are fantastic because they don’t add extra tension.
Medium Hair
If you have medium density or texture, you can explore installing many extensions.
This type of hair can support almost any kind of extension, and you can play around to see what works best for you.
For example, medium hair can be suitable for sew-ins or work with a denser/longer weft.
Tape-ins will flatter almost any hair type and add extra length or volume where you need it most.
As always, clip-ins are an easy, temporary solution that allows you to get creative with your extensions without the commitment or breakage.
Thick Hair
Thick hair that’s coarse, coily, or curly can benefit from using a weft.
Wefts are also customizable, so you can turn them into clip-ins or have them installed permanently by your stylist.
Wefts can also create a sharp contrast with thick hair, and it’s fantastic for adding length to your strands.
Consult With Your Stylist
There are many other types of extensions you can choose besides the ones listed above.
So, if you’re unsure what will suit your needs, always consult with a stylist. A stylist can recommend other options that fit your hair and lifestyle.
Also, you’ll get the correct extension and the exact fit for your hair, so it doesn’t lead to breakage, damage, or tension.
However, there is one thing you can do at home to prevent extensions from damaging your hair: maintenance.
How To Maintain Your Extensions To Prevent Damage
How you care for your extensions and hair can also determine if extensions will cause breakage.
Without a proper hair care routine, you risk shortening the lifetime of your hair extensions. It can also affect your natural hair during the removal process.
If you get your permanent extensions installed at a salon, the stylist will provide general guidelines for caring for your extensions.
The instructions will vary depending on the type of extensions you choose and your hair’s unique characteristics.
Clip-Ins
Clip-ins are the least damaging for a reason: they are removable.
Yes, clip-ins can still tug at your roots if they aren’t clipped in properly, but gently snapping them in and out can reduce breakage.
You’ll want to avoid heavy wefts to prevent creating tension. Finally, the type of hair the extensions are made of will help determine how to clean them.
You don’t want to neglect your natural hair either. Regularly washing, nourishing, and gently detangling your hair will ensure it is healthy enough to support clip-ins.
We’ve found a great video below from Luxy Hair on YouTube that shows how to wash your clip-in hair extensions.
Wefts/Sew-Ins
We mentioned earlier that wefts are a highly versatile and customizable hair enhancement.
Because wefts have many uses and can be installed in different ways, it will be up to you and your hairdresser to create a maintenance routine that includes touch-up appointments.
According to True Weave Spa’s FAQ section, “a sew-in can last six to ten weeks. We recommend you come to the salon for maintenance service every 2 weeks for a shampoo, and four to six weeks after installation for tightening.”
This is one example of how salons will set up maintenance services for sew-ins, and it can vary by salon, stylist, and client.
Here’s a great video from Taylor Ramirez all about how to wash your hair with extensions.
Tape-Ins
Tape-ins are easy to maintain, but they also involve frequent visits to the salon.
Similar to sew-ins, tape-ins can last a few months but require upkeep every couple of weeks. Regular salon visits will help prevent damage and breakage.
Like most hair enhancements, you’ll want to avoid doing anything to your extensions while wet for at-home care.
Brushing, heat styling, or sleeping with wet tape-ins can shorten the lifespan of your extensions.
Below, we’ve linked a video by Kirstie Roche that explains everything you need to know about washing tape-in extensions.
Hair Loss
Most people fear that extensions can cause hair loss. Unfortunately, this is true if you don’t install, remove, or upkeep your extensions as required.
Clip-ins can create sparse patches if you snap them incorrectly or place them in the same spot every day.
If your clip-ins are too heavy, they can cause breakage by creating tension at the root.
For permanent extensions, it’s normal to shed hair. This is because permanent extensions hold onto the hair that we would have shed daily if it weren’t for an adhesive keeping the strands in place.
However, if you have chunks falling out during removal, it could signify something is wrong.
If your hair feels too thin after extension removal, we recommend checking out our article on how to get your volume back.
The Takeaway
Overall, the least damaging hair extensions are clip-ins, tape-ins, and wefts/sew-ins.
However, it’s crucial to remember that any hair extensions won’t damage your hair as long as they are installed, removed, and maintained properly.
Temporary extensions like clip-ins are the easiest to work with and usually don’t require a trip to the salon unless you want them cut.
They are the least damaging and can easily pop in and out of the hair when needed.
Permanent hair extensions are installed with glue, tape, or adhesive.
However, if you opt for a sew-in, the weft will be sewn into a braid made from your natural hair. Permanent hair extensions will need regular maintenance at the salon.
Regardless of what type of extension you have, maintenance is crucial.
It will ensure your natural hair is intact and that you don’t have unnecessary tension at the roots.
Creating an effective hair routine and getting touch-ups will help prevent damage.
Hair extensions are a fantastic hair enhancement that can be customized to fit your needs.
Hair extensions can do it all, whether you need to add length, volume, thickness, or depth.
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