Hair extensions have long ceased to be something exotic. Today, it is a familiar way to quickly change appearance and mood. A professional stylist in a salon can perform a complete transformation in one visit: a short bob will turn into a luxurious braid, curls will gain volume, and the color can be changed without resorting to dyeing.

There are many types of hair extensions on the market: from thin and light tape-in to durable weft systems and capsules. Each type has its own characteristics, and even an experienced stylist sometimes argues about which type of hair extensions is the best for a particular client. It is important to understand not only the technology, but also how the chosen method will behave in everyday life — in the pool, sauna, with active styling or frequent hairstyles. Let’s take a look at the different types of hair extensions pros and cons. Following are the most popular hair extensions methods.

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-in hair extensions are thin transparent strips with adhesive, to which a strand of donor hair is attached. Two tapes “seal” a natural strand between them. The tapes are very thin and almost invisible. The procedure is quick, takes 30–60 minutes, while there is no hot exposure and risk of damaging the natural structure.

Advantages:

• minimal exposure to temperature, harmless for hair;
• can extend the length by 20-60 cm in just one visit;
• easy removal and reinstallation during correction with a special solution;
• suitable for temporary images — for example, for a Hollywood-style photo shoot.

Disadvantages:

• requires correction every 6–8 weeks, as the tapes slip with regrown hair;
• cannot use oily or greasy products near the roots — they weaken the adhesive;
• not suitable for high hairstyles, as the tapes may be noticeable in ponytails and buns, especially on thin hair;
• tapes can sometimes stick together;
• if washed or combed incorrectly, strands may tangle at the roots.

This method is great for those who want to quickly change their look without a long wait. However, it is important to follow the care instructions to extend the life of the tapes and maintain the natural look of the strands.

Micro Ring Weft Hair Extensions

This method is chosen by those who want to do without glue and capsules. Wide wefts are attached using small micro rings (or beads), without glue or heat. The weft is fixed in a horizontal line through the rings, which are clamped with special pliers.

Advantages:

• installation takes 1–2 hours depending on volume;
• no glue or heat — gentle method of attachment — that’s the biggest plus;
• quick correction — easy to remove and reinstall;
• the same wefts can be reused up to 4–5 times;
• suitable for dense and thick hair for maximum volume.

Disadvantages:

• not suitable for thin or weak hair — wefts are heavier than tapes;
• may be visible if the hair is sparse or too short;
• restrictions on styling, especially high hairstyles.

Some stylists adapt this method for braid or combined weaving to make the attachment even more reliable. This approach allows you to evenly distribute the load and increase the wear life of extensions.

Hair Extensions With Micro Keratin Bonds

This option is known as the Italian technique. At the tip of each donor strand is a small capsule of keratin. The master can use hot tongs  to fix the capsule.

Advantages:

• wear period – up to 3 months without replacement;
• small size capsules are invisible;
• hair can be dyed, curled, and change the shape of the styling;
• capsules are very small and  invisible even on thin or light hair;
• can be applied to any zone — including temples and bangs;
• maximum natural look and feel.

Disadvantages:

• the procedure takes 1-3 hours;
• generally considered suitable for all hair types.

Some call this method the safest type of hair extensions, but only with proper installation and careful care.
Stylists advise to closely monitor the condition of the capsules to avoid their premature destruction. It is important not to overheat the strands when styling to preserve the keratin structure. This technique is well suited for those who are ready to regularly visit the salon for correction. With proper care and adherence to recommendations, the service life of the capsules can be significantly extended.

Sew-in Weft Extensions

The basis is braiding at the nape. The stylist braids a thin horizontal braid close to the scalp, and a wide weft is sewn to it by hand with strong thread. This method of extensions is often used by owners of thick hair, where composition allows it to withstand additional weight without drawback.

Advantages:

• these extensions last 4-6 weeks without correction;
• suitable for creating dense volume and length;
• do not use glue or heat when attaching;
• can be dyed, straightened, curled;
• easy removal and reinstallation of the same wefts — they can be reused multiple times.

Disadvantages:

• not suitable for very thin or sparse hair — the braid can be noticeable;
• correction required every 4–6 weeks as the braid grows out;
• not recommended to frequently change the parting or wear high hairstyles;
• tight braiding may pull the scalp, so hair should not be overtightened.

Conclusion

When choosing between hair extension methods, it is important to consider:

1. Structure and size of your own hair strands.
2. How often you are ready to do correction.
3. Habits such as regular swimming pool, sauna, active sports.
4. Time required not only for installation, but also for further care.

For example, tape-in hair extensions method, cold or micro capsules are suitable for thin hair. For thick hair, sew-in weft hair extensions or micro rings can be used.

If you need a new type of hair extensions with minimal impact — micro capsules hair extensions

It is necessary to do the procedure only with experienced professionals. An experienced stylist knows how to attach a lock so as not to damage natural hair, will select the right size of the capsule, take into account contraindications and even the shape of the head (shape). He will advise what type of hair extensions is the best for a particular client and warn about all the pros and cons of the chosen technology.

Here are some hair extension aftercare tips:

• use soft brushes so as not to snag the strand;
• when styling with a curling iron, avoid applying heat directly to the capsules;
• always rinse and dry your hair after swimming in the pool or the sea;
• gather your hair into a light braid before going to bed;
• use care products that extend the life of your strands.

With proper selection and installation, all types of hair extensions can look natural and delight you for many months, and the pros and cons of the types of hair extensions will be known in advance — without any unpleasant surprises.