At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What are Human Hair Extensions?
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Human hair extensions are beauty products that are used to lengthen or thicken the hair. There are a number of kinds of hair extensions on the market made from a variety of materials. Human hair extensions are the only kind that are actually made of a natural human product. These kinds of hair extensions often blend in with the wearer's own hair better than extensions made from synthetic materials. For this reason, these kinds of extensions are often in higher demand and are more expensive than their synthetic counterpart.
It is most common for women to wear human hair extensions, but in some cases men do as well. The extensions are either woven or clipped close to the scalp. Although this process can be rather painful, there are some women who swear by extensions and have them put in their hair on a regular basis. When done well, the extensions should blend in well with the rest of the naturally grown hair and should look quite natural. It is common for women who have thin hair or hair with very little body to get hair extensions to boost the volume of their hair.
Some women get hair extensions to lengthen their hairstyle. By having long extensions added to even rather short hairstyles, a women con go from having chin length hair to having locks all the way down to her waist in the matter of an afternoon. As hair extensions can dramatically change a person's look, they are often used in styling for fashion shoots or in movies.
Human hair extensions can be washed and styled just like naturally grown hair. They can be shampooed and conditioned, blow dried, flat ironed, and curled. In many cases, the extensions can even be colored along with the naturally-grown hair. However, many women choose to simply use human hair extensions that already closely match their own hair color. In other cases, women choose to use the extensions as a way to highlight their natural hair color and have them placed accordingly.
Eventually, human hair extensions have to be removed. This is because they begin to come loose as the hair grows because they are clipped or sewn in closely to the scalp. As the hair grows longer, they move further and further away from the scalp. They can usually be worn for anywhere between a month upwards depending on the rate of hair growth.
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
Learn more...
Diane Goettel
In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Blonde hair extensions.]()
By: pavel ChernobrivetsBlonde hair extensions. -
![Hair extensions can be sewn or braided into or clipped or bonded to natural hair.]()
By: alarsonphotoHair extensions can be sewn or braided into or clipped or bonded to natural hair. -
![Human hair extensions can be used to add volume to hair that has become thin as a result of smoking cigarettes.]()
By: illustrez-vousHuman hair extensions can be used to add volume to hair that has become thin as a result of smoking cigarettes. -
![Human hair extensions are worn to thicken or lengthen hair.]()
By: darkfreyaHuman hair extensions are worn to thicken or lengthen hair. -
![Hair extensions may be particularly beneficial to individuals experiencing severe hair loss.]()
By: prudkovHair extensions may be particularly beneficial to individuals experiencing severe hair loss. -
![Human hair extensions often look more natural than synthetic materials.]()
By: tolstnevHuman hair extensions often look more natural than synthetic materials.
Discussion Comments
Karmin Easy Clips makes the best extensions, in my opinion.
I've heard that some of the human hair extensions that are being sold to us are taken from people in different parts of the world by force. Do you folks know where your hair extensions came from?
@turkay1-- Yes, I've used both and I prefer human hair extensions.
Synthetic hair extensions are cheaper but you will save money with human hair extensions in the long run. Real hair extensions last a long time and don't get damaged as easily. You can use them just like you use your real hair. You can wash them and style them as much as you want.
My synthetic hair extensions never lasted me more than six months and by that time, they were very damaged. So if I were you, I would invest in real hair. Remy human hair extensions are nice.
I'm not sure if I should get real human hair extensions or synthetic ones. Synthetic hair extensions are much cheaper than human hair, so I'm probably going to go with those.
Has anyone here used both synthetic and real hair extensions? Which would you recommend?
Post your comments