Are hand tied extensions bad for your hair? This question has been circling around the internet for quite some time now. If you’re considering getting hair extensions but have some doubts about the possible effects they may have on your hair, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will dive into the world of hand tied extensions, tackle some misconceptions, and uncover the benefits and drawbacks that come with this hair enhancing technique.
From celebrities to your favorite influencers on social media, hand tied extensions have become increasingly popular among women. With promises of voluminous, long and luscious locks, it’s no wonder why more and more women are considering getting them. But is the risk worth it? Are hand tied extensions bad for your hair? It’s high time we look past all the pretty pictures and get into the nitty-gritty of what happens when you get hand tied extensions.
We know that having long, thick, and healthy hair is every girl’s dream. But how far are you willing to go to achieve it? With hand tied extensions, you can get that dream hair you’ve always wanted. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you commit. In this article, we will give you everything you need to know about hand tied extensions – how they work, the potential damage they can cause, and the steps you can take to minimize the risk. So, sit back, relax, and keep reading to learn the truth about hand tied extensions.
Types of Hair Extensions
When it comes to hair extensions, there are various types to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. The most common types of hair extensions include:
- Clip-In Extensions
- Tape-In Extensions
- Micro Link Extensions
- Sew-In Extensions
- Pre-Bonded Extensions
Clip-in extensions are temporary and can be easily removed when not in use. On the other hand, tape-in, micro link, sew-in, and pre-bonded extensions are semi-permanent and require professional installation and removal.
Clip-in extensions are perfect for those who want to experiment with length or volume without committing to a permanent change. They can be easily clipped in and out of the hair and are available in various lengths, colors, and textures.
Tape-in extensions involve attaching thin strips of hair extensions to small sections of your natural hair using a medical-grade adhesive. They’re a popular choice for those looking for a low-maintenance option as they can last up to 8 weeks with proper care.
Micro link extensions use tiny, copper beads to attach the hair extensions to your natural hair. They’re ideal for those who have thin or fine hair as they can be attached without causing additional weight or damage to your natural hair.
Sew-in extensions involve the braiding of your natural hair into cornrows and then sewing the hair extensions onto the braids. This method is popular with those who have coarse or thick hair. Sew-in extensions can last up to 3 months with proper care.
Pre-bonded extensions use heat to attach the hair extensions directly to your natural hair. This method involves fusing a keratin protein bond to your natural hair with a heat tool. Pre-bonded extensions provide a natural look and feel and can last up to 6 months with proper care.
Overall, the type of hair extension you choose will depend on your hair’s texture and thickness, desired look, and lifestyle.
Benefits of Hand Tied Extensions
Hand tied extensions are not only a trendy fashion accessory, but they also offer numerous benefits to your hair. Here are some reasons why hand tied extensions might be a great choice for you:
- Length and Volume: One of the most obvious benefits of hand tied extensions is the added length and volume they provide. They are perfect for those who have thin or fine hair and want a little extra oomph.
- Natural Look: Unlike other types of extensions, hand tied extensions are made from human hair, which makes them look more natural and blend seamlessly into your hair. You won’t have to worry about anyone noticing that you are wearing extensions.
- Low Maintenance: Hand tied extensions are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for several months without losing their quality or texture.
Additionally, hand tied extensions offer the following benefits:
- Flexibility to Style: You can style your hair in multiple ways with hand tied extensions just as you would with your natural hair. From curls to braids to updos, you have a wide range of styling options available to you.
- No Damage to Your Hair: Unlike other types of extensions, hand tied extensions do not involve glue or heat, which can be harmful to your hair. Instead, they use a unique technique that involves tying the extensions to your natural hair and are less likely to cause damage.
- Increased Confidence: Hand tied extensions can boost your confidence and make you feel more attractive. You may find yourself more outgoing and social and enjoy trying out new hairstyles that you may not have considered before.
Overall, hand tied extensions are a great investment if you are looking to add length, volume, and style to your hair. Just be sure to find a reputable stylist who specializes in this technique to ensure that your extensions are applied correctly and safely.
Drawbacks of hand tied extensions
Hand tied extensions have been gaining popularity in recent years, but like all hair extensions, they come with their own set of drawbacks. While they may add volume and length to your hair, there are a few things to consider before getting hand tied extensions.
- Damage to hair: Hand tied extensions require a tight braiding of hair before the extensions are sewn onto them. This can cause breakage and damage to the natural hair, especially if the extensions are worn for too long.
- Pain and discomfort: The braiding process can be painful and uncomfortable, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. In some cases, the tightness of the braids can cause headaches.
- Care: Hand tied extensions require a lot of maintenance. You need to be careful when brushing your hair to avoid pulling on the extensions. You also need to make sure to wash your hair frequently to avoid buildup.
If you’re considering hand tied extensions, it’s important to keep these drawbacks in mind. While they may seem like a quick fix for your hair problems, they could potentially cause more damage than good in the long run.
For some people, the benefits of hand tied extensions outweigh the drawbacks. However, it’s important to discuss your options with a professional before getting the extensions. They can help you determine whether hand tied extensions are the best choice for you, or if there are other types of extensions that may be more suitable.
| Drawback | Description |
| Damage to hair | The tight braiding of natural hair required for hand tied extensions can cause breakage and damage to the hair in the long term. |
| Pain and discomfort | The braiding process can be painful and uncomfortable, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. This can even cause headaches in some cases. |
| Care | Hand tied extensions require a lot of special care and maintenance, such as careful brushing and frequent washing to avoid buildup. |
Overall, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of hand tied extensions before making a decision. While they may seem like a solution to thinning hair or other hair problems, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks and to consult with a professional to determine whether they are the best choice for you.
Caring for hand tied extensions
Hand tied extensions are a great way to add length and volume to your hair, but they do require some extra care to ensure they look and feel their best. Here are some tips for caring for your hand tied extensions:
- Brush your extensions regularly using a soft-bristled brush. This will help prevent tangles and matting, which can cause damage to both your extensions and your natural hair.
- Avoid using products that contain alcohol, as it can cause your extensions to dry out and become brittle.
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to keep your extensions clean and moisturized.
In addition to these general tips, there are some specific things you can do to keep your hand tied extensions looking and feeling their best:
If you have blonde or light-colored extensions, you may want to use a purple shampoo to prevent them from turning brassy. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-toning.
When blow-drying your extensions, use a low heat setting and avoid applying direct heat to the wefts. This can cause them to loosen or even break, and may also damage your natural hair. Instead, gently blot your extensions dry with a towel and allow them to air dry as much as possible.
| Do: | Don’t: |
|---|---|
| Brush your extensions regularly | Use products that contain alcohol |
| Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner | Blow-dry on high heat |
| Use a purple shampoo for blonde or light-colored extensions | Apply direct heat to the wefts |
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your hand tied extensions look beautiful and stay in great condition for as long as possible.
Common Misconceptions About Extensions
There are many common misconceptions floating around about hair extensions and their effects on hair health. Here are five of the most prevalent:
- Extensions damage your hair: This is one of the biggest myths about hair extensions. When they are properly applied and maintained, extensions should not cause any damage to your natural hair. It is important to choose a reputable stylist and high-quality extensions, and to follow proper care instructions.
- Extensions are uncomfortable: While some people may experience some discomfort or tightness immediately following an extension installation, this sensation should go away within a day or two. If the extensions continue to feel uncomfortable, it may be a sign that they were not properly applied or are too heavy.
- Extensions only look good on long hair: This is simply not true! Hair extensions can add volume and thickness to shorter hairstyles, and can even be used to create bangs or other face-framing styles.
- Extensions are high maintenance: While there is some maintenance involved in caring for hair extensions, it is not significantly more time-consuming than regular hair care. You will need to be gentle when brushing and styling your extensions, and may need to spend a little extra time blow-drying or curling them, but this can all be integrated into your normal routine.
- Extensions are expensive: While high-quality extensions can be an investment, there are many cheaper options available that can still give you the look you want. Additionally, if you properly care for your extensions, they can last for several months, making the overall cost more affordable than you might think.
By dispelling these common misconceptions, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not hair extensions are right for you, and how to properly care for them once you have them.
Alternatives to Hand Tied Extensions
Although hand tied extensions are a popular choice for those seeking to add volume and length to their hair, they may not be suitable for everyone. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to hand tied extensions that can achieve similar results without causing damage to your natural hair. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Tape-in extensions: Tape-in extensions use medical grade adhesive to attach wefts of hair to your natural hair. They are comfortable to wear and can be easily removed without damaging your hair.
- Clip-in extensions: Clip-in extensions are temporary and easy to apply at home. They can add length and volume to your hair without damaging it, and can be removed easily at the end of the day.
- Micro ring extensions: Micro ring extensions use tiny copper rings to attach wefts of hair to your natural hair. They are lightweight and cause minimal damage to your hair.
If you are looking for a more permanent solution, there are also several hair extension methods that are less damaging than hand tied extensions. These include:
- Sew-in extensions: Sew-in extensions involve sewing wefts of hair into a braid created with your natural hair. This method can last up to eight weeks before needing to be redone.
- Fusion extensions: Fusion extensions use a keratin adhesive to bond the extensions to your natural hair. This method can last up to six months with proper care.
- Halo extensions: Halo extensions use a wire or tape to attach a weft of hair to the crown of your head. They are easy to apply and remove and cause minimal damage to your hair.
It’s important to consult with a professional stylist to determine which extension method is best for your hair type and lifestyle. By choosing the right extension method and taking proper care of your extensions, you can achieve the hair of your dreams without sacrificing the health of your natural hair.
Choosing the Right Hair Extension Method
Choosing the right hair extension method can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a method that is not only suitable for your hair type but also doesn’t damage your natural hair. Here are some tips to help you choose the right hair extension method:
- Consider your hair type: Before choosing a hair extension method, it’s important to consider your hair type. If you have naturally thin hair, for instance, you would want to choose a method that doesn’t put too much strain on your hair follicles. Some methods that work well for thin hair include tape-ins and clip-ins.
- Look for high-quality extensions: It’s important to invest in high-quality extensions that won’t damage your natural hair. Always opt for human hair extensions that blend seamlessly with your natural hair.
- Choose the right length: When it comes to hair extensions, the length matters. Choose extensions that match the length of your natural hair or a length that you’re comfortable with.
There are numerous hair extension methods to choose from, here are some popular ones:
Clip-Ins: Clip-in hair extensions are perfect for those looking to add length or volume to their natural hair. These extensions are easy to install and remove and cause no damage to your natural hair.
Tape-Ins: Tape-in hair extensions are a semi-permanent hair extension method that lasts for up to 8 weeks. These extensions are easy to install, lightweight, and do not cause any damage to your natural hair.
Sew-Ins: Sew-in hair extensions are a semi-permanent hair extension method that lasts for up to 8 weeks. This method involves braiding your natural hair and then sewing hair extensions onto the braids. Sew-ins offer a natural-looking finish but can be damaging to your natural hair if not done properly or left in for too long.
Overall, the key to choosing the right hair extension method is to understand your hair type and choose a high-quality extension that doesn’t cause damage to your natural hair. By following these tips, you can achieve your dream hair without sacrificing the health of your natural hair.
FAQs about Hand Tied Extensions
1. Are hand tied extensions bad for your hair?
Not at all, the proper technique and maintenance can ensure the health of your hair while rocking beautiful extensions.
2. Can hand tied extensions damage your scalp?
No, the process of hand tied extensions is gentle on the scalp and hair.
3. Will hand tied extensions cause hair loss?
No, if installed and maintained properly, hand tied extensions should not cause hair loss.
4. How long can I leave hand tied extensions in?
Typically, hand tied extensions should be adjusted every 6-8 weeks to maintain the health of your hair and extensions.
5. Can I use heat tools on hand tied extensions?
Yes, heat tools can be used on hand tied extensions, but it is important to use a heat protectant and avoid excessive heat.
6. Will hand tied extensions affect my natural hair growth?
No, hand tied extensions should not affect natural hair growth if properly installed and cared for.
7. Can I swim with hand tied extensions?
Yes, you can swim with hand tied extensions but it is important to take extra care and protect them with a swim cap or braid them beforehand.
Closing Thoughts on Hand Tied Extensions
Now that you have learned more about hand tied extensions, you can see that they are not bad for your hair and can offer a great way to add length and volume to your hair. Just be sure to work with a professional and follow the proper maintenance routine to ensure the health of your hair and extensions. Thank you for reading and make sure to visit again for more hair care tips and advice!