Options, Options: How to Navigate Donna Bella’s Extension Methods

I don’t know if you guys have noticed, but Donna Bella offers quite a few different extension methods. Between I-Link, Kera-Link, Tape-In, and Clip-In, it might be hard to figure out which extension method is best for you. This is where your stylist can help a lot--they are, after all, trained to know everything about DB’s extensions. But if you’re the kind of client who likes to have an idea of what you want beforehand, or the kind of stylist who needs a little help identifying the best method for any situation, we’re here to offer some assistance. So, to make things a little easier for you, here’s a snapshot of each method, including their relative benefits and ideal candidates:

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I-Link

What it is:
A professional (semi-permanent) extension that applies with only beads--no glue, tape, or heat required.

How it works:
I-Link installs in a strand-by-strand manner, wherein a single strand of hair is looped through a bead, a single hair extension tip is placed into the bead, and the bead is clamped down to hold the two together. I-Link requires no chemicals for removal, just a little pressure to unclamp the bead. This type of extension installs in 1-2 hours, and needs to be moved up every 8-12 weeks. They can be reused 1-3 times for a total lifespan of about 3-6 months.

Pros:
- Semi-permanent increase in hair length and volume
- 360 degree movement
- 100% hair-safe installation
- No processed components involved
- Removal is quick and easy

Cons:
- For clients with a sensitive scalp, I-Link beads can be uncomfortable to sleep on
- As with any professional method, since the extensions remain installed for an extended period of time, natural shed hair will remain trapped in the bond
- Clients must take certain precautions to prevent professional extensions from slipping

Who it’s best for:
- Clients wary of glue, tape, heat, or chemicals coming in contact with their hair
- Clients who prioritize maintaining natural hair integrity
- First-time professional extension clients

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Kera-Link

What it is:
A professional (semi-permanent) extension that is fused to the hair with melted keratin bonds.

How it works:
Kera-Link installs in a strand-by-strand manner, wherein a single strand of hair is isolated, a single extension strand is laid on top of it, and the extension's keratin bond is melted around the two with applied heat. Kera-Link is removed by applying Keratin Bond Remover--an alcohol-based serum that breaks down the bond--then manually breaking the bond with the Hair Extension Tool. This type of extension installs in 2-3 hours, and needs to be moved up every 6-7 weeks. They can be reused 1-3 times for a total lifespan of about 2-4 months.

Pros:
- Semi-permanent increase in hair length and volume
- 360 degree movement
- Bonds are totally camouflaged within the hair
- The most durable of all extension methods
- Slippage is unlikely

Cons:
- Kera-Link requires that heat be applied to the hair during installation
- Kera-Link is somewhat difficult to remove, and removal involves an alcohol-based chemical
- As with any professional method, since the extensions remain installed for an extended period of time, natural shed hair will remain trapped in the bond
- Clients must take certain precautions to prevent professional extensions from slipping
- Since the old extension bond is cut off before reinstalling Kera-Link extensions, every time they are reused the length of the extension will get a little bit shorter

Who it’s best for:
- Clients who prioritize strong extension hold
- Clients who prioritize minimal bond visibility
- Repeat professional extension clients

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Tape-In

What it is:
A professional (semi-permanent) extension that is taped to either side of the client’s hair.

How it works:
Tape-In installs with wefts, which are wider than hair extension strands. During installation, a section of hair is isolated, a Tape-In extension weft is taped on top of it, a second Tape-In weft or a piece of Single Sided Tape is taped underneath it, and the hair is thereby sandwiched between layers of tape. Tape-In is removed by applying Tape-In Bond Remover--an oil-based serum that breaks down the adhesive bond--then manually peeling the extensions and/or tape from the natural hair. This type of extension installs in 30-60 minutes, and needs to be moved up every 3-6 weeks. They can be reused 1-2 times for a total lifespan of about 2-4 months.

Pros:
- Semi-permanent increase in hair length and volume
- Natural and comfortable feel
- Super-fast install
- Exceptionally lightweight extensions

Cons:
- Tape-In offers slightly less movement and flexibility than the strand-by-strand extension methods
- As with any professional method, since the extensions remain installed for an extended period of time, natural shed hair will remain trapped in the bond
- Clients must take certain precautions to prevent professional extensions from slipping

Who it’s best for:
- Fine-haired clients
- Clients who prioritize comfort
- First-time professional extension clients

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Clip-In

What it is:
A non-professional (removable) extension that is clipped to the hair.

How it works:
Clip-In extensions come in variously sized wefts for easy row-by-row installment. These extensions come with clips already installed, and are applied to the hair by clipping the wefts along a row of parted hair. Clip-In is removed by simply unclipping the wefts from the hair. This type of extension installs in 5-15 minutes, and removes in under 2 minutes. They can be reused as many times as the user sees fit, and typically reach a total lifespan of about 6-12 months.

Pros:
- User-controlled increase in hair length and volume
- Super-fast install and removal
- Commitment-free, great for experimentation
- Easy, unhassled hair care
- Minimal salon maintenance required

Cons:
- Clip-Ins are impermanent, and will need to be installed and removed per every usage
- Depending on the user’s hair texture, Clip-Ins may slip slightly while in use

Who it’s best for:
- First-time extension clients
- Fine-haired clients
- Non-committal clients
- Clients who prioritize flexibility
- Clients who prioritize control

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Please keep in mind that different methods will offer a different assortment of colors, lengths, textures, and even material varieties, so check in advance to see if your preferred method carries the specifications you’re looking for. Human hair extensions can be modified to suit the needs of the wearer, so a less-than-perfect match shouldn’t necessarily deter you from one method or another. Again, consult with your stylist for your best hair extension match! And, stylists, take advantage of our upcoming hair extension events to brush up on your consultation skills! There’s always more to learn, and there’s no better way to practice!

Got questions? Leave them in the comments below! We’ll be sure to answer them for you.