Hair Extensions - Donna Bella Hair
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What Are the Different Types of Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions have come a long way over the years. As the beauty industry has grown, the demand for new methods, styles, lengths, and colors has too. It’s no surprise that both cosmetologists and beauty mavens alike want to know what types of hair extensions are out there, and which method will be best for them.

There’s no short or simple answer, but Donna Bella carries some of the most popular types of hair extensions, which include:

  • Microbead (aka I-Tip, I-Link)
  • Tape-In
  • Fusion (aka Glue-In, Kera-Link)
  • Flat-Tip (aka Hybrid)
  • Clip-In (aka Ready-To-Wear, DIY)

 

Why so many choices, and which hair extensions are the best?

The truth is that the “best” hair extension type or method is relative. Each type of extension offers unique value and benefits, and each has its unique drawbacks as well. For example, the tape-in method is overall one of the most popular because of its versatility and reusability.

However, non-committal beauty mavens might opt for the easy, DIY opportunity that a clip-in extension provides. Below, we’ve outlined a bit about each of these methods, and how to decide which is best for you or your clients.

strands of different colored curly hair extensions

Microbead Hair Extensions

Otherwise known as I-Tip or I-Link, microbead extensions use tiny beads to attach extensions to the natural hair. The beads are then crimped down to hold the hair in place after the bead is threaded on to the hair near the scalp area. Microbead extensions require consistent touch ups, but can last anywhere from three to six months depending on the extension quality and care routine.

They have some of the same durability benefits that fusion extensions offer, without needing glue or heat to attach them. You can click here to learn more about I-Link extensions, or here to see Donna Bella’s variety of microbead extensions.

 

Tape-In Hair Extensions

Tape-in extensions are wefts, rather than individual strands, that use an adhesive tape to attach the extensions to the head. They’re typically preferred for their shorter installation time and flat, seamless appearance (when installed properly).

Tape-ins are particularly advantageous for thinner hair, especially when you use single-sided tape. They also tend to carry less risk of damage than fusion or glue-in extensions if your hair is consistently exposed to heat-based treatments. With these, be sure to stock up on replacement tape. You can click here to learn more about tape-in extensions, or here to see Donna Bella’s variety of tape-in extensions.

 

Fusion Hair Extensions

While this method has certainly evolved over time, fusion (otherwise known as glue-in, or Kera-Link at Donna Bella) extensions use small keratin bonds that are melted, shaped, and reformed around the hair to create a sturdy, long-lasting connection.

A distinct benefit is that, while they are harder to remove, they require less overall maintenance than other methods. Further, not all fusion extensions actually use glue, despite the commonly synonymous term “glue-in”. Donna Bella, for example, relies solely on the keratin protein bond and fusion connector for installation.

As with the other methods, maintenance is required every six to eight weeks as your hair grows. You can click here to learn more about fusion extensions, or here to see Donna Bella’s variety of Kera-Link extensions.

 

Flat-Tip Hair Extensions

Our hybrid method, Flat-Tip extensions, combine the best of both worlds between the tape-in and microbead methods. Flat-Tip extensions install in much the same way that an I-Link does, meaning you’ll get 360 degree movement.

However, below the bead attachment of a Flat-Tip extension there is a small weft, much like tape-ins. That means they’ll generally lay flatter against the head and cover more overall surface area. You can click here to learn more about Flat-Tip extensions, or here to see Donna Bella’s variety of Flat-Tip extensions.

 

Clip-In Hair Extensions

Clip-in hair extensions are the DIY solution for easy length, volume, or color change-ups. Since you have to put them in every time you want to wear them, clip-ins require the most work.They’re the perfect solution for stylists and fashionistas that want a no-commitment, no-hassle extension method.

Generally speaking, they can be installed in a matter of minutes at home or by a stylist, and are going to be the best method for people who want different looks regularly, or want to give something a try before committing to a longer lasting extension method.

Depending on how often you wear them, and how well you care for them, a good clip-in extension should remain usable for up to a year or longer. You can click here to learn more about Clip-In extensions, or here to see Donna Bella’s variety of Clip-In extensions.

Which of these methods is your favorite? Let us know here or on social!

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Tips
Pull your hair to the front and avoid tucking it behind your ears
Natural lighting is best, ideally in front of a window
Tilt your head slightly forward
Ensure your clothing contrasts with your hair color
Wear your hair straight for best results
No filters or edited photos
Avoid harsh sunlight on your hair and face

We're about to color you happy! Take or upload your photo and instantly get 3 color matches. It's basically magic!

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Do
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Tips
Pull your hair to the front and avoid tucking it behind your ears
Natural lighting is best, ideally in front of a window
Tilt your head slightly forward
Ensure your clothing contrasts with your hair color
Wear your hair straight for best results
No filters or edited photos
Avoid harsh sunlight on your hair and face
Results may vary depending on the quality of photo.
*Seasonal colors and collections may not show up in your color match and may not be available in all lengths and application methods.

We're about to color you happy! Take or upload your photo and instantly get 3 color matches. It's basically magic!

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Do not Picture

YOUR COLOR OPTIONS

*Seasonal colors and collections may not show up in your color match and may not be available in all lengths and application methods.
Still not sure? You can contact our customer service team for help with your color match. Contact Now.
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Tape-In
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Kera-Link
SELECT
I-Link
SELECT
Flat-Tip
SELECT
Hybrid Weft
SELECT
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COMPARE METHODS

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APPLICATION
QUALITY
METHOD
LENGTHS
PER PACK
AVERAGE WEIGHT
MAINTENANCE
MAIN BENIFITS
PRICE RANGE
Tape In

Tape-IN

APPLICATION
via Certified Stylist
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Adhesive
LENGTHS
12”, 14”, 16”, 18”, 22”, 26”, 30”
PER PACK
10 Single Wefts
AVERAGE WEIGHT
15g - 40g
MAINTENANCE
Every 4-8 Weeks
MAIN BENEFITS
  • Fastest install
  • Stylist preferred
  • No tools needed
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $55 per pack
Hybrid Weft

Hybrid Weft

APPLICATION
via Certified Stylist
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Sew-In
LENGTHS
18”, 22”
PER PACK
1 Single Weft
AVERAGE WEIGHT
60g - 120g
MAINTENANCE
Every 6-10 Weeks
MAIN BENEFITS
  • Most innovative
  • Machine + Hand
  • Tied Weft design
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $160 per pack
Kera Link

Kera-Link

APPLICATION
via Certified Stylist
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Keratin Bond
LENGTHS
16”, 18”, 22”
PER PACK
20 Single Strands
AVERAGE WEIGHT
14g - 20g
MAINTENANCE
Every 12-16 Weeks
MAIN BENEFITS
  • Longest-lasting
  • Customizable
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $50 per pack
I-link

I-Link

APPLICATION
via Certified Stylist
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Beaded
LENGTHS
16”, 18”, 22”
PER PACK
20 Single Strands
AVERAGE WEIGHT
14g - 20g
MAINTENANCE
Every 6-10 Weeks
MAIN BENEFITS
  • Heat resistant
  • 360 movement
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $50 per pack
Flat-Tip

Flat-Tip

APPLICATION
via Certified Stylist
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Beaded
LENGTHS
16”, 18”, 22”
PER PACK
20 Single Strands
AVERAGE WEIGHT
14g - 20g
MAINTENANCE
Every 6-10 Weeks
MAIN BENEFITS
  • Heat resistant
  • 360 movement
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $50 per pack
Clip-in

Clip-in

APPLICATION
Do it yourself
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Clips
LENGTHS
16”, 18”, 20”
PER PACK
10 Single Wefts
AVERAGE WEIGHT
  • Deluxe 140g - 160g
  • Regular 120g
MAINTENANCE
None required
MAIN BENEFITS
  • At-home application
  • Instant length & volume in a snap
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $129 per full set
Halo™

Halo™

APPLICATION
Do it yourself
QUALITY
100% Remy Human Hair
METHOD
Halo™
LENGTHS
16”, 18”, 20”
PER PACK
1 Single Wefts
AVERAGE WEIGHT
  • Deluxe 145g - 165g
  • Regular 105g
MAINTENANCE
None required
MAIN BENEFITS
  • At home application
  • Instant length & volume in a seconds
PRICE RANGE
Starting from $154 per full set