The 7 Most Popular Types of Hair Extensions 2025

New to the world of hair extensions? Whether you’re a stylist looking to up your game or just someone craving an instant hair glow-up, you’ve probably heard all the fancy terms—fusion, keratin, I-tips, weaves… the list goes on.

Feeling a little lost in all that hair lingo? You’re not alone! It’s easy to feel like you need a dictionary before diving in—whether you’re thinking about trying extensions yourself or adding them to your salon services.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you! In this post, we’re breaking down all those professional hair extension terms in a way that makes sense. By the end, you’ll see that extensions aren’t as complicated as they sound—promise!

What Are Different Types of Hair Extensions Made Of?

Hair extensions are made from real human hair or synthetic fiber. The extension hair gets attached to your natural hair for added length or volume, transforming your look instantly.

There are other parts, such as keratin tips, clips, micro rings, etc., attached to the extension hair, or used separately for attaching the extensions to the natural hair.

(We will talk in more detail about these different attachment methods.)

For a complete guide on hair types and extensions, read our post: Best Types of Human Hair for Hair Extensions 2025

Real Human Hair vs Synthetic Hair Extensions

Human hair extensions are exactly what they sound like—100% real human hair, collected from a donor.

If labeled Remy, it means that the hair cuticles of the hair are intact and aligned (in the same direction), meaning the hair shaft is well-protected, so it will last, so the color will not fade.

Synthetic hair extensions, on the other hand, are made from blended plastic fibers. It may look like real hair but not. However, synthetic hair is a budget-friendly choice, they don’t last as long as human hair, and can’t handle heat styling or color treatments.

Also, read about the difference between synthetic and human hair.

Most well-established hair extension suppliers or brands, like Newtimes Hair, only offer human hair extensions. These kinds of hair extensions are made with human hair, which blends well with your natural hair, giving you that effortlessly flawless, “I woke up like this” vibe.

Styling and Coloring Options

Human hair extensions? Treat ’em like your own! You can straighten, curl, blow dry, and even color them—because they’re real hair, after all.

Want to switch from brunette to blonde? Go for it. Craving some beachy waves? Heat styling is no problem.

Synthetic hair, on the other hand, plays by different rules. Coloring? Nope—most hair dyes contain ammonia or bleach, which would easily wreck synthetic hair. Heat styling? Big no-no. Your curling iron or straightener could melt the fibers in no time.

And speaking of the sun—UV rays, friction, and harsh hair products can all take a toll on synthetic extensions, leaving them frizzy, dull, or just plain.

Which One Lasts Longer, Synthetic or Human Hair?

With all the usual culprits (sun, heat, friction, and harsh products) working against them, synthetic extensions typically last just a few months before they start looking a little worse for wear. While human hair extensions can easily last from a few months up to a year, depending how you take care of them.

Human vs. Synthetic: The Quick Recap

For the most natural look and feel, human hair extensions are the clear winner. They blend seamlessly, can be styled with heat, and dyed, and last much longer than synthetic options.

Synthetic hair extensions, while budget-friendly, don’t have the same realistic look, can’t handle heat styling, and won’t last as long.

Now that we’ve settled the human vs. synthetic debate, let’s dive into the different ways you can apply those extensions!

The Most Common Types of Hair Extensions

In terms of attachment methods, there are professional and temporary hair extensions. Professional extensions are also subdivided into permanent and semi-permanent hair extensions.

Temporary Hair Extensions

As their name suggests, temporary extensions are not meant to be attached forever. You can put them on and remove them whenever you want. That’s why they are considered temporary.

The main kinds of temporary hair extensions include: halo hair extensions, clip-in hair extensions (also known as clip-on extensions), and ponytail hair extensions.

Professional Hair Extensions

Professional hair extensions are extensions that are attached at professional hair extension salons and by trained stylists. The wearer herself usually cannot put on professional hair extensions by themselves.

Professional hair extensions mainly include: fusion hair extensions (or keratin-tip extensions), beaded hair extensions, sew-in hair extensions, and tape-in extensions).

Professional hair extensions are usually divided into three categories:

Semi Permanent Hair Extensions: semi-permanent extensions that remain on your head for 6-8 weeks, such as tape-ins.

Permanent Hair Extensions: permanent extensions usually will stay on for much longer, like a few months to a year (maintenance and reattachment may apply before the set wears out).

1. Tape-in Hair Extensions

As the most commonly applied professional hair extensions, just like the name suggests, tape-in extensions come with pre-taped wefts that are sandwiched around sections of your natural hair. Sounds easy, right? Well, there’s a catch—you’ll need a pro to apply them properly!

How It Works:

A hairstylist lines them up with your roots and applies heat to activate the adhesive.

When it’s time for a refresh, they’re removed with a glue remover and can be reused if still in good shape.

The whole process takes about 40 minutes to an hour—not too shabby for a hair glow-up!

The downside? Applying heat and adhesive near your roots can cause damage over time, so proper care is a must! But if done right, tape-ins give you a seamless, natural-looking boost without the commitment of more permanent extensions.

How to Care for Tape in Extensions

Tape-in extensions may look flawless, but they need extra TLC to stay put! Oil-based shampoos, conditioners, and styling products = big no-no! These can weaken the adhesive, making your extensions slip right out.

Stick to lightweight, extension-friendly products to keep them secure.

Style freely—but watch the roots! However, they’re made with human hair, you can curl, straighten, or style them however you like.

Just be careful near the tape—too much heat or product buildup at the roots can cause them to loosen.

Pro Tip: To keep your tape-ins looking fresh, follow your stylist’s recommendations on products and maintenance—because nothing’s worse than an extension making a surprise.

Clip here for a full guide on Care for Tapa-in Extensions

How Long Do Tape-in Extensions Last?

Tape-in extensions are semi-permanent, meaning they’ll keep your hair looking fab for about 4–8 weeks before needing a refresh.

That said, their lifespan depends on:

• How well you take care of them – The better the maintenance, the longer they last!
• Pro Tip: If you follow proper care guidelines, the hair itself can be reused, so you’ll only need to re-tape and reapply them for a fresh new look!

2. Fusion Hair Extensions

Fusion hair extensions have the most names. Hot fusion, keratin tip, keratin bond, k-tip, or pre-bonded extensions all mean fusion hair extensions.

By the shape of the keratin tip, fusion extensions include mainly: flat-tips, U-tips, Y-tips, etc.

The keratin is just the same quality as our bio hair. So when attached, the extension hair and your natural hair are one.

The Application Process:

• A hairstylist melts the bond keratin bond with a hot glue gun or a heat clamp.
• Fusion extensions aren’t for everyone—the heat and glue can potentially cause damage to your natural hair, so a stylist may even advise against them if your hair is fragile. Heat protectants must be used during application.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for long-lasting extensions and don’t mind a lengthy application process, fusion might be for you—but always consult a trusted stylist before taking the plunge!

Maintenance

Since fusion (pre-bonded) extensions are glued to your natural hair, they can be treated just like your real hair—but with a little extra caution!

Use your regular hair products, but avoid anything too oily or heavy near the bonds.

Extensions need re-positioning every 2–3 months as your hair grows out.

Brush gently to prevent tugging at the bonds.

How Long Do Fusion Hair Extensions Last?

Keratin tip extensions typically last 3–6 months, depending on things like how fast your hair grows, how well you maintain it, etc.

If your hair grows faster, then you may need reapplication sooner. Habits like avoiding oil-based products near the bonds will also help extend their lifespan.

To keep fusion extensions looking flawless, schedule maintenance appointments every 6–8 weeks to check and reposition any loose bonds.

3. Sew-In Hair Extensions/Weave

Sew-in hair extensions, also known as weft hair extensions, or weave. Sew-in extensions are subdivided into machine wefts and hand-tied wefts.

There are machine wefts for thicker hair, or hand-tied wefts for thin, fine hair for a silk-smooth texture.

Read our post on the difference between hand-tied and machine wefts.

Weave extensions are applied by first braiding natural hair into cornrows, then sewing the weave onto the braids using a needle and thread. Because this method requires strong, thick hair to support the weight, it’s not ideal for thin or fine hair.

For a most seamless blending, the Invisible Bead Extensions method or IBE is highly recommended.

A Guide on Installing IBE Extensions

What to Expect:

• Applied by a professional stylist—it’s a technical, time-consuming process that can take several hours.
• The tight application can feel heavy or uncomfortable at first.
• Sew-in wefts are one of the most permanent and seamless methods—since the hair is sewn in, there’s no risk of it slipping off!

For those with thicker hair looking for a long-lasting, natural blend, weaves are a great option—just be ready for the commitment!

How to Care for Sew-in Extensions

Weaves require extra TLC to keep both your natural hair and extensions healthy.

Moisturize Weekly – Keep your scalp, nape, and edges hydrated to prevent dryness and breakage.

Deep Condition – Use nourishing treatments to keep the weave and your natural hair soft and manageable.

Protein Treatments – Wash with a protein-rich shampoo to strengthen hair and minimize damage.

Styling Rules Apply – If your weave is human hair, you can curl, straighten, and style as usual. For synthetic hair, avoid heat unless it’s heat-resistant.

Pro Tip: Since weaves stay in for weeks or months, proper care is essential to maintain healthy hair and long-lasting extensions!

How Long Do Sew-in Hair Extensions Last?

It is recommended to remove the weave every 6 – 8 weeks, especially if you are trying to grow your hair.

The maximum amount of time you should have a full weave in your hair is 4 months as it will affect your natural hair’s growth.

4. Beaded Hair Extensions

As another typical professional hair extension method, beaded hair extensions include the most sub-types: i-tips, Y-tips, micro-link (or micro-rings), nano ring extensions, etc.

Nano ring extensions are attached using extra small beads, so it’s light on the bio hair, and no one can see the tiny little bonds. The only drawback is that they need much time to install those tiny little beads.

The commonality between different types of beaded hair extensions is that they all need little beads to plug in the tip of the strand, and clip closed by a pair of pliers.

What to Expect:

• No glue, no heat – A gentler alternative to fusion extensions.
• Application time: 2–4 hours – so get cozy!
• Proper removal is key – Removing them incorrectly can pull out your natural hair (ouch!).

Bottom Line: beaded extensions give a natural, lightweight feel without glue or heat, but they require a skilled stylist to apply and remove safely!

How to Care for Beaded Hair Extensions

Microlink extensions are low maintenance and can be washed and styled just like your natural hair. However, they do need regular upkeep to stay in place!

Wash as usual – Use your regular shampoo and styling products without worry.

Reposition every 2–3 months – As your natural hair grows, the microbeads (little beads used for connection) move away from the scalp and need to be adjusted.

Brush gently – Avoid tugging at the beads to prevent unnecessary stress on your roots.

Pro Tip: Regular maintenance by a professional stylist is key to keeping microlinks looking flawless and damage-free!

How Long Do Microlink Hair Extensions Last?

Beaded extensions are semi-permanent and typically last from 4-6 months with proper care.

5. Clip-in Hair Extensions

Clip-in wefts (a.k.a. clip-in hair extensions) provide an instant hair upgrade—no salon appointment is required! These come in pre-sectioned strands with clips attached at the base (fabric or silicone), so all you have to do is snap them into place.

Clip-ins usually come in multiple-piece sets or single-set or multiple-pieces. The single set is like one big piece of hair weft with clips attached, and you clip the whole weft on your hair, done.

Multiple pieces are those that come with different pieces of clip-ins, big or small, and each with one or multiple clips on it. Your job is to clip these different pieces of clip-ins in different sizes to the areas where they fit the best.

Unlike other extensions, clip-ins won’t damage your natural hair—no glue, no heat, no stress. It’s no wonder they’re one of the most popular extension types! Ready to clip and slay? Let’s go!

How to Maintain Clip-in Hair Extensions

The same synthetic vs. real hair rules apply to clip-ins as with any extensions—but let’s be real, human hair clip-ins are where it’s at (and that’s what we recommend!).

Clip-in extensions are super low maintenance. You only need to wash them every 15–20 wears (or when they’re feeling a little too crispy from product buildup). Just brush, shampoo, condition, and let them air dry—easy peasy!

Styling? No problem! Human hair clip-ins can be curled, straightened, and even colored. But be kind—use a lower heat setting and always apply a heat protectant before styling.

How Long Do Clip-In Extensions Last?

Well, that depends on you! How well you care for them, what products you use, and how often you wear them all play a role.

With proper care, clip-ins can last anywhere from 3–6 months, up to a year—or even longer if you treat them like the VIPs they are!

6. Halo Hair Extensions

If you’re looking for instant length and volume with zero hassle, halo hair extensions are the way to go! Halos are even easier to attach than clip-ins. They are just one weft of hair attached to a nearly invisible wire that sits comfortably around your head—like a halo (hence the name!).

No clips, no glue, no damage—just slip it on, adjust, and blend. It’s one of the easiest extension methods out there and super gentle on your natural hair.

Want dreamy, voluminous hair in seconds? Just throw on a halo and boom—instant glam!

How to Maintain Halo® Hair Extensions

With halos, you only need to focus on the hair. Wet the extensions with cold water, then apply sulfate-free shampoo and lather while moving in a downward direction. Rinse thoroughly with cold water.

Comb through to evenly distribute the product, leave it in for 5 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Follow up by repeating the same steps with the conditioner for extra hydration and softness.

How Long Do Halo® Hair Extensions Last?

It all comes down to how well you treat them! The right care, quality products, and how often you wear them will determine their lifespan.

With proper TLC, Newtimes Hair extensions can last anywhere from 3–6 months to a year or even longer.

7. Ponytail Hair Extensions

Ponytail hair extensions are a quick and easy way to add length, volume, and drama to your ponytail—without waiting months for your hair to grow!

These extensions usually come as a clip-in or wrap-around piece that attaches to your natural ponytail in seconds. Made from either human hair or synthetic fibers, they blend seamlessly for a fuller, longer, and more polished look.

How to Maintain Ponytail Extensions

As another type of temporary extension, ponytails are extremely low-maintenance. To maintain ponytail extensions, regularly brush them with a soft brush to prevent tangles.

Handle them gently, avoid excessive washing, use a dedicated extension shampoo and conditioner, and store them properly in a bag when not in use to prevent damage and maintain their shape; always detangle carefully before brushing and minimize heat styling.

How Long Do Ponytail Extensions Last?

Ponytail is only one hairstyle, you don’t wear it all the time. Just wear it occasionally, it could easily last from six months to a year.

About Newtimes Hair

Newtimes Hair is a leading supplier of premium human hair extensions. We make and distribute top-quality human Remy hair extensions to over 2,000 salons worldwide.

For over the last decade, Newtimes Hair has never stopped innovating. We provide all types of hair extensions. All our professional hair extensions are crafted with cuticle-aligned Remy hair to grant that luxurious texture. The hair is slowly dyed to ensure a thorough saturation and the color never fades, as well as retaining cuticles. Our hair is no worse than the top brands but at the most incredible factory direct prices.

Want to have a try? Contact us today!