Meet the expert:
Priscilla Valles, Celebrity Extenstionist
Can you break down the different types of extensions out there?
Weft:
“Imagine a hula skirt of hair – that is what weft extensions are,” Valles says. Weft extensions are typically installed by braiding the hair into cornrows and sewing the wefts to the braids. “Based on my experience and what I’ve seen over the years, wefts do much better with textured coarser hair than thin/fine hair because the weight of the weft can be too heavy (the anchors) and can cause damage to the scalp,” she adds.
Keratin:
Keratin extensions are Valles’ favorite and one of the bestsellers at Glam Seamless. “This is the Rolls Royce of extensions. You can build an entire head of hair with these and you can add as many colors as you want. The best part is that you can get really creative with the placement of the colors. This is the most natural-looking result because they are so lightweight and they move and flow as natural hair does,” she explains.
Microlinks:
Microlinks is another way to achieve volume. With microlinks, the links are attached to small pieces of your natural hair and then secured using a plier tool.
Clip-ins:
“Every girl should have a pair of clip-ins in their vanity,” Valles says. “They’re an easy way to add length and volume and are typically used for weddings or special events.”
Ponytails:
Clip-in ponytails are great for those looking for a quick way hairstyle and an even quicker removal process.
How do you decide what extensions are best for you?
Determining what extensions are right for you depends on what your hair goal is. Valles adds that you should keep in mind whether your hair is thick or thin, color-treated, and your lifestyle. “You always have to remember that you pay for what you get. If extensions are under $500, it can be too good.
What are some best practices for maintaining your extensions and ensuring longevity?
You should always wash your extensions, but Valles says it’s good to go further and “give them a nice blowout” and store them properly. “You want to store them in a nice silk bag, brush them before you put them in the bag, and brush them after. Handle them with care,” she adds.
