Hair Extensions Comparisons

The comparison charts below is from many years of my personal experience with various methods and numerous hair extension companies. Below the charts, you can find explanations of the methods and the companies.

There are many more hair extension companies out there, but theses are the top ones in the industry and the ones I've worked with most. All info is based on the company info and my personal experience.

Brand Comparison Chart	SO.CAP	GREAT LENGTHS	BALMAIN	EXTEND USA	CINDARELLA	HAIRLOCKS
Quality of Hair	very good and silky	coarse and thick	plasticky	ok does not last well	very plasticky	very poor
Tangles	when not brushed or conditioned	tangles quickly	very tangly in weeks	tangles after a few hrs	tangles in seconds	tangles in seconds after brushing
easy to style/curl	very, does what you want	heavy hair hard to style	does not hold curl well	styles easily	does not hold curl well	styles if you can get past the tangles
feel bonds	no	yes	no	yes	no	painful sharp edges
stays shiny	yes	sometimes	no	no	no	no
Can be left wet to air dry and look good	yes	yes	no	no	no	no
Can be used on fine hair	yes	no	no	no	no	no
Check	6-8 weeks	6-8 weeks	4-6 weeks	N/A	every 2 weeks	every 2 weeks
length of time per check up	1-2 hrs	1-2 hrs	1-2 hrs	N/A	1-2 hrs	1-4 hrs
price per check up	$100+	$200+	$200+	N/A	$200+	$300+
Removal Time	2-4 hrs	3-4 hrs	1-2 hrs	3-5 hrs	2-5 hrs	2-6 hrs
Application time	3-8 hrs	3-8 hrs	1-2 hrs	4-8 hrs	3-8 hrs	4-8 hrs
Longevity of style	4-8 months	3-7 months	3-6 months	up to 3 months	3-5 months	3 months with one set
Price full head	$800-$3000	$900-$4000	$500-$1000+	$600-$2000+	$500+	$900-$4000
Removal price	$200-$400	$300-$500	$100+	$200-$600	$200+	$450+
length nat hair must be	1 to 1.5 inches	4 inches	4 inches	2 inches	4 inches	1 inch
Many textures	yes	no	no	no	no	yes
can be colored/permed	yes	no	no	no	no	no
has guearantee	yes	yes	yes for 6 months	no	no	yes
Hair Origin	Europe	India	China	Europe	Europe	Europe and Russia
need license	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
need certification	yes	yes	no	yes	no	yes
Year Established	1964	1991	1971	1990	1994	1997
Reusable Hair	yes	no	company says yes I say NO bad quality	no	no	they say yes I say NO WAY
Has Wefts	yes	no	yes	no	no	no
Clip Ins	yes	no	yes	no	no	no
Fashion Colors	yes	no	no	no	no	yes
Synthetic Fun Fibers/Feathers Braids, Gems	yes	no	yes	no	no	yes
Gair Pieces	yes	no	yes	no	no	no
Wigs	yes	no	no	no	no	no
Seamless Extensions	yes	no	yes	no	no	no
Side Effects/Cons	[read more]	[read more]	[read more]	[read more]	[read more]	[read more]

Weft A weft is a track of several inches long on which the hair is already attached (a curtain of hair attached together at the top and free flowing at the bottom). A weft can be made by a machine or by hand. Handmade wefts are better, they are custom made to suit your head and match your hair. [back to Methods Comparison Chart]

Track a horizontal corn row, a braid or a stitched row of your hair, synthetic hair and string combined. Starting at the hair line and going as far up the head as needed. Could be done in a circle or rows. Tracks are created so there is something to sow the wefts of extensions onto. [back to Methods Comparison Chart]

Clip-Ins Extension hair is clipped directly to hair with tiny hair clips. Clip-ins are available with all types of human and synthetic hair. The higher the quality of human hair the more expensive it will be per clip in piece. This is an easy do-it-yourself solution to having temporary long hair or different hair style. The hair is purchased with the tiny clips already attached. Clip-in extensions may be a great place to start if you are serious about getting hair extensions but not sure how you would look with long hair, if you would like a different look for a night or a special event. Great for photo shoots and fashion shows. BE ADVISED: Clip in hair extensions can be very dangerous for those who really want long term long hair and wear clip in extensions on a regular basis. The clips are usually made of metal, metal covered with rubber or softer material or plastic. If the clip in hair is left in the hair for long periods of time, it is clipped in too tight or the metal clips are thin and have sharp edges, you are risking bald spots where the clips are attached. They will either be cut by the metal clips or broken from the pressure and friction of the clips. Traction alopecia ( I've seen it one too many times) When attaching clip in extension at home without a professional teaching you the proper placement (especially for women who have really short hair and purchase really long clip ins) it is very difficult to place them so they blend with your natural hair. They have to be purchased or cut to the prefect layered lengths to blend well and look real. Clip ins come in several different widths of weft hair, pony tails, bangs and falls. Hair can be reused anywhere from a few weeks to years depending on the quality of hair, proper use and maintenance. [back to Methods Comparison Chart]

Glued in/bonding in tracks Wefts are available with all types of human and synthetic hair. The higher the quality of human hair the more expensive it will be per weft. A bonding glue or adhesive material is brushed onto the weft of the extension hair and then it is applied to the root of the individual’s hair. The extensions can be easily removed by a bonding remover. There are many types and variations of adhesives available, including waxes and medical grade adhesives. There have been women that have had an allergic reaction to the bonding material so always do a patch test on your arm. This method is for temporary extensions when you want you want to add some length or volume. Will last up to a week or until the first time you shampoo your hair. There is no need to create tracks on the head. It is a little longer lasting that clip ins. When attaching this type of extension (especially for women who have really short hair and purchase really long clip ins). They have to be purchased or cut to the prefect layered lengths to blend well and look real. They lack natural movement and can look bulky on the head if too many are applied in attempt to create volume. Hair can be reused depending on the hair quality and glue/bonding agent. [back to Methods Comparison Chart]

Weaving/Sowing in Tracks Wefts of extension hair are sewn into tracks created by cornrows, braids or stitched onto the head in either horizontal lines or circles. The extension hair is sewn into the knotted track with a needle and weaving cord. These extensions last from 4-8 weeks and can be wash and styled like your own hair. Wefts are re-usable and can be reused for up to 3-4 months depedning on the quality of hair. One of the oldest ways to achieve lengths and fullness. Tends to cause traction alopecia and tends to cause a very sore scalp for up to a week or two depending on your sensitivity. If done too tight will pull hair out of the head. Not recommended for anyone with fine or thinning hair. [back to Methods Comparison Chart]

Seamless Hair Extensions Finally a seamless hair extension that gives the look of a full coverage weave, yet no bulk. It is also the fastest in comparison to the wefts.There is no stitching on the seamless wefts so they lay very flat. It requires no adhesives on the scalp, no weaving or braiding, no clips, no chemicals or messy removal. This system is ideal for people with thinning hair, who wants to just add length and/or volume, or for those who simply want to add highlights or lowlights without chemicals. This method is recommended to stay in for 3 to 4 weeks and remove using a solvent. The hair can then be reused. [back to Methods Comparison Chart]

Strand by strand hair extensions Ever wonder what method all the celebrities get, well here it is! Strand-by-strand is the method of choice for most of my clients. Not only is it the most natural of all the extensions, it lasts three to six months! Individual strands of hair are applied to your hair and are held with a special protein bond, which allows the hair to move just like your own. You can wash and style it or even pull it back into a ponytail when you just don't have time for anything else. The most natural custom way to create long hair. (Some brands are not recommended for people with fine or thinning hair.) Strand by Strand Extension hair is applied strand by strand with hot or cold fusion. The bonds can be made of a keratin based product or other natural-based products that can be very similar to the material that makes up the hair and nails and is considered to be non-damaging to your own hair, some will have bonds that match the color of the hair and some will be all one color or clear. Some companies will vary the amount of individual pieces of hair that are included in each strand. I.E. some will consider 20-30 human hairs to be one strand and the price will vary depending on the company. Most brands are pre-bonded hair can be cut to custom fit the thickness of each individuals hair strands. The application time depends on the amount of hair being added. For fullness anywhere from 1-3 hrs and for a full head of hair 3-8 hrs. They can last anywhere from 3-6 months depending on proper maintenance. Regular visits for check ups are suggested anywhere from 4-6 weeks. High end lines will have a hair extensions contract, maintenance guide, check list and guarantee. [back to Methods Comparison Chart]

Micro Methods, locks, plastic sleeves Human extension hair is attached with tiny locs/cylinders or sleeve that can match your hair color or be clear. Some of these micro products are made out of specially formulated polymer materials. Others are made from flexible nickel or copper tubing that is squeezed shut to or molded to the hair to hold the hair in place. They are non-magnetic and do not rust. If you have nickel or copper allergies you will not be able to wear them. The micro locs and links (they say ) can be re-used sometimes up to three times. (NOT in my experience Once you close them it's VERY difficult to unlock them and reuse them.) The hair has to be ordered in two sets and is said to be reusable as well. (once you put the hair in and cut it to the desired length are you going to label each piece to where it goes on the head?) The idea is that you would move them up instead of taking them out every time they grow out more than a few inches, but that is not realistic. The hair that the extensions are attached to will not be in the same neat section it was when you first put them in no matter how hard you try to keep it untangled. But after 6 months the hair (no matter how good the quality is) will not be in the best shape so this is why you get 2 sets. Once six months is up u take the 1st set out and send it back to the company to be refurbished (which is about half the cost of the original set of hair and takes a few months) then they attach the new set and you wear it while you wait for the first one to come back. [back to Methods Comparison Chart]

Man-Made Skin/Invisible Hair Skin Graft Extension hair is attached to a man-made skin and is then grafted to the scalp. Made for severely damaged hair, hair shedding due to meds, bald spots, see-through hair. The key points to know about this hair extension method is that while all the top anchors only to the hair; this method anchors to both the hair and the scalp . Therefore further eliminating the pulling and tugging associated with strand or weft extensions. This hair is reusable. The grafts can easily be trimmed from its original length to cover certain 'bald' areas. This is recommended to stay in the head for up to 8 weeks. This seems to be a good solution for people who have thinning hair and would like to have a non damaging solution. At this time I have not found a company that I feel comfortable working with. I am still in the process of researching the good and the bad. More info to come soon. [back to Methods Comparison Chart]

Lace Frontal and Full Lace Wigs The term "lace front wig" and "full lace wig" are virtually the same; A lace front wig, or other known as a full lace wig has a very natural front hair line and is constructed with fine lace in the front and a variety of materials in the back of the head. A full lace system is the ultimate system since it will look natural from every angle regardless of how the hair is brushed or styled. The object of a lace front wig or a full lace wig is to look beautiful and natural! You do not want anyone to ever think you are wearing a wig. A full lace system is usually preferred and is the ultimate in style, design, beauty and naturalness. It caters to individuals who wish to change their hair style without damage to their own hair, or to those who may have experienced hair lose or hair damage. Even if you would like to give your hair a break from daily styling without compromising your look, purchasing a custom lace front wig is for you. Wigs come in different lengths, colors, textures and densities. They can be synthetic, human hair and synthetic mix or 100% human hair. They can be purchased already made or custom ordered. They are attached with different types of adhesives. Several kinds of tape and glue. If left on too long or too tight there are chances of causing friction alopecia so wearing wigs for more than 6-8 weeks max at a time is not recommended. [back to Methods Comparison Chart]

SO.CAP Hair Extensions Established 1964 They processes hair that is imported from Italy and other parts of Europe. The process involves skillful artisan formulas that result in quality 100% cuticle hair available in 81 colors and more being introduced this year. The hair extensions can be between 20-22 inches and super long 22-24 inches in length. So.Cap. also offers various colors of fiber hair. The extension hair comes pre-tipped, meaning that a color-matched keratin protein polymer is already attached to the end of the hair. The So.Cap. equipment creates a soldering action to melt the keratin and fuse it to the hair. The soldered parts are quite invisible and long lasting. The extension hair is removed using a delicate So.Cap. solvent. So.Cap has developed a new way to attach the hair extensions that uses ultrasound waves. The machine, called the Ultrastar, uses high frequency waves to literally vibrate the pre-bonded tip on the hair extensions. This causes friction which in turn causes the bonds between the keratin to soften. When the keratin tip becomes liquid it fuses to the natural hair, all without the use of damaging heat. The extensions can be applied to at least 1 inch to 1-1/2 inches of natural hair. Last year SO.CAP came out with a new line of extensions that are seamless and easy and fast to apply. [back to Brand Comparison Chart]

Great Lengths Hair Extensions Companies claim: This method is based on a gentle principle, 'modulating'. The attachment of the hair strand to your own hair is composed of polymer chains whose molecular structure is very similar to that of human hair. A special applicator joins the strand with your hair. They have created an extremely high-tech method of bonding between the Great Lengths strand and your own hair. This point of attachment is composed of polymer chains whose molecular structure is very similar to that of human hair. It is activated by our Great Lengths applicator and bonds the Great Lengths strand with your own hair in this way. It can, however, be easily removed by an expert! Human hair is purchased from Indian temples where women customarily donate their hair in gratitude for some blessing in their lives. It is then shipped to Italy to be processed. Typically Indian hair is dark brown or black and very thick. It must undergo a de-pigmentation process in order to create all the different colors and textures. It cannot be chemically treated at all. ( My notes on the company) They claim that no other hair is suitable for extensions other than Indian Hair.....Ok, that is an opinion and I disagree. Indian hair is thick and heavy (not all of course people are all different) but the extensions from Great Lengths are thick (per strand of hair not per bond) coarse and not suitable for most women. Their high-tech method of bonding is VERY strong and the bond material is thick and heavy, feels very plastic to the touch. The bonds DO NOT match all the hair colors and are very visible through the natural hair. Hair is not easy to style with styling tools and tends to tangle quickly after brushing. [back to Brand Comparison Chart]

Balmain Hair Extensions 100% human Asian and Indian hair is used for fill-in extensions and hairstrips. Hair is sorted so all cuticle are going in one direction. The hair is then treated with special enzymes and can be colored and permed like your own hair. Fill-in extensions-strand by strand: Hair needs to be at least 4-in. *Product used to attach extensions, keratin wax, is similar to the molecular structure of hair.The patented hairstrip is attached with 5 locking holes that the hair is pulled through. It is then bonded with the same wax. It floats between the scalp and the bond site. It takes only about 5 minutes to install and can be reused guaranteed for a year. It seems like a good idea but it's not. I've seen hair turn green tangle and it tends to look plastic. [back to Brand Comparison Chart]

Extend USA Hair Extensions Hair does not come pre-bonded, allowing for custom hair color blending. 100% Human Remi hair of European origin is used. Stylists are not required to order direct from Extend USA; they can go with any of their preferred hair suppliers. Extend USA uses a resin-based (glue gun)( NOT the best quality adhesive) applicator system where several different colors of extension hair are added strand by strand to the natural hair for a very natural look. The specially formulated resin-based glue is heated and applied to the extension hair. A silicone pad is then used to attach the extension hair with the resin-based glue on the tips directly to the natural hair. The extensions can be applied on hair that is 2-in. long. The system will last up to 3 months before it needs to be removed. After removal, the hair is NOT re-useable. ny type of hair can be used for this method ( EVEN CHEAP HAIR) so you never really know what you are getting for quality. [back to Brand Comparison Chart]

Hairlocs Hair Extensions Companies claim: Remi full cuticle hair from various European countries and Russia is imported and processed by Hair Locs™. Hair is custom ordered for exact match. They tell you that the hair is re-useable over several applications-sometimes up to 3 years if maintained properly. The hair comes with a wax tip on the end of it. Hair needs to be a minimum of 1-in. long to get these extensions. They are suitable for men and women. Small sections of natural hair and extension hair are pulled thru tiny soft copper locs. The loc is crimped with a special tool and closes securing the extension hair in place.The soft copper loc comes in 4 different sizes. Smaller locs will be used in more visible places and larger locs in less visible places on the head. The Hair Loc extensions will last either 3 months or until 3-inches of growth. Removal of the locs is very easy. A removal tool opens the loc and it can be re-used many times.( you have to purchase 2 sets of hair so when you take them out they can be refurbished, as in covered with silicone and new tips put on, but if you attach the hair to the head and cut it into a certain style how do you keep track of what tiny strand goes where on the head?)
The locs come in different sizes so they can be fit for different thickness of human hair, but they are sharp when clamped and one tiny wrong move and you cut the hair off with them (OOPS) They do come in matching colors that last about 2 weeks before turning copper or nickle. and they are sharp on the edges and not pleasant to sleep on. So the idea is good and the thought of reusing hair is great, just not quite realistic. [back to Brand Comparison Chart]

Cindarella Hair Extensions The method and idea is the same as the rest of the strand by strand method, but the quality of hair is awful, (feels like plastic) the bonds are clear and all come in different sizes ( not one is the same) also A HUGE waste of product and packaging. NOT a very green company, Would not used them on any of my clients even as a trial experiment on a willing participant. [back to Brand Comparison Chart]

Wigs and Grafts I am still in the research process of companies that work with these methods. More info to come soon. [back to Brand Comparison Chart]

Warning: Attachment of hair extensions, regardless of method, should never hurt in any way. If they are too tight or too heavy they are done wrong. The length of time your extensions can be left on should be determined by the strength of your hair and the condition of your scalp. The weight of the hair extension should never exceed the weight of your natural hair. Most human hair is only strong enough to sustain its own weight and will get pulled out at the root if it is under too much stress. Only a trained and certified extensions specialist can determine the strength of your hair and scalp (other than a doctor). Be advised that there are some of you that will not be able to have hair extensions at all and some may not be able to have them for more than a short period of time. This should be determined during the consultation and could be a result of various reasons. Traction alopecia can be caused on healthy and strong hair by improper application and improper care. Always check out the specialists credentials and follow the maintenance and care instructions of your specialist.

Methods Comparison Chart	Clip Ins	Glued Tracks	Sown Tracks	Seamless Extensions	Strand by Strand	Micro Locks/Loops	Skin Graft	Laced Wigs
Application Time	10-15 min	30-120 min	1-3 hrs	1-2 hrs	3-8 hrs	2-6 hrs	depends on size	15-30 min
Style Longevity	1 day/event	up to 1 week or 1st shampoo	4-8 weeks	3-4 weeks	3-6 months	3-6 months	up to 8 weeks	up to 8 weeks
Price Range	$50-$500	$100-$700	$200-$800	$300-$1200	$800-$3000	$900-$4000	$300-$5000	$500-$10,000
Looks Natural	5-7	5-7	5-7	6-8	8-10	7-10	7-9	7-10
Check Up Time	N/A	N/A	4-8 weeks		every 6-8 weeks	every 3 months or 3 inches of growth
Check Up Price	N/A	removal price plus application price if you want them back in	removal price plus application price if you want them back in		$100-$300	$500-$3000	depends on size
Removal Time	10 mins	1-2 hrs	1-2 hrs	1-2 hrs	2-4 hrs	2-4 hrs	depends on size	10-30 mins
Removal Price	$0	$50-$100	$50-$200	$50-$300	$200-$400	$400-$600	depends on size	$50-$100
Can You Swim With Them	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

There are many methods out there to get long hair, which method should you use for the look you want...