Hair extensions are said to be a really great solution for the youth who want to have a long, flowing hair immediately without waiting for the hair to grow naturally. Thanks to hair extension, the girls are now able to turn their thin and light hair into the perfect thick hair.
Yet, the girls always find it confusing when it comes to a very common question: How long does your hair need to be for extensions? Here we will help you solve this problem according to some of main hair extension types.
Micro ring loop hair extensions
One good type of hair extensions for those who have fine or thin hair is micro ring loop hair extensions. For your information, other names for this kind of extensions are micro link hair extensions or micro bead hair extensions.
With this extensions, your real natural hair and the fake hair will be linked together by using a small loop. Inside your hair, there will be a coating which assists in clamping the hair down. The extensions then will be attached to every small parts of the natural hair and tightened by applying the heat to a metal ring.
For those who wonder how long does your hair need to be for extensions, then the answer is that this method needs approximately 2.5 – 4 inch (6 – 10 cm) length hair to apply.
This method of extensions is widely chosen by many women around the world because it is not as sticky as other types. This hair extensions, however, may be quite damaging due to the fact that the heat mentioned above can burn and also break your hair. Another disadvantage of this case is its heaviness for those metal ring loop.
Clip in hair extensions – your hair need to be for extensions
Another option for those who have never tried hair extensions before should be clip in hair extensions. Clip in hair extensions can be called as clip in wefts as they come in numerous wefts, which vary in their width. Clips are the sewn into each hair strand for the hairdresser to easily “clip” the wefts to your real hair.
Because of its simple technique, this is considered as one of the fastest and most reasonable methods to change the look of your natural hair. The question remained is how long does your hair need to be for extensions, and the actual answer for it is 3 – 4 inch (7 – 10 cm) length hair.
One huge reason why this style of hair extensions becomes the top pick among many methods is that it can be easily put in and took out whenever you need. You can even try this at home.
Moreover, clip in hair extensions is one of the least damaging choices because unlike other technique, it does not involve any chemicals or heat. However, due to its easily removing out, this method is pretty the least permanent one comparing to others.
Tape in hair extensions
This way of hair extensions is quite new to the beauty, but it seems to get many positive feedbacks. Tape in hair extensions is a wonderful deal in size between the small micro ring loop hair extensions and large clip in hair extensions.
The extensions will be taped or glued before and then applied onto the roots of your own hair with a heated tool to heat up the tape or the glue. If you want to know how long does your hair need to be for extensions, I would say that approximately 3 inch (7 cm) length hair would be enough.
One advantage of this method is that it put no stress on your head skin because the tape is not only flat and light but also very comfortable to wear. The extensions can even be reused if they still remain in good condition.
However, the tape can easily be seen if the hair is tied up high enough as it needs to lay horizontally. As a result, this style of extensions might be not an ideal one for those who love ponytails or high buns. It also might cause damage to your hair when using heat.
Weave hair extensions
Weave hair extensions is another common kind of hair extensions that maybe give preference to those who have thick hair. Your natural hair will first be braided into a corn row. The extensions then will be attached into it with the use of a thread and a needle.
This application is very heavy and usually cause discomfort to the scalp. Not only that, it also requires a lot of hair to be able to braid. This is exactly the reason why it is not proper for those with thin hair. Many people might ask the question how long does your hair need to be for extensions, then the answer is you will need 3 – 5 inch (7 – 12 cm) length hair.
The extensions are literally sewn into your natural hair, and hence are not capable of coming off. As a result, it is widely used mainly for its permanence. However, its permanence is the main reason why this is the most painful hair extensions.
Weave hair extensions are also the type of extensions you can not do at home as it requires very difficult and complex technique that only a professional is capable of handling.
The trend of hair extension has now become a very popular way among young people to transform the hair’s look. In order to apply for hair extensions, your natural hair should be at least 2.5 inch long (6 cm). The hair length that is highly recommended is 3 to 5 inches (7 to 12 cm).
Most importantly, how long your hair needs to be for hair extensions depends on the kind of extensions you choose. However, you should not misuse this beauty method and take care of your hair properly to help your natural hair and scalp avoid terrible outcomes.
I am Thomas Taw, the CEO of CITIZENSNIPS. I have experience in hair product development and chemical research, as well as sustainable resource engineering. In 2009, I co-created Sunsilk, one of the world's leading haircare brands. More recently, I was the CEO of SMOKINGPANDA LTD. I am a professional with a strong track record in delivering tangible results.
