Hair extensions are a miracle. They enhance the look in seconds making the woman feel confident and ready to slay any occasion. Hair extensions are one of the most used accessories today, and you need to know a thing or two before choosing yours, especially the count!
This blog will help you decide the number of hair extensions you need. So sit tight; we are going for a small ride!
Table of Contents
The 3 key factors that determine the number of hair extensions
1.) Your hair goals
Your hair goal is the primary factor determining the number of hair extensions. How you want the end result to be determines the number of hair extensions to be used. The length, the volume, and the texture will fall under this factor.
2.) Your hair length
Your natural hair length is the first thing you must consider before choosing your hair extension. It differs depending on various reasons, from genes to personal nurture. For those who sport bobs or pixies, increasing lengths can be tricky.
Hence, one needs to add many extensions to maintain a natural look. So to cover a head with hair all around, one needs a minimum of at least 3 extensions. The number increase depending on the length needed and how comfortable you are when styled.
On the other hand if length does not matter, small hair extensions can do the trick. You can get fringes or colored hair stripes to improve the style you are already having. And this depends on your personal wish. The number can be your choice.
3.) Your hair volume
The amount of hair on your scalp matters. That is how thick your scalp is. The sparser and thinner your hair, the more extensions you need.
If the hair is sparse, but the strands are thick, the number of extensions can be minimal. A maximum of 3 or 4 might be needed to cover the head, given the natural length is close to your desired one.
If your strands are thin and hair is sparse, it takes much more effort to give the end result. However, the look will not disappoint you once everything is placed correctly.
Scalp coverage is needed almost all around for people that fall under this category. If so, the number of extensions will go higher than in the cases above.
You can have 5 to 10 hair extensions if you are looking for a long, voluminous hairdo. The number can go up depending on your needs.
See also: Reusing Hair Extensions: Is it a Possibility?
Is this the same for all kinds of hair extensions?
The above details are useful for almost all kinds of hair extensions. However, clip-in hair extensions would be the perfect fit here. Since this type is to be easily clipped in, these can be used to cover the whole scalp.
Moreover, each time you get ready, depending upon the desired length, you can go below or above a number based on your mood. Different lengths is a huge advantage of having clip-in hair extensions.
Hand-tied hair extensions, on the other hand, are much more permanent. Once attached, these hair extensions will stay intact for months, making you forget about your hair-related worries. They blend easily and give a more natural look than other types of extensions.
The former is best for minor enhancements like fringes, whereas the latter can help with length and volume.
Can I decide the number by myself?
Hair extensions can be both simple and complicated. It all depends on how well you understand your scalp and how you would marry your hair goal with the same.
If you do not have much scalp to cover and length to add, you can try the clip-in extensions on your own. You can do this at the store and see for yourself how well they suit you. The staff can help you choose the best option.
In case of hand-tied hair extensions, a sitting is needed for the hair extension provider to understand your requirement. They will study the scalp, get an idea of your desire, and suggest options from which you can choose. Afterwards, these hair extensions will be attached to the hair blending them with your natural strands.
For the latter kind, once the hair is fixed, the change can only happen when the maintenance time is reached, damage if you wish to remove them mid-way.
You can add more extensions if you wish to increase the length, but to shorten, the existing extension or extensions should be removed.
See also: Why Do My Extensions Get So Tangled?
Will it be uncomfortable wearing so many hair extensions?
That comes to personal choice. Some find hair extensions to be an escape from constant hair woes. To them, weight does not matter. While for some others, hair extensions are a need to fulfill their professional needs, like models or movie actors. For them, style is a need.
For both these categories, a slight discomfort does not matter. But fret not, hair extensions are becoming all the more convenient these days.
The hand-tied hair extensions are lightweight and, once attached, do not weigh like clip-ins. They do not pull the hair strands; thus, wearing them is much more comfortable than traditional hair extensions.
The hair strands are thin and weightless. The companies that manufacture these claim them to be the least harmful to the scalp and hair.
A quick comparison between the two types might help you choose the best:
| Type | Clip-in | Hand-tied |
| Weight | More | Less |
| Comfort | Good | Excellent |
| Dynamism | More | Less |
| Life | Good | Good |
| Maintenance | Depends on usage | 6 -9 months (depending on usage) |
| Blending capacity | Depends on quality | Blends well |
| Assistance to choose | Not compulsory | Required |
To Wrap Up
Hair extensions can be a huge help. The number is entirely up to the user and his or her hair goal. But for a professional and correct opinion, it is wise to consult an expert before spending those bugs on such faux luscious hair locks!
