The clip-In hair extensions can be added to your hair in minutes by simply parting your hair, gently backcombing the root area, and snapping the clips in place for a more secure hold. They can also be added and removed whenever you desire.

These human hair extensions are made with a natural thickness from the root to the tip, which means it tapers to a more natural look. Made from Chinese hair you’d expect this to remain straight and smooth after washing, due to a thicker cuticle. You should expect this range to last 3 months when using the correct and recommended aftercare.

Applied using our Tape Hair Pliers for the perfect hold. TopHair. Injection Tape are reusable and you can retape them using our Tape Tabs. We recommend using C-22 Solvent Spray Tape Remover to release the tapes, making for easier removal.

The TopHair. Elegance Range is well known for being high-quality, double drawn, premium Remy hair. Double drawn hair maintains its thickness from root to tip and provides full-on thickness and volume. The Elegance range is sourced from the southern regions of Russia and Mongolia, it is very smooth and very straight.

The Elegance hair is a premium range, but if you want to invest in hair that will last a long time, then this should be your only choice. You should expect this range to last around 12 months when using the correct and recommended aftercare.

Nano Ring extensions are the most discreet hair extensions on the market to date and TopHair.’s most popular method with the largest range. The tiny Nano ring thread onto the hair the Nano tip hair extensions are added the ring is then firmly clamped close for a secure fit.

If you are looking at add length and volume without the use of glue or heat or braids, Nano Ring hair extensions are the perfect solution. Each Nano Ring has an aluminium wire that fits into the nano rings, the smallest ring available. With the choice of silicone lining for additional protection available in a wide range of colours to match perfectly to your client’s hair.

• THE BENEFITS OF NANO RING HAIR EXTENSIONS

  Nano Ring Hair Extensions popularity is due to being 90% smaller than the traditional Micro ring. Because of this, the Nano Rings are very comfortable to wear, discrete and suitable for all hair types even for clients who have fine hair. It’s not surprising that so many people love them.

  Applying nano tip hair extensions are very similar to a traditional stick tip/I-tip hair extensions method. There are two bead options to choose either with silicone lining or without. Each bead is 90% smaller than the standard micro rings, which makes the bonds practically invisible.

• HOW ARE NANO RING HAIR EXTENSIONS FITTED? 

  Nano ring hair extensions are fitted using a Nano loop tool to thread the tiny Nano beads onto the client’s hair. The metal of the extensions is then slid into the bead and underneath the client’s natural hair, the bead is then claimed close with the use of Viola pliers for a strong and secure hold.

• WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A I-TIP AND NANO RING HAIR EXTENSION?

  Nano RING and I-tip hair extensions application method are practically identical. The main difference between the two is that the Nano tips are fitted with beads that are up to 90% smaller than micro rings this is due to the Nano tip small aluminium wire. Nano tips are comfortable while sleeping and day to day due to the tiny beads.

• VIOLA HAIR EXSTENSIONS – LEADING SUPPLIER OF EUROPEAN HAIR EXTENSIONS IN THE WORLD

  TopHair. hair extensions pride itself in offering the very best human hair extensions in the World. All our hair is donated with the natural alignment of the hairs growth maintained, this ensures that the hair remains tangle-free.
  The uniquely delicate acid-free treatment process ensures the hair will remain healthy, glossy and in excellent condition throughout its life. Our Online Shop offers the highest quality hair extensions on the market.

• LONG MAY IT LAST!

Nano Ring extensions are the most discreet hair extensions on the market to date and TopHair.’s most popular method with the largest range. The tiny Nano ring thread onto the hair the Nano tip hair extensions are added the ring is then firmly clamped close for a secure fit.

If you are looking at add length and volume without the use of glue or heat or braids, Nano Ring hair extensions are the perfect solution. Each Nano Ring has an aluminium wire that fits into the nano rings, the smallest ring available. With the choice of silicone lining for additional protection available in a wide range of colours to match perfectly to your client’s hair.

• THE BENEFITS OF NANO RING HAIR EXTENSIONS

  Nano Ring Hair Extensions popularity is due to being 90% smaller than the traditional Micro ring. Because of this, the Nano Rings are very comfortable to wear, discrete and suitable for all hair types even for clients who have fine hair. It’s not surprising that so many people love them.

  Applying nano tip hair extensions are very similar to a traditional stick tip/I-tip hair extensions method. There are two bead options to choose either with silicone lining or without. Each bead is 90% smaller than the standard micro rings, which makes the bonds practically invisible.

• HOW ARE NANO RING HAIR EXTENSIONS FITTED? 

  Nano ring hair extensions are fitted using a Nano loop tool to thread the tiny Nano beads onto the client’s hair. The metal of the extensions is then slid into the bead and underneath the client’s natural hair, the bead is then claimed close with the use of Viola pliers for a strong and secure hold.

• WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A I-TIP AND NANO RING HAIR EXTENSION?

  Nano RING and I-tip hair extensions application method are practically identical. The main difference between the two is that the Nano tips are fitted with beads that are up to 90% smaller than micro rings this is due to the Nano tip small aluminium wire. Nano tips are comfortable while sleeping and day to day due to the tiny beads.

• VIOLA HAIR EXSTENSIONS – LEADING SUPPLIER OF EUROPEAN HAIR EXTENSIONS IN THE WORLD

  TopHair. hair extensions pride itself in offering the very best human hair extensions in the World. All our hair is donated with the natural alignment of the hairs growth maintained, this ensures that the hair remains tangle-free.
  The uniquely delicate acid-free treatment process ensures the hair will remain healthy, glossy and in excellent condition throughout its life. Our Online Shop offers the highest quality hair extensions on the market.

• LONG MAY IT LAST!

Qingdao Huida Hair Co.’s machine weft hair extensions require no tape, glue or heat for application.  This is one continuous weft of hair that can be cut into smaller pieces to be customized for various head shapes.  The machine weft is slightly larger than the hand-tied weft.  If you decide to cut the weft to fit your needs, you must add some hair glue to the edges to prevent the thread from unraveling and shedding.

• Here is the glue we recommend for extensions
• View the difference between our machine weft vs hand-tied weft HERE.

The Differences Between Wefts Hand Tied vs. Machine Tied

Sewing in wefts of hair is one of the oldest methods around when it comes to extensions. Even though weft extensions have been around for a long time, their mainstream popularity has spiked over the last couple of years. This is understandable when you start scrolling through Instagram and seeing all of these “hand tied weft” extension makeover posts, they look amazing! But with that being said, a common misconception that clients can have is referring to hand tied extensions, or requesting and appointment for such, is what the physical application of the hair extensions is called. It can be easy to think this, as the weft of hair is sewn into the clients own hair and the thread is then tied off to secure it. But this is not what “hand tied” is actually referring to. The “hand tied” refers to the way that the hair extensions themselves are made. Hand tied wefts are produced by manually tying hair to the extension seam and knotting it in place by hand. This method allows to create a very strong, but much thinner weft in comparison to machine tied.

As it sounds by the namesake, machine tied wefts are produced by using an industrial sewing machine to attach hair to the weft. Because the sewing machine would require the weft to be big enough to grip while sewing the hair to it, machine tied wefts are heavier and denser that hand tied wefts are. Hand tied wefts can be made much finer than machine wefts can, and because of this stylists are able to layer more hand tied hair without putting extra weight and tension on the clients hair and scalp.

COST

Hand tied wefts cost more than machine tied, because with any artisan product they are much more labor intensive to make. It takes much more time for a person to produce the hair by hand  than it does to feeding hair into a machine.

Qingdao Huida Hair Co.’s machine weft hair extensions require no tape, glue or heat for application.  This is one continuous weft of hair that can be cut into smaller pieces to be customized for various head shapes.  The machine weft is slightly larger than the hand-tied weft.  If you decide to cut the weft to fit your needs, you must add some hair glue to the edges to prevent the thread from unraveling and shedding.

• Here is the glue we recommend for extensions
• View the difference between our machine weft vs hand-tied weft HERE.

The Differences Between Wefts Hand Tied vs. Machine Tied

Sewing in wefts of hair is one of the oldest methods around when it comes to extensions. Even though weft extensions have been around for a long time, their mainstream popularity has spiked over the last couple of years. This is understandable when you start scrolling through Instagram and seeing all of these “hand tied weft” extension makeover posts, they look amazing! But with that being said, a common misconception that clients can have is referring to hand tied extensions, or requesting and appointment for such, is what the physical application of the hair extensions is called. It can be easy to think this, as the weft of hair is sewn into the clients own hair and the thread is then tied off to secure it. But this is not what “hand tied” is actually referring to. The “hand tied” refers to the way that the hair extensions themselves are made. Hand tied wefts are produced by manually tying hair to the extension seam and knotting it in place by hand. This method allows to create a very strong, but much thinner weft in comparison to machine tied.

As it sounds by the namesake, machine tied wefts are produced by using an industrial sewing machine to attach hair to the weft. Because the sewing machine would require the weft to be big enough to grip while sewing the hair to it, machine tied wefts are heavier and denser that hand tied wefts are. Hand tied wefts can be made much finer than machine wefts can, and because of this stylists are able to layer more hand tied hair without putting extra weight and tension on the clients hair and scalp.

COST

Hand tied wefts cost more than machine tied, because with any artisan product they are much more labor intensive to make. It takes much more time for a person to produce the hair by hand  than it does to feeding hair into a machine.

IN THIS ARTICLE

1. What Are Keratin Hair Extensions?
2. Keratin Hair Extensions vs. Traditional Hair Extensions
3. The Benefits of Keratin Hair Extensions
4. The Drawbacks of Keratin Hair Extensions
5. Who Is a Candidate for Keratin Hair Extensions?
6. The Cost
7. The Takeaway

• Although I currently have relatively long, thick hair, I’ve been missing the volume and luster my hair once had, which lead me to a new form of extensions: keratin hair extensions. And as it turns out, they’re not new at all—celebrity stylists have been using keratin hair extensions for years. Curious? Same. That’s why I tapped the experts and found two celebrity stylists who’ve been fastening keratin hair extensions on our favorite stressed-out celebrities for decades. Read on to get the low-down on keratin hair extensions—and if I ended up taking the plunge.

• What Are Keratin Hair Extensions?

  “Keratin hair extensions are individual strands of extensions that are bonded to your hair with an adhesive or micro beads,” says Rita Hazan, celebrity hair stylist, colorist, and owner of Rita Hazan Salon in New York. They’re typically made up of real human hai that is usually processed for color. And while keratin hair extensions may have only recently entered the public lexicon, the truth is, they’ve basically been around for eons.

  The individual extensions are strategically placed in rows so they’ll always remain covered by your natural hair pieces. (Yes, even if you wear an elaborate updo or ponytail.)

  Depending on your color and texture, some salons will have samples on hand the stylist can use for you same-day—but often, salons will ask you to come in prior so they can order the exact type of extension they’ll need to match your hair.

• Keratin Hair Extensions vs. Traditional Hair Extensions

  While there may be tons of different types of hair extensions on the market, keratin hair extensions are the only real permanent ones.

  “The other permanent ones used to be silicone hair extensions, which, it turns out, aren’t great for your hair,” says Ryan Trygstad, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of Mark & Ryan Salon in New York. Now, keratin hair extensions are the go-to for movie premieres and red carpets—they’re so common, in fact, that you probably don’t know your favorite celebrity even has them on.

  Like temporary types of extensions—including tape-in extensions and clip-in extensions—you can air dry, straighten, curl, and style keratin hair extensions with heat just like you would with your own hair. (You should definitely avoid letting them tangle, or “yanking” them, since the extensions are fastened in with bonds. But other than that, you can style them as per usual.

• The Benefits of Keratin Hair Extensions

  Keratin hair extensions are a celebrity hairstylist go-to for a reason.

  “Keratin hair extensions are the lesser of all evil on your hair, and they’re low-maintenance,” says Hazan. “They’re extremely natural-looking when done correctly and perfect for someone who wants longer, thicker hair.”

  Trygstad—whose celebrity clients include Julianne Moore and Naomi Watts—says keratin hair extensions can “literally bring your hair back from the dead.” Whether a client’s put their hair through the ringer or just hasn’t been able to achieve the type of style they want, keratin hair extensions work like magic.

  “You can create something this person never would’ve been able to have before, or you get their hair back to where it was before they destroyed their hair,” he says.

• The Drawbacks of Keratin Hair Extensions

  In rare cases, keratin hair extensions can leave your hair worse off than it was before.

  “Keratin hair extensions can potentially damage your hair,” Hazan says. “Particularly if you leave them in for too long of a stretch of time, and if you never let your hair breathe and grow without the heavy weight of long extensions.”

  They typically last around 3–5 months, depending on how well you take care of them. They may even begin falling out or loosening, in which case it might be time for a trip to the salon. (They could potentially last longer than that—Trygstad says “the slower your hair grows and the less you do to it, the longer the extensions last.) You have to get them removed in a salon—stylists will use special solutions to soak ’em, and tools—so don’t try on your own.

  In worst case scenarios, tension alopecia can happen, which is when your hair falls out after the increased tension caused by the extensions.

• Who Is a Candidate for Keratin Hair Extensions?
  Anyone. Since keratin hair extensions can be ultra-personalized and customized to match your specific, unique texture, they can work for any and all hair types. Of course, some people may want to avoid them—more on that later—but otherwise, it’s a go.”Extensions come in so many textures now to match any wave pattern, which is how they look so natural,” say Trygstad. “With dense hair, you may need to add a little more strands to match the texture, whereas with thinner hair texture, a little goes a long way because most people just want length and a little bit of thickness.”

  That said, Trygstad says you do need at least 4 inches of hair to work with in order to get them. And they may not be for you if you don’t normally treat your hair well.

  “If you’re hard on your hair, steer away,” says Trygstad. “If you’re hurting your hair, you’ll hurt the extensions, and just cause more damage to your hair all around.”

  Although they’re low-maintenance, you still need to keep them from getting tangled and matted—which is why it’s always a good idea to get a special extension brush, like this one by Shen Beauty. If it doesn’t sound like something you want to commit to, you may want to reconsider.

• The Cost

  Since keratin hair extensions are pretty much the highest quality extensions you can get, they definitely don’t run cheap.

  Depending on what your desired result is, they can cost anywhere from $500 (a “half-head” for some added volume and fullness) to $3,000 for a full head of extensions. (Sometimes, even more than that.)

  Again, it depends what you want, where you go, and how thick your natural texture is.

• The Takeaway

  Although I didn’t end up getting keratin extensions this time around, I’m definitely not ruling them out in the future—because the older and more damaged my hair gets, the more I’ll likely want to “bring my hair back from the dead,” in Trygstad’s words.

  There are some drawbacks, but overall, keratin hair extensions are an incredible way to get length, volume, and fullness that you’d never be able to achieve on your own. (No matter how many thickening and lengthening shampoos you buy—because, trust me, I’ve tried them all.) They’re relatively safe, easy on your hair, and look more natural than any other types of extensions on the market.

  So if you’ve been wanting to give your hair a boost—whether it’s because of stress or boredom—keratin hair extensions might be exactly what you’re looking for. And your red-carpet faves would definitely approve.

IN THIS ARTICLE

1. What Are Keratin Hair Extensions?
2. Keratin Hair Extensions vs. Traditional Hair Extensions
3. The Benefits of Keratin Hair Extensions
4. The Drawbacks of Keratin Hair Extensions
5. Who Is a Candidate for Keratin Hair Extensions?
6. The Cost
7. The Takeaway

• Although I currently have relatively long, thick hair, I’ve been missing the volume and luster my hair once had, which lead me to a new form of extensions: keratin hair extensions. And as it turns out, they’re not new at all—celebrity stylists have been using keratin hair extensions for years. Curious? Same. That’s why I tapped the experts and found two celebrity stylists who’ve been fastening keratin hair extensions on our favorite stressed-out celebrities for decades. Read on to get the low-down on keratin hair extensions—and if I ended up taking the plunge.

• What Are Keratin Hair Extensions?

  “Keratin hair extensions are individual strands of extensions that are bonded to your hair with an adhesive or micro beads,” says Rita Hazan, celebrity hair stylist, colorist, and owner of Rita Hazan Salon in New York. They’re typically made up of real human hai that is usually processed for color. And while keratin hair extensions may have only recently entered the public lexicon, the truth is, they’ve basically been around for eons.

  The individual extensions are strategically placed in rows so they’ll always remain covered by your natural hair pieces. (Yes, even if you wear an elaborate updo or ponytail.)

  Depending on your color and texture, some salons will have samples on hand the stylist can use for you same-day—but often, salons will ask you to come in prior so they can order the exact type of extension they’ll need to match your hair.

• Keratin Hair Extensions vs. Traditional Hair Extensions

  While there may be tons of different types of hair extensions on the market, keratin hair extensions are the only real permanent ones.

  “The other permanent ones used to be silicone hair extensions, which, it turns out, aren’t great for your hair,” says Ryan Trygstad, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of Mark & Ryan Salon in New York. Now, keratin hair extensions are the go-to for movie premieres and red carpets—they’re so common, in fact, that you probably don’t know your favorite celebrity even has them on.

  Like temporary types of extensions—including tape-in extensions and clip-in extensions—you can air dry, straighten, curl, and style keratin hair extensions with heat just like you would with your own hair. (You should definitely avoid letting them tangle, or “yanking” them, since the extensions are fastened in with bonds. But other than that, you can style them as per usual.

• The Benefits of Keratin Hair Extensions

  Keratin hair extensions are a celebrity hairstylist go-to for a reason.

  “Keratin hair extensions are the lesser of all evil on your hair, and they’re low-maintenance,” says Hazan. “They’re extremely natural-looking when done correctly and perfect for someone who wants longer, thicker hair.”

  Trygstad—whose celebrity clients include Julianne Moore and Naomi Watts—says keratin hair extensions can “literally bring your hair back from the dead.” Whether a client’s put their hair through the ringer or just hasn’t been able to achieve the type of style they want, keratin hair extensions work like magic.

  “You can create something this person never would’ve been able to have before, or you get their hair back to where it was before they destroyed their hair,” he says.

• The Drawbacks of Keratin Hair Extensions

  In rare cases, keratin hair extensions can leave your hair worse off than it was before.

  “Keratin hair extensions can potentially damage your hair,” Hazan says. “Particularly if you leave them in for too long of a stretch of time, and if you never let your hair breathe and grow without the heavy weight of long extensions.”

  They typically last around 3–5 months, depending on how well you take care of them. They may even begin falling out or loosening, in which case it might be time for a trip to the salon. (They could potentially last longer than that—Trygstad says “the slower your hair grows and the less you do to it, the longer the extensions last.) You have to get them removed in a salon—stylists will use special solutions to soak ’em, and tools—so don’t try on your own.

  In worst case scenarios, tension alopecia can happen, which is when your hair falls out after the increased tension caused by the extensions.

• Who Is a Candidate for Keratin Hair Extensions?
  Anyone. Since keratin hair extensions can be ultra-personalized and customized to match your specific, unique texture, they can work for any and all hair types. Of course, some people may want to avoid them—more on that later—but otherwise, it’s a go.”Extensions come in so many textures now to match any wave pattern, which is how they look so natural,” say Trygstad. “With dense hair, you may need to add a little more strands to match the texture, whereas with thinner hair texture, a little goes a long way because most people just want length and a little bit of thickness.”

  That said, Trygstad says you do need at least 4 inches of hair to work with in order to get them. And they may not be for you if you don’t normally treat your hair well.

  “If you’re hard on your hair, steer away,” says Trygstad. “If you’re hurting your hair, you’ll hurt the extensions, and just cause more damage to your hair all around.”

  Although they’re low-maintenance, you still need to keep them from getting tangled and matted—which is why it’s always a good idea to get a special extension brush, like this one by Shen Beauty. If it doesn’t sound like something you want to commit to, you may want to reconsider.

• The Cost

  Since keratin hair extensions are pretty much the highest quality extensions you can get, they definitely don’t run cheap.

  Depending on what your desired result is, they can cost anywhere from $500 (a “half-head” for some added volume and fullness) to $3,000 for a full head of extensions. (Sometimes, even more than that.)

  Again, it depends what you want, where you go, and how thick your natural texture is.

• The Takeaway

  Although I didn’t end up getting keratin extensions this time around, I’m definitely not ruling them out in the future—because the older and more damaged my hair gets, the more I’ll likely want to “bring my hair back from the dead,” in Trygstad’s words.

  There are some drawbacks, but overall, keratin hair extensions are an incredible way to get length, volume, and fullness that you’d never be able to achieve on your own. (No matter how many thickening and lengthening shampoos you buy—because, trust me, I’ve tried them all.) They’re relatively safe, easy on your hair, and look more natural than any other types of extensions on the market.

  So if you’ve been wanting to give your hair a boost—whether it’s because of stress or boredom—keratin hair extensions might be exactly what you’re looking for. And your red-carpet faves would definitely approve.

IN THIS ARTICLE

1. What Are Keratin Hair Extensions?
2. Keratin Hair Extensions vs. Traditional Hair Extensions
3. The Benefits of Keratin Hair Extensions
4. The Drawbacks of Keratin Hair Extensions
5. Who Is a Candidate for Keratin Hair Extensions?
6. The Cost
7. The Takeaway

• Although I currently have relatively long, thick hair, I’ve been missing the volume and luster my hair once had, which lead me to a new form of extensions: keratin hair extensions. And as it turns out, they’re not new at all—celebrity stylists have been using keratin hair extensions for years. Curious? Same. That’s why I tapped the experts and found two celebrity stylists who’ve been fastening keratin hair extensions on our favorite stressed-out celebrities for decades. Read on to get the low-down on keratin hair extensions—and if I ended up taking the plunge.

• What Are Keratin Hair Extensions?

  “Keratin hair extensions are individual strands of extensions that are bonded to your hair with an adhesive or micro beads,” says Rita Hazan, celebrity hair stylist, colorist, and owner of Rita Hazan Salon in New York. They’re typically made up of real human hai that is usually processed for color. And while keratin hair extensions may have only recently entered the public lexicon, the truth is, they’ve basically been around for eons.

  The individual extensions are strategically placed in rows so they’ll always remain covered by your natural hair pieces. (Yes, even if you wear an elaborate updo or ponytail.)

  Depending on your color and texture, some salons will have samples on hand the stylist can use for you same-day—but often, salons will ask you to come in prior so they can order the exact type of extension they’ll need to match your hair.

• Keratin Hair Extensions vs. Traditional Hair Extensions

  While there may be tons of different types of hair extensions on the market, keratin hair extensions are the only real permanent ones.

  “The other permanent ones used to be silicone hair extensions, which, it turns out, aren’t great for your hair,” says Ryan Trygstad, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of Mark & Ryan Salon in New York. Now, keratin hair extensions are the go-to for movie premieres and red carpets—they’re so common, in fact, that you probably don’t know your favorite celebrity even has them on.

  Like temporary types of extensions—including tape-in extensions and clip-in extensions—you can air dry, straighten, curl, and style keratin hair extensions with heat just like you would with your own hair. (You should definitely avoid letting them tangle, or “yanking” them, since the extensions are fastened in with bonds. But other than that, you can style them as per usual.

• The Benefits of Keratin Hair Extensions

  Keratin hair extensions are a celebrity hairstylist go-to for a reason.

  “Keratin hair extensions are the lesser of all evil on your hair, and they’re low-maintenance,” says Hazan. “They’re extremely natural-looking when done correctly and perfect for someone who wants longer, thicker hair.”

  Trygstad—whose celebrity clients include Julianne Moore and Naomi Watts—says keratin hair extensions can “literally bring your hair back from the dead.” Whether a client’s put their hair through the ringer or just hasn’t been able to achieve the type of style they want, keratin hair extensions work like magic.

  “You can create something this person never would’ve been able to have before, or you get their hair back to where it was before they destroyed their hair,” he says.

• The Drawbacks of Keratin Hair Extensions

  In rare cases, keratin hair extensions can leave your hair worse off than it was before.

  “Keratin hair extensions can potentially damage your hair,” Hazan says. “Particularly if you leave them in for too long of a stretch of time, and if you never let your hair breathe and grow without the heavy weight of long extensions.”

  They typically last around 3–5 months, depending on how well you take care of them. They may even begin falling out or loosening, in which case it might be time for a trip to the salon. (They could potentially last longer than that—Trygstad says “the slower your hair grows and the less you do to it, the longer the extensions last.) You have to get them removed in a salon—stylists will use special solutions to soak ’em, and tools—so don’t try on your own.

  In worst case scenarios, tension alopecia can happen, which is when your hair falls out after the increased tension caused by the extensions.

• Who Is a Candidate for Keratin Hair Extensions?
  Anyone. Since keratin hair extensions can be ultra-personalized and customized to match your specific, unique texture, they can work for any and all hair types. Of course, some people may want to avoid them—more on that later—but otherwise, it’s a go.”Extensions come in so many textures now to match any wave pattern, which is how they look so natural,” say Trygstad. “With dense hair, you may need to add a little more strands to match the texture, whereas with thinner hair texture, a little goes a long way because most people just want length and a little bit of thickness.”

  That said, Trygstad says you do need at least 4 inches of hair to work with in order to get them. And they may not be for you if you don’t normally treat your hair well.

  “If you’re hard on your hair, steer away,” says Trygstad. “If you’re hurting your hair, you’ll hurt the extensions, and just cause more damage to your hair all around.”

  Although they’re low-maintenance, you still need to keep them from getting tangled and matted—which is why it’s always a good idea to get a special extension brush, like this one by Shen Beauty. If it doesn’t sound like something you want to commit to, you may want to reconsider.

• The Cost

  Since keratin hair extensions are pretty much the highest quality extensions you can get, they definitely don’t run cheap.

  Depending on what your desired result is, they can cost anywhere from $500 (a “half-head” for some added volume and fullness) to $3,000 for a full head of extensions. (Sometimes, even more than that.)

  Again, it depends what you want, where you go, and how thick your natural texture is.

• The Takeaway

  Although I didn’t end up getting keratin extensions this time around, I’m definitely not ruling them out in the future—because the older and more damaged my hair gets, the more I’ll likely want to “bring my hair back from the dead,” in Trygstad’s words.

  There are some drawbacks, but overall, keratin hair extensions are an incredible way to get length, volume, and fullness that you’d never be able to achieve on your own. (No matter how many thickening and lengthening shampoos you buy—because, trust me, I’ve tried them all.) They’re relatively safe, easy on your hair, and look more natural than any other types of extensions on the market.

  So if you’ve been wanting to give your hair a boost—whether it’s because of stress or boredom—keratin hair extensions might be exactly what you’re looking for. And your red-carpet faves would definitely approve.

IN THIS ARTICLE

1. What Are Keratin Hair Extensions?
2. Keratin Hair Extensions vs. Traditional Hair Extensions
3. The Benefits of Keratin Hair Extensions
4. The Drawbacks of Keratin Hair Extensions
5. Who Is a Candidate for Keratin Hair Extensions?
6. The Cost
7. The Takeaway

• Although I currently have relatively long, thick hair, I’ve been missing the volume and luster my hair once had, which lead me to a new form of extensions: keratin hair extensions. And as it turns out, they’re not new at all—celebrity stylists have been using keratin hair extensions for years. Curious? Same. That’s why I tapped the experts and found two celebrity stylists who’ve been fastening keratin hair extensions on our favorite stressed-out celebrities for decades. Read on to get the low-down on keratin hair extensions—and if I ended up taking the plunge.

• What Are Keratin Hair Extensions?

  “Keratin hair extensions are individual strands of extensions that are bonded to your hair with an adhesive or micro beads,” says Rita Hazan, celebrity hair stylist, colorist, and owner of Rita Hazan Salon in New York. They’re typically made up of real human hai that is usually processed for color. And while keratin hair extensions may have only recently entered the public lexicon, the truth is, they’ve basically been around for eons.

  The individual extensions are strategically placed in rows so they’ll always remain covered by your natural hair pieces. (Yes, even if you wear an elaborate updo or ponytail.)

  Depending on your color and texture, some salons will have samples on hand the stylist can use for you same-day—but often, salons will ask you to come in prior so they can order the exact type of extension they’ll need to match your hair.

• Keratin Hair Extensions vs. Traditional Hair Extensions

  While there may be tons of different types of hair extensions on the market, keratin hair extensions are the only real permanent ones.

  “The other permanent ones used to be silicone hair extensions, which, it turns out, aren’t great for your hair,” says Ryan Trygstad, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of Mark & Ryan Salon in New York. Now, keratin hair extensions are the go-to for movie premieres and red carpets—they’re so common, in fact, that you probably don’t know your favorite celebrity even has them on.

  Like temporary types of extensions—including tape-in extensions and clip-in extensions—you can air dry, straighten, curl, and style keratin hair extensions with heat just like you would with your own hair. (You should definitely avoid letting them tangle, or “yanking” them, since the extensions are fastened in with bonds. But other than that, you can style them as per usual.

• The Benefits of Keratin Hair Extensions

  Keratin hair extensions are a celebrity hairstylist go-to for a reason.

  “Keratin hair extensions are the lesser of all evil on your hair, and they’re low-maintenance,” says Hazan. “They’re extremely natural-looking when done correctly and perfect for someone who wants longer, thicker hair.”

  Trygstad—whose celebrity clients include Julianne Moore and Naomi Watts—says keratin hair extensions can “literally bring your hair back from the dead.” Whether a client’s put their hair through the ringer or just hasn’t been able to achieve the type of style they want, keratin hair extensions work like magic.

  “You can create something this person never would’ve been able to have before, or you get their hair back to where it was before they destroyed their hair,” he says.

• The Drawbacks of Keratin Hair Extensions

  In rare cases, keratin hair extensions can leave your hair worse off than it was before.

  “Keratin hair extensions can potentially damage your hair,” Hazan says. “Particularly if you leave them in for too long of a stretch of time, and if you never let your hair breathe and grow without the heavy weight of long extensions.”

  They typically last around 3–5 months, depending on how well you take care of them. They may even begin falling out or loosening, in which case it might be time for a trip to the salon. (They could potentially last longer than that—Trygstad says “the slower your hair grows and the less you do to it, the longer the extensions last.) You have to get them removed in a salon—stylists will use special solutions to soak ’em, and tools—so don’t try on your own.

  In worst case scenarios, tension alopecia can happen, which is when your hair falls out after the increased tension caused by the extensions.

• Who Is a Candidate for Keratin Hair Extensions?
  Anyone. Since keratin hair extensions can be ultra-personalized and customized to match your specific, unique texture, they can work for any and all hair types. Of course, some people may want to avoid them—more on that later—but otherwise, it’s a go.”Extensions come in so many textures now to match any wave pattern, which is how they look so natural,” say Trygstad. “With dense hair, you may need to add a little more strands to match the texture, whereas with thinner hair texture, a little goes a long way because most people just want length and a little bit of thickness.”

  That said, Trygstad says you do need at least 4 inches of hair to work with in order to get them. And they may not be for you if you don’t normally treat your hair well.

  “If you’re hard on your hair, steer away,” says Trygstad. “If you’re hurting your hair, you’ll hurt the extensions, and just cause more damage to your hair all around.”

  Although they’re low-maintenance, you still need to keep them from getting tangled and matted—which is why it’s always a good idea to get a special extension brush, like this one by Shen Beauty. If it doesn’t sound like something you want to commit to, you may want to reconsider.

• The Cost

  Since keratin hair extensions are pretty much the highest quality extensions you can get, they definitely don’t run cheap.

  Depending on what your desired result is, they can cost anywhere from $500 (a “half-head” for some added volume and fullness) to $3,000 for a full head of extensions. (Sometimes, even more than that.)

  Again, it depends what you want, where you go, and how thick your natural texture is.

• The Takeaway

  Although I didn’t end up getting keratin extensions this time around, I’m definitely not ruling them out in the future—because the older and more damaged my hair gets, the more I’ll likely want to “bring my hair back from the dead,” in Trygstad’s words.

  There are some drawbacks, but overall, keratin hair extensions are an incredible way to get length, volume, and fullness that you’d never be able to achieve on your own. (No matter how many thickening and lengthening shampoos you buy—because, trust me, I’ve tried them all.) They’re relatively safe, easy on your hair, and look more natural than any other types of extensions on the market.

  So if you’ve been wanting to give your hair a boost—whether it’s because of stress or boredom—keratin hair extensions might be exactly what you’re looking for. And your red-carpet faves would definitely approve.